Optimus Fishing Charters

Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Brian Lemelin

Brian Lemelin

Independent Guide 32 years of exp.
US Veteran Veteran
Captain Brian is originally from Lake Luzerne, NY way up in the great Adirondack Mountains, where his passion for the outdoors started. While serving in the US Air Force, he had the opportunity to fish and hunt in various locations around the world. He moved to the Tampa Bay area 27 years ago and fell in love with the great fishing opportunities the bay and gulf waters provided. He honed his skills as a charter captain by fishing and first mating for many of the best captains in Tampa Bay.

Capt. Brian has won and placed in numerous fishing tournaments in Tampa, Florida. He also gives back to the community as a sponsor, participant and volunteer. These include the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Wounded Warriors in Action, Veterans in Action, Martha Mary’s House for Abused Women, to name a few.

Capt. Brian specializes in inshore fishing targeting Snook, Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Cobia, Mackerel, Sharks, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle, Grouper and various other species throughout Tampa Bay. Shark Fishing is very popular as well as snook fishing in Florida, redfish fishing, and Tarpon...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Brian Lemelin

Brian Lemelin

Independent Guide 32 years of exp.
Captain Brian is originally from Lake Luzerne, NY way up in the great Adirondack Mountains, where his passion for the outdoors started. While serving in the US Air Force, he had the opportunity to fish and hunt in various locations around the world. He moved to the Tampa Bay area 27 years ago and fell in love with the great fishing opportunities the bay and gulf waters provided. He honed his skills as a charter captain by fishing and first mating for many of the best captains in Tampa Bay.

Capt. Brian has won and placed in numerous fishing tournaments in Tampa, Florida. He also gives back to the community as a sponsor, participant and volunteer. These include the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Wounded Warriors in Action, Veterans in Action, Martha Mary’s House for Abused Women, to name a few.

Capt. Brian specializes in inshore fishing targeting Snook, Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Cobia, Mackerel, Sharks, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle, Grouper and various other species throughout Tampa Bay. Shark Fishing is very popular as well as snook fishing in Florida, redfish fishing, and Tarpon
season in Florida! Get out there and see for yourself why Tampa is such a Mecca for charter fishing.
Captain Brian is also a veteran Hunter of the Tampa area and has been taking down kills for many years!
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Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo

NEW 1 - 6 People 4 - 8 Hours From $450
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

There's simply no better way to enjoy the summer than a backcountry fishing trip with Captain Brian! He's fished the mangrove channels and around Ruskin, FL for years, and you can be sure that he'll put you right where the fish are! These channels provide perfect habitat for several sportfish species, especially Redfish and Speckled Trout, and if you get a little further off, there's perfect water for hooking Cobia, Tripletail, Bluefish, and more! These...

About Your Trip

There's simply no better way to enjoy the summer than a backcountry fishing trip with Captain Brian! He's fished the mangrove channels and around Ruskin, FL for years, and you can be sure that he'll put you right where the fish are! These channels provide perfect habitat for several sportfish species, especially Redfish and Speckled Trout, and if you get a little further off, there's perfect water for hooking Cobia, Tripletail, Bluefish, and more!

These
species are perfect inshore/nearshore opponents that fight hard and love to bite on a range of lures and baits. There's nothing like pulling some big ol' Red out of the mangrove roots, whether it's your first fish or your hundredth!

On this trip, you'll have a blast aboard Captain Brian's 24' Ken Craft center console. She's perfectly designed for these waters, with a sleek hull profile and a shallow draft for inshore access. She's equipped with a 200-HP Yamaha engine to take you "dock to dock" smoothly and comfortable. She also features a full kit of electronics, and a live well for your bait.

Captain Brian will bring everything you need for a great day, including all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to bring is proper clothing, sunscreen (no spray please!) and a pair of sunglasses to help you spot fish.
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 3 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Boat photo for Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Kencraft
Year Built
2021
Boat Length
24'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Center Console
Boat Manufacturer
Kencraft
Year Built
2021
Boat Length
24'
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
200
Number of Engines
1
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Blacktip Shark
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Cobia
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Redfish
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Sheepshead
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Spanish Mackerel
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Speckled Trout
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Tripletail
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Bottom Fishing
Drift Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing

Types of Fishing

Inshore
Nearshore

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Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
April 25th, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
August 4th, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
August 4th, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
August 4th, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
August 4th, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 19th, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
March 21st, 2023
Ruskin, Florida
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