
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
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (211)


+208Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
90%
Feb 1, 2024
Half Day Trip (PM)
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!
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....
Feb 25, 2024
Half Day Trip (PM)
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.
From start to finish Captain Brian gave us a great experience. He was knowledgeable, kind, and engaging for the entire trip....

Mar 11, 2024
Half Day Trip (AM)
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!
Our captain, Brian was fabulous. He was very experienced and explained everything so we all caught fish. He delayed our departure...
Mar 6, 2024
Half Day Trip (AM)
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
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...

Gilbert, AZ
Dec 27, 2021
3/4 Day Trip
Fun day of fishing with Brian. Brains knowledge of Tampa bay allowed for my son and I to catch fish on what seemed to be a slow day for other charters out on the water. Caught some eaters that Brian filleted and some sport fish. Brian's knowledge of good fishing spots made it possible to find fish if a location was not producing. Moving from one area to next was quick and with tunes going on boat fun and entertaining. Looking forward to coming back again to fish when the bay it at its peak season. Would like to catch one of the bays legend fish and a few more good eaters and I am sure Brian would know where to find them.
Fun day of fishing with Brian. Brains knowledge of Tampa bay allowed for my son and I to catch fish on what seemed to be a slow...
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (211)


+208Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
90%

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on February 1, 2024
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!
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!

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (PM) on February 25, 2024
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.
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.

Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 11, 2024
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!
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!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on March 6, 2024
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
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


Gilbert, AZ
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on December 27, 2021
Fun day of fishing with Brian. Brains knowledge of Tampa bay allowed for my son and I to catch fish on what seemed to be a slow day for other charters out on the water. Caught some eaters that Brian filleted and some sport fish. Brian's knowledge of good fishing spots made it possible to find fish if a location was not producing. Moving from one area to next was quick and with tunes going on boat fun and entertaining. Looking forward to coming back again to fish when the bay it at its peak season. Would like to catch one of the bays legend fish and a few more good eaters and I am sure Brian would know where to find them.
Fun day of fishing with Brian. Brains knowledge of Tampa bay allowed for my son and I to catch fish on what seemed to be a slow day for other charters out on the water. Caught some eaters that Brian filleted and some sport fish. Brian's knowledge of good fishing spots made it possible to find fish if a location was not producing. Moving from one area to next was quick and with tunes going on boat fun and entertaining. Looking forward to coming back again to fish when the bay it at its peak...
