Charlton’s Reef Charters 

4.8
(172 reviews)
 West Gandy Boulevard 5108, Tampa, FL 33611, United States–

Charlton’s Reef Charters 

Tampa, FL, United States
–
22 ft
4
4.8
(172 reviews)

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Get ready for a fishing adventure of a lifetime.  Customize your fishing adventure to fight hard pulling grouper and Cobia in the deep waters of the bay or sight fish for screaming Snook and redfish on the flats. Enjoy breathtaking views and see dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.
Capt. Tom will arm you with rods, reels, and tackle. You will be using frozen and live bait to make that catch of the day possible. When you return to shore, your catch will be cleaned and ready to go straight into the frying pan. Just bring along some appropriate clothes and your own snacks.

If you like boats, you'll also love the 2014 Pioneer 22' bay boat. She can run in 12 inches on the flats or deep water, perfect for three to four fishing. No fancy decals, just a fish-catching machine – anywhere on Tampa Bay.

Please note that kids must be at least 8 years old. Clients should wear appropriate footwear (non-marking tennis shoes, hiking sandals). Flip flops, beach sandals, and bare feet are not safe as clients may slip and fall. Weather you a beginner or an expert, Captain Tom will help you reel in the big dogs.      Remember, if you don't catch a fish the trip is always half price!

Get ready for a fishing adventure of a lifetime.  Customize your fishing adventure to fight hard pulling grouper and Cobia in the deep waters of the bay or sight fish for screaming Snook and redfish on the flats. Enjoy breathtaking views and see dolphins, manatees and sea turtles.
Capt. Tom will arm you with rods, reels, and tackle. You will be using frozen and live bait to make that catch of the day possible. When you return to shore, your catch will be cleaned and ready to go straight into the frying pan. Just bring along some appropriate clothes and your own snacks.

If you like boats, you'll also love the 2014 Pioneer 22' bay boat. She can run in 12 inches on the flats or deep water, perfect for three to four fishing. No fancy decals, just a fish-catching machine – anywhere on Tampa Bay.

Please note that kids must be at least 8 years old. Clients should wear appropriate footwear (non-marking tennis shoes, hiking sandals). Flip flops, beach sandals, and bare feet are not safe as clients may slip and fall. Weather you a beginner or an expert, Captain Tom will help you reel in the big dogs.      Remember, if you don't catch a fish the trip is always half price!

Tom Charlton
Captain
Tom Charlton
41 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Quarter day
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
+6
US $500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.8
172 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (123)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
97%
Good boat
94%
Recommended
83%
Caught fish

Reviews (172)

  • Michael Flow
    Michael Flow
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    very great trip

    Quarter day on June 27, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children

    The captain was incredibly knowledgeable and provided us with the exact instructions on how to catch the fish. We ended up with a diverse catch, including a stingray, which was an incredible experience. He was also very patient and attentive to the children, making the trip enjoyable for everyone. I would definitely book with him again.

  • Joshua Linnell
    Joshua Linnell
    us
    Kansas, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    Quarter day on July 3, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    The Captain was great with the kids. He really seems to know the area well and has been doing this for quite a while. I would highly recommend for families.

  • Giuseppe Canzoneri
    Giuseppe Canzoneri
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    would go again

    Quarter day on May 23, 2026 • 1 adult

    graat capitan took his time to make sure i cuaght fish

  • Ashley Cotton
    Ashley Cotton
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip!!!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on May 16, 2024 • 3 adults

    We had such a great time! We caught grouper and grunts. Captain was great at explaining things to us. We definitely book with him again. Great day on the water!

  • Mike Parkinson
    Mike Parkinson
    us
    Virginia, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 5, 2024 • 2 adults

    Tom put us on some fish, he was helpful and knew where to fish, had a great time and caught lots of fish!

  • Daniel Adamczyk
    Daniel Adamczyk
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Half Day AM

    Half Day Trip (AM) on September 17, 2023 • 4 adults

    Had a great time on this trip. Captain knew exactly where the fish were and put us on them. Bite started slow but picked up after a bit. Ended up hooking up to quite a few reds, trout and even a tarpon. Would definitely recommend and look forward to doing it again sometime.

  • Tony Fantasia
    Tony Fantasia
    us
    Maine, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    1/2 day

    Half Day Trip (AM) on June 2, 2023 • 3 adults

    Great day, caught lot of fish, only one edible but caught large Jack's, many sharks, sting rays, mackerel. All was great pleasant, quiet, peaceful, and Captain Tom very knowledgeable, and very friendly. Next time will be with Captain Tom. Thanks again Captain. Tony Fantasia.

  • Gene Likins
    Gene Likins
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2022
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome inshore fishing with Capt Tom!

    1/2PM CLOSED due to extreme heat. on April 4, 2022 • 3 adults

    First, Capt Tom is just a genuinely nice person which not to be granted these days. He was very responsive with the texts letting us know where to meet, when he would be there. He even took the time to get the bait fish prior to meeting us. We only had to hit two spots and then we were just sitting there catching fish after fish! I would definitely recommend Capt Tom! He made our trip! Thank you Tom!

