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, Beginners and Fun Cruisers
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $400
    This is your chance to learn all about being on a boat, fishing and site seeing without any hassles. 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. Fishing101. Keeping your catch is no problem. I clean and filet your fish and bag them for you. Kids 8 years and older. Keep an eye on the marine winds. No trips with winds greater than 10 knots...12 mph.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Snook
    Snook
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Sheepshead
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Speckled Trout
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $500
    Open for fishing! Book this trip and get a chance to get a customized inshore adventure for Snook and Redfish on the flats or chase Grouper and Snapper in the deeper waters of the middle bay. You will spend 4 hours enjoying Tampa Bay with Capt. Tom! Fishing gear and licenses are included. Flip-flops are not allowed as the deck gets slippery with fish! No kids under 8 Yrs.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    US $500
    Hello, this trip starts at 2 Pm weather permitting. We will target snook, trout and redfish on light tackle or gag grouper, mangrove snapper and cobia in the middle of the bay. All depend on the tide as to what we target. Maximum persons is 4.
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip
    In demand! Last booked: 22 hours ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $700
    For 6 hours you'll have the time of you your life. We can fish for Snook, Redfish and Spotted Seatrout on the flats or go deep water for Grouper, Cobia, and Grey Snapper. You'll also get to meet some of the locals, dolphin, manatee and various sea birds. No children under 8 years old.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
  • Private trip
    Full Day (8 hours)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $900
    You get a full 8 hours of fishing fun. This enables you to try for several different types of species. Grouper, Shark and Cobia in deeper water and Snook, Trout and Redfish in the shallows( flats). Pack your lunch and drinks and sun protection. Also, this trip recommended for offshore trips out of the bay into the deep blue Gulf. Watch the marine weather forecast for thunderstorms and strong winds. No trips with winds over 10 knots...13 mph. No kids under 8 yrs.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Flats Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Charlton’s Reef Charters

Charlton’s Reef Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $400 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Kids, Beginners and Fun Cruisers (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Full Day (8 hours) (8 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 (Gag)
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Tom Charlton
Tampa, Florida, United States
29 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
165 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

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Sonar

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

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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.

Tampa Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.7 / 5
out of 5 stars from 165 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (108)
Half Day AM
Half Day AM
1\/2 day
+105
Angler rating
132
25
6
0
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
96%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
92%
Satisfied with the boat
97%
Caught fish
81%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 165 reviews
Michael P.
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 September 22, 2023
Michael P. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Michael P. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Bill C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Tom was fantastic very kid friendly fishing trip

VERIFIED   Kids, Beginners and Fun Cruisers on June 19, 2023
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...
Bill C. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Bill C. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Daniel A.
NEW PRT RCHY, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day AM

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on September 17, 2023
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...
Daniel A. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Daniel A. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Tony F.
Tampa, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

1/2 day

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on June 2, 2023
Great day, caught lot of fish, only one edible but caught large Jack’s, many sharks, sting rays, mackerel.  All was great...
Tony F. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Tony F. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Sean S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

December fishing trip

VERIFIED   Kids, Beginners and Fun Cruisers on December 9, 2023
Sean S. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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Sean S. recommends Charlton’s Reef Charters
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