Tampa Bay's Premier 6-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Tampa, FL
$650 - $850 price range

Summary

Get ready for six hours of top-notch fishing in Tampa Bay. You'll be targeting snook, redfish, tarpon, and other local species with an experienced captain who knows these waters inside and out. This longer trip gives you more time to hit different spots and really dial in your technique. Whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years, you'll have a blast trying various methods and chasing multiple fish. The extended time on the water boosts your chances of landing that trophy catch you've been dreaming about. Plus, you'll get to soak in the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. No need to worry about gear or licenses – it's all included. Just bring your sense of adventure and be prepared for a full day of casting, reeling, and hopefully some epic catches. With room for up to four guests, it's perfect for a day out with friends or family. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious Tampa Bay fishing action.

Tampa Bay's Premier 6-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Big Catches of the Day

Tampa Bay snook on the line!

Redfish action near the mangroves

Redfish season in full swing!

Morning bites on Tampa Bay

Six-Hour Tampa Bay Fishing Extravaganza

Ready for a serious day on the water? Our six-hour private fishing trip in Tampa Bay is the real deal. We're talking prime fishing spots, trophy-sized catches, and enough time to really get into the groove. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We've got all the gear and know-how - you just bring the stoke!

What's In Store

Picture this: You're out on Tampa Bay as the sun climbs, rod in hand, with a full six hours ahead of you. That's plenty of time to hit multiple hotspots and try different techniques. We're after the big three - snook, redfish, and tarpon - plus whatever else is biting. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some serious action. And hey, even when the fish aren't jumping, the scenery around here is worth the trip alone.

How We Fish

On this trip, we're not messing around. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working. Might be sight-casting to tailing reds in the flats, or working the mangroves for snook. If the tarpon are rolling, we'll break out the heavy gear and hang on tight. Your captain will read the water, checking tides and conditions to put you on the fish. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll show you the ropes, from setting the hook to working a topwater lure.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Charlie is great, caught fish both times I went out with him." - Marlene B

"I highly recommended Captain Charlie for any fishing you may want to do in the Tampa area. Beyond the fact that he knows and reads the waters like the lifelong fisherman that he is, he clearly loves what he's doing - and and wants to share it with you - not just the fishing but the birds and wildlife! All this makes him exactly the kind of really good guy that you want to fish with - and if you've fished you know just how important that is. Take a trip with him and you'll have a great time." - Paul

Top Catches to Chase

Snook: These bruisers are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fishing. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be working docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings. Snook put up a heck of a fight and can grow over 40 inches long. They're most active in the warmer months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. The "snook slam" - catching one under 24 inches, one 24-34 inches, and one over 34 inches - is the holy grail for many anglers.

Tarpon: The "silver king" is the ultimate gamefish in these parts. Tarpon can grow over 200 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They start showing up in spring and stick around through summer. Watching a school of tarpon roll on the surface is a sight you won't forget. Landing one of these giants is a real feat - it's all about finesse and endurance.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a blast to catch. They hang out in the flats and around oyster bars, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they feed. Reds put up a strong fight and are excellent eating if you decide to keep one. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch them all year long.

Time to Get Hooked

Look, six hours on Tampa Bay is no joke - it's a full-on fishing adventure. You're getting the best of what these waters have to offer, with plenty of time to really dig into the action. Whether you're after that trophy catch or just want to bend some rods and have a good time, this trip delivers. Don't let another season go by without getting out there. The fish are waiting, and the tides are right - let's make it happen!

Customer Reviews

Fish With Charlie

Captain Charlie is great, caught fish both times I went out with him.

Marlene B Eng

July 24, 2019

Charlies Tampa Tales

I highly recommended Captain Charlie for any fishing you may want to do in the Tampa area. Beyond the fact that he knows and reads the waters like the lifelong fisherman that he is, he clearly loves what he's doing - and and wants to share it with you - not just the fishing but the birds and wildlife! All this makes him exactly the kind of really good guy that you want to fish with - and if you've fished you know just how important that is. Take a trip with him and you'll have a great time.

Paul Bracke

April 2, 2019

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a Tampa Bay staple, known for their coppery color and black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy "bull reds" can top 40 inches and 50 pounds. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water as they root for crabs. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves, especially on a rising tide. Redfish put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, but it's hard to beat a gold spoon or scented soft plastic. Fall is prime time as reds school up, but you can catch them year-round. Here's a trick: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their coppery bodies or v-shaped wakes. A well-placed cast can lead to an explosive strike.

Snook

Snook are one of Tampa Bay's most prized catches. These sleek, golden-yellow fish with a distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-2 feet long, though monsters over 4 feet aren't unheard of. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structure in shallow coastal waters. Snook love ambushing prey, so they're suckers for lures that mimic baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between inshore and offshore habitats. Anglers prize snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll leap clear out of the water trying to throw the hook. Their meat is also top-notch eating. Here's a local tip: when you see snook hanging under docks, try skipping a soft plastic under there. Let it sink, then give it a twitch. That often triggers a reaction strike from these wary predators.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Tampa Bay. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach a massive 8 feet long and 280 pounds, though 4-5 footers are more common. You'll find them rolling and gulping air in coastal waters, channels, and even up into rivers. Tarpon fishing really heats up from late spring through summer when they migrate through. Anglers come from all over to battle these giants - hooking one is just the start of an epic fight filled with spectacular aerial leaps. Live bait like pinfish or crabs work well, but nothing beats the thrill of a tarpon crushing a topwater lure. They're catch-and-release only, which helps preserve the fishery. Pro tip: when you hook up, bow to the king. Lowering your rod when a tarpon jumps helps keep tension off the line so they don't throw the hook.

About the Maverick 22' Pathfinder 2200

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 55

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for some serious fishing action in Tampa Bay? This 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to chase after the big ones. We're talking snook, redfish, tarpon, and more, all swimming in these rich coastal waters. Your expert captain knows all the local hotspots and will help you reel in some impressive catches, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. With a full six hours on the water, you'll get to explore multiple fishing grounds and really dial in your technique. There's no rush, so you can take your time perfecting your cast or waiting for that trophy fish to bite. Plus, you'll get to soak in the beautiful Tampa Bay scenery while you're at it. Everything you need is provided - rods, reels, bait, and even your fishing license. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack or two. This extended trip gives you the best shot at landing some serious fish and making memories that'll last long after you're back on dry land. So grab a few friends and get ready for a full day of Florida fishing at its finest!

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