Optimus Fishing Charter invites you to spend a fun and productive day on the bountiful waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. Fishing here is excellent throughout the year as a multitude of species comes into season each and every month. With this much diversity in the inshore and nearshore waters, it is no wonder Tampa Bay is a famous fishing hot zone.

Captain Brian Lemelin first started fishing in Tampa back in 2003 and he was hooked from the very first moment. He worked as a first mate for many respected captains in this area, acquiring knowledge and experience, before getting a captain’s license himself. He is now a proud owner and operator of his own charter boat company.

Stepping aboard his 24’ Kencraft vessel built in 2021 with a capacity for 6 guests, you will be whisked to the fishing grounds comfortably. Powered by a 200 HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 42 knots, the boat is fast and steady on the water. It features a GPS and a fishfinder that aid your search for the fish; it has a forward and an aft livewell, an icebox for the catch, and a wireless trolling motor.

Fishing for Redfish, Snook, Cobia, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and Sharks is Capt. Brian’s specialty. He can also take you fishing for the super delicious Sheepshead, Tripletail, and other local species available in season. Using a variety of live bait such as Shrimp and white fish, you will utilize a number of fishing techniques in order to bring the fish on board.

Capt. Brian provides rods, reels, tackle, bait, a fishing license for everyone on the boat, as well as cleaning and filleting after the trip. What is even better than taking your catch home, is having Brian fillet it for you and the Hooks restaurant in Little Harbor cooking it for you! Cooking comes at an extra fee, so make sure you enquire about this service on the trip.

Join Optimus Fishing Charters and enjoy the prolific waters of Tampa Bay and have an unforgettable time



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $500
    Southshore Tampa Bay fishing for Cobia, Redfish, Snook, Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, and more.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $450
    This is an afternoon Southshore Tampa Bay fishing trip for Snook, Trout, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Sharks, and more.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Bowfishing
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $600
    On this 6-hour long trip, you will fish the Southshore Tampa Bay for a wide variety of species such as Snook, Cobia, Trout, Redfish, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, and more.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Trip
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $700
    This full day trip will take you fishing the inshore and coastal waters of Tampa Bay. You can go out to 10 miles off the coast in search of Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Sheepshead, Tripletail, Redfish, Trout, Sharks, Bluefish, and lots more.
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FAQs about Optimus Fishing Charters

Optimus Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $450 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $450 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $550 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - Full Day Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Optimus Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well Two - forward and aft
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Optimus Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • First Mate (As necessary)
  • Fishing License

Optimus Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Optimus Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
  • Bowfishing
  • Flounder Gigging

Top targeted fish species with Optimus Fishing Charters include:
  • Bluefish
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tripletail

Meet the Captain

Brian Lemelin
Ruskin, Florida, United States
8 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
58 Customer reviews
Response time 3 hours
Member since June 2017
Grew up in the great Adirondack Mountains. Fishing and hunting were a way of life. 20 year member of the US Air Force. Travelled the world and fished and hunted in numerous different countries. Began fishing Tampa Bay and Gulf water in 2003. First mated for numerous outstanding Captains for over 10 years, learning the trade and waters. Love the Captain's life, teaching and providing the opportunities for others to take part in the great outdoors. FWC approved Captain and Hunting Guide.

About this listing

Targeted species

Bluefish Bluefish
Cobia Cobia
Flounder Flounder
Redfish Redfish

Boat specs

Kencraft (Center console) originally built in 2021. Powered by a 200HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 48 knots.

Length
24 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Bowfishing
Flounder Gigging

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Two - forward and aft
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
First Mate
As necessary
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
Any age
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
PayPal

Ruskin Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 58 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (211)
Great trip
Awesome
July fishing trip
+208
Angler rating
56
0
1
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
90%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 58 reviews
Tina H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Mangrove Snapper

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on February 1, 2024
We had a great day of fishing with Brian on Feb 1.  Brian was a great communicator and knowledgeable of the entire Tampa Bay...
Tina H. recommends Optimus Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Brian Lemelin Captain replied

Wendell B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on February 25, 2024
From start to finish Captain Brian gave us a great experience.  He was knowledgeable, kind, and engaging for the entire trip. ...
Wendell B. recommends Optimus Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Brian Lemelin Captain replied

Darlene H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Experience

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on March 11, 2024
Our captain, Brian was fabulous. He was very experienced and explained everything so we all caught fish. He delayed our departure...
Darlene H. recommends Optimus Fishing Charters
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Darlene H. recommends Optimus Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful

William B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on March 6, 2024
Brian did a fantastic job. Took time to instruct 3 boys on the art of fishing. Knew exactly where to find the fish.  Highly...
William B. recommends Optimus Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Brian Lemelin Captain replied

Tim And Sherri Manios
Apollo Beach, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

July fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on July 1, 2023
Tim And Sherri Manios recommends Optimus Fishing Charters
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Tim And Sherri Manios recommends Optimus Fishing Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful