Down Range Charters 

5.0
(117 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Saint Petersburg Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33621, United States–

Down Range Charters 

St. Petersburg, FL, United States
–
24 ft
4
5.0
(117 reviews)

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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

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
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: 2 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

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (166)

What anglers say

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

Reviews (117)

  • Vanessa Martin
    Vanessa Martin
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Highly recommend!

    4 Hour Trip on June 15, 2026 • 3 adults

    We had an excellent experience on this fishing charter! The captain was friendly, accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable about the local waters and fishing conditions. He worked hard to make sure everyone had a great time and put us on fish all day long. The action was fantastic—we caught plenty of fish, including pompano, trout, and redfish. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, this charter provides a fun, enjoyable, and successful day on the water. Highly recommend and would definitely book again!

  • Edward Padol
    Edward Padol
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Best of the Best

    4 Hour Trip on March 21, 2026 • 3 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!

  • Terry Richardson
    Terry Richardson
    Repeat angler
    us
    West Virginia, US
    Member since 2021
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    wv fishing in the sea

    4 Hour Trip on July 8, 2026 • 3 adults

    The fishing was slow at first then the last hour we got on the sea trout. the captain kept finding the school and kept us on it. we probably caught over 50-75 fish. some got off the hook before they made it to the boat. He even stayed over a hiur half because we was on the fish. thanks micheal from motown.

  • Steven Galluzzi
    Steven Galluzzi
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2024
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    excellent fun

    4 Hour Trip on May 22, 2026 • 2 adults

    Had a great time with Capt Mike - we got on plenty of fish dispite tough conditions. he was super knowledgeable on what the fish were up to and easy to fish with. got to enjoy some great trout tacos later that day and brag about the big red I got to reel in. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

  • Jason Futch
    Jason Futch
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Hooked some large Redfish and Snook

    4 Hour Trip on June 30, 2026 • 3 adults

    It was a fun day of fishing and we were able to hook up some large redfish and snook. We also caught some mangrove snapper and trout. Captain was very knowledgeable and made the trip a memorable experience for one of the first timers with us.

  • Jason Mcleod
    Jason Mcleod
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Mission: Accomplished

    4 Hour Trip on May 16, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

    I had one goal. Get my girlfriend and her daughter excited about fishing. In tough conditions, Capt Mike put us on fish and had them fighting mackerel, grouper snapper and sharks. The ladies are fully hooked! Great family experience and a great day in the water. Would recommend bringing a camera. Would fish with Capt Mike again anytime. Expert knowledge of the fishery and very attentive.

  • Cameron Rodr
    Cameron Rodr
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    awesome day out

    Near shore multi-species trip on September 19, 2026 • 4 adults

    captain Michael is a super knowledge and super friendly. he is always willing to help and answer any questions you have about fishing no matter your experience level. I could not recommend this charter enough

  • amanda green
    amanda green
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    a great day in the water

    4 Hour Trip on July 2, 2026 • 4 adults

    The captain tried really hard to get us on fish, summer is a tough time and would definitely recommend him but if you can fish in a little cooler weather it wpuld be better fishing.

  • Paul Ibarra
    Paul Ibarra
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip!

    6 Hour Trip on December 2, 2025 • 4 adults

    Captain Mike made more than the best out of pretty terrible weather conditions. Despite a storm blowing through we landed the slam plus some! We had an amazing time. Captain Mike is extremely knowledgeable. I will absolutely be booking another chater with him and I highly recommend you book yours wih Captain Mike too!

  • Fred Starkey
    Fred Starkey
    Repeat angler
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    .The education he provided on the local fishing holes make this a very enjoyable experience. Truly a job well done.

    4 Hour Trip on August 21, 2026 • 3 adults

    Outstanding knowledge of the various locations to fish. Enjoyable to have as our Captain. Very concerned about each individual fishing on his boat.

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
St. Petersburg, Florida, United States
4 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
117 Customer reviews
Typical response within 3 hours
Member since January 2021
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.
Michael Ayersman
Michael Ayersman
Fully verified
4
reports
117
reviews
2021
member since
~4h
response
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

Real catches by this captain

  • Six spotted mackerel arranged on the deck of a fishing boat after a successful offshore catch.
    Fish 1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Jason H.
    Jason H.
    great captain and knowledgeable when i am back in the area i will definitely book another trip
  • A variety of fish including Grouper and Mackerel displayed on the deck of a boat after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Spanish Mackerel
    Cameron R.
    Cameron R.
    captain Michael is a super knowledge and super friendly. he is always willing to help and answer any questions you have about fishing no matter your experience level. I could not recommend this charter enough
  • An angler reeling in a catfish while fishing on calm waters, showcasing the excitement of the catch.
    Fred S.
    Fred S.
    Outstanding knowledge of the various locations to fish. Enjoyable to have as our Captain. Very concerned about each individual fishing on his boat.
  • Angler holding a spotted seatrout aboard a center-console fishing boat while removing the hook.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Speckled Trout
    Terry R.
    Terry R.
    The fishing was slow at first then the last hour we got on the sea trout. the captain kept finding the school and kept us on it. we probably caught over 50-75 fish. some got off the hook before they made it to the boat. He even stayed over a hiur half because we was on the fish. thanks micheal from motown.
  • Anglers actively reeling in a fish while enjoying a day on the water, showcasing the excitement of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    amanda g.
    amanda g.
    The captain tried really hard to get us on fish, summer is a tough time and would definitely recommend him but if you can fish in a little cooler weather it wpuld be better fishing.
  • Solo angler holding a large redfish on a small boat in calm coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Redfish
    Jason F.
    Jason F.
    It was a fun day of fishing and we were able to hook up some large redfish and snook. We also caught some mangrove snapper and trout. Captain was very knowledgeable and made the trip a memorable experience for one of the first timers with us.
  • Young angler proudly holding a Snook while fishing from a boat in a scenic waterway.
    Hugh F.
    Hugh F.
    Highly recommend Captain Mike his services. Very knowledgeable about local fish, fishing and explaned his plan for us in detail.
  • Angler proudly displaying a Silver Pompano while fishing from a boat in a coastal environment.
    Vanessa M.
    Vanessa M.
    We had an excellent experience on this fishing charter! The captain was friendly, accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable about the local waters and fishing conditions. He worked hard to make sure everyone had a great time and put us on fish all day long. The action was fantastic—we caught plenty of fish, including pompano, trout, and redfish. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, this charter provides a fun, enjoyable, and successful day on the water. Highly recommend and would definitely book again!
  • A young angler proudly displaying three Speckled Trout while aboard a fishing boat, showcasing a successful day on the water.
    Matthew M.
    Matthew M.
    we had a great time caught speckled trout and aaw some great city views.
  • A variety of Speckled Trout displayed on a cleaning table, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Sai T.
    Sai T.
    We caught a couple of fishes and it was really fun! The captain is really nice and friendly. Absolutely would recommend it.

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
Nearshore Fishing
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

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

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Down Range Charters
Down Range Charters
State licensed
5.0
(117)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $475