Down Range Charters 

5.0/5 (111 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Saint Petersburg Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33621, United States

Down Range Charters 

Up to 9 miles
St. Petersburg, FL, United States
24 ft
4
5.0/5 (111 reviews)

Booked with us before? You may qualify for a Loyalty Discount. Sign in to check.

Spend a relaxing day in Tampa Bay with Down Range Charters! Captain Mike is a US Army veteran with a huge passion for fishing. He enjoys teaching other people and helping them to get their catch on their own. He loves that you don't have to land the biggest fish out there in order to enjoy fishing. It's not about the chase, it's about spending some time in nature and having a short break from reality.

You'll be fishing on a 24' Skeeter Bay boat that accommodates up to 4 guests. This center console is powered by a 250 HP Mercury engine and reaches the speed of 40 knots. The boat features GPS, a fish finder, a cooler, and a live bait tank. Offering a safe and reliable ride at all times, this vessel is just what you need for an enjoyable day on the water.

These bountiful waters offer lots of options, even if you explore only inshore spots. You can go after Snook, Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more. There's a variety of fishing techniques to use and you can fill out your bucket by the end of the day. The best part is that you can keep the catch and Capt. Mike will clean it for you free of charge.

Your licenses and fishing equipment are included in the price. It's easy to get ready for the trip since you only need to pack sunblock, some snacks, and drinks.

Now offering nearshore trips!!!
Capt. Mike welcomes anglers of all skill levels. Down Range Charters is here to take care of your satisfaction, safety, and fishing success during this unforgettable trip.

Spend a relaxing day in Tampa Bay with Down Range Charters! Captain Mike is a US Army veteran with a huge passion for fishing. He enjoys teaching other people and helping them to get their catch on their own. He loves that you don't have to land the biggest fish out there in order to enjoy fishing. It's not about the chase, it's about spending some time in nature and having a short break from reality.

You'll be fishing on a 24' Skeeter Bay boat that accommodates up to 4 guests. This center console is powered by a 250 HP Mercury engine and reaches the speed of 40 knots. The boat features GPS, a fish finder, a cooler, and a live bait tank. Offering a safe and reliable ride at all times, this vessel is just what you need for an enjoyable day on the water.

These bountiful waters offer lots of options, even if you explore only inshore spots. You can go after Snook, Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more. There's a variety of fishing techniques to use and you can fill out your bucket by the end of the day. The best part is that you can keep the catch and Capt. Mike will clean it for you free of charge.

Your licenses and fishing equipment are included in the price. It's easy to get ready for the trip since you only need to pack sunblock, some snacks, and drinks.

Now offering nearshore trips!!!
Capt. Mike welcomes anglers of all skill levels. Down Range Charters is here to take care of your satisfaction, safety, and fishing success during this unforgettable trip.

Michael Ayersman
Captain
Michael Ayersman
8 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Doctors Office special Hours
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
+3
US $300
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 Hour Trip
In high demand Last booked: 5 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $475
Entire boat: up to 4 people
6 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snook
Snapper (Mangrove)
Redfish
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Near shore multi-species trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Snook
Tarpon
Seabass (Black)
Snapper (Mangrove)
+6
US $750
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

5.0
111 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (155)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
100%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
96%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (111)

Frequently mentioned
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...
Showing 15 of 112 reviews
Cheri Moxley
Cheri Moxley
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
The captain canceled
July 31, 2026
Trip was supposed to happen on July 31, 2026

The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.

KEN ASBURY
KEN ASBURY
Repeat angler
us
Colorado, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Big Redfish, Terrific Guide and Teacher
Near shore multi-species trip on April 18, 20262 adults

4 of us took a trip around the waters near St Petersburg FL with Capt Mike. It was like going to a Masters Class in fishing technique: rigging, bait selection, presentation and how to allow the fish to catch themselves. The least skillful angler caught two Redfish at 28 and a 32...she had never caught a Redfish in her life...All of us received a beautiful day on the water with a Captain that really loves what he does and how it impacts others. I plan to fish for a full week with Capt Mike when we can find the right time. Totally professional but a fun and knowledgeable waterman!! Could not recommend this Captain any higher. We started the day by meeting the Captain we hired over Fishing Booker and left with a new friend.

Michael Ayersman
Response from Captain

Thank You for the review. It was a pleasure to fish with all four of you. Hope to see you again. Looking forward to maybe some tarpon on the fly if you’re up for it

Edward Padol
Edward Padol
Repeat angler
us
McKinney, TX, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Best of the Best
4 Hour Trip on March 21, 20263 adults

We had an amazing fishing trip and couldn’t have asked for a better Captain. Captain Mike was incredibly knowledgeable, not just about where to find fish, but also about techniques, equipment, and making the whole experience enjoyable. What really stood out was how great he was with my sons. He made the trip fun, engaging, and memorable for them from start to finish. He was patient, encouraging, and genuinely invested in making sure they had a great time, which meant a lot to me. We all learned a ton and had plenty of action throughout the day. If you’re looking for a guide who knows his stuff and makes the experience enjoyable for the whole family, I highly recommend Capatain Mike. We’ll definitely be back!

Reported catch:
Redfish
Michael Ayersman
Response from Captain

Thank you for the review!!!!!! im glad you guys had alot of fun. You and your boys were a pleasure to have on the boat. I’m glad you guys where able to learn and expand your knowledge. I’ll look forward to your return and another great adventure

Dave Falls
Dave Falls
ca
Ontario, Canada
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Captain Mike is the best. Look no further!
4 Hour Trip on March 19, 20263 adults

As much as fishing is about the fish, its more about the experience - and who you share it with. We went fishing with Captain Mike and it ended up being the highlight of our week! Mike made sure that my two boys (15 and 17) had the best day possible on the water. The water temp had dropped 10 degrees due to the cold but that didn't stop up from throwing down bait in some of the best spots around! Saw plenty of fish but they were stubborn! We laughed, shared strories and Mike's knowledge is vast. He knows the water, the winds, the fish and is just an amazing and kind guy!! We made memories to last a lifetime. Don't hesitate to book with Down Range Charters! Hands down an awesome experience

Reported catch:
Redfish
Michael Ayersman
Response from Captain

Hello Dave!!!!! I had a great Time with your family. Another Brother in Arms. Stay safe and keep your powder dry.

Stephen Mcginley
Stephen Mcginley
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
my kids had a blast!
4 Hour Trip on February 16, 20262 adults1 child

I reached out to captain Mike, wanting to take my son and nephew out. He was honest with me telling me the bite was slow. The boys still wanted to go out and we had a blast! My son asked if we can fish with Mike everytime we are down. Fishing was slower like he said but he did everything to put us on fish. The boys caught a good ampunt of fish and they had a great time, in terms I had a great time watching these young guys becoming anglers just like i did. By the end of the day both learned how to cast spinning reels. I highly recommend Captain Mike to take you out. We will be back to fish with him again.

FAQs about Down Range Charters

Down Range Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $300 per group - Doctors Office special Hours (2 hours)
  • US $475 per group - 4 Hour Trip (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • US $750 per group - Near shore multi-species trip (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Down Range Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Down Range Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (All baits are provided by the captain )
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Filet is your choice depending on your cooked style. No extra charge for filet)
  • Drinks (Bottled Water)
  • Fishing license (As a USCG captain fully licensed. Required to carry licenses for 4 customers)
Down Range Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing (Mangrove lines, docks)
  • Nearshore fishing (Within 8 miles cobia hotspot)
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Down Range Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
Top targeted fish species with Down Range Charters include:
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Redfish
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Michael Ayersman
Michael Ayersman
Michael Ayersman

St. Petersburg, Florida, United States

4 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
112 Customer reviews
Typical response within 2 hours
Member since January 2021
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Captain Michael has over 35 years of fishing experience. From native streams to the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes, he's seen it all. he has experience in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

4 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
112 Customer reviews
Typical response within 2 hours
Member since January 2021
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Captain Michael has over 35 years of fishing experience. From native streams to the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes, he's seen it all. he has experience in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

The fish you can target

Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Redfish
Redfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Flounder
Flounder
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Redfish
Redfish
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Sheepshead
Sheepshead

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2016
Boat manufacturer
Skeeter
Boat type
Bay boat
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
37 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Mangrove lines, docks
Nearshore Fishing
Within 8 miles cobia hotspot
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
All baits are provided by the captain
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Filet is your choice depending on your cooked style. No extra charge for filet
Drinks
Bottled Water
Fishing license
As a USCG captain fully licensed. Required to carry licenses for 4 customers

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
Newborns are not recommended due to weather conditions and heat. Children have a blast
You keep catch
Within legal limits
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

Pay online in full

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

No additional fees.

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% 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

 Bank transfer

What’s biting in St. Petersburg right now

Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
RedfishRedfish
SheepsheadSheepshead
SnookSnook
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Down Range Charters
Down Range Charters
State licensed
5.0
(111)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $475