About Your Trip

Water Type

Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

Start your day by loading up the livewell with fresh bait before heading out into the nearshore waters off Tierra Verde. This trip offers a great opportunity to explore a mix of shallow structure and deeper ledges just a few miles off the coast, targeting a wide range of species depending on conditions and what’s biting that day.

With live bait onboard and a flexible game plan, you’ll spend your time bottom fishing, sight casting, or slow trolling over reefs and wrecks. Hogfish are a popular target here and a real treat to catch—these elusive fish are known for their light bite and excellent table fare. Mangrove Snapper, Red and Gag Grouper, and Permit are also regulars on these trips, and there’s always a chance of running into something bigger.

For those looking to hook into heavier fish, keep an eye out for Cobia cruising the surface or hanging around structure. You might also tangle with Kingfish, Barracuda, or even a Goliath Grouper if you drop a bait down deep. Bonito and Amberjack also frequent the area, and there’s always the possibility of a surprise visit from a shark like a Blacktip or Bull.

You’ll be fishing from a 24’ Mako bay boat—simple, reliable, and perfectly suited for these nearshore runs. Powered by a single 150 HP Yamaha, the boat offers a stable ride and enough deck space for up to six anglers. It’s equipped with all the tackle you’ll need, and the Captain will make sure you’ve got the right setup for whatever species you’re chasing.

This trip works well for all skill levels, including kids, and the Captain is happy to adjust techniques based on experience and interest. You’re welcome to bring drinks and snacks (just no glass), and you can hook up your own playlist with Bluetooth onboard. At the end of the trip, your catch will be cleaned and bagged, ready to take home.

Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a few hours on the water with good company and the chance at a mixed bag of nearshore species, this trip offers a solid and well-rounded fishing experience out of Tierra Verde.

Amenities

Water Type

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.

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 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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Pricing Matrix

	4 Hours	6 Hours
1 Person	$800.00	$1,000.00
2 People	$800.00	$1,000.00
3 People	$850.00	$1,050.00
4 People	$900.00	$1,100.00
5 People	$950.00	$1,150.00
6 People	$1,000.00	$1,200.00
7 People (Second Boat)	$1,800.00	$2,200.00
8 People (Second Boat)	$1,800.00	$2,200.00
9 People (Second Boat)	$1,900.00	$2,300.00
10 People (Second Boat)	$1,900.00	$2,300.00
11 People (Second Boat)	$2,000.00	$2,400.00
12 People (Second Boat)	$2,000.00	$2,400.00

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.

Reserve Your Trip

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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

Gene M.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Intense

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Adventurous

Quantity

About Your Guide

Gene M.

Independent Guide

We have over 30 years of combined experience in the fishing industry. Gene's knowledge and experience fishing in the Tampa Bay area keeps you on the fish at all times of the year. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to fishing, Capt. Gene can accommodate your skills.

Gene was born and raised right here in St. Pete and has spent his entire life on the water fishing starting from an early age. He has traveled throughout the Florida coast and Caribbean islands fishing with elite fisherman over the years which has expanded his knowledge to deliver exceptional fishing experience to each of his clients!

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Blue marlin

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

Lobster

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Blue marlin

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

Lobster

What’s your favorite band?

Stick figure

What’s your favorite movie?

Forest gump

What’s your favorite sports team?

Rays

What’s your drink of choice?

Water

What was your last halloween costume?

None

What do you want for Christmas this year?

100000000 dollars

How did you get started guiding?

Born and raised on the water

What makes you different from other guides?

Pretty intense and love to fish. Been guiding for over 10 years and love every minute of it. I’m not burnt out like a bunch of other people

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Tierra Verde, Florida

Areas Fished

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Nearshore Trips Tierra Verde

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Mako
Year Built: 1976
Boat Length: 24'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Mako
Year Built: 1976
Boat Length: 24'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 150
Number of Engines: 1

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

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.

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 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.

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

Bottom Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Sight Casting
Trolling

Everything Else to Know

Bring whatever food and drinks u want. We supply everything else

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 3 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 3 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 thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports 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, 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.