The Gulf of Mexico waters Tampa-side are home to some of the finest year-round fishing in the south. Hardly any angler could resist fishing in Tampa! The sugar sand beaches line countless miles of waterways, passes, open bays, acres of shallow grass flats, thousands of oyster bars, and dozens of rivers feeding into it. You instantly understand why Tampa fishing charters are so popular. This enormous natural estuary is one of the “Fishing capitals of the world”. But what makes fishing in Tampa so exciting?

The answer is the first-class inshore game fishing, of course! You will absolutely love fighting Snook. Once these Tampa Bay superstars are on the line, they put up quite the fight. They are a must for any experienced fisherman and a “bucket list” catch for any beginner angler. Search for Snook on a summer evening. There are huge numbers of impressively large Snook being taken from the Port Manatee channel in Tampa Bay every year. Or you can pursue Redfish out on the flats, mangroves, and underwater structures. Those tough fighters are just unrelenting when hooked. Or to be more precise, IF hooked - Redfish are often referred to as the fish that won’t quit.

Even if there is a good reason why Snook and Redfish make it to the top of your angler’s list, you simply cannot miss the opportunity to catch Trout, one of the tastiest fish. Those shallow flats inhabitants are easy to catch and make great table fare, just like Sheepshead and the bottom-hugging flatfish Flounder. Flounder can be found relatively close to the shore, hiding in the sand of moving waters around passes and inlets. Off the shore, you can find them near reefs and shipwrecks. Nibblers Sheepshead also hang out there. You can always count on Sheepshead bite during the winter!

Tarpon fishing Tampa Bay-style is perhaps the most exciting aquatic adventure in all of Florida. When they migrate up from the south in May and June, you will go chase the jumpy monsters under the bridges. While targeting “the Silver King”, you might also hook into fast and aggressive Spanish Mackerel.

Then, if you feel the urge of fishing the deep blue waters off the shore, you will head out for Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, and Mahi-Mahi on your deep sea fishing charter. There are amazing fishing opportunities off the coast. Tampa Bay offshore charters can meet the needs of those who love to hear screaming drags. Fight with King Mackerel, Sailfish, Hogfish, Permit, Snapper, Triggerfish, Cobia, and Amberjack. You can even wrestle Sharks!

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

If you are overwhelmed by all the fish species, remember: if it swims in the Gulf of Mexico, you can probably catch it in Tampa Bay!

You are not required to purchase a fishing license if you're fishing from a guided charter or a party boat that has a valid boat or charter captain license.

Your typical Tampa Bay fishing trip can begin with casting jigs, live bait, and crank bait around the various bridges that traverse the bay. Fishing there can be rewarded with the famous bait stealer, Mangrove Snapper, which also live around docks, seawalls, and rock piles. Tampa is home to a myriad of charter boats. Whether are looking for a fun day out with your friends and family or for a corporate outing, there are dozens of packages available for you. Go for light tackle action for Redfish, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Snook, and Trout, catch Tarpon on a fly. Bottom fish for Grouper, tasty Snapper or Amberjack. Enjoy trolling offshore for Wahoo and Mahi-Mahi. Whichever trip you have in mind, you will be able to make a great catch possible.