Downtown Tampa Charters

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Downtown Tampa Charters is one of the most conveniently-located boats you’ll find. Just a stone’s throw away Tampa, you’ll be exploring the skinny waters of the bays, around Downtown Tampa. Captain Max is a true local and has been fishing for 20 years in the downtown tampa area.

This spacious 24’ center console can take up to 6 guests, and is powered by a 250 HP Suzuki engine.
Outfitted with twin Power Poles and a Rhodan trolling motor, you’ll be able to swiftly approach the fish.

After 6 years of guiding, Capt. Max has it down to an art.
Popular fish include Snook, Redfish, Trout, Cobia, Sharks, Tarpon. With top of the line Florida Fishing Products reels and Eupro rods, as well as fresh-caught live bait, you have a great chance of catching, not fishing. Capt. Max or his first mate will happily clean the fish at the dock while you relax and reflect of the day of fishing.

All within sight of the city. If you’re in Tampa, you’re only minutes away from Downtown Tampa Charters.



Trip availability and prices

  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip โ€“ Morning Shorty
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $295
    Donโ€™t have much experience? Only have a few hours? Enjoy fishing but not for too long? This is the trip for you. Also great for kids, get on the fish within minutes of arrival in the heart of downtown Tampa. A unique way to experience the city and our world-class fishery.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip โ€“ Afternoon Shorty
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 1:30 PM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $295
    Want to fish for a couple hours? Enjoy fishing but not for long? Have a flight to catch? This is the trip for you. Also great for kids, get on the fish within minutes of arrival in the heart of downtown Tampa. A unique way to experience the city and our world-class fishery.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
    Alligator Gar
    Alligator Gar
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Shorty
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 3:30 PM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $295
    Donโ€™t have much experience? Only have a few hours? Enjoy fishing but not for too long? This is the trip for you. Also great for kids, get on the fish within minutes of arrival in the heart of downtown Tampa. A unique way to experience the city and our world-class fishery.
    Types of fishing
    River Fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Bluefish
    Bluefish
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunrise Special (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 2 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $650
    Redfish, snook, mackerel, sharks, black drum, sheepshead, cobia, and more species are available. Whatever you want to target is up to you. If the fish are legal size Capt. can filet your catch at the dock. This is one of the most convenient and unique charters in the Bay. In between fishing spots, see the sights while Capt. Max shares a brief history of the city and the water ways. Fish guaranteed
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Spearfishing
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
    Alligator Gar
    Alligator Gar
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Special (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Price for up to 4 persons
    US $650
    Redfish, snook, mackerel, sharks, black drum, sheepshead, cobia, and more species are available. Whatever you want to target is up to you. If the fish are legal size Capt. can filet your catch at the dock. This is one of the most convenient and unique charters in the Bay. In between fishing spots, see the sights while Capt. Max shares a brief history of the city and the water ways. In the summer it rains almost every afternoon so be prepared for weather related adjustments. Fish guaranteed
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Fly Fishing
    Jigging
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
There are 26 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 221 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (246)
Perfect!
Perfect!
Perfect!
+243
Angler rating
188
14
3
1
5
Anglers claimed
Good experience
93%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
91%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 221 reviews
Katelyn H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Special (PM) on January 17, 2025
My husband and I came to Tampa for a long weekend and decided to book a short fishing charter.ย  Captain Max and his First...
Katelyn H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Katelyn H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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You found this review helpful

Al W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Half Day Special(Day) on June 30, 2024
My son and I had a great time. I definitely recommend you try it. The Capt. And crew did an excellent job of helping 2 newbies...
Al W. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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4 persons find this review helpful
You and 4 people found this review helpful
Al W. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
4 persons find this review helpful
You and 4 people found this review helpful

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

Shorty Special

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Morning Shorty on March 24, 2024
For my uncle and I we had a morning open and wanted to get a little time on the water and maybe catch some fish. Captain...
Brian B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Brian B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Kelly M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Couldnโ€™t have been better!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Morning Shorty on November 11, 2024
Super convenient and easy. Max had everything we needed including tons of special knowledge about fishing in this beautiful...
Kelly M. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Kelly M. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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William V. D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Masterful captain

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Afternoon Shorty on October 20, 2024
Captain Max is the master of his domain. I took my three nephews on a short trip but wasnโ€™t expecting a grand slam- gator...
William V. D. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Max Rowe Captain replied

FAQs about Downtown Tampa Charters

Downtown Tampa Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $295 per group - 2 Hour Trip โ€“ Morning Shorty (2 hours)
  • US $295 per group - 2 Hour Trip โ€“ Afternoon Shorty (2 hours)
  • US $295 per group - 2 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Shorty (2 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunrise Special (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $650 per group - 4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Special (PM) (4 hours)

When you book a trip with Downtown Tampa Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Bucket, bay, or 5 mins away
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System Bluetooth speaker
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box Cooler

Trips booked with Downtown Tampa Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (You can request it, but most often I catch it before. Unless it is plentiful and I think the party might enjoy it. Seeing a cast net open is one of my favorite parts of fishing. It is included in the price. )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Yes it is included. Cleaning tables at the dock. )
  • Drinks (Water)
  • First Mate (when available)
  • Fishing License (Yes, I have a charter license for everyone. )

Downtown Tampa Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing (Brackish water not fresh. )
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Downtown Tampa Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Downtown Tampa Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Max Rowe
Tampa, Florida, United States
19 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
221 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since August 2018
Angler's Choice
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
I grew up on the water in Tampa Bay and fishing has been my passion since I was 12 years old. I love catching big fish - lots of big fish. Also the mystery of what big sea creature you'll find out there; sharks, dolphins, manatees, and even alligators are regularly spotted while fishing. The biodiversity and the crazy fish you catch and see keeps me coming back. After developing a love for fishing, and earning the nickname "Captain,"- through middle and highschool, I took a scholarship to USF to play college baseball. Then I pursued being a drummer in a rock band, now I'm a licensed captain and have been for 7 years. Fishing is my true passion and is now just about the only thing I do. It is my passion, career, hobby, and therapy. I get along with everyone and welcome all skill levels. I love the science behind catching fish and love to educate. I hope to pass on my passion to all of my customers.

The fish you can target

Black Drum Black Drum
Cobia Cobia
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle
Redfish Redfish

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2012
Boat manufacturer
Avenger
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
45 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Brackish water not fresh.
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques will you try?

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing

Whichย amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Bucket, bay, or 5 mins away
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Bluetooth speaker
Wireless Trolling Motor

Whatโ€™s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
You can request it, but most often I catch it before. Unless it is plentiful and I think the party might enjoy it. Seeing a cast net open is one of my favorite parts of fishing. It is included in the price.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Yes it is included. Cleaning tables at the dock.
Drinks
Water
First Mate
when available
Fishing License
Yes, I have a charter license for everyone.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Whatย the listing policiesย are

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Tampa to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
2 hour is good for anyone. For the 4 hour, it depends on your kid-you know them best. However under 8y/o will likely need hands on assistance in catching fish.
You Keep Catch
If legal
Catch and Release Allowed
Disabled Accessible

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% 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
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
PayPal
Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

Whatโ€™s biting in Tampa right now

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Recent fishing reports

Spring Has Sprung!
Spring Has Sprung!
February 8, 2025
Winter came with gusto, with one of the coldest seasons on record. And it has left. It feels like spring here in tampa. Sunny and 75. The birds are chirping, the dolphins are jumping, and the fish are biting. This is the weather everyone moves to Florida for. Every species of fish is around. Redfish, trout, sharks, snook, cobia, and more. The water temp is just right, like when you figure out how to adjust your shower to the perfect temperature. You like it. So do the fish! Get emโ€™ while theyre frisky!
Continue reading
Santaโ€™s Sleigh Is Here!
Santaโ€™s Sleigh Is Here!
January 18, 2025
Dont let the cool weather fool you. The water temp is perfect for this time of year. Snook and redfish are creeping around the shallows, trout are plentiful on the flats. Sheepshead are ready to harvest, and schools of black drum should be roaming the bay. If youโ€™re lucky youโ€™ll see a cobia,(big fish pictured), if youโ€™re really lucky youโ€™ll get one in the boat! Thereโ€™s plenty to be had out there in this beautiful weather. Get emโ€™ while theyโ€™re still hot!
Continue reading
Better than Snow
Better than Snow
January 18, 2025
Weโ€™re in the dead of winter but its still gorgeous in Florida! The water temperature is low which creates steady bites using shrimp for bait, with the occasional trophy fish. Bull sharks are lurking, manatees and dolphins are seen daily. Table fare includes pompano, sheepshead, and speckled trout. Cobia if youre lucky, but as Capt.Max says, โ€œluck is for losers.โ€ So let that snow pile up and ask your neighbor to shovel it for you and book a trip! Or however it works? Ive only seen snow twice!
Continue reading