Optimus Fishing Charters 

4.9
(63 reviews)
 
State licensed
 606 Seagrape Drive, Ruskin, FL 33570, United States–

Optimus Fishing Charters 

Ruskin, FL, United States
–
24 ft
6
4.9
(63 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
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $800
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (251)

What anglers say

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

Reviews (63)

  • 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, 2026 • 3 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.

  • Wendell Brown
    Wendell Brown
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome

    Half Day Trip (PM) on February 25, 2024 • 2 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.

  • Bill Bergsma
    Bill Bergsma
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    Half Day Trip (AM) on March 6, 2024 • 5 adults • 3 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

  • Ronald Ouellette
    Ronald Ouellette
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maine, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Brian's the best!

    Half Day Trip (PM) on April 6, 2023 • 2 adults

    Great day out in the bay made the grand slam.. 2 types catfish mangrove snapper, snook, trout, redfish, greenbacks bait,...... but suprisingly no manatee or dolphin only pictures LOL... great time good vibes and music... no stress...

  • Lisa Currutt
    Lisa Currutt
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Captain Brian

    Half Day Trip (PM) on March 29, 2022 • 5 adults • 3 children

    Great experience for the whole family! Captain Brian was very patient with our 3 children who were beginners with regards to fishing. Very good teacher and explained a lot in a way everyone could understand. Even talked through how to clean the fish after the trip and we had a wonderful diner that night of flounder and mackerel! Awesome adventure- we would recommend 100%

  • Matthew Stoner
    Matthew Stoner
    us
    Iowa, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    Father and son throw back!

    Half Day Trip (AM) on May 4, 2021 • 2 adults

    What a great experience all the way from the ride to the catch. Nothing was spared and it was a great day. Started off targeting Macs, snapper and cobies and finished off the day with snook and red fish. Definitely a expert of the water way and all other aspects of the fish. Had plenty of sea stories and really went the extra mile for my dad who’s a great fisherman but getting up there in age. I couldn’t be happier, I got memories I’ll cherish for ever thanks Capt. Brian, see yah again soon.

  • Gary Boggs
    Gary Boggs
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2018
    5.0
    Verified

    Half day trip with Captain Brian

    Half Day Trip (AM) on April 28, 2021 • 2 adults

    Yesterday’s fishing trip with Captain Brian stands at the top of the list. I vacation in Florida every year for the past 25 years and book a charter every year. This by far was the best trip yet. Caught eight different species of fish, that’s what we could land no telling what we lost. Captain Brian is very knowledgeable and accommodating, he knows where and when to go to get the fish on line action. My wife and I had a great time and will book again next year.

  • Brian Riewe
    Brian Riewe
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2022
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Brian

    3/4 Day Trip on February 11, 2022 • 3 adults

    Brian was great at teaching the first time fishers and encouraging everyone on the boat. He made sure we all caught at least one fish and kept the day light and entertaining. He had quite a few spots for us to check out and if the fish weren't biting we didn't stay long. All in all, a great day!

  • Joseph Ferguson
    Joseph Ferguson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Sheep on the bay

    Half Day Trip (AM) on February 19, 2022 • 3 adults

    Had a great time fishing on the bay with my wife and son. He was only in town for a few days , it was great to be able to catch some great sheephead . Captain Brian Lemelin knew all the great spot even with a front bringing in some wind.

  • Joseph Aickara
    Joseph Aickara
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2021
    5.0
    Verified

    6 plus hours with an experienced Captain in the fishing arena in Ruskin

    3/4 Day Trip on April 18, 2021 • 6 adults

    Me my wife Rohini, my sister, her husband Jose and their two sons went with Captain Brian Lemelin on 6 plus hours of fishing adventure. Because the water was choppy we could not catch any sharks however, we caught a ton of Snook, Red fish and catfish. It was fun to catch them and release them. Brian is very experienced and knows were the fish is and do not hesitate to go out again with him.😂😂

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 (Whitebait,Threadfins, Pinfish, Shrimp and cutbait)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Fish cleaning/filleting is free. We also have a Hook and Cook available at Hooks Restaurant, right here at Littke Harbor)
  • Drinks (We will have ice and water on board. Feel free to hring whatever you like to eat and drink. Alcohol is allowed. Plastic containers are preferred)
  • First mate (As necessary)
  • Fishing license (Captain carries the license. No fishing license required)
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
Ruskin, Florida, United States
8 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
63 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.
Brian Lemelin
Brian Lemelin
Fully verified
8
reports
63
reviews
2017
member since
~1h
response
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

Real catches by this captain

  • An angler proudly displaying a large King Mackerel while fishing in calm waters, showcasing a successful day on the boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Spanish Mackerel
    Brian S.
    Brian S.
    We caught a lot of different species and the captain worked very hard to put us on fish.
  • A young angler proudly displaying a Snapper caught while fishing on a Bay Rider boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +5
    Mangrove Snapper
    Chad G.
    Chad G.
    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.
  • A young angler proudly displaying a Sheepshead fish alongside an adult on a boat, enjoying a day of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Sheepshead
    Bill B.
    Bill B.
    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
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Sheepshead caught while fishing on a sunny day in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Sheepshead
    Wendell B.
    Wendell B.
    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.
  • Adult couple proudly holding two Spanish mackerel aboard a fishing charter boat on open coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Tim A.
    Tim A.
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large red drum on a fishing boat under a bright coastal sky.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Redfish
    Ronald O.
    Ronald O.
    Great day out in the bay made the grand slam.. 2 types catfish mangrove snapper, snook, trout, redfish, greenbacks bait,...... but suprisingly no manatee or dolphin only pictures LOL... great time good vibes and music... no stress...
  • A young angler proudly displaying a Redfish against a scenic backdrop of blue skies and water during a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Redfish
    Ernestine F.
    Ernestine F.
  • Young angler proudly holding a spotted fish aboard a center-console fishing boat on calm open water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Lisa C.
    Lisa C.
    Great experience for the whole family! Captain Brian was very patient with our 3 children who were beginners with regards to fishing. Very good teacher and explained a lot in a way everyone could understand. Even talked through how to clean the fish after the trip and we had a wonderful diner that night of flounder and mackerel! Awesome adventure- we would recommend 100%
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a Sheepshead caught during a fishing trip, showcasing the beautiful ocean backdrop.
    Fish 1
    Sheepshead
    Joseph F.
    Joseph F.
    Had a great time fishing on the bay with my wife and son. He was only in town for a few days , it was great to be able to catch some great sheephead . Captain Brian Lemelin knew all the great spot even with a front bringing in some wind.
  • Adult angler proudly holding a striped sheepshead aboard a fishing boat offshore.
    Fish 1
    Sheepshead
    Brian R.
    Brian R.
    Brian was great at teaching the first time fishers and encouraging everyone on the boat. He made sure we all caught at least one fish and kept the day light and entertaining. He had quite a few spots for us to check out and if the fish weren't biting we didn't stay long. All in all, a great day!

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
Whitebait,Threadfins, Pinfish, Shrimp and cutbait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fish cleaning/filleting is free. We also have a Hook and Cook available at Hooks Restaurant, right here at Littke Harbor
Drinks
We will have ice and water on board. Feel free to hring whatever you like to eat and drink. Alcohol is allowed. Plastic containers are preferred
First mate
As necessary
Fishing license
Captain carries the license. No fishing license required

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 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
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Optimus Fishing Charters
Optimus Fishing Charters
State licensed
4.9
(63)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+9
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $500