Lock it Down Sportfishing invites you to hop aboard to see what the Tampa Bay Area has to offer. Whether you are an experienced angler looking for a trophy, a beginner looking to learn, or just want a nice day on the water with your family, Captain Hunter will cater to your needs.

Capt. Hunter’s custom 23’ Dorado will accommodate up to 4 anglers and she’s loaded with the latest electronics, making your experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

Each trip is based around what you want to catch and your experience level. Capt. Hunter has spent the past ten years fishing for Snook, Redfish, and Trout, which are plentiful throughout the inshore waters of Tampa Bay.  Capt. Hunter’s favorite species, however, is the Tarpon. Throughout the spring and summer months, Tarpon migrate up and down Florida’s Gulf Coast and spend a large amount of time in Tampa Bay. These “Silver kings” can be caught in a variety of ways including sight fishing, live baiting, and chunking. Regardless of method, they always provide an incredible fight and spectacular displays of athleticism. If you’re up for a real adventure, ask about the night trips where Capt. Hunter will help you target these giant gamefish with artificial lures or live bait.

During the right times of year, The Bay is also loaded with Grouper, Snapper, and Cobia if you are looking to go home with some dinner after a fight with a true trophy. Kingfish can also provide excellent fights and make great smoked fish dip, a local specialty. This is truly one of the most diverse fisheries in the country.

Tackle will always be provided and includes high quality Penn and Shimano gear. On each trip, anglers should bring their own snacks and drinks but water will be provided. Proper sun protection is highly recommended. At the end of your trip, the Captain will filet and bag your catch.

Charters are available year round so come out and get ready for an awesome day on the water with Lock it Down Sportfishing!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip (AM)
    In demand! Last booked: 5 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $600
    Target a variety of local species, such as Redfish, Black Drum, Trout, Flounder, and many more. This trip is a perfect solution for beginners and families with children. All fishing equipment and licenses are included in the price.
  • Private trip
    4 Hour Trip (PM)
    In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:00 PM
    Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
    US $600
    4 Hour - Afternoon Trip Target a variety of local species, such as Redfish, Black Drum, Trout, Flounder, and many more. This trip is a perfect solution for beginners and families with children. All fishing equipment and licenses are included in the price.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $800
    Target Redfish, Trout, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, and many more. Captain Hunter is here to teach every beginner how to catch fish and help every experienced angler to level up. There's always something new to learn in this sport and it's always fun.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $950
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $950
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,000
    Spend the whole day on the water and see the amazing fishing opportunities that Tampa Bay offers. Target Tarpon, Snook, Trout, Redfish, and many more. Let the captain know what's your favorite target and he'll do his best to make your dream come true.
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip – Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,200
    A Tarpon trip. A maximum of 3 guests is recommended to come aboard.
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Lock it Down Sportfishing

Lock it Down Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 4 Hour Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Tarpon (6 hours)
  • US $950 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 6 Hour Tarpon (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 8 Hour Trip – Tarpon (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Lock it Down Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live Bait Well
  • Multimedia System
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Lock it Down Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Fishing License

Lock it Down Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing

Lock it Down Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Handline

Top targeted fish species with Lock it Down Sportfishing include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Hunter Wilcox
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
ID & license verified
135 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since November 2020
Catpain Hunter lives for fishing and loves to share this beautiful experience with other people. He specializes in inshore fishing and loves that you never know what's going to bite. However, his favorite target is Tarpon.

About this listing

Targeted species

Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Black Drum Black Drum
Cobia Cobia
Flounder Flounder

Boat specs

Dorado 23SE (Center console) originally built in 2000. Powered by a 150HP Mercury engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 26 knots.

Length
23 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Handline

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Wireless Trolling Motor

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

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 2.5% charge will apply.

St. Petersburg Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 135 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (187)
Amazing captain
Amazing captain
Amazing captain
+184
Angler rating
131
2
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
98%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 135 reviews
Craig S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Dedicated to his profession.

VERIFIED   NEW  6 Hour Trip on March 21, 2024
I am a 70 year old Florida local and have been on the water since I was 9. My friend of nearly 50 years was in town from...
Craig S. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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Craig S. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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Brad G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing on two different trips

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip on November 16, 2023
I fished with Hunter 4 hrs (A.M.) near shore and then 6 hrs inshore two days later, and was extremely pleased with the experience. ...
Brad G. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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Greg C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Hunter

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip on April 13, 2023
Greg C. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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Greg C. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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William R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect!

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip (PM) on March 15, 2024
Cap’t Hunter quickly put us on mackerel, snook, bluefish, ladyfish and trout. Plenty of action and plenty of fun. Right on...
William R. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
William R. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Frank F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing captain

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip (PM) on March 26, 2024
The captain put us on fish and was very knowledgeable about local spots. It was easy to have a good time while being attended...
Frank F. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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Frank F. recommends Lock it Down Sportfishing
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