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Expert-Guided Tampa Bay Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa Bay
- $395 - $2,995 price range
Summary
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Catch of the Day
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 Action-Packed Inshore Fishing Adventure
Ready to feel the thrill of Tampa Bay's inshore waters? Captain Brian's got you covered with a fishing trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this 4 or 6-hour morning charter is the perfect way to experience the best of Tampa Bay's fishing scene. From the calm backwaters to the bustling nearshore, we'll chase after some of Florida's most sought-after species. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to make some memories on the water!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising through Tampa Bay's crystal-clear waters, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and your line's singing as a feisty redfish takes the bait. That's just a taste of what you're in for on this trip. Captain Brian knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right where the action is. We'll hit up all the local hotspots, from grass flats to mangrove shorelines, and even venture up to 10 miles offshore if the bite's on. With top-notch gear and a comfortable boat, you'll be fishing in style. And don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Brian's got all the tips and tricks to help you land that trophy catch.
Fishing Techniques & Gear
On this trip, we'll use a mix of tried-and-true inshore fishing techniques to maximize your chances of success. Expect to do some light tackle casting, drift fishing, and maybe even some sight fishing if conditions are right. We'll be armed with live bait and artificial lures to match whatever the fish are biting on that day. Captain Brian's boat is decked out with all the latest gear – from sensitive rods that let you feel every nibble to state-of-the-art fish finders that help us locate the schools. And here's a pro tip: bring a camera! The memories (and bragging rights) you'll take home are just as valuable as the fish.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain Brian was great! Fun and energetic, great with kids and newbie fishermen. Helped us find a good assortment of inshore fish, and a handful of sharks!" - Daniel
"Brian and Brian were both amazing fishing guides! They were very knowledgeable and took great care of us during our time with them. Both kids and adults enjoyed this trip. Thank you so much!" - Mary
"I can not believe how great of a time we had! We booked for Father's Day & we had our two toddlers with us -which of course makes this charter a whole different experience & captain Bryan made sure our charter was so family inclusive its was such a wonderful time! From playing their favorite songs to him physically catching fish and letting them reel them in the kids had a blast!! Can't thank you enough Cap!" - Alexis
Top Catches This Season
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a Tampa Bay staple. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a great fight and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, and when they're tailing in shallow water, it's a sight to behold. Peak season is fall through spring, but you can catch them year-round in Tampa Bay.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you – these striped fish are crafty and delicious. They're masters at stealing bait, but when you hook one, it's game on. Sheepshead love structure, so we'll target them around bridges, pilings, and reefs. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, making them a perfect target when other species slow down.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters will make your reel scream. We'll troll for them in the nearshore waters, and when they hit, hold on tight! Spring and fall are the best times to target kings, and they're a favorite for their hard fights and tasty fillets.
Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout are a Tampa Bay classic. These wily predators love to hang in seagrass beds and around deeper holes. They're known for their soft mouths, so finesse is key when reeling them in. Trout fishing is good year-round, but it really heats up in the cooler months.
Cobia: These curious fish are often called "crab eaters" and can grow to impressive sizes. Cobia are migratory, showing up in Tampa Bay waters during spring and fall. They're known to follow large rays, so keep your eyes peeled for some sight fishing action.
Tripletail: One of the oddest-looking fish you'll catch, tripletail are ambush predators that love to float near the surface mimicking debris. They're strong fighters for their size and are considered a delicacy on the dinner plate. Look for them around buoys and floating structure, especially in the warmer months.
Spanish Mackerel: These toothy torpedoes are a blast to catch on light tackle. They school up and can create feeding frenzies that are a sight to behold. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them in Tampa Bay waters most of the year.
Bluefish: Known for their aggressive nature and sharp teeth, bluefish are a hard-fighting species that can really test your gear. They often show up in Tampa Bay during cooler months, chasing bait schools and providing non-stop action when you find them.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Tampa Bay that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the variety – where else can you catch redfish in the shallows in the morning and be battling kingfish offshore by lunch? Or perhaps it's the year-round action – even in the dead of winter, there's always something biting in these waters. But if you ask me, it's the memories you make out here. Whether it's watching a kid reel in their first fish or seeing a seasoned angler's face light up when they land a personal best, those moments are what it's all about. And let's not forget the stunning scenery – from dolphins playing in the wake to ospreys diving for their dinner, Tampa Bay is a nature lover's paradise.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing Tampa Bay has to offer, it's time to lock in your date. Remember, this trip covers two anglers, but you can bring along up to four more friends for just $50 each. Whether you're planning a family outing, a team-building day, or just want to escape the daily grind, Captain Brian's got you covered. The boat's ready, the fish are biting, and all that's missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Give Optimus Fishing Charters a call and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Just don't forget – once you experience Tampa Bay fishing, you might find yourself hooked for good!
Customer Reviews
Fishing Fun for All
Daniel Miller
December 28, 2024
Tampa Catch Reeled In
Great trip! When we are in the Tampa area, I will definitely book again with Optimus fishing!
Brian Dockter
November 29, 2024
Expert Guides Delight
Brian and Brian were both amazing fishing guides! They were very knowledgeable and took great care of us during our time with them. Both kids and adults enjoyed this trip. Thank you so much!
Mary Wangen
March 14, 2025
Top Captain Delivers
Awesome time. Best captain on the water
Ken Anderson
February 13, 2025
Family Fishing Fiesta
I can not believe how great of a time we had! We booked for Father’s Day & we had our two toddlers with us -which of course makes this charter a whole different experience & captain Bryan made sure our charter was so family inclusive its was such a wonderful time! From playing their favorite songs to him physically catching fish and letting them reel them in the kids had a blast!! Can’t thank you enough Cap!
Alexis Dorrell
June 16, 2025
Captain Catches Praise
Brian is a great captain and fisherman
Rob Senica
December 31, 2023
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bullies of Tampa Bay. These chomping machines show up in spring and fall, usually running 2-5 pounds. Blues travel in schools, attacking bait with a frenzy that can turn the water to foam. They'll hit just about any lure or bait that moves. Once hooked, bluefish put up a determined fight, often jumping and thrashing at the surface. While not the best for eating, their aggressive nature makes them fun to catch. They're great for introducing kids to fishing since the action is usually fast. One tip: use wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When the blues are in, it's non-stop action that'll leave your arms sore!
Cobia
Cobia are one of those fish that'll really get your heart pumping. These brown bruisers can top 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. They show up in Tampa Bay from spring through fall, often hanging around structures like buoys or following large rays. Cobia are curious fish, so sight-casting to them can be a blast. They'll eat just about anything - live bait, jigs, or even a well-placed fly. Once hooked, be ready for a fight. Cobia make long, powerful runs and often try to wrap you around structure. Their firm, white meat is excellent on the grill too. Here's a local tip: always have a heavy jig ready to pitch if you spot one cruising by the boat. You might only get one shot, so make it count!
King Mackerel
King mackerel are the speedsters of Tampa Bay. These sleek, silver missiles can top 50 pounds, though most run 10-20. Kings show up in spring and fall, following bait schools. You'll find them anywhere from just off the beaches to several miles offshore. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the go-to method. When they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. Kings make blistering runs and often go airborne, giving you a real battle on medium tackle. They're not the best eating, but the excitement of the catch more than makes up for it. A local secret: look for diving birds to find the bait schools kings are feeding on. Just be ready to move fast - these fish don't stay in one spot for long!
Redfish
Redfish are a prized catch in Tampa Bay, known for their distinct copper color and black spot near the tail. These inshore bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. You'll find them in shallow flats and around oyster bars, especially during spring and fall. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, sometimes with their backs out of the water, making for exciting sight fishing. They're suckers for live bait like shrimp or pinfish, but artificial lures work well too. When targeting reds, look for them tailing in grassy areas during high tide. Their firm white meat is delicious, which adds to their popularity. One local trick: try fishing topwater lures early in the morning for explosive strikes. Just remember, there's a slot limit, so we'll measure carefully before keeping any.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are a Tampa Bay staple. These speckled beauties typically run 15-20 inches, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them year-round in grassy flats and deeper holes, especially around dawn and dusk. Trout are ambush predators, so working a popping cork with live shrimp is deadly. They also can't resist a well-presented artificial lure. Winter brings bigger fish as they gather to spawn. Trout put up a good fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. One trick I like: when you catch one, keep casting to the same spot. Trout often school up, so where there's one, there's usually more. Just mind the slot limit - we want to keep this fishery healthy for years to come.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are one of the tastiest fish in the bay, with a mild, sweet flavor. These striped "convict fish" hang around structure like pilings and reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, using their human-like teeth to nibble off hooks. Most run 2-4 pounds, but bigger ones up to 10 pounds aren't uncommon. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons when they gather to spawn. Light tackle and a sensitive touch are key - you've got to feel that subtle bite. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles are top baits. Here's a tip: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. It's satisfying to outsmart these crafty fish, and the fillets are a real treat. Just watch out for those fins when handling them!
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish mackerel are the perfect light-tackle target in Tampa Bay. These speedy little guys typically run 2-4 pounds and show up in big schools, especially in spring and fall. Look for them around bait schools, often giving themselves away with surface feeding frenzies. Fast-moving lures like small spoons or jigs work great. When they're biting, the action can be non-stop. Spanish macks make quick runs and often jump, giving a great fight on light gear. They're also tasty when eaten fresh. A local tip: watch for birds diving on bait - that often means Spanish mackerel are feeding below. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are razor-sharp!
Tripletail
Tripletail are an odd-looking but delicious fish that show up in Tampa Bay, usually from late spring through fall. They get their name from their rounded fins that make them look like they have three tails. Most run 5-15 pounds and love to hang around floating objects or markers. Sight-fishing for them is a blast - they often float on their sides, mimicking debris. Use light tackle and pitch a live shrimp or small jig near them. Tripletail put up a surprising fight for their size and are excellent table fare. One trick: approach them slowly and quietly. They spook easily, but if you're patient, you can often get multiple casts at them. It's a unique fishery that's become increasingly popular in recent years.
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
Captain Brian was great! Fun and energetic, great with kids and newbie fishermen. Helped us find a good assortment of inshore fish, and a handful of sharks!