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Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Tampa
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More Fishing Charters Near Tampa, Fl
Experience the thrill of the catch on this charter fishing trip with Captain John on Tampa Bay! You'll be targeting prime inshore species such as Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, and Speckled Trout, all of which are a blast to hook. With years of experience under his belt, Captain John knows all the best spots to find these fish, and has tons of tips and tricks to help you land the big ones. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-time fisherman, he'll provide top-notch guidance throughout your excursion. And with Tampa Bay's stunning scenery as your backdrop, you'll be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss your chance to reel in the big one with Captain John on Tampa Bay! Read More
Welcome to the ultimate Tarpon-fishing adventure in Tampa, FL! On this trip, you'll partner up with Captain Christopher on his 21' Clearwater center console, and chase down some powerful sportfish in shallow water. The majestic Tarpon is known for its size, strength, and acrobatic jumps, making it a challenging catch for even the most experienced anglers. These fish are challenging for any angler, with powerful runs and crazy tail-walking, head-shaking action. However, with Captain Christopher's expertise and knowledge, you'll have a great chance to hook into one of these world-famous "Silver Kings". As you head out onto the shimmering waters of Tampa Bay, you'll feel the excitement build as you cast your line and wait for the Tarpon to strike. The crystal-clear waters here offer the perfect habitat for Tarpon, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures swimming beneath the surface. You'll be fishing on light tackle with both live and cut bait, so you'll really feel it when a Tarpon grabs the hook! Captain Christopher's 21' Clearwater center console is fully equipped with top-of-the-line fishing gear and technology, ensuring that you'll have everything you need to reel in these powerful game fish. The vessel is spacious and comfortable, with ample seating and shade to keep you cool during those hot summer days. Why wait? Book a charter now and take your summer vacation to the next level! The option for world class trophy Tarpon fishing in world famous Boca Grande Pass is also available at no extra cost. Read More
Head out for an awesome fishing adventure around Holmes Beach, FL with Captain Joe! On this trip, you'll double up and chase classic inshore species such as Redfish, Black Drum, Mangrove Snapper, Snook, and Spotted Trout, then head a little further out to go after gamefish like Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and Jack Crevalle. The shallow grass flats in this are full of crabs, shrimp, and baitfish which in turn attract the big gamefish, so you'll have no shortage of opportunities for that personal best! You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Joe's 23' Ranger bay boat, an ideal vessel for fishing these waters. Fishing the shallow flats requires patience and attention to detail. Fish are spooky in water that is only a couple of feet deep. The beauty of Captain Joe's bay boat is that it has a shallow enough draft to get you good shots up on the flats and in the back bays and inlets, while also having enough room and stability to haul it further out on a nice day! All of Captain Joe' trips include top-tier fishing gear, live bait, licenses, and fish cleaning at end of the trip. There is plenty of room in the cooler as well for your favorite snacks and drinks if you'd like to bring them along as well. Of course, we always recommend that you bring sunscreen, proper clothing, and a pair of sunglasses as well! Read More
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Tampa
Tampa Bay Inshore/Nearshore Classic
Bowfishing shallow saltwater flats of Tampa Bay in search of about 12 or more species of fish. All harvested fish are cleaned and ziplock bagged for the customer. Read More
Embark on a thrilling saltwater bowfishing adventure with Captain Ike, a seasoned pro with 28 years of guiding experience. From the comfort of our 20ft Mako Pro Skiff, you'll have the opportunity to target a wide range of species including Sheepshead, Mullet, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Stingrays, Blackdrum, and many others. Get ready to test your skills and aim as you take on the challenge of bowfishing in the saltwater. As a Bowfishing Pro-Staffer for Bass Pro Shops Cabela's, Captain Ike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every trip. He will provide you with top-of-the-line bowfishing equipment and guide you in honing your technique to ensure a successful outing. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or a beginner looking to try something new, Captain Ike will cater to your skill level and make sure you have an unforgettable and action-packed experience. Join us on this unique saltwater bowfishing excursion, where you'll not only enjoy the thrill of the hunt but also take in the breathtaking coastal scenery. As the sun sets on the horizon, casting its warm glow across the water, you'll feel the rush of adrenaline as you aim your bow and release the arrow towards your target. Don't miss your chance to join Captain Ike on this exciting adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime. Read More
Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Tampa
Tampa Bowfishing Charters
Attention anglers! If you're looking for the ultimate fishing adventure, look no further! This inshore focused trip with Captain Christopher in Tampa , Florida is one of the best charters on Florida's Gulf coast, and is an absolute blast for anglers of all levels. Captain Christopher is a seasoned pro with years of experience navigating the waters of Tampa Bay, and he knows exactly where to find the best Snook, Redfish, and Trout in the area. On this trip, you'll be stalking the mangrove channels and brackish inshore cutaways looking for big-time Snook. These aggressive predatory fish are something like a saltwater version of the Pike, and are known for blowing up baits and lures on topwater and really bringing the fight! But it's not just about the fishing. Captain Christopher's charters are all about creating a unique and memorable experience for his guests. His custom-built 21’ Clearwater 2000CC bay boat is fully equipped with all the necessary gear and amenities, including a shaded T-top and an open deck for soaking up the sun. The sleek design of this shallow-draft vessel allows for a comfortable drift through even the shallowest areas, so you can get into the "skinny" water where big Snook hang out. There’s also a Bluetooth stereo, so feel free to bring your favorite playlist! Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the beauty of Tampa, Florida's waterways and catch some of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf. Book your Snook charter fishing trip with Captain Christopher today and make your fishing dreams a reality! Read More
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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Tampa
What are the best fishing charters in Tampa?
The best fishing charters in Tampa are:
Why should I book a fishing charter in Tampa with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 172 trips in Tampa, and the most popular trips in the area are Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures guided by Wade, Tampa Bay Shark Fishing guided by Christopher, and Tampa Bay Fishing Classic guided by Christopher.
Our guides in Tampa are rated a 4.95 out of 5 based on 3308 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Tampa? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Tampa.
What types of fishing charters are common in Tampa?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Tampa as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most commonly sought after species in Tampa are: 1. gag grouper, 2. mangrove snapper, 3. redfish, 4. snook, and 5. red grouper.
The most common fishing techniques in Tampa are bottom fishing, live bait fishing, and light tackle fishing but trolling and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.
How much do Tampa fishing charters cost?
Prices in Tampa can range anywhere from about $500 to $2,200, but the average price for a half day trip in Tampa is $685. The average price for a full day trip in Tampa is $1,339.
Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for fishing in Tampa?
The most popular season for fishing in Tampa is summer, and most anglers book their trips 22 days in advance.
Do I need a Tampa fishing license and what are the bag limits in Tampa?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Tampa, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Tampa. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Tampa.
Tampa Bay Fishing Charter Overview
Tampa, Florida is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts, with a plethora of fishing charters available. The area boasts a thriving inshore fishery, with a variety of species available year-round, including Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead, and Flounder. In addition to the bay, Tampa's inland lakes and rivers offer opportunities for Largemouth Bass fishing, while the nearshore grounds provide access to King and Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Cobia, Snappers, and Grouper. Deep offshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico offer the chance to catch Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Hogfish, Triggerfish, and various Shark species. Tampa fishing charters offer a range of options, from family-friendly flats fishing to deep sea expeditions. It is important to be aware of seasonal regulations for certain species and to ensure that you are fishing with a licensed charter or party boat. Popular departure points include West Gandy Boulevard and Ballast Point Park.
Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters
Just by looking at a map of Tampa Bay will get any inshore angler's adrenaline pumping. Visiting Tampa to go inshore fishing gives anglers a unique opportunity to check off bucket list species just a few minutes away from the big city. Tampa has all the features of a world-class inshore fishery: from mudflats, sand bars, and islands - to channels, cuts, and mangrove forests. This makes Tampa Bay's inshore community very biodiverse.
Tampa's favorite fish, Snook, can be caught year-round, but the bite picks up from April to October. Red Snapper heats up in the summer and can be found only a short distance from the dock which is unlike most places they are found. The Silver King, or Tarpon, can be caught in the summer months when they invade Tampa Bay in search of schooling Menhaden or other baitfish. The formidable Redfish is the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fishing and the bite picks up from March through October. Other species to catch in Tampa include Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, and King Mackerel in the deeper waters.
Deep Sea Fishing Tampa FL
Just a short boat ride out of the bay will bring you to some highly productive nearshore waters. Deep dropping or trolling around structure will bring Hogfish, Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and other formidable fighters to our Tampa charter boats.
Schools of baitfish hang out near the mouth of the bay in the summer, so that's a great place to start. There are also plenty of reefs & wrecks always providing a diverse catch to Tampa deep sea fishing charters. For the full-day and extended day offshore trips of 40+ miles out, Kingfish, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, and billfish can be caught.
