Tampa Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Tampa fishing trip is US $527, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $920 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Tampa are good for families?

Fishing charters in Tampa that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Tampa?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Tampa are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Tampa?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Tampa are:

What are the top types of fishing in Tampa?

The top 3 types of fishing in Tampa are:

Do Tampa fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Tampa provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Tampa?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Tampa are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Tampa?

Who are the top awarded captains in Tampa?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Tampa?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Tampa are:

2-hour fishing trips – US $293
3-hour fishing trips – US $390
4-hour fishing trips – US $507
5-hour fishing trips – US $600
6-hour fishing trips – US $725
8-hour fishing trips – US $950

Fishing in Tampa

Just by looking at the sheer number of Tampa fishing charters, you can easily conclude that angling action in the area is fantastic. Here, it’s all about that stupendous inshore fishery, where prized catches are abundant and available throughout the year. While Tarpon (aka the Silver King) is the star of the show, there’s so much to do in Tampa’s waterways that you’ll find it hard to leave.

These waters are brimming with the likes of Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon, with a wide range of inshore and nearshore species to keep you busy. For a change of pace, you can go after Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead, and Flounder, among many others.

Tampa Bay fishing hot spots don’t end with the bay. The Tampa area has some of the most productive inland lakes and rivers. Whenever you’re done fighting Tarpon in the bay, head to a local lake for Largemouth Bass. Or just explore the Tampa fishing piers!

Hit the nearshore grounds in search of King and Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Cobia, Snappers’ galore, and Grouper of every size and shape. The deep offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico will put you on the bite of Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Hogfish, Triggerfish, and more than a dozen Shark species.

Whether you’d like a family fun excursion on the flats, a night Snook fishing adventure, or a 12-hour deep sea fishing expedition, you’ll easily find a charter captain ready to take you out.

There are plenty of departure points in Tampa, and one of the most popular boat launches is West Gandy Boulevard, as well as the Ballast Point Park.

Whatever your fishing ambitions are, Tampa fishing charters will make it happen!

Rules & Regulations

If you're fishing from a guided charter or a party boat with a valid license, you don't have to worry about buying your own fishing license. Pay attention to seasonality of certain species, so that you come to Tampa at the right time.

Tampa

4.8 / 5

Based on 28586 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Tampa Fishing Seasons

January

Use south winds to your advantage and work the shorelines. The Redfish bite can be pretty good, with chances of catching Trout and Snook. Small Black Drum and Sheepshead can also make an occasional appearance.

February

The weather is warming up and the abundance of sunshine makes it ideal for sight fishing. You never know what’s crushing the flats! Look for Jack, Redfish, and Tarpon. Sheepshead is in full swing this month to fill the freezers.

March

The weather is outstanding and even a few days of winds can’t spoil it. Make Snook your main target this month, but don’t forget about Trout and Redfish of all sizes. Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, and Blackfin Tuna start to show up offshore.

April

Fishing in Tampa is reaching its peak! The big Tarpon are on their way! Practically everything is biting right now. The baitfish start to fill up the flats and both game fish and anglers follow in pursuit. Redfish and Snook fishing is hot.

May

Wherever you want to go fishing, this is your time of the year. Spring is a great time to hit the water, enjoy the beautiful weather and catch a mixed bag. Pretty much all the species are up for grabs. Don't miss your chance!

June

The Ed Alber Tarpon Rodeo Tournament has come! Tarpon are the star of the show. Redfish are all over the flats and mangrove shorelines. Spanish Mackerel and Mangrove Snapper invade the bay and Trout are feeding on the grass flats.

July

Midsummer is here and fishing can be very productive! Early mornings and late evenings are the best time to go fishing this month, especially for Trout and Snapper in the bay. Anything from Tuna to Marlin is biting in bluewater.

August

Redfish are schooled up in a few areas of Tampa Bay, ready to put up a fight. Head out during the night and Snook fishing will be just as exciting. Good-sized Snapper are among the popular catches. The Tarpon bite is still hot, hot, hot.

September

The flats and back bays are abundant with Redfish. When the tide is low, you can see their spotted tails cutting through the water’s surface, perfect for sight fishing. If you know where to look, you can also catch your late-season Tarpon.

October

Get your dose of Redfish while the fishing is still hot! The Snook bite is consistent on the outgoing tide, and you can find some real lunkers. Sheepshead and Mangrove Snapper are around the bridges and on the rock piles.

November

Fall has finally settled in! Redfish, Trout, and Snook are keeping anglers busy. Nearshore reefs are alive and produce some quality-sized Spanish Mackerel.

December

Fishing can be somewhat a weather-controlled event. Cold fronts are starting to sweep through Tampa, so the fish are on the move. Some days are better than others, but fun on the water is constant!

Tampa Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Tampa

Cobia, Redfish, Flounder and Trout on this tournament day! We did not win with our 42 inch fork length cobia but someone else won with a 42 inch bonnet head shark??? Oh well the client went home happy as all get out with cobia steaks!!

Trophy 20lb spring time snook!
Book now to reserve the best time to target our big pre spawn snook.

