Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Fishing Info

About Optimus Fishing Charters

Where does Optimus Fishing Charters fish?

We fish the Tampa area, including Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, Ruskin, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, Apollo Beach, Bradenton, Skyway Fishing Pier, Skyway Bridge, Manatee River, Terra Ceia Bay, Fort De Soto, Old Tampa Bay.

What are the target fish?

Target fish include Blacktip Shark  (Also Called Shark, Blacktip Shark  ), Bonnethead Shark (Also Called Bonnet Shark, Bonnetnose Shark, Shovelhead Shark), Bull Shark (Also Called Cub Shark, Ground Shark, Shark  ), Cobia (Also Called Black Salmon, Crab Eater, Lemon Fish, Sergeant Fish  ), Crevalle Jack  (Also Called Horse Crevalle, Jack  ), Gag Grouper (Also Called Charcoal Belly, Velvet Rockfish, Grouper  ), King Mackerel (Also Called Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel  ), Mackerel Scad (Also Called Cigarfish, Scad  ), Red Grouper (Also Called Cherna De Vivero, Nègre, Cherna Americana, Grouper  ), Redfish (Also Called Red Drum, Channel Bass, Spottail Bass), Sea Trout  (Also Called Speckled Trout, Spotted Sea Trout), Sheepshead  (Also Called Convict Fish, Sheephead  ), Snook  (Also Called Common Snook, Sergeant Fish, Thin Snook), Tripletail (Also Called Tripletail, Black Grunt, Black Perch, Bouyfish, Flasher, Chobie, Biajaca De La Mar, Flasher, Steamboat)

Where in Tampa to we meet our guests?

We meet at Sunset Grill and Beach Bar ( 602 Bahia Del Sol Dr, Ruskin, FL 33570, USA )

Do I need a STATE Fishing license?

No Fishing license required

Where do I get a STATE Fishing license?

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Fishing

Florida residents and visitors 16 years of age and older are required to possess a Florida freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license when engaged in active or passive fishing activities.  However, you do not need a saltwater fishing license if saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter license or from a vessel whose operator has a valid recreational saltwater vessel license issued in the name of the operator of the vessel. If you are looking for online access for a license, please check Go Outdoors Florida here: https://license.gooutdoorsflorida.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx

How much should I Tip?

It is customary to tip 20% of the trip total. We work tirelessly to make sure you have a guest experience!

Do I need to bring my own gear?

No, we provide standard gear such as rods and reels so you don’t need to worry about anything. But please feel free to bring you own gear if you prefer.