View All Tampa Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Popular Types of Fishing In Tampa
Tampa fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Tampa include inshore, offshore, and flats fishing. Inshore fishing is perfect for those who want to stay close to shore and catch species such as snook, redfish, and trout. Offshore fishing is for the more adventurous angler who wants to venture out into the Gulf of Mexico to catch species such as grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Flats fishing is a unique experience where anglers can catch species such as tarpon, bonefish, and permit in shallow waters.
Some of the most common fish to catch in Tampa include snook, redfish, trout, grouper, snapper, kingfish, tarpon, bonefish, and permit. Depending on the type of fishing charter you choose, you may have the opportunity to catch one or more of these species.
Tampa fishing charters often depart from popular landmarks such as the Tampa Riverwalk and the St. Petersburg Pier. These locations offer easy access to the water and are popular among locals and tourists alike. No matter which type of fishing charter you choose, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience on the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay.
Check out our trips for more on Tampa fishing charters prices, target species, and more!
The Best Places To Fish In Tampa
Tampa, Florida is a prime location for fishing enthusiasts. With its abundance of waterways and diverse fish species, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day of fishing or a thrilling adventure on a fishing charter, here are some of the best places to fish in Tampa:
1. Tampa Bay - Known for its variety of fish species, Tampa Bay is a popular spot for both recreational and professional anglers. Fishing charters are available for those looking for a guided experience.
2. Hillsborough River - This scenic river is home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and tilapia. It's a great spot for both shore fishing and kayaking.
3. Apollo Beach - Located just south of Tampa, Apollo Beach is a popular spot for fishing charters. It's known for its abundance of tarpon, snook, and redfish.
4. Fort De Soto Park - This park offers both beach and pier fishing, with a variety of fish species to catch. It's also a great spot for birdwatching and beachcombing.
5. Weedon Island Preserve - This nature preserve offers a unique fishing experience, with opportunities to catch redfish, snook, and trout. Kayak rentals are available for those looking to explore the waterways.
6. Gandy Bridge - This bridge offers a great spot for shore fishing, with a variety of fish species to catch. It's also a popular spot for crabbing.
7. Courtney Campbell Causeway - This causeway offers both shore and pier fishing, with a variety of fish species to catch. It's also a great spot for birdwatching and scenic views of the bay.
Other Things To Do In Tampa
While Tampa fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant city. Take a stroll through the beautiful Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where you can experience thrilling roller coasters and up-close animal encounters. For a more laid-back experience, visit the Florida Aquarium or the Tampa Bay History Center. If you're looking for some outdoor fun, head to the Hillsborough River State Park for hiking, kayaking, and camping. And don't forget to check out the famous Ybor City, known for its historic architecture, delicious food, and lively nightlife. With so much to see and do, Tampa is the perfect destination for any traveler.
What Type of Fish Can I Catch In Tampa?
There are numerous different species of fish to target in the Tampa area including snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, and more. If you're interested to learn more, read about the 10 most popular fish to catch in Tampa.
Does Tampa have good fishing?
Tampa, Florida, is an excellent destination for fishing, offering a variety of options for both freshwater and saltwater enthusiasts. The city is situated along the Tampa Bay area, which provides access to a diverse range of fishing environments. Tampa Bay itself is renowned for its productive fishing grounds, with species such as snook, redfish, and trout commonly found in its waters. The bay's extensive shoreline and numerous inlets create ideal conditions for both shore fishing and boat fishing.
In addition to Tampa Bay, the nearby Gulf of Mexico offers further opportunities for saltwater fishing. Anglers can venture into the Gulf for deep-sea fishing, targeting species such as grouper, mahi-mahi, and kingfish. The proximity to the Gulf makes Tampa a convenient base for accessing offshore fishing adventures, whether you're chartering a boat or venturing out on your own. The area’s warm waters and rich marine life contribute to a rewarding fishing experience.
Tampa’s local fishing scene is well-supported by amenities such as bait shops, fishing gear stores, and numerous public access points to both freshwater and saltwater fishing locations. The city’s strong focus on outdoor activities and its access to top-notch fishing spots ensure that anglers have the resources they need for a successful outing. Overall, Tampa’s diverse fishing opportunities, from bay and gulf fishing to its supportive infrastructure, make it a prime location for anyone looking to enjoy a fishing trip in Florida.
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How are fishing conditions in Tampa?
View Tampa Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.
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