Optimus Fishing Charters 

4.9/5 (61 reviews)
 
State licensed
 606 Seagrape Drive, Ruskin, FL 33570, United States

Optimus Fishing Charters 

Up to 9 miles
Ruskin, FL, United States
24 ft
6
4.9/5 (61 reviews)

Optimus Fishing Charter invites you to spend a fun and productive day on the bountiful waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. Fishing here is excellent throughout the year as a multitude of species comes into season each and every month. With this much diversity in the inshore and nearshore waters, it is no wonder Tampa Bay is a famous fishing hot zone.

Captain Brian Lemelin first started fishing in Tampa back in 2003 and he was hooked from the very first moment. He worked as a first mate for many respected captains in this area, acquiring knowledge and experience, before getting a captain's license himself. He is now a proud owner and operator of his own charter boat company.

Stepping aboard his 24' Kencraft vessel built in 2021 with a capacity for 6 guests, you will be whisked to the fishing grounds comfortably. Powered by a 200 HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 42 knots, the boat is fast and steady on the water. It features a GPS and a fishfinder that aid your search for the fish; it has a forward and an aft livewell, an icebox for the catch, and a wireless trolling motor.

Fishing for Redfish, Snook, Cobia, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and Sharks is Capt. Brian's specialty. He can also take you fishing for the super delicious Sheepshead, Tripletail, and other local species available in season. Using a variety of live bait such as Shrimp and white fish, you will utilize a number of fishing techniques in order to bring the fish on board.

Capt. Brian provides rods, reels, tackle, bait, a fishing license for everyone on the boat, as well as cleaning and filleting after the trip. What is even better than taking your catch home, is having Brian fillet it for you and the Hooks restaurant in Little Harbor cooking it for you! Cooking comes at an extra fee, so make sure you enquire about this service on the trip.

Join Optimus Fishing Charters and enjoy the prolific waters of Tampa Bay and have an unforgettable time

Optimus Fishing Charter invites you to spend a fun and productive day on the bountiful waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. Fishing here is excellent throughout the year as a multitude of species comes into season each and every month. With this much diversity in the inshore and nearshore waters, it is no wonder Tampa Bay is a famous fishing hot zone.

Captain Brian Lemelin first started fishing in Tampa back in 2003 and he was hooked from the very first moment. He worked as a first mate for many respected captains in this area, acquiring knowledge and experience, before getting a captain's license himself. He is now a proud owner and operator of his own charter boat company.

Stepping aboard his 24' Kencraft vessel built in 2021 with a capacity for 6 guests, you will be whisked to the fishing grounds comfortably. Powered by a 200 HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 42 knots, the boat is fast and steady on the water. It features a GPS and a fishfinder that aid your search for the fish; it has a forward and an aft livewell, an icebox for the catch, and a wireless trolling motor.

Fishing for Redfish, Snook, Cobia, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and Sharks is Capt. Brian's specialty. He can also take you fishing for the super delicious Sheepshead, Tripletail, and other local species available in season. Using a variety of live bait such as Shrimp and white fish, you will utilize a number of fishing techniques in order to bring the fish on board.

Capt. Brian provides rods, reels, tackle, bait, a fishing license for everyone on the boat, as well as cleaning and filleting after the trip. What is even better than taking your catch home, is having Brian fillet it for you and the Hooks restaurant in Little Harbor cooking it for you! Cooking comes at an extra fee, so make sure you enquire about this service on the trip.

Join Optimus Fishing Charters and enjoy the prolific waters of Tampa Bay and have an unforgettable time

Brian Lemelin
Captain
Brian Lemelin
11 years of experience
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day Trip (AM)
Non-refundable
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
Non-refundable
4 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
Non-refundable
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
Non-refundable
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $800
Entire boat: 2 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (243)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
91%
Caught fish

All reviews (61)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 61 reviews
Chad Grentz
Chad Grentz
Repeat angler
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2023
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Awesome day fishing
3/4 Day Trip on March 23, 20263 adults

We had an awesome day fishing with Brian and Jerry. Great family outing for us. Both had great knowledge of the fish and area. Told us a lot of tips and tricks. Definitely will fish with these guys again.

Brian Lemelin
Response from Captain

Thank y'all. We had a great time getting out on Tampa Bay with y'all. great fisherman, great family. Hope to get out with y'all again in the future.

Tina Hamayasu
Tina Hamayasu
Repeat angler
us
Hawaii, US
Member since 2022
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Mangrove Snapper
Half Day Trip (PM) on February 1, 20243 adults

We had a great day of fishing with Brian on Feb 1. Brian was a great communicator and knowledgeable of the entire Tampa Bay Area. We successfully caught fish at every spot and had a wonderful day relaxing and enjoying our time on the water. We also got to see dolphins, manatees, sting rays, and sharks! I will definitely book again with Brian and Optimus Fishing next time we're back in Tampa, and highly recommend to everyone!

Reported catch:
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
Brian Lemelin
Response from Captain

Thank y'all very much. Look forward to doing it again,von your next visit

Wendell Brown
Wendell Brown
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Awesome
Half Day Trip (PM) on February 25, 20242 adults

From start to finish Captain Brian gave us a great experience. He was knowledgeable, kind, and engaging for the entire trip. My son and I went out and he said he gets great joy to see a father and son do things like this. He truly went above the call of duty to ensure our trip was a success and we will use him again in the future. I promise you will not find a better deal nor a better experience.

Reported catch:
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Tripletail
Brian Lemelin
Response from Captain

Many thanks. Really enjoyed spending time on the water with y'all. Hope you enjoyed the Hook and Cook. Looking forward to seeing y'all in May, for some Mackerel and Blacktip shark fishing.

Darlene Hostettler
Darlene Hostettler
us
Wisconsin, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Great Experience
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 11, 20244 adults

Our captain, Brian was fabulous. He was very experienced and explained everything so we all caught fish. He delayed our departure time because it was windy and stayed out longer than expected. We highly recommend Optimus Fishing with Brian!

Reported catch:
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Flounder
William Bergsma
William Bergsma
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Great trip
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 6, 20242 adults3 children

Brian did a fantastic job. Took time to instruct 3 boys on the art of fishing. Knew exactly where to find the fish. Highly recommend him

Reported catch:
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Brian Lemelin
Response from Captain

Thank y'all very much. Enjoyed spending the day with your awesome family.

FAQs about Optimus Fishing Charters

Optimus Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Optimus Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well Two - forward and aft
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Optimus Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • First mate (As necessary)
  • Fishing license
Optimus Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Optimus Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
  • Drift fishing
  • Bowfishing
  • Flounder gigging
Top targeted fish species with Optimus Fishing Charters include:
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Cobia
  • Flounder
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Brian Lemelin
Brian Lemelin
Brian Lemelin

Ruskin, Florida, United States

8 Fishing Reports
61 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2017

Grew up in the great Adirondack Mountains. Fishing and hunting were a way of life. 20 year member of the US Air Force. Travelled the world and fished and hunted in numerous different countries. Began fishing Tampa Bay and Gulf water in 2003. First mated for numerous outstanding Captains for over 10 years, learning the trade and waters. Love the Captain's life, teaching and providing the opportunities for others to take part in the great outdoors. FWC approved Captain and Hunting Guide.

8 Fishing Reports
61 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2017

Grew up in the great Adirondack Mountains. Fishing and hunting were a way of life. 20 year member of the US Air Force. Travelled the world and fished and hunted in numerous different countries. Began fishing Tampa Bay and Gulf water in 2003. First mated for numerous outstanding Captains for over 10 years, learning the trade and waters. Love the Captain's life, teaching and providing the opportunities for others to take part in the great outdoors. FWC approved Captain and Hunting Guide.

The fish you can target

Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tripletail
Tripletail
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Cobia
Cobia
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2021
Boat manufacturer
Kencraft
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
48 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Bowfishing
Flounder Gigging

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Two - forward and aft
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
First mate
As necessary
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child friendly
Any age
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

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

 PayPal

What’s biting in Ruskin right now

Bluefish (Tailor)Bluefish (Tailor)
CobiaCobia
FlounderFlounder
RedfishRedfish
SheepsheadSheepshead
SnookSnook
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Optimus Fishing Charters
Optimus Fishing Charters
State licensed
4.9
(61)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+9
4 hour trip • 2 persons
US $500