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Best Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing - Full Day Trip
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa Bay
- $450 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: September 18, 2025
Summary
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Rods Bent, Reels Screaming
Fun Tampa Bay Fishing Charter
Tampa fishing charters
Shark fishing in Tampa
Florida pompano in Tampa
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Sheepshead in Tampa Bay
Cobia in Tampa
Tampa Bay fishing
Sheepshead in Tampa
Fun Tampa Bay Fishing Charter
Tampa fishing charters
Shark fishing in Tampa
Florida pompano in Tampa
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Sheepshead in Tampa Bay
Cobia in Tampa
Tampa Bay fishing
Sheepshead in Tampa
Fun Tampa Bay Fishing Charter
Tampa fishing charters
Shark fishing in Tampa
Florida pompano in Tampa
Tampa Bay's Family-Friendly Fishing Adventure
Ready for a day of rod-bending action with the whole crew? Captain Brian's got you covered with this 8-hour Tampa Bay fishing extravaganza. We're talking inshore hotspots and nearshore honey holes up to 10 miles out, where the redfish and Spanish mackerel are calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your kiddo's first time holding a rod, this trip's dialed in for everyone. So grab the family, slap on some sunscreen, and let's hit the water for some memory-making and fish-catching!
What's the Deal with This Trip?
Picture this: You're cruising out of Tampa Bay aboard Optimus Fishing Charters' sweet setup, with Captain Brian at the helm. He knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. We're talking an all-day affair here - 8 solid hours of working the flats, channels, and nearshore reefs. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of gamefish, from the hard-pulling redfish to the lightning-fast Spanish mackerel. And don't forget about the possibility of hooking into some cobia, sheepshead, tripletail, trout, sharks, or bluefish. It's like a who's who of Tampa Bay's most wanted!
Gearing Up for Success
No need to stress about equipment - Captain Brian's got you covered with top-notch gear that'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. We're talking light tackle setups perfect for inshore action, with rods and reels matched to the species we're after. You might find yourself tossing soft plastics for trout, working a popping cork for redfish, or free-lining live bait for those Spanish mackerel. And if the bite's on fire, we might even break out the fly rods for some extra excitement. The boat's set up for comfort too, so you can focus on the fishing without worrying about the small stuff.
Fish Tales from Tampa Bay
This trip's so new, we're still waiting on those five-star reviews to roll in. But trust me, once folks get a taste of Tampa Bay fishing with Captain Brian, they'll be singing our praises from the rooftops. We're talking bent rods, screaming drags, and plenty of "fish on!" moments that'll have everyone grinning from ear to ear.
Tampa Bay's Most Wanted
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Tampa Bay. Known for their distinctive spot on the tail, redfish put up a stubborn fight that'll test your drag and your biceps. They love hanging around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines, often tailing in shallow water. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the thump of a redfish inhaling your bait!
Spanish Mackerel: If you're looking for speed, these toothy missiles are your ticket. Spanish mackerel are the sprinters of Tampa Bay, known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They school up and chase bait, so when you find them, it's often fast and furious action. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer can be red hot too. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the name of the game here.
Cobia: These curious creatures are like the bulldogs of the sea. Brown in color and shaped like a shark, cobia are known for their powerful runs and tendency to circle the boat. They love structure, so we'll be keeping an eye out for them around markers, wrecks, and even swimming alongside rays. Spring and summer are prime time for cobia, and hooking one is always a possibility that'll get your heart racing.
Tripletail: Don't let their weird looks fool you - tripletail are hard-fighting and delicious eating. These odd-looking fish love to float near the surface, often mistaken for debris. We'll be scanning buoys, markers, and floating objects for these ambush predators. They put up a great fight on light tackle, and their fillets are some of the best you'll ever taste. Summer and fall are peak seasons for tripletail in Tampa Bay.
Bluefish: These chompers are all attitude and sharp teeth. Bluefish are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies and will hit just about anything that moves. They're great fun on light tackle, often skyrocketing out of the water when hooked. We typically find them in the cooler months, chasing bait schools around the bay. Just watch those fingers when you're unhooking them!
Time to Get Your Lines Wet!
Alright, folks - if you're ready for a day of non-stop fishing action that the whole family can enjoy, it's time to lock in your spot with Captain Brian. This Tampa Bay fishing charter is the real deal - 8 hours of targeting everything from redfish to Spanish mackerel, with the chance at some bonus species that'll really make your day. Remember, the base rate covers two anglers, but you can bring more of the crew for just $50 a head. Don't sleep on this opportunity - the fish are biting, and Captain Brian's calendar fills up fast. Book your Tampa Bay family fishing adventure today, and get ready to make some serious memories on the water!
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the bay - all muscle and attitude. They usually run 3-5 pounds here, but can get up to 20. You'll find them chasing bait schools in open water or near shore. Summer and fall are prime times. Blues are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies - they'll attack just about anything that moves. Anglers love them for their hard strikes and strong fights. They've got a reputation for being oily, but smaller ones are actually great eating when prepared right. Here's a tip: use a wire leader. Blues have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. Try casting metal lures into feeding schools and retrieving fast. When they hit, hang on tight - these fish don't give up easily.
Cobia
Cobia are one of those fish that'll really get your heart pumping. They're big, powerful, and put up one heck of a fight. Around here, we see them mostly in the 30-50 pound range, but they can get up over 100. Look for cobia around buoys, channel markers, or floating debris - they love structure. Spring and early summer are prime time, when they're migrating through. Cobia are curious fish, so sometimes they'll swim right up to the boat. That's when sight-fishing gets exciting. They're also great eating, with firm white meat. Here's a trick: keep a heavy jig ready to pitch if you spot one. Let it sink, then start a slow retrieve. Cobia can't resist it. Just be ready for a strong first run when they take off.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel are fast, powerful fish that'll give you a real fight. They typically run 20-40 pounds, but can get up to 90. Look for them in waters 40-150 feet deep, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're migratory, so timing is key - late spring through fall is usually best in Tampa Bay. Kings are prized for their speed and acrobatics when hooked. They'll make screaming runs and even leap clear out of the water. Taste-wise, they're good eating too, with a firm, slightly oily flesh. Here's a local tip: troll with blue runners or Spanish sardines rigged on a stinger rig. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leader is a must. When you see birds diving or bait fish jumping, that's often a sign kings are feeding nearby.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are fast, fun, and perfect for light tackle. They usually run 2-4 pounds, but can get up to 12. Look for them in schools near the surface, often following bait pods. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through Tampa Bay. These fish are speed demons - they'll chase down a fast-moving lure like nobody's business. Anglers love them for their quick strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also tasty, with a rich, oily flesh that's great for smoking. Here's a local secret: try trolling small, shiny spoons behind a planer board. When you hit a school, it's non-stop action. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them - they're razor sharp.
Tripletail
Tripletail are odd-looking fish that put up a surprising fight for their size. They usually run 5-15 pounds, with a deep, flat body. You'll often find them floating on their sides near buoys or floating debris, mimicking leaves. That's where sight-fishing comes in handy. Summer's the best time, when water temps are warm. Tripletail are ambush predators, so they'll suddenly attack a well-placed bait. They're also excellent table fare, with sweet, white meat. Locals love targeting them for both the challenge and the eating. Here's a tip: use a light spinning setup with 20-pound test. Rig a live shrimp under a popping cork and cast just past the fish. Slowly reel in, making the cork pop. When a tripletail strikes, it's often explosive.
About the Optimus Prime 2
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