  • Craig Nishiyama
    Craig Nishiyama
    Repeat angler
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2018
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Targeting Redfish/Specs on Captain Tom’s Mako 20

    Half Day Trip (AM) on March 3, 2020 • 2 adults

    My wife and I recently flew down to Tampa for a day of fishing and taking in a game at George M Steinbrenner Stadium. Both we’re great experiences as the Yankees beat the Phillies and we got to fish with a superb Captain on one of my favorite water crafts. While we experienced a lockjaw producing cold front that saw the water temps from ten degrees into the low sixties coupled with a south wind at 20 knots, Captain Tom scoured the Bay in search of are targeted fish. He put us on redfish but a few short hits was all that we could produce. Tom took us on a couple extra runs beyond our normal fare in hopes of finding some action. As a owner of a Boston Whaler Montauk taking friends on both productive and lean missions, I am keenly aware that sometimes no matter what the location and technique, it just doesn’t happen. I was so impressed with Toms knowledge and desire to catch fish, we look forward to going out with him again. I encourage anyone who wants to hire a true professional, book a trip with Captain Tom

  • Greg Swenson
    Greg Swenson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2022
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great day on the water with Captain Tom

    Half Day – Spring Break Special on March 14, 2022 • 2 adults

    We had a great time on the water. Captain Tom worked really hard to put us on the fish. We eventually found them and had a blast. Thanks for a great day on the water Captain Tom!

Rating

4.8
172 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (123)

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
93%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
97%
Good boat
94%
Recommended
83%
Caught fish

All reviews (172)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 172 reviews
Michael Flow
Michael Flow
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
very great trip
Quarter day on June 27, 2026 • 2 adults • 2 children

The captain was incredibly knowledgeable and provided us with the exact instructions on how to catch the fish. We ended up with a diverse catch, including a stingray, which was an incredible experience. He was also very patient and attentive to the children, making the trip enjoyable for everyone. I would definitely book with him again.

Tom Charlton
Response from Captain

Thank you. I’m glad y’all had fun.

Joshua Linnell
Joshua Linnell
us
Kansas, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Great experience
Quarter day on July 3, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

The Captain was great with the kids. He really seems to know the area well and has been doing this for quite a while. I would highly recommend for families.

Giuseppe Canzoneri
Giuseppe Canzoneri
Repeat angler
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
would go again
Quarter day on May 23, 2026 • 1 adult

graat capitan took his time to make sure i cuaght fish

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Red Grouper
Michael Payten
Michael Payten
us
Florida, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Tom
Half Day Trip (AM) on September 22, 2023 • 2 adults

Bill Church
Bill Church
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2021
7 trips
5.0
Verified
Captain Tom was fantastic very kid friendly fishing trip
Kids, Beginners and Fun Cruisers on June 19, 2023 • 1 adult • 2 children

Our trip was awesome, we didn't catch any keepers not for a lack of trying, my boys (11 &10) had a wonderful time. Captain Tom was very patient with my boys playful too, he made the trip real fun for them. We did catch a bunch of fish but the big one got away! We had a wonderful time I would highly recommend this trip for anybody with kids or beginners, book your trip and enjoy your time!

FAQs about Charlton’s Reef Charters

Charlton’s Reef Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - Quarter day (3 hours)
  • US $700 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
When you book a trip with Charlton’s Reef Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
  • Sonar
Trips booked with Charlton’s Reef Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (light tackle /inshore Heavy tackle/ nearshore)
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water, gatorade, ice and cooler provided)
  • Fishing license (Covers only 4 people )
Charlton’s Reef Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing (Tampa Bay)
  • Nearshore fishing (No more than 9miles off the beach. Not Deep Sea)
  • Reef fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Charlton’s Reef Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Charlton’s Reef Charters include:
  • Cobia
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Grunt
  • Hogfish
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Tom Charlton
Tom Charlton

Tampa, Florida, United States

36 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
172 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since April 2015

I have been a Coast Guard licensed fishing charter captain in Tampa for 25 years. Having full coverage insurance and Red Cross training, I have your safety always in mind. Check me out and see how a quarter century of experience can put you on the fish.

Tom Charlton
Tom Charlton
Fully verified
36
reports
172
reviews
2015
member since
~1h
response
I have been a Coast Guard licensed fishing charter captain in Tampa for 25 years. Having full coverage insurance and Red Cross training, I have your safety always in mind. Check me out and see how a quarter century of experience can put you on the fish.

The fish you can target

Cobia
Cobia
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Hogfish
Hogfish
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Tarpon
Tarpon
Cobia
Cobia
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Grunt
Grunt
Hogfish
Hogfish
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle

Real catches by this captain

  • Great experience
    Joshua L.
    Joshua L.
  • very great trip
    Michael F.
    Michael F.
  • would go again
    Giuseppe C.
    Giuseppe C.
  • Great trip!!!
    Ashley C.
    Ashley C.
  • Great time!
    Mike P.
    Mike P.
  • Half Day AM
    Daniel A.
    Daniel A.
  • 1/2 day
    Tony F.
    Tony F.
  • Awesome inshore fishing with Capt Tom!
    Gene L.
    Gene L.
  • March fishing trip
    Steve F.
    Steve F.
  • Half Day Trip
    Ye A.
    Ye A.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2014
Boat manufacturer
Pioneer
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yahama
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
30 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Popping
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
Sonar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
light tackle /inshore Heavy tackle/ nearshore
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water, gatorade, ice and cooler provided
Fishing license
Covers only 4 people

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
Only 8 years old and above
You keep catch
Fish are fileted and bagged free.
Catch and release allowed

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

 Bank transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Tampa right now

CobiaCobia
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
HogfishHogfish
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
RedfishRedfish
SnookSnook
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Charlton’s Reef Charters
Charlton’s Reef Charters
4.8
(172)
22 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $700