Caught a Sheepshead Inshore in Ruskin Ruskin

Fishing Charter with Brian Lemelin – Rates & Booking

Captain Brian Lemelin of Optimus Fishing Charters offers this Wednesday November trip designed to put you on fish consistently. Our 4-Hour Morning Trip provides the perfect amount of time to target multiple species while keeping the pace exciting. We accommodate up to 2 guests with all fishing gear included, making this perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. Our beginner-friendly Tampa Bay fishing charter focuses on productive inshore waters where we consistently find action using proven techniques like bottom fishing and drift fishing.

Prices start at $450 for two anglers with an additional $50 per extra guest. Deposits are non-refundable, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred date. The comfortable boat provides everything needed for a productive day on Tampa Bay waters, and Captain Brian's local knowledge ensures you'll be fishing the most productive spots based on seasonal patterns and tides.

Highlights of Beginner-Friendly Tampa Bay Fishing Charter for Redfish and Spanish Mackerel

Our recent trip showcased the diverse fishing opportunities Tampa Bay offers. We experienced non-stop action throughout the morning under perfect weather conditions, targeting structure that consistently holds fish. While we specifically caught Sheepshead, White Grunt, and Red Grouper on this outing, our waters also produce Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Tripletail, Trout and more depending on the season.

What makes this charter special is the combination of Captain Brian's local knowledge and our approach to fishing multiple techniques. We don't just anchor in one spot – we actively work bottom fishing and drift fishing to keep you on fish throughout the trip. This variety keeps the experience engaging while maximizing your chances of landing different species. The gear is high-quality and well-maintained, perfect for both first-time anglers and those with more experience.

Local Species Insights: Sheepshead

Sheepshead are one of Tampa Bay's most recognizable inshore species, known for their distinctive black and white stripes (earning them the nickname "convict fish") and human-like teeth designed for crushing prey. These structure-oriented fish thrive around the pilings, docks, and artificial reefs that dot our local waters.

When targeting Sheepshead in Ruskin waters, precision is key. These fish are notorious bait-stealers, requiring a sensitive touch to detect their subtle bites. They primarily feed on crustaceans, making fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or sand fleas excellent bait choices. We typically use light to medium tackle with a small, sharp hook to improve hook-up ratios.

Fall through early spring offers the best Sheepshead fishing in our area, with November through February being prime months as they gather in large numbers around structure. Their preference for oyster beds, bridge pilings, and rocky bottoms makes them perfect targets for our bottom fishing techniques around Tampa Bay's abundant structure.

Plan Your Fishing Charter Day

Our trips depart from Ruskin, providing easy access to Tampa Bay's productive fishing grounds. We recommend comfortable clothing, sun protection, and any personal snacks or drinks you might want (though water is provided). Since all fishing gear is included, you won't need to worry about bringing rods, reels, tackle, or bait.

Most morning trips begin around 8:00 AM, though we can sometimes accommodate different start times based on tides and conditions. The 4-hour duration gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots while keeping the pace comfortable for everyone. Our boat is well-maintained with safety equipment, comfortable seating, and everything needed for a productive day on the water.