Downtown Tampa Charters is one of the most conveniently-located boats you’ll find. Just a stone’s throw away from the center of Tampa, you’ll be exploring the skinny waters of the bays, bayous, and rivers around Downtown Tampa. Captain Max Rowe is a true local and has been sport fishing for 20 years in the downtown tampa area. After 5 years of guiding, Capt. Max has it down to an art.

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. Live bait is most often used.
Catch some fish, see the city, and make memories!

Popular fish that Capt. Max helps you target include Cobia, Redfish, Blacktip Shark, Snook, and the “Silver King” – Tarpon. With top of the range Penn and Florida Fishing Products gear to work with, 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.

With shorter and extended trips, Downtown Tampa Charters has something for everyone! Bring your own beer and fish with your pals, or come with the kids and learn the art of fishing. All within sight of the city. If you’re in Tampa, you’re only minutes away from Downtown Tampa Charters.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Afternoon Shorty
    Just booked! Last booked: 5 hours ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 1:30 PM
    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.
    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
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Morning Shorty
    Just booked! Last booked: 6 minutes ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $295
    Only have a few hours? Enjoy fishing but not for too long? New to fishing? 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.
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
    Shark (Bull)
    Bull Shark
  • Private trip
    2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty
    In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 PM
    US $295
    Don’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
    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 – Half Day (Day)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 1:30 PM
    US $499
    Enjoy the Florida sun and let it shine on the water, revealing all of the sea creatures and sights. Redfish, snook, mackerel, snapper, sharks, black drum, sheepshead, cobia, and more species are available. Whatever you want to target is up to you. Fish to eat or catch and release. Whatever floats the boat! Capt. Max loves a good deal for a quality product. Fish guaranteed
    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
    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
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Half Day Special (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $499
    Redfish, snook, mackerel, sharks, black drum, sheepshead, cobia, and more species are available. Whatever you want to target is up to you. Fish to eat or catch and release. Whatever floats the boat! 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 is guaranteed (Catfish not included).
    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
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip – Half Day Special (PM)
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
    US $499
    Experience the ever-promising sunset fishing bite, when fish tend to feed on a regular basis. As well as breathtaking sunset views, and cooler weather. Redfish, snook, mackerel, snapper, sharks, black drum, sheepshead, cobia, and more species are available. Whatever you want to target is up to you. Fish to eat or catch and release. Whatever floats the boat! Capt. Max loves a good deal for a quality product, and that is what I try to offer.
    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
    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
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FAQs about Downtown Tampa Charters

Downtown Tampa Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $295 per group, additional US $30 per person after 3 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Afternoon Shorty (2 hours)
  • US $295 per group, additional US $30 per person after 3 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Morning Shorty (2 hours)
  • US $295 per group, additional US $30 per person after 3 guests - 2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty (2 hours)
  • US $499 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Half Day (Day) (4 hours)
  • US $499 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Half Day Special (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $499 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip – Half Day 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 Push pole* all natural baby
  • Ice Box Cooler

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

Downtown Tampa Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

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

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

Meet the Captain

Max Rowe
Tampa, Florida, United States
14 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
180 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since August 2018
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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Black Drum Black Drum
Catfish Catfish
Cobia Cobia
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle

Boat specs

Hanson (Center console) originally built in 2011. Powered by a 150HP Suzuki engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots.

Length
23 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
Bucket, bay, or 5 mins away
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Bluetooth speaker
Wireless Trolling Motor
Push pole* all natural baby

Trip includes

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

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Tampa to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
If legal
Catch and Release Allowed
Disabled Accessible

Payment

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.

Tampa Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 180 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (193)
Shorty Special
Shorty Special
Shorty Special
+190
Angler rating
151
13
2
0
4
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
91%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
89%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 180 reviews
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   NEW  2 Hour Trip – 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
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Brian B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Craig V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Highly recommend!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip – Half Day Special (AM) on March 8, 2024
I have fished with lots of folks in Tampa, and Captain Max is by far the best! He has great energy and is 100% committed to...
Craig V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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  Max Rowe Captain replied

Ryan V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great 2 Hour Trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip – Morning Shorty on October 20, 2023
Family vacation to Florida ended with the highlight of the trip on our way from Clearwater to Tampa Airport. Captain Max and...
Ryan V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Ryan V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Michelle V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best trip ever!!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty on November 21, 2023
Captain Max and his first mate Connor made this the best trip ever!  We caught a few fish and then we changed spots (all the...
Michelle V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Michelle V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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You found this review helpful

Joseph R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip – Afternoon Shorty on December 1, 2023
Went out on a quick afternoon fishing trip with Captain Max and it was a blast.  He knew the area well and really knew how...
Joseph R. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Joseph R. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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You found this review helpful