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Professional Redfish Charters in Tampa Bay
- Published Date: September 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa Bay
- $395 - $2,995 price range
Summary
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Tampa Bay's Finest Catches
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 Pro Angler Hotspot: Redfish & Mackerel
Ready to test your skills against Tampa Bay's top gamefish? Captain Brian's got you covered with this 4-hour charter tailored for serious anglers. We're talking prime inshore and nearshore action, targeting everything from hard-fighting redfish to lightning-fast Spanish mackerel. This isn't your average tourist trip – it's a focused hunt for the bay's best, perfect for sharpening your technique or landing that personal best.
What's On Deck
Hop aboard Optimus Fishing Charters for a morning or afternoon of non-stop fishing. We'll cruise Tampa Bay's productive waters, hitting proven spots up to 10 miles offshore. Expect a mix of sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows and drifting live bait for pelagics. Captain Brian knows these waters like the back of his hand, so get ready for some insider knowledge on where the big ones are hiding. With top-notch gear provided and room for two anglers (plus optional add-ons), you've got everything needed for a productive day on the water.
Rods, Reels, and Tactics
This charter's all about putting you on fish, fast. We'll match our approach to what's biting, switching between light tackle for inshore species and beefier setups when targeting bruisers like bull reds or sharks. Expect to use a mix of live bait, artificials, and maybe even fly gear if that's your thing. Captain Brian's an expert at reading the water, so be ready to adapt – one minute you might be working a topwater plug for trout, the next dropping a live pinfish for a trophy redfish. It's this variety that keeps Tampa Bay fishing exciting year-round.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bulldogs are a Tampa Bay staple. Known for their powerful runs and signature tail-spot, redfish cruise the flats and hang around oyster bars. Fall sees big schools pushing into the bay, but you can target them year-round. Nothing beats the sight of a tailing red in skinny water – it's sight-fishing at its finest.
Spanish Mackerel: When these speedsters show up, hold on tight! Spanish macks are known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They typically school up in Tampa Bay from spring through fall, chasing bait schools and providing non-stop action. Light tackle and fast retrieves are the name of the game here.
Snook: The ultimate inshore gamefish, snook are prized for their aggressive strikes and crafty fighting tactics. These ambush predators love structure, so we'll target mangrove shorelines, bridge pilings, and dock lights. Spring and summer are prime snook seasons, but winter can offer some trophy opportunities in deeper holes.
Sheepshead: Don't let their stripes fool you – these guys are no pushovers. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, making them a fun challenge for anglers. We target them around bridge pilings and reefs, especially during their winter spawning run. Their sweet, white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table too.
Sea Trout: A Tampa Bay staple, sea trout (or spotted seatrout) are known for their willingness to hit artificial lures. We'll often find them over grass flats, using popping corks or soft plastics to entice a bite. While they can be caught year-round, fall and winter typically offer the best action for big "gator" trout.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Tampa Bay's diversity is what makes it a fishing paradise. One trip here and you'll see why it's a top pick for tournament anglers and weekend warriors alike. The mix of flats, channels, and nearshore reefs means there's always something biting. Plus, with Captain Brian's local know-how, you're not just fishing – you're getting an insider's tour of Tampa Bay's best spots. Whether you're after that personal best redfish or want to fill the cooler with tasty mackerel, this charter delivers the goods.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're serious about your fishing, this is the Tampa Bay charter you've been waiting for. Captain Brian's got the skills, the spots, and the setup to put you on fish. With only two spots available per trip, you know you're getting personalized attention and the flexibility to target what's biting best. Don't miss out on some of the hottest inshore action Florida has to offer. Grab your spot now and get ready to tangle with Tampa Bay's finest – your next fish story is waiting to be written!
Learn more about the animals
Cobia
Cobia are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay's nearshore waters. These powerful fish average 30-50 pounds, but 100-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll spot them cruising just below the surface, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. Spring and early summer are prime as cobia migrate along the coast. Anglers love the sight-fishing opportunities and the brutal fights these fish put up. Plus, they're excellent eating. Live eels or large jigs are top producers. Here's a local trick: Keep an eye out for rays, sea turtles, or floating debris. Cobia often shadow these objects, using them as mobile structure. When you spot one, get a bait in front of it fast - they're not shy about striking. Just be ready for a long, drag-screaming run when they realize they're hooked!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay. Most inshore reds run 18-27 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches cruise the passes seasonally. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or prowling mangrove shorelines, often betrayed by their copper color. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water - it's like stalking bonefish on the flats. Their powerful runs and dogged fights make for epic battles on light tackle. Live bait like pinfish or cut mullet works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Here's a tip: On low tides, look for reds cruising the edges of exposed oyster bars. A well-placed cast with a weedless spoon can trigger explosive strikes.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of Tampa Bay fishing. These spotted beauties typically run 15-20 inches, though gator trout over 24 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them prowling grass flats and deeper holes, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are peak seasons as trout feed heavily before and after spawning. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and the sporty fight on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics work great too. Here's a local trick: On those super hot summer days, try drifting deeper channels with live bait. The bigger trout often hole up in cooler waters. And don't forget to work those dock lights at night - that's when the real monsters come out to play.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the striped convicts of Tampa Bay, instantly recognizable by their human-like teeth and black bars. Most run 2-4 pounds, but bigger ones pushing 10 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find these structure-loving fish around docks, pilings, and oyster beds year-round. Winter is prime time as sheepshead school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these notorious bait stealers. Their light bite and hard mouth make timing the hookset tricky. But the reward is some of the best-tasting fish you'll ever eat. Use light tackle with a small hook and just enough weight to hold bottom. Fiddler crabs and oysters are top baits. Here's a pro tip: When you feel that telltale tap-tap, wait a beat before setting the hook. Let 'em get that bait good and swallow it first.
Snook
Snook are a prized catch in Tampa Bay, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty fillets. These sleek predators typically range from 24-36 inches, with some monsters pushing 48 inches. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and bridges, especially during summer spawning runs. Snook love structure and use their powerful tails to ambush prey in currents. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers get fired up for the explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps these fish are famous for. Live bait like pinfish or pilchards work great, but artificial lures can be deadly too. Here's a local tip - work those mangrove shorelines on an incoming tide, casting as close to the roots as you can. Let that bait drift naturally with the current and hold on tight!
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