What anglers said about fishing in Tampa

We had a lot of reeled in fish and hits but can't speak to how it compares to other months. The captain did a good job putting us where we wanted to be.

5.0 / 5

We had a lot of reeled in fish and hits but can't speak to how it compares to other months. The captain did a good job putting us where we wanted to be.

Florida Professional Charters

Relax, be open minded and just have fun. If you listen to exactly what the captain tells you, you will get a catch almost every time. If you don’t catch anything at least enjoy the experience. Happy fishing!

5.0 / 5

Florida Professional Charters

It was definitely a windy day but the weather is out of everyone’s control. Captain Tom led us to a few areas so we could catch a few different types of fish.

5.0 / 5

It was definitely a windy day but the weather is out of everyone’s control. Captain Tom led us to a few areas so we could catch a few different types of fish.

Bait-N-Bite

Try out a half day early morning fishing with Jesse - Poseidon Fishing Charter. You will have a great experience and make memories that will last a lifetime.

5.0 / 5

Try out a half day early morning fishing with Jesse - Poseidon Fishing Charter. You will have a great experience and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Poseidon Fishing – East Tampa

Communicate with your guide. Make sure you know where you are going to meet. Be prompt (early) and easy to go. Then relax and enjoy the experience.

5.0 / 5

Communicate with your guide. Make sure you know where you are going to meet. Be prompt (early) and easy to go. Then relax and enjoy the experience.

Afishionado Guide Services

We were a couple of weeks early from a water temperature perspective for catching some of the larger species, but the captain knew we were looking to catch and release for fun, so he put us in perfect position to have constant action all day with the right locations, bait and setup. Communication in advance is important so you know what will likely be running during your trip in March because of the changeover in water temperature.

5.0 / 5

Capt Tony Frankland Inshore Fishing

Book with Captain Tommy! He knows the waters and where to find the fish and will take care of everything to ensure you enjoy your trip.

5.0 / 5

Book with Captain Tommy! He knows the waters and where to find the fish and will take care of everything to ensure you enjoy your trip.

Bait-N-Bite

Know the species caught in the time of your trip and the open and closed seasons.

4.7 / 5

Know the species caught in the time of your trip and the open and closed seasons.

Poseidon Fishing – East Tampa

Take sun cream and a hat as the sun can still burn. No head on board so use the bathroom before hand. Listen to the skipper as her knows what he’s doing.

5.0 / 5

Take sun cream and a hat as the sun can still burn. No head on board so use the bathroom before hand. Listen to the skipper as her knows what he’s doing.

Sundaze Inshore Charters

Definitely fish with Slot boys! Very knowledgeable of the area and knows what he is doing!

5.0 / 5

Definitely fish with Slot boys! Very knowledgeable of the area and knows what he is doing!

Slot Boys Charters

It's a good inshore trip and starting downtown makes it easy for convention goers.

5.0 / 5

It's a good inshore trip and starting downtown makes it easy for convention goers.

Downtown Tampa Charters

Try to go out early and on an over cast day if you can. BRING YOUR SUN SCREEN

5.0 / 5

Try to go out early and on an over cast day if you can. BRING YOUR SUN SCREEN

Florida Professional Charters Miami, Florida

Find a good tackle and Bait shop. Fish early morning and afternoon Fish early morning and Evening

5.0 / 5

Find a good tackle and Bait shop. Fish early morning and afternoon Fish early morning and Evening

Poseidon Fishing – East Tampa Rifle, CO

Watch the moon . If it's a full moon the fish eat all night making them harder to catch during the day.

5.0 / 5

Watch the moon . If it's a full moon the fish eat all night making them harder to catch during the day.

Baytime Charters – Tampa Bay LaGrange, GA

Tampa is full of fish, many different species. Makes for a great fishing experience.

5.0 / 5

Tampa is full of fish, many different species. Makes for a great fishing experience.

Florida Professional Charters Lineboro, MD

Call captains prior to going out to see current species, conditions… and how to pay captains because app can be confusing

5.0 / 5

Call captains prior to going out to see current species, conditions… and how to pay captains because app can be confusing

Capt Tony Frankland Inshore Fishing Apopka, FL

Book the AM trip before the sun gets too hot. A tad cold heading out to the fishing spot but once settled it was a perfect weather.

5.0 / 5

Book the AM trip before the sun gets too hot. A tad cold heading out to the fishing spot but once settled it was a perfect weather.

Poseidon Fishing – East Tampa Elk Grove Village, IL

Captain Ike would be an excellent choice for a beginner and experienced person wanting to get out on the water

5.0 / 5

Captain Ike would be an excellent choice for a beginner and experienced person wanting to get out on the water

Tampa Bowfishing Charters Underwood, MN

If looking for a bigger boat to go out farther don't forget to ask about the boat lol I was expecting a bigger boat (didn't ask or specify) and wanted them to go further out but from the two boys point of view I got exactly what I wanted...a great experience...

