Guide:

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

SKINNY WATER PURSUITS OF TIGHT LINES & GOOD TIMES
What do we mean by "SKINNY WATER PURSUITS"?
We usually fish in a foot or less of water, stalking these fish up on the flats of Saint Joseph Sound and Tampa Bay. Sight fishing is one of the most exciting and effective ways to fish our waters. On our fishing charters our goal is to keep that rod bent and the drag screaming all day.
Your Captain will be on the polling platform, pushing you through the flats and calling out fish to you. "11 o'clock, 50 feet, swimming left" is a good example of the direction you will hear. Then it's up to you to make the cast and hang on! We fish light tackle, & everything feels like a monster!
Our fishing charters focus on skinny water sight fishing, primarily with artificial baits on spinning gear or fly fishing.
We cruise around on a 1998 Hell's Bay Whipray, hull #38. This is the hull that started it all. This skiff was crafted by the legend Flip Pallot's hands and vision. She has been completely restored and updated with some modern comforts like Aquatraction and a trolling motor. This is one of the best poling skiffs in the world. We can get where most skiffs cannot, so it's just us & the fish.

What it's all about!
Man, I love what I do! Being a guide for me is an excuse to fish with new friends and give them the bow time they have been longing for. Sight fishing for Florida's top inshore species is an addiction and gets your blood pumping! It is similar to hunting where you have to pay close attention, read your surroundings while stalking these fish to take advantage of opportunities. Going after snook, Tarpon, and big Redfish are just a few of the targets you will see on each trip. Sight fishing the flats is a challenge with some big rewards and my clients absolutely love it!

I love the history of fishing here in Florida. I grew up watching Flip on the Walker's Cay Chronicles and José Wejebe, dreaming that one day I would have a chance to be a guide. That's why I wanted a skiff with a storied past and deep roots in the Florida fishing scene. The team that started Hell's Bay really changed the game. Not only with the Whipray but also with what they were able to do in that revolutionary skiff. I feel that heritage every time I get in Hull #38. She has been upgraded but there is still has plenty of her vintage personality shining through.

I hope to see you on the bow of the skiff soon!

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

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.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours
1 Person	$500.00
2 People	$500.00
3 People (Second Boat)	$1,000.00
4 People (Second Boat)	$1,000.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Guide

Paul D.

Independent Guide

Quiet

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quantity

About Your Guide

Paul D.

Independent Guide

Man, I love what I do! Being a guide for me is an excuse to fish with new friends and give them the bow time they have been longing for. Sight fishing for Florida's top inshore species is an addiction and gets your blood pumping! It is similar to hunting where you have to pay close attention, read your surroundings while stalking these fish to take advantage of opportunities. Going after snook, Tarpon, and big Redfish are just a few of the targets you will see on each trip. Sight fishing the flats is a challenge with some big rewards and my clients absolutely love it!

I love the history of fishing here in Florida. I grew up watching Flip on the Walker's Cay Chronicles and José Wejebe, dreaming that one day I would have a chance to be a guide. That's why I wanted a skiff with a storied past and deep roots in the Florida fishing scene. The team that started Hell's Bay really changed the game. Not only with the Whipray but also with what they were able to do in that revolutionary skiff. I feel that heritage every time I get in Hull #38. She has been upgraded but there is still has plenty of her vintage personality shining through.

People always ask me, where did the name come from and what the hell is Tajin? Well, Tajín is a seasoning that combines two of Mexican cuisine's signature flavors: chili spice and citrus. It's become so popular over its 35-plus years that The New York Times said that, rather than simply being a seasoning, "Tajín is a lifestyle." It took me many years to try Tajin and it was a bold and shockingly great experience. Just like that feeling when I caught my first tailing redfish. Life changing and I will never forget it! So that is where we come from. Always chasing that next rush of excitement that makes you feel alive in your soul.

I hope to see you on the bow of the skiff soon!

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Grouper

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Brats!

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Grouper

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Brats!

What’s your favorite band?

Billy Joel

What’s your favorite movie?

Fight Club

What’s your favorite sports team?

Eagles

What’s your drink of choice?

Modelo

What was your last halloween costume?

Ted Lasso

What do you want for Christmas this year?

New drone

How did you get started guiding?

Sold my tackle / fly shop and decided to guide full time

What makes you different from other guides?

I only know how to fish one way. Thats how I fish when I am with my friends. So, I will treat you just like I do them. I will give you all the shots you can take, and I will give a little tough love and encouragement if needed. I don't watch the clock and do my best not to book two trips in one day. I like the flexibility of letting the charter develop as the day goes on. Sometimes we are on them, and no one is ready to go home after four hours. We also have challenging days for whatever reason, weather or pressure, and we might need a little more time to get to the perfect part of the tide. I am not going to talk your face off or try and solve the world's problems. I have one job and that is to put you on the fish. We will have some laughs and catch some fish!

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Palm Harbor, Florida

Areas Fished

Saint Joseph Sound
Old Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Sight fishing on the flats - Fly Fishing

Boat Type: Skiff
Boat Manufacturer: Hell's Bay
Year Built: 1998
Boat Length: 16'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Skiff
Boat Manufacturer: Hell's Bay
Year Built: 1998
Boat Length: 16'
Engine Manufacturer: 2019
Total Horsepower: 33
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Casting platform or stool (your choice) Aquatraction on the entire skiff gives you more comfort and less fatigue. Yeti 45 cooler Turtle Box speaker for your favorite tunes

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

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.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 14 days before the trip.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

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

Fly Fishing
Sight Casting
Wading
Topwater Fishing

Everything Else to Know

What do I need to bring with me?
Bring whatever you would like to eat or drink. I always have a few waters in the cooler. There is plenty of room in the cooler for a sandwich or snacks.
Other things you may wat to bring:
-Sunglasses & hat
-Sun protection (sunscreen or UPF clothing)
-Light rain jacket - skiffs can be a wet ride sometimes

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 14 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 14 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.