Top-Rated Tampa Bay Redfish Charters

Published Date: September 18, 2025
Fishing

Tampa Bay
$395 - $2,995 price range

Summary

Looking for a fun day on the water in Tampa Bay? Captain Brian's got you covered with this 4-hour fishing trip that's perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. You'll head out on Optimus Fishing Charters to explore inshore spots and coastal waters up to 10 miles offshore. The focus is on catching redfish and Spanish mackerel, but you might also reel in sheepshead, tripletail, trout, sharks, or bluefish. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – the captain provides expert guidance and all the gear you need. The comfortable boat and high-quality equipment make for a smooth experience. The trip is set up for two people, but you can bring more friends for an extra $50 each. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable once you book. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, learning new skills and hopefully landing some nice fish in beautiful Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay Catches

null

Two snook fish caught while fishing in Florida

null

Photo of a sheepshead fish caught in Ruskin

Sheepshead in Tampa Bay

Photograph of a huge cobia fish caught while fishing in Ruskin

Cobia in Tampa

Tampa Bay's Best Beginner Fishing Charter

Ready to wet a line in Tampa Bay? Captain Brian's got you covered with this top-rated 4-hour trip that's perfect for newbies and seasoned anglers alike. You'll be cruising the inshore waters and venturing up to 10 miles offshore, targeting some of Florida's most popular gamefish. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on your first redfish or add a Spanish mackerel to your catch list, this trip delivers the goods without breaking the bank.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard Optimus Fishing Charters for a morning or afternoon of non-stop action. Captain Brian's been fishing these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the fish are biting. You'll start by learning the ropes - how to cast, set the hook, and reel in your catch. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before; the captain's patient instruction will have you fishing like a pro in no time. As you cruise the bay, keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and other local wildlife that call these waters home.

Techniques That Land Fish

On this trip, you'll get hands-on experience with a variety of fishing techniques. Depending on the season and what's biting, you might be tossing soft plastics for trout, sight-casting to tailing redfish, or using live bait to tempt a hungry snook. Captain Brian provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. He'll show you how to read the water, spot fish, and present your bait for the best chance of a hookup. And when that drag starts screaming? Well, that's when the real fun begins!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These speedy swimmers are a blast to catch and even better on the grill. They typically show up in Tampa Bay from fall through spring, and they're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. When a school of Spanish macks is feeding on the surface, the water looks like it's boiling - an unforgettable sight for any angler.

Snook: The legendary "linesiders" are one of Florida's most prized inshore gamefish. They're ambush predators that love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridges. Snook put up an incredible fight, often making powerful runs and jumping clear out of the water. They're catch-and-release most of the year, but during open season, they make for some excellent table fare.

Sheepshead: Don't let their striped appearance fool you - these fish are masters of steal-and-run. Sheepshead have human-like teeth that they use to crush crabs and barnacles, which makes them tricky to hook. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be addicted to the challenge. They're most abundant during the cooler months and are excellent eating fish.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in Tampa Bay. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, which helps anglers identify them when sight-fishing in shallow water. Redfish are known for their powerful, bulldogging fights and their willingness to eat a variety of baits. They're great for beginners because they're often found in good numbers and aren't too picky about what they eat.

Tripletail: These odd-looking fish are a real treat to catch. They get their name from their rounded fins, which make them look like they have three tails. Tripletail are masters of camouflage, often floating on their sides near buoys or floating debris to mimic leaves. They put up a great fight for their size and are considered one of the best-tasting fish in the sea.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Captain Brian's trips are more than just a fishing charter - they're a crash course in Tampa Bay angling. You'll learn how to read the tides, spot fish-holding structure, and present your bait for maximum effect. Plus, with a focus on conservation, you'll gain an appreciation for the delicate ecosystem that supports these amazing fish. Many guests find themselves hooked (pun intended) after just one trip, coming back season after season to improve their skills and target new species.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Tampa Bay and experience some world-class inshore fishing, this trip is calling your name. At just $300 for two anglers (with an extra $50 per additional person), it's a steal for a half-day of guided fishing. Remember, the $100 deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to your day on the water. Whether you're looking to catch your first fish or your hundredth, Captain Brian and Optimus Fishing Charters are ready to make it happen. Don't let this opportunity slip away - book your trip today and get ready for some tight lines in Tampa Bay!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are a Tampa Bay staple. They average 28-33 inches and 6-12 pounds, with a distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find them in shallow flats and around oyster bars, often tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong pulls and copper-colored beauty. They're also excellent eating. To land one, try sight-fishing with live bait or lures in 1-3 feet of water. My top tip: on sunny days, look for their shadows on the bottom or the flash of their tails as they feed. Once you spot them, make a quiet, accurate cast well ahead of the fish and slowly work your bait into their path.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are a unique-looking fish with distinctive black and white stripes, earning them the nickname "convict fish." They typically run 14-20 inches and 1-8 pounds. You'll find them around barnacle-covered structures like pilings, rocks, and reefs in Tampa Bay. Winter and early spring are prime times as they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting sheepshead for their tricky bites and excellent eating quality. Their human-like teeth crush crustaceans, so use small crabs or shrimp for bait. My local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. Fish as close to the structure as you can - sheepshead rarely stray far from cover. Be patient and set the hook quickly, as they're notorious bait stealers.

Snook

Snook are one of Tampa Bay's most prized catches, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. These ambush predators typically range from 24-34 inches and 5-15 pounds. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in the bay's shallow waters. Spring and fall are peak seasons as water temperatures change. Anglers love targeting snook for their challenging fight and excellent table fare. To land one, try live bait like pinfish or whitebait near structure. My top tip: fish the outgoing tide when snook stack up to ambush bait getting flushed out of the mangroves. Be ready for explosive strikes and have your drag set - these fish will make a run for the nearest piling to try and break you off.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish Mackerel are a fast-moving, streamlined fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds. You'll find them in Tampa Bay's coastal waters, often in large schools near the surface. They love to chase bait fish, so look for diving birds to spot feeding frenzies. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers enjoy targeting Spanish Mackerel for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also excellent eating fish with firm, flavorful meat. To catch them, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat at a good clip. My go-to trick is using a long fluorocarbon leader - their sharp teeth can slice through lighter line. When you hook one, get ready for some zippy runs and jumps before you bring it to the net.

Tripletail

Tripletail are odd-looking fish that get their name from their rounded fins that resemble three tails. They typically run 18-24 inches and 2-10 pounds in Tampa Bay. You'll find them floating near buoys, channel markers, or drifting debris, often mimicking floating seaweed. Summer is prime time when water temps warm up. Anglers enjoy targeting tripletail for their unique appearance, hard fights, and excellent table fare. To catch one, cruise slowly along markers and look for fish laying on their sides near the surface. My local trick: use a long rod to make stealthy presentations with live shrimp or small crabs. Tripletail have great eyesight, so a quiet approach is key. Once hooked, be ready for some surprisingly acrobatic jumps from these odd-shaped fish.

About the Optimus Prime 2

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Captain Brian's custom-built vessel is designed for comfort and productivity on Tampa Bay's inshore waters. The spacious deck provides ample room for two anglers to cast and reel without getting in each other's way. Sturdy rod holders keep your gear secure when not in use, while a live bait well keeps your bait lively and ready. The boat's shallow draft allows access to prime fishing spots in skinny water where bigger boats can't reach. A reliable outboard motor ensures you'll get to the fish quickly and safely. With a thoughtful layout, stable ride, and all the necessary amenities for a successful day on the water, this vessel is perfectly suited for both novice and experienced anglers looking to land some of Tampa Bay's most sought-after inshore species.

Sitemap