On this epic inshore trip, you'll be able to go after the best sportfish species that Florida has to offer, including Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and more! Each of these fish offer different challenges, and on this 3, 4, 6, or 8-hour trip, you'll be able to take a shot at catching all of them!
If this is your first time fishing Tampa Bay, here's a brief rundown on each of your target species.
Snook:
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First off, a big Snook is a sight to behold, with its bold stripe and its glimmering gray scales. This fish grows up to 50 inches long and lives between four and five decades. When caught, the fish makes showy leaps and will put up a fight before you can reel it in. Snook are powerful fish, and they won’t make it easy for you to catch them, especially in shallow water. Captain Jarrod loves to see the look in an angler’s eyes when they make their big catch. Snook are plentiful in the Tampa Bay area, which makes them an ideal target for anglers. On especially plentiful days, you won’t leave the boat without multiple catches, even if you fish with a group.
Redfish: One of Tampa Bay's best-known sportfish, Redfish make great catches for all anglers, regardless of experience. You’ll find the largest of these feisty and formidable fish inshore and nearshore. A relative of the Black Drum, Redfish have a unique ability to smell their prey, as opposed to relying solely on sight.
They can weigh up to 12 pounds and live for 40 years, and these fish are prime fighters. You’ll never see a dull moment during your search for these magnificent creatures. Catching Redfish is a breeze when you know where to look, how they search for prey, and what they like to eat. Redfish like to stay in underwater grass, and you’ll find them easy to spot in shallow waters, depending on the tide. Redfish like to eat shellfish but won’t hesitate to take a chunk off a larger fish that passes by them.
Speckled Trout: Trout have many names and species, including sea trout, spotted seatrout, speckled trout, and specks. As the various names imply, this type of trout has black spots along its sides and back over a silver underbelly.
An average adult trout ranges between 12 and 24 inches long. Once a trout gets past 22-24 inches, we call it a "gator" trout. Trout typically weigh between 10 and 12 pounds, though the record for the biggest trout caught in Florida tips the scales at 17 pounds 7 ounces.
You’ll typically find Trout in grass flats in about 1-6 feet of water. They like to stick close to mangroves near the shore, though you may also find them hidden in deep grass holes. During the winter, Trout sometimes venture into water as deep as 15 feet.
Regardless of which species you hook, you'll have a blast on the water with Captain Jarrod! On the day of your trip you will launch from the boat ramp next to Hook's Waterfront Bar and Grill. If you need to launch from a different area, Captain Jarrod is flexible and has several options—please let him know what works best for you.
You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Jarrod's 25' Sportsman 234 bay boat. This puppy comes equipped with a 250 Yamaha SHO engine for speed and maneuverability, plus a range of amenities including a multimedia system, PowerPoles for exploring shallow flats, trolling motor, multiple live wells for your bait, Yeti coolers for your drinks, and more! This boat is perfect for a family fishing trip.
Jarrod will provide you with all the equipment, tackle, and bait you need, plus he'll supply ice for your food, drinks & fish, artificial lures, photos of your catch, secret techniques and instruction for artificial bait fishing, and he will even clean and bag your fish for you at the end of the day!
All you need to bring is your sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, any food & drinks you'd like to enjoy onboard. Beer is welcome, but please—no hard liquor or wine, and no glass containers. If you've got Captain Jarrod at the wheel, your fishing adventure will surely be one to remember!
Gratuties are never expected, but are always greatly appreciated! If your captain did a good job and you had an enjoyable trip, please consider rewarding his efforts with a 15-20% tip.
