Covid-19 measures: The boat and equipment will be cleaned and sanitized for your protection.

Let your fishing adventure begin with Capt. Tom of Charlton’s Reef Charters, on the fertile and abundant waters of Tampa Bay. He is on the water 7 days a week and knows where and how to put you on fish!

Capt. Tom specializes in taking his clients to the hottest spots that produce Snook, Speckled Trout, and Redfish. However, if you are after something bigger, just let the captain know. He will take you to deeper water, where you get your hands on Grouper, Snapper, and Cobia.

Charlton’s Reef Charters tailor their trips to the tides and weather conditions. If you are planning a trip to the nearshore waters to catch Grouper and Snapper but the weather is not cooperating, don’t worry. Check the honey holes closer to shore and get a healthy dose of drag-pulling enjoyment.

Even if you have never held a fishing rod in your hand and don’t know what species patrol the waters of Tampa Bay, Capt. Tom will show you the ropes. He will guide you through the basics before you make the first cast. On your day out, you will be able to come close and personal with Snook, Redfish, and many more.

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 classic vessels, 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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Kids And Begginers and Fun Cruisers
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    $400
    This is your chance to learn all about being on a boat, fishing and site seeing without any hassels. Just step onboard and let me do all the work while you have fun and learn all the bay has to offer for three hours. Keeping your catch is no problem. I clean and filet your fish and bag them for you. 4 person max. 8 years and older
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    $500
    Open for fishing! Book this trip and get a chance to get a customized adventure to go inshore for Snook and Redfish, fish flats or deep water, or chase Grouper and Snapper. You will spend 4 hours enjoying Tampa Bay with Capt. Tom! Fishing gear and licenses are included. Please, have in mind that flip-flops are not allowed as the deck gets slippery with fish!
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    $500
    Depart around 2:00 p.m. and choose your special adventure. The shallow flats, Redfish and Snook, or fishing the famous Tampa Bay deep waters for Snapper and Grouper. The captain will provide you with licenses for the day as well as all the necessary fishing equipment. Bring your favorite beverage for sunset.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    $700
    For 6 hours you'll have the time of you your life. You'll get to see wild dolphins and sea birds while we hook up on grouper, cobia, redfish, and snook. Not all fish is in season. Size limits also apply. Check the FWC saltwater regulations for more information.
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

About the Captain

Tom Charlton
Tampa, Florida, United States
25 Fishing Reports
ID & License verified
148 Customer reviews
Response time 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.

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper
Redfish Redfish
Seabass (Black) Black Seabass

Boat specs

Pioneer (Center console) originally built in 2014. Powered by a 200HP Yahama engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots.

Length
22 ft
Capacity
4 persons

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

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Popping
Drift Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
5 gallon bucket with a snap on toilet seat
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

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

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 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

Payment

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.
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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

Tampa Fishing Calendar

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Recent Fishing Reports

MAC ATTACK
MAC ATTACK
March 25, 2023
We were looking for snook but the bite was slow. I had to improvise. We needed fish to eat. So I decided to go after Spanish Mackerel. It was definitely the right move . My charter had a great time on the toothy screemers and some Speckled Trout mixed in.
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Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 148 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (104)
Awesome inshore fishing with Capt Tom!
Awesome inshore fishing with Capt Tom!
Awesome inshore fishing with Capt Tom!
+101
Angler Rating
117
24
6
0
1
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
93%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Catch intended fish
80%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 148 reviews
Gene L.
Atlanta, GA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome inshore fishing with Capt Tom!

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on April 4, 2022
First, Capt Tom is just a genuinely nice person which not to be granted these days.  He was very responsive with the texts...
Gene L. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Gene L. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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KEVIN T.
Philadelphia, PA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Tom was great, very friendly & helpful

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (PM) on February 27, 2023
Would highly recommend. Thank you Captain Tom!
KEVIN T. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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KEVIN T. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Tommy T.
Silver Point, TN
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Tom

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on December 30, 2022
Tommy T. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Tommy T. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Harold M.
Greer, SC
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Tom

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on July 16, 2022
Had a fun day fishing. Although we didn’t catch much tat we could keep I was a fun day and we really enjoyed the trip
Harold M. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Harold M. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Tyler M.
Davenport, FL
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Tom

VERIFIED   NEW  Half Day Trip (AM) on March 14, 2023
Tyler M. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Tyler M. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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You found this review helpful

FAQs about Charlton’s Reef Charters

Charlton’s Reef Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • $400 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - Kids And Begginers and Fun Cruisers (3 hours)
  • $500 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • $500 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • $700 per group, additional $50 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)

When you book a trip with Charlton’s Reef Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet 5 gallon bucket with a snap on toilet seat
  • 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 (Gag)
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout