Premier Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Tampa, FL
$400 - $1,100 price range

Summary

Get ready for a great day of fishing in Tampa Bay! We'll head out for 4 to 8 hours of nearshore action, targeting a mix of popular species like gag grouper, mangrove snapper, kingfish, and tripletail. Our experienced local guides know all the best spots, whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years. The waters around Tampa are rich with marine life, giving you plenty of chances to reel in some impressive catches. We keep our groups small, with just 4 guests per trip, so you'll get personalized attention and have room to cast. Our boat is well-equipped for a comfortable day on the water, and we'll provide all the gear you need. As we cruise the bay, you'll get to enjoy the Florida sunshine and maybe even spot some wildlife. It's a relaxed yet exciting way to experience the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast. By the end of the day, you'll have some great fish stories to share and hopefully a cooler full of your catch to take home.

Premier Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Reels and Keepers

Tarpon caught while bait casting with heavy tackle

A big tarpon caught in the action at Elbow Bend Road!

A wooden dock or pier over a body of water with residential buildings in the background and a collection of large fish displayed on the dock.

Waterfront fishing haul.

A person holding a freshly caught fish while enjoying a coastal setting.

Reeling in a new catch on the coast.

A person fishing in a scenic outdoor setting, holding a sizable fish.

Reeling in a beauty on this gorgeous day!

Tampa Bay's Top-Rated Charter Fishing Adventure

Ready to reel in some of Tampa Bay's most prized catches? Our 4 to 8-hour nearshore fishing charters are the real deal. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got you covered. We're talking about hooking into gag grouper, mangrove snapper, kingfish, and more – all while cruising the rich waters of Tampa Bay. Our expert guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a fishing trip that'll have you coming back for more.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're out on Tampa Bay, the sun's warming your face, and your line's singing as a big one takes the bait. That's what you're in for with Florida Raised Fishing Adventures. We keep our trips small – just 4 guests max – so you get plenty of one-on-one time with our seasoned captains. No need to pack a lunch; we're all about maximizing your time on the water. From the moment you step on board, you're in for a day of non-stop action, whether you're battling a bruiser grouper or finessing a snapper from its hidey-hole.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

We don't just cast lines and hope for the best – we're all about smart fishing. Depending on what's biting, we might have you bottom fishing for grouper, using live bait for snapper, or trolling for kingfish. Our gear is top-notch, and we'll show you how to use it like a pro. Want to try your hand at sight fishing for tripletail? We've got you. Curious about the best way to entice a goliath grouper? We'll spill our secrets. It's all part of the experience, and by the end of the day, you'll be swapping fish tales like a local.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"If you wanna catch them game fish an have an awesome time doing it, I highly recommend Capt Steven!!️" - Brandy

"Had a great time. Great Captain!" - Dan

"This was the best day EVER. We had a blast and can't wait to go again AND AGAIN. Captain Steve was so cool and made this trip what it was. My sons can't stop talking about him!! We caught lots of fish and really had a great family day." - Barbara

Species You'll Want to Hook

Tripletail: These oddball fish are a Tampa Bay favorite. They love to hang out near floating objects, making them a blast to sight fish. Tripletail put up a scrappy fight and are delicious on the plate. Spring through fall is prime time to target these guys, and trust me, when you see one lazily floating on its side, you'll be hooked before you even cast.

Gag Grouper: The bruisers of the bay, gag grouper are what dreams are made of for bottom fishing enthusiasts. These hard-fighting fish can grow over 50 pounds and are most active in cooler months. When you hook into a big gag, hold on tight – they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs and test your arms and your gear.

Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these guys are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fishing. They're crafty, quick to bite, and a joy to catch on light tackle. You'll find them year-round, but summer is when they really shine. Don't let their size fool you; grey snapper can put up a fight that'll surprise you and make for some great eating.

Goliath Grouper: The gentle giants of Tampa Bay, goliath grouper are a protected species that offer an unparalleled catch-and-release experience. These massive fish can grow over 800 pounds and are known for their booming bark when brought to the surface. Hooking into a goliath is like trying to stop a freight train – it's an experience you'll never forget.

King Mackerel: When the kings are running, it's non-stop action. These speedsters can top 40 mph and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Spring and fall are the best times to target kingfish, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of watching one skyrocket on a bait. Get ready for some serious fights and maybe even a fish bigger than you are!

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, Tampa Bay is teeming with fish, and we're itching to get you out there. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of the catch, our charters deliver. With our expert guides, top-notch gear, and insider knowledge, you're set for a fishing adventure that'll have you bragging to your buddies for years to come. Don't just dream about that monster catch – make it happen. Give us a call, and let's get you on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. Book now, and let's make some waves!

Customer Reviews

FISH WITH THE BEST

If you wanna catch them game fish an have an awesome time doing it, I highly recommend Capt Steven!!️

Brandy Fowler

October 5, 2023

CAPTAINS DELIGHT

Had a great time. Great Captain!

Dan Lungmus

June 13, 2025

UNFORGETTABLE CATCH

This was the best day EVER. We had a blast and can’t wait to go again AND AGAIN. Captain Steve was so cool and made this trip what it was. My sons can’t stop talking about him!! We caught lots of fish and really had a great family day.

Barbara Auteri

April 5, 2025

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are a staple around here, hanging out near rocky bottoms and reefs. They usually run 20-30 inches, but can get up to 50 pounds offshore. These fish love structure, so target areas with ledges, drop-offs, and artificial reefs. They're most active in cooler months, October through December being prime time. Gags put up a heck of a fight - they'll try to dive back into their holes, so keep that rod tip up and reel fast. The meat is excellent too, flaky and mild. One tip: Use a stout rod and reel combo. When a big gag hits, you'll need all the stopping power you can get. These fish will make you work for your dinner, but it's worth it.

Goliath Grouper

Goliath grouper are the giants of our waters. These monsters can grow to 8 feet and 800 pounds! You'll find them in shallow tropical waters, often around artificial reefs and shipwrecks. They're loners and don't move much, so if you find one, it'll likely stay put. Goliaths are protected, so it's catch-and-release only. But man, what a thrill to hook one! They put up an intense, though usually short, fight. Use heavy tackle - we're talking 50-80 wide reels and 600-pound test line. Bait with whole fish like ladyfish or jacks. Here's a pro tip: Anchor far enough from the structure to pull them away before they can break you off. And be ready for that first run - it can yank you right off the boat if you're not careful!

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call 'em, are sneaky little devils. They typically run 10-14 inches inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds in open water. You'll find them around structure - mangroves, docks, reefs - anywhere they can ambush prey. They're most active at night, especially around full moons. These fish put up a good fight for their size and make excellent table fare. Late summer and fall are prime times to target them. Here's a local trick: Use a small hook with live shrimp, but hook it through the tail so it swims naturally. Let it sink to the bottom, then slowly reel up. Mangroves are wary, so be patient and keep your movements minimal. When you feel that tap, set the hook hard - they've got tough mouths!

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or kingfish, are the speedsters of our waters. They typically run 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them in open water, often following bait schools. Kings are migratory, showing up in spring and fall as water temps change. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - real crowd-pleasers. Trolling is the go-to method, using large spoons or live bait. Summer's the peak season, but you can catch them year-round. Here's a local trick: Use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings often strike the back of the bait, so that trailing hook increases your hookup ratio. Watch those teeth when handling them - they're like razors! Kings make decent eating, but bleed them out quickly for the best flavor.

Tripletail

Tripletail are an odd-looking fish that'll keep you guessing. They average 18 inches but can reach 3 feet and 40 pounds. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris or structure, using their mottled coloration to blend in. They're ambush predators, so sight-casting is your best bet. Look for weed lines or floating objects, then cast past them and slowly retrieve. Tripletail put up a scrappy fight and taste great too. Peak season is summer, especially July and August. Pro tip: Use a light leader since they have good eyesight. And watch those razor-sharp gill plates when handling them! Overall, tripletail are a fun, unique target that'll test your skills and make a tasty dinner.

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