5.0 / 5

Downtown Tampa Charters Charlotte, North Carolina

Book with FishingBooker.com. Easy to do and you will not be disappointed.

5.0 / 5

Book with FishingBooker.com. Easy to do and you will not be disappointed.

Tampa Bowfishing Charters Tampa, FL

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Tampa?

Sea Dawgs Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(12 reviews)

We had a great time with Dawson. We caught several types of fish and everyone had a great time. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy time on the water.

John G.

Florida Professional Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(201 reviews)

We hit great spots, lots of bites and several fish reeled in. My wife caught her first fish, actually more than me, and had a blast. We had a great time learning about Tampa Bay fish and look forward to going again.

Daryl M.

Florida Professional Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(201 reviews)

Captain David did a great job putting us in good spots around Tampa Bay. We caught a few and had a great time! Would definitely book again.

Danny K.

Afishionado Guide Services
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(44 reviews)

Had to make an adjustment because of the wind and got some snook, redfish and trout action! Captain Wade was great!

Mark S.

Afishionado Guide Services
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(44 reviews)

We live in Tampa and decided on a fishing charter in our backyard. We typically prefer to go to the Crystal River area. Had a great time, caught fish and decided it isn’t always necessary to leave town to have fun. Would recommend!

Todd B.

Capt Tony Frankland Inshore Fishing
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(104 reviews)

We loved our fishing trip with Tony - he was very nice and helpful. We ended up fishing amongst the dolphins and manatees. It was a great experience!

Weike X.

Downtown Tampa Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(185 reviews)

Capt Max certainly gave us a trip to remember… my son caught a shark!!! He went out of his way to show us some prominent homes and buildings along the bay and he dropped us off only a short walk from our hotel saving us another Uber ride… definitely would recommend Capt Max… he knows his stuff and a great guy to boot. Thanks for a great trip! The Rose’s

Shelley R.

Capt Tony Frankland Inshore Fishing
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(104 reviews)

This was such a great experience for me and my girlfriend . Total, we caught 15 fish in 3 hours and had the best time. Captain Tony was amazing and we can’t wait to book again soon!

Benjamin L.

Capt Tony Frankland Inshore Fishing
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(104 reviews)

Capt. Tony was very attentive & knowledgeable of the fish caught. He tried his best to take us to different areas where we can fish. We were lucky enough to see 4 different species including a bonnet head shark 🦈🎣 Thank you for a great trip!

Kiana M.

Downtown Tampa Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

4.7 / 5

(185 reviews)

Wished we would have caught more fish but catching a sting ray and shark was pretty cool.

Richard A.

Afishionado Guide Services
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(44 reviews)

Captain Wade was awesome. This was our first time finishing in Florida. Strongly recommend him.

Jesse T.

Florida Reels Fishing Charters – TA
Fishing charter in Tampa

4.7 / 5

(47 reviews)

Guide is nice and outgoing will put you on some fish. Was hoping to catch more species of fish but it was pretty windy so we were limited by the area we could go. Would recommend this guide for any beginners or people interested a nice captain. Also he will meet you at Hooks (if you request or he recommends) and have fish filleted for you to bring in and have a fresh meal off the ocean!

Colton E.

Florida Professional Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(201 reviews)

Did a half day with my wife and sister. Capt. Dave was great with communication before and during the trip. He helped us every step of the way. We caught a a variety of different fish including stingrays and a shark. He accommodated our music and rocked out with us. It was a great trip and would recommend him to anyone looking for a great fishing experience.

Greg D.

Florida Reels Fishing Charters – TA
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(47 reviews)

Absolutely had a blast! Chris took us to an awesome spot and helped us make an amazing memory for my wife, my son, my nephew and I. Cannot recommend Chris enough. We caught a ton of fish and for any (self caused lol) issues, Chris was on top of it. We finished up the trip having our sea trout fried and blackened, and wow, what a great end to the day! Would book with Chris again, and keeping his number saved in my phone!

Tommy G.

G&A Outdoors Bowfishing Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(2 reviews)

It was unique experience of night fishing-hunting. Excellent service. Highly recommend. We caught couple fishes and three stingers.

Yevhen Z.

Capt Tony Frankland Inshore Fishing
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(104 reviews)

Great fishing, caught multiple species of fish. Our captain Tony had great local knowledge.

Gary U.

Sea Dawgs Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(12 reviews)

Captain Dawson was great and helped us very much on the trip and we caught big fish! Big recommendation to anyone that wants to go on a nice fishing trip.

Ander Z.

Charlton’s Reef Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(166 reviews)

Tom put us on some fish, he was helpful and knew where to fish, had a great time and caught lots of fish!

Mike P.

Sea Dawgs Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(12 reviews)

Fished a variety of spots, we caught a variety of fish, saw dolphins and a manatee all in a few hours. Kids had blast too!

John B.

Florida Professional Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(201 reviews)

What a beautiful day in the water. The whole trip was great. We just wished we had booked more time because it felt so fast ;) We reeled in multiple varieties though we didn’t keep everything. We appreciated all of Captain David’s patience and filleting the fish. We will definitely book with him again!