Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo 

4.9
(26 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 901 25th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL 34221, United States–

Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo 

Palmetto, FL, United States
–
30 ft
6
4.9
(26 reviews)

Down2Fish Charters and Captain Richard Surber invite you to join them on a perfect day of fishing around Tampa Bay. The captain has been fishing in the area for over 40 years and knows everything you'll need for a great day of catching fish. In case this boat is booked for the date you need, just check out his second listing.

You'll be fishing from a 30' Robalo center console. She accommodates up to 6 anglers, including kids. This boat is brand new, built in 2020, and features the latest navigational electronics, a private toilet, a wireless trolling motor, and a live bait tank. Since you can go offshore trolling on this boat, you'll also find both outriggers and downriggers.

As it's usual in Florida, the list of fish species you can catch seems endless. Closer to the shore, you can target Tarpon, Snook, Spotted Trout, and Mangrove Snapper. Go a few miles further and you'll encounter Kingfish, Amberjack, Cobia, Grouper, Red Snapper, and Skipjack Tuna. You can keep most of the catch and even count on a cleaning service by the first mate.

Your fishing equipment, licenses, and fresh water are covered. It's up to you to bring other drinks and food you'll need for the day. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen, it can get very hot.

Down2Fish Charter reminds you that you don't need to be a fishing enthusiast to catch fish. You only need to join an experienced guide and let him pass on some of his skills to you.

Down2Fish Charters and Captain Richard Surber invite you to join them on a perfect day of fishing around Tampa Bay. The captain has been fishing in the area for over 40 years and knows everything you'll need for a great day of catching fish. In case this boat is booked for the date you need, just check out his second listing.

You'll be fishing from a 30' Robalo center console. She accommodates up to 6 anglers, including kids. This boat is brand new, built in 2020, and features the latest navigational electronics, a private toilet, a wireless trolling motor, and a live bait tank. Since you can go offshore trolling on this boat, you'll also find both outriggers and downriggers.

As it's usual in Florida, the list of fish species you can catch seems endless. Closer to the shore, you can target Tarpon, Snook, Spotted Trout, and Mangrove Snapper. Go a few miles further and you'll encounter Kingfish, Amberjack, Cobia, Grouper, Red Snapper, and Skipjack Tuna. You can keep most of the catch and even count on a cleaning service by the first mate.

Your fishing equipment, licenses, and fresh water are covered. It's up to you to bring other drinks and food you'll need for the day. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen, it can get very hot.

Down2Fish Charter reminds you that you don't need to be a fishing enthusiast to catch fish. You only need to join an experienced guide and let him pass on some of his skills to you.

Richard Surber
Captain
Richard Surber
7 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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10 Hour Trip – American Red Snapper
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
US $1,196
Shared tour: 2 people
Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
9 hour trip starts at 5:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Jan 1 - Dec 30
US $1,898
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day – Offshore Up to 60 Miles
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
US $2,398
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Offshore – Up to 80 Miles
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
14 hour trip starts at 4:00 AM
US $2,994
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
26 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (109)

Reviews (26)

  • EUGENE REEDY
    EUGENE REEDY
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Had a great experience Richard was a great captain

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on June 10, 2026 • 2 adults

    You won’t be disappointed great captain and I would fish with him again

  • George Meadows
    George Meadows
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2020
    12 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    A Great Day in July

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on July 24, 2021 • 3 adults

    I've been slacking leaving this review since the trip was 2 days before our summer family vacation and August has gotten away from me. We had an absolute wonderful with Capt Richard and his first mate at the end of July! We wanted to get out and attempt catching a few red snappers before the season ended. This charter did not disappoint as we caught red snappers, groupers, a huge triggerfish, sharks and many more. The boat and crew were phenomenal. The captain did not tarry long when the bite slowed and moved several times throughout the day to keep the action steady. We have enjoyed our snappers and groupers since our return from our vacation. Needless to say, we will be back for more. Thank you to Capt Richard and crew

  • Jeff Hunter
    Jeff Hunter
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Richard

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on July 1, 2022 • 2 adults

    Captain Rich and his first mate Ray (R & R) were great. High-tech boat with sonar and auto-pilot to sit right on the spots to get fish. 30’ boat with about a 7 or 8’ beam. Comfortable ride and stable in the waves. Limited out on grouper quickly and some really nice snapper. Out near 60 miles and pulling up big boys from 150’ was a righteous workout. Great time. Would definitely go with these gentlemen again.

  • Joshua Conner
    Joshua Conner
    us
    Louisiana, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on June 29, 2021 • 5 adults • 2 children

    Had an awesome day with Capt Richard and Dylan. It was our first time offshore fishing and they made it a memorable trip. We didnt bring limits of fish home but we definitely caught plenty and still managed to bring home two nice grouper and a few snapper. Seas were not very good today but the boat handled it well. Capt Richard did his best to put us on the fish and had the conditions been better there's no doubt we woulda caught even more. If your questioning who to book a trip with look no further. Capt Richard is the way to go!!!

  • Cindy Pearce
    Cindy Pearce
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2019
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Father’s Day weekend

    Full Day Nearshore Trip on June 20, 2020 • 2 adults

    Awesome Saturday out on the water with Down2Fish Charters and Captain Richard. Traveled overall 38 miles out. Fishing over ship reefs for bait and then on to the sweet spots. He put us on grouper, tuna, trigger fish and more. Could not have asked for a better first time deep water fishing trip. The 30 foot Ropalo was just the right size for us. Once back to the dock he clean and bagged the fish we caught. Father’s Day Sunday was even better with fresh tuna sushi, and grilled and Toasted Sesame seed seared tuna. Eddie and I definitely will be back! Thanks - Richard for a memorable weekend-

  • Zach David
    Zach David
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Day on the Water!!

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on June 24, 2021 • 3 adults

    Cannot recommend Captain Richard and Down2Fish Charters enough! 5/5 stars!!!! Extremely knowledgeable, kind, and fun! His vessel is the nicest in the area and makes getting to all the spots a breeze! He put us on fish all day long, and we were able to limit out on Red Snapper and Red Grouper! Cannot wait to be back on the water with Down2Fish

  • Bob Danna
    Bob Danna
    us
    Idaho, US
    Member since 2020
    5.0
    Verified

    Full Day with Capt. Richard and Barry

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on January 12, 2021 • 2 adults

    We had a great time. Non stop action (grouper, amber jack, other fish which I don't remember the name and I caught an eel). We even enjoyed catching pinfish which were used for bait. Capt. Richard knows the spots and his 2020 Rabalo is a very nice modern boat with a BATHROOM!. Thanks for the great time, one for the memory books! Bob and Danette.

  • Kim Koester
    Kim Koester
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2021
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Full fishing day with Captain Richard

    Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on March 1, 2021 • 2 adults

    Can't really describe how great of a day we had with Captain Richard. He put us on the fish, in many locations. We made it 45 miles off the shore and we caught a variety of good eating fish. He is super knowledgeable about the area, bait, structures and is now our go to Captain for any charters in the Tampa Bay area going forward.

  • Will Todd
    Will Todd
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    10 Hour Trip with Down2Fish

    Full Day – Offshore Up to 60 Miles on March 16, 2021 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Captain Richard and First Mate Barry were awesome. This was the first charter trip for my 12 and 11 year old sons and they were both amazing with the boys. We all limited out on grouper and had an amazing day on the water. We will definitely be calling these guys again for our trips.

  • Eric Wall
    Eric Wall
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2016
    9 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    3/4 day fishing with Richard

    Full Day Nearshore Trip on June 27, 2020 • 3 adults

    I took my 2 boys ages 14 and 17 fishing with Richard and we had an awesome time. We had 2 Mates to help out, all were very knowledgeable and grew up fishing the area waters as kids. These guys truly enjoy fishing and made sure we didn’t come home empty handed. I will definitely use them the next time I am in the area. I would highly recommend them to all. Thanks Richard and crew for a fun day on the water.

Rating

4.9
26 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (109)

All reviews (26)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 26 reviews
EUGENE REEDY
EUGENE REEDY
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Had a great experience Richard was a great captain
Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on June 10, 2026 • 2 adults

You won’t be disappointed great captain and I would fish with him again

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Red Grouper
Vermilion Snapper
Richard Surber
Response from Captain

Hi Eugene, thanks for a great day on thr water. I appreciate the review and hope we can do it again!

Jason Easterling
Jason Easterling
Repeat angler
us
Florida, US
Member since 2020
2 trips
5.0
Verified
June fishing trip
Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on June 15, 2025 • 4 adults • 1 child

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
George Meadows
George Meadows
Repeat angler
us
Florida, US
Member since 2020
12 trips
5.0
Verified
A Great Day in July
Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on July 24, 2021 • 3 adults

I've been slacking leaving this review since the trip was 2 days before our summer family vacation and August has gotten away from me. We had an absolute wonderful with Capt Richard and his first mate at the end of July! We wanted to get out and attempt catching a few red snappers before the season ended. This charter did not disappoint as we caught red snappers, groupers, a huge triggerfish, sharks and many more. The boat and crew were phenomenal. The captain did not tarry long when the bite slowed and moved several times throughout the day to keep the action steady. We have enjoyed our snappers and groupers since our return from our vacation. Needless to say, we will be back for more. Thank you to Capt Richard and crew

Reported catch:
Red Snapper
Jeff Hunter
Jeff Hunter
us
Florida, US
Member since 2022
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Richard
Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on July 1, 2022 • 2 adults

Captain Rich and his first mate Ray (R & R) were great. High-tech boat with sonar and auto-pilot to sit right on the spots to get fish. 30’ boat with about a 7 or 8’ beam. Comfortable ride and stable in the waves. Limited out on grouper quickly and some really nice snapper. Out near 60 miles and pulling up big boys from 150’ was a righteous workout. Great time. Would definitely go with these gentlemen again.

Reported catch:
Amberjack
Red Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
+1
Richard Surber
Response from Captain

Thank you Jeff for a great trip! You and your son were a pleasure to fish with! Hope to see you on the water again very soon!

Joshua Conner
Joshua Conner
us
Louisiana, US
Member since 2021
5.0
Verified
Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles
Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles on June 29, 2021 • 3 adults • 2 children

Had an awesome day with Capt Richard and Dylan. It was our first time offshore fishing and they made it a memorable trip. We didnt bring limits of fish home but we definitely caught plenty and still managed to bring home two nice grouper and a few snapper. Seas were not very good today but the boat handled it well. Capt Richard did his best to put us on the fish and had the conditions been better there's no doubt we woulda caught even more. If your questioning who to book a trip with look no further. Capt Richard is the way to go!!!

Richard Surber
Response from Captain

Joshua, You and your family were a pleasure on and off the water. I really enjoyed the trip. I wish the weather would have been a little more cooperative. Hope to see and your crew again very soon! Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I really appreciated it. Sincerely, Captain Richard Surber

FAQs about Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo

Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $598 per person - 10 Hour Trip – American Red Snapper (10 hours)
  • US $1,898 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles (9 hours)
  • US $2,398 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - Full Day – Offshore Up to 60 Miles (10 hours)
  • US $2,994 per group, additional US $150 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Offshore – Up to 80 Miles (14 hours)
When you book a trip with Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet WC
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn and Shimano)
  • Live bait (Prepared in advance)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (No charge.)
  • Snacks (Water, Watorade --no charge. I encourage guests to bring what they like for food and drink.)
  • First mate (Works for tips only)
  • Fishing license (Federal reef and palegic lincese plus Florida Fishing licenses. Federal licenses are limited to only set number. )
Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo offers the following types of fishing:
  • Offshore fishing (Offshore trips are up to 80 miles.)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Jack (African Pompano)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Tuna (Blackfin)

Your captain

Richard Surber
Richard Surber
Palmetto, Florida, United States
1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
33 Customer reviews
Typical response within 8 hours
Member since January 2020
I grew up on the water in Tierra Verde, Florida. My family operated a bait and tackle shop from the time I was 8 to 18. I built and operated a 28' Shrimp boat. Every weekend involved some form of boating, scuba diving, or fishing. When I was 15, I built a 28′ Shrimp trawler on my own. I have been running boats ever since high school.
Richard Surber
Richard Surber
Fully verified
1
reports
33
reviews
2020
member since
~8h
response
I grew up on the water in Tierra Verde, Florida. My family operated a bait and tackle shop from the time I was 8 to 18. I built and operated a 28' Shrimp boat. Every weekend involved some form of boating, scuba diving, or fishing. When I was 15, I built a 28′ Shrimp trawler on my own. I have been running boats ever since high school.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
African Pompano Jack
African Pompano Jack
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
African Pompano Jack
African Pompano Jack

Real catches by this captain

  • Had a great experience Richard was a great captain
    EUGENE R.
    EUGENE R.
  • Fishing with Richard
    Jeff H.
    Jeff H.
  • Fishing with Richard
    Pete G.
    Pete G.
  • A Great Day in July
    George M.
    George M.
  • Great off-shore trip with Captain Richard
    Barb S.
    Barb S.
  • Amazing experience.
    Kolby W.
    Kolby W.
  • Full Day Offshore – Up to 30 Miles
    Joshua C.
    Joshua C.
  • Awesome Day on the Water!!
    Zach D.
    Zach D.
  • Full day offshore
    Brett P.
    Brett P.
  • Fishing with Richard
    Robert R.
    Robert R.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
30 ft
Year built
2020
Boat manufacturer
Robalo
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
50 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
WC
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Outriggers
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Penn and Shimano
Live bait
Prepared in advance
Catch cleaning & filleting
No charge.
Snacks
Water, Watorade --no charge. I encourage guests to bring what they like for food and drink.
First mate
Works for tips only
Fishing license
Federal reef and palegic lincese plus Florida Fishing licenses. Federal licenses are limited to only set number.

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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
At least 10 years old; life vests provided
You keep catch
Depending on current regulations
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 50% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 50% 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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Palmetto right now

AmberjackAmberjack
CobiaCobia
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo
Down2Fish Charters – 30' Robalo
Federally permitted
4.9
(26)
30 ft
Group size 4 - 6
4 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+9
10 hour trip • 6 persons
US $598