True Story Fishing Charters

Apollo Beach, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide TJ Bellotti

TJ Bellotti

Independent Guide
Captain T.J. is a pro when it comes to fishing off Ruskin, FL! He'll put you on the fish and make sure you have the time of your life. Book a trip to see what fishing here is all about!

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide TJ Bellotti

TJ Bellotti

Independent Guide
Captain T.J. is a pro when it comes to fishing off Ruskin, FL! He'll put you on the fish and make sure you have the time of your life. Book a trip to see what fishing here is all about!
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Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip

NEW 1 - 4 People 4 - 6 Hours From $600
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip

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 water than a backcountry fishing trip with Captain T.J. He's fished the mangroves and around Tampa Bay for years, and you can be sure that he'll put you right where the fish are! This area provides the perfect habitat for several sportfish species, especially Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Mangrove Snapper! These species are perfect inshore opponents that fight hard and love to bite on a range...

About Your Trip

There's simply no better way to enjoy the water than a backcountry fishing trip with Captain T.J. He's fished the mangroves and around Tampa Bay for years, and you can be sure that he'll put you right where the fish are! This area provides the perfect habitat for several sportfish species, especially Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Mangrove Snapper! These species are perfect inshore opponents that fight hard and love to bite on a range of lures and baits. There's nothing like pulling some big ol' Snook out of the mangrove roots, whether it's your first fish or your hundredth!

In addition to these inshore species, on a six-hour trip you'll be able to take a crack at nearshore gamefish including Blacktips, Bull Sharks, Gag Grouper, Jack Crevalle, and more! Strap in, because these fish are a challenge for any angler.

On this trip, you'll be taken care of aboard Captain T.J.'s 22' BullsBay bay boat (say that three times fast!). She's a beauty, and is equipped with a 200-HP Suzuki engine to take you "dock to dock" smoothly and comfortable. She also features a full kit of electronics, a wireless trolling motor, and a live well for your bait.

Captain T.J. 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, 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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

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 Backcountry Trip
Boat photo for Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Bulls Bay
Year Built
2019
Boat Length
22'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Bulls Bay
Year Built
2019
Boat Length
22'
Engine Manufacturer
Suzuki
Total Horsepower
200
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Wireless Trolling Motor
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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
Black Seabass
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Blacktip Shark
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Bull Shark
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Cobia
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Gag Grouper
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Jack Crevalle
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Great
Good
Good
Mangrove Snapper
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
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
Snook
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Speckled Trout
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Good
Tarpon
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
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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
Fly Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Topwater Fishing
Trolling

Types of Fishing

Inshore
Nearshore

Need a Place to Stay?

True Story Fishing Charters Photo Gallery

Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
Tampa Bay Backcountry Trip
August 3rd, 2022
Ruskin, Florida
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