$550-$700
Trip Rate
Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters
From the mangroves to the shipping channels, our inshore fishing trips showcase the best the bay has to offer. We’re able to target a wide range of species with minimal amounts of run time—always keeping you engaged and actively fishing.
If this is your first time getting a line wet:
The first spot is all about exploring where you’re at in your fishing journey, what you want to learn, and how you want to learn it. This isn’t about putting fish in the box; it’s about building a relationship and getting to know you. Capt. Chris loves working with new anglers and teaching boat safety, best fishing practices, and best conservation practices for our fishery.
If you’re an experienced fisherman:
We’re getting to the spot and getting your lines out ASAP! Our 2600 Pathfinder HPS is an absolute fishing machine. We’re going into each trip with a gameplan based on the season, the tide, and the species you want to target. Capt. Chris will be in touch with you leading up to your trip to make sure everything is dialed in and that we get you on the most productive fishing possible.
Target Species
There is so much biodiversity in a bay setting and Tampa Bay is no different. The sheer quantity of species we have allows us to catch more diversity of fish in a day than anywhere else in the region. At any given time, we’ll only be a few miles from a totally different habitat—able to get there in 5-15 minutes if we want to switch it up.
Inshore Species
Our most popular inshore species are snook, redfish, trout, mangrove snapper, flounder, and juvenile tarpon.
Bay Species
Our most popular bay species include tarpon, gag grouper, red grouper, mangrove snapper, mackerel, goliath grouper, cobia, and tripletail. We’ll regularly have bycatches of big Jack Crevalle.
Sharks
If we see a shark prowling around the boat, we’re going to cast at them for a big fight. Our shark species include black tip, hammerhead, bull shark, bonnethead, and reef shark. Tiger sharks are a rare catch in the bay.
We want every angler to experience a Slam!
The Tampa Bay Inshore Slam includes redfish, snook, and trout. Land a tarpon along with those and you’ve got yourself a Tampa Bay Grand Slam. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely unforgettable and makes for some great bragging rights.
Where We Fish
Tampa Bay is not only diverse in species, but it’s incredibly diverse in habitat as well. One minute you’re in 3’ of water fishing for redfish and the next you’re in 55’ of water fishing for grouper.
Inshore Fishing Locations
We’re primarily fishing a mix of mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and oyster bars. Sometimes some very shallow submerged structure like rock piles and old docks/bridges.
Structure In The Middle Of The Bay
We’re fishing old rubble from the old Skyway bridge, natural hard bottoms, small coral heads, little rocks, and artificial reefs. There are a lot of sandy bottoms, but we’ve patterned several productive spots over the years.
The median depth of Tampa Bay is 7′-12’, but we have a deep shipping channel that is 55’ deep with deep ledges that hold sharks, tarpon, and big snapper.
Live Bait & Artificial Tactics
Most of our trips are with live bait like pilchards, threadfin, pinfish, and sometimes shrimp. We’re mainly freelining or using popping corks.
Don’t get it twisted, if you’re not a live bait fisherman, we always have artificials ready to go. We’ll at least have a DOA shrimp rigged and ready for trout.
If you’re a fly angler and want to bring a fly rod, you’re welcome to bring it but you’re responsible for your own fly tackle and rigging.
What's Included
It’s our goal to exceed your expectations. From the time you first contact us til the time we bid farewell, we’ve got everything taken care of. The boat is clean, the rods are rigged, and we’re ready to rip! The cooler is loaded with ice. Capt. Chris will be in touch with you leading up to the trip to dial in all of your details and create the perfect game plan.
During our trip, do not be afraid to get the captain’s attention. We’re here to help and want you to be fishing hard. If you don’t have a bait, let Capt. Chris know. Chances are he’s already in the livewell grabbing one and getting it rigged already. No hesitation. We want this to be an exciting and engaging experience the entire time we’re out.
What To Bring
Bring your water, beverages of choice, lunches, and any snacks you may need to keep you energized for the fishing. Come prepared for the weather with comfortable clothing and footwear. Capt. Chris will be in touch to go over the weather, water, and fishing conditions to ensure you’re fully prepared.
- Sunscreen
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Lunch and Snacks
- Water and Beverages
- Comfortable Clothing
- Spray Sunscreen
- No Drugs or Firearms
- Glass Bottles
Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Tampa Bay Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters
