If you’re ready to spend an exciting day on the water, join Down2Fish Charters! Meet Captain Richard Surber, who’s been fishing around Tampa Bay for over 40 years. He’s been in the fishing business ever since he was a kid and knows everything you need for a successful day on the water: which bait to use, where to find fish, and how to catch it!

Join Capt. Richard on his 35’ Robalo boat. This center console accommodates up to four guests and kids are welcome too. The boat can reach a maximum speed of 40 knots, since it’s powered by a strong 250 HP Yamaha engine. There’s a live bait tank and a cooler for your catch. The boat has a T-top that adds shade but it’s always a good idea to bring a hat and a pair of sunglasses.

Your guide specializes in nearshore fishing around Tampa Bay, which offers a variety of fish species to catch. You can go after Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Tripletail, and Sheepshead if you want to stay closer to the shore. In slightly deeper water, you’ll find different types of Grouper, Snook, Kingfish, and Jack Crevalle.

A nice bonus to each trip is that you get to keep the catch and the captain will clean it for you. He’ll prepare your Penn and Shimano rods and reels, live bait, and fresh water. If you’re bringing your kids, they need to be at least 6 years old for an inshore trip and 10 years old for a nearshore trip.

Whether you’re looking to fish, snorkel, see the sights, or just get away, Down2Fish Charters can help you make the most out of your trip! Choose your trip!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Half Day Nearshore (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Dec 30
    US $499
    Turn one slow afternoon into a fun-filled adventure! Target Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Tripletail, Sheepshead, and many more. This is a favorite trip for beginners and families with kids, as it's a great way to learn your first fishing tricks. The equipment is fully covered, so you only need some snacks and sun protection.
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip – Nearshore (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Dec 30
    US $499
    Start your adventure first thing in the morning and get back to the marina by noon, with fresh fish meat in your bag, ready for lunch! This is a family-friendly trip, just make sure to advise the captain of your kids' age. Fishing equipment and licenses are covered by the captain. Taxes and credit card fees are added. The crew works for tips, 20% is typical.
  • Private trip
    Full Day Nearshore Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 1 - Dec 31
    US $798
    Spend the whole day fishing for various delicious species: Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Snook, Grouper, Sheepshead, and more. With this much time available, you'll be able to switch between different techniques and change spots if the fish aren't biting. Your fishing equipment is fully covered.

FAQs about Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo

Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $399 per group, additional US $100 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Nearshore (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $399 per group, additional US $100 per person after 1 guest - Half Day Trip – Nearshore (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $698 per group, additional US $100 per person after 1 guest - Full Day Nearshore Trip (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Shimano and Penn)
  • Live Bait (Prepared in advance)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water, sodas)
  • First Mate (On some trips; tips are appreciated)
  • Fishing License

Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Flats Fishing

Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Spinning
  • Jigging

Top targeted fish species with Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo include:
  • Flounder
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spotted Seatrout

Meet the Captain

Richard Surber
Palmetto, Florida, United States
1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
31 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Flounder Flounder
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish Redfish

Boat specs

Robalo (Center console) originally built in 2017. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots.

Length
25 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Spinning
Jigging

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Shimano and Penn
Live Bait
Prepared in advance
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water, sodas
First Mate
On some trips; tips are appreciated
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 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
At least 6 for inshore and 10 for nearshore trips
No Smoking
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% 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 3.5% charge will apply.

Palmetto Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!
Please Wait...

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 7 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (11)
May fishing trip
May fishing trip
July fishing trip
+8
Angler rating
6
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
86%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
83%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 7 reviews
ELAINE G.
Barnhill, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

May fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Nearshore (PM) on May 23, 2023
ELAINE G. recommends Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Richard Surber Captain replied

Erika F.
Sarasota, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Nearshore (AM) on May 27, 2020
We went on a fishing trip with captain Richard today and had a good time.water tide was up but we still got plenty of fish...
Erika F. recommends Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Richard Surber Captain replied

Royal R.
Lehigh Acres, Florida
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Captain Suber

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Nearshore (AM) on January 17, 2021
captain Suber was very accommodating and pleasant to fish with. Well equiped and very knowledgeable. We had an excellent...
Royal R. recommends Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Royal R. recommends Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Kevin M.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Nearshore (AM) on June 1, 2020
Captain Richard put us on fish within 10 minutes. If you’re looking to charter a fishing trip, this is the man you want....
Kevin M. recommends Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
  Richard Surber Captain replied

Chris R.
Tampa, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

May fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip – Nearshore (AM) on May 17, 2020
Had a grate time. Got a bunch of different fish. Snook,  Flounder, jack, sea bass and snapper.
Chris R. recommends Down2Fish Charters – 25' Robalo
Mark review as helpful
1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Richard Surber Captain replied