Tampa Bay

308 Fishing Charters

Tampa Bay Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Tampa Bay

Top Tampa Bay Destinations

Tampa Bay: 308 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(97 reviews)
Holmes Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(98 reviews)
Holmes Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(123 reviews)
St. Petersburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $650
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(86 reviews)
Palmetto
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $250
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(141 reviews)
Holmes Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $350
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(52 reviews)
St. Petersburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(119 reviews)
St. Petersburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(145 reviews)
Tampa
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $300
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(25 reviews)
St. Petersburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $450
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(221 reviews)
Clearwater
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $350

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Tampa Bay

According to customer reviews, Charter Fish Bradenton, Ami Excursions, and FishHuge Charters โ€“ St Petersburg are some of the most popular fishing charters in Tampa Bay. Full list of top fishing charters in Tampa Bay.

The average price for a private 4 hour Tampa Bay fishing trip is $549, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $984 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Charter Fish Bradenton, Ami Excursions, and FishHuge Charters โ€“ St Petersburg all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Tampa Bay.

The most popular fish species you can target are Mangrove Snapper, Snook, and Redfish. Top fishing techniques include Light Tackle, Spinning, and Bottom Fishing. Nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

Tampa Bay is a great place to get a taste of Florida’s superb fishing! What’s more, there’s an incredible number of Tampa Bay fishing charters ready to put you on the hot bite. With no shortage of incredible, hard-fighting, and tasty fish, the question isn’t why you should try fishing in Tampa Bay – it’s why wouldn’t you?

The bay is actually a saltwater estuary, with 400 miles of rich shallow habitat to explore. Impressive-sized Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, and Spotted Seatrout are the most common inshore catches in the area. Want more variety? Add Sheepshead, Black Drum, Flounder, Pompano, and Sharks to the equation.

Fishing the nearshore waters of the bay is an adventure in itself. Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and many other species are swimming around, ready to take your bait. Venture out into the Gulf of Mexico, and chase all the favorite game fish – Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Barracuda, Tuna, and even Sailfish are in the cards.

Inshore trips are perfect for anglers of all levels, as well as family outings. More seasoned fishermen love targeting monster Tarpon and going after the inshore Grand Slam. The offshore fishery is so diverse that both novices and pros are all but guaranteed to have a blast.

Because the choice of fish is fantastic, charters offer a wide array of trips. Some of the best destinations to find a professional guide are St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and Bradenton. And once you find your captain and hit the bay’s prolific waters, you’ll always come back for more!

Rules & Regulations

Most Tampa Bay fishing charters provide a fishing license for their customers so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Some sought-after species, like Red Snapper and Tarpon, have strict seasonalities, so ask your captain about the details before your trip.

Tampa Bay
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 27726 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

Early in the year, you can expect excellent fishing if you know where to look! Average temperatures are in the sixties, cold enough to push Redfish and Speckled Trout into the deeper waters of the bay.

February

February is full of possibilities here in Tampa Bay. Fishing inshore could produce anything from Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead to small Sharks.

March
As average temperatures climb toward 75°F, things are heating up on the flats. Charter boats in St. Petersburg and Clearwater are gearing up for the season offshore.
 
April
Tampa Bay is bustling with anglers in April as Tarpon make their first appearance. Bear in mind that Tarpon fishing is strictly catch and release. Snook are also biting, so light tackle and fly fishermen can have a blast on the flats. The offshore fishing season is up and running.
May

Temperatures are rising daily in the bay, so it’s hard to say what’s hotter, the weather or the fishing! Tarpon season is in full swing, with top-notch Snook fishing to boot. Redfish, Trout, Pompano, and many more are biting as well.

June

You’ll be spoiled for choice in June, with unparalleled fishing on the flats and in the Gulf. Why choose when you can spend one day wrestling Tarpon inshore and the next reeling in Mahi Mahi offshore?

July

You can expect some of the hottest weather of the year in July, and all the prized fish are loving it! Whatever you’d like to target in Tampa Bay, now is the time to do it. Cool off on the water and reel in some prestigious game fish while you’re at it!

August
The summer heat continues, along with stellar fishing left and right. You can expect multiple hook-ups while fishing for Tarpon and a wide variety of catches on the flats. These warm summer nights are perfect for bowfishing.
September
In some years, fantastic fishing continues all the way through September. Tarpon and Snook are still in the cards, along with a variety of big game fish offshore. Average temperatures are slipping below 90°F.
October
If you’re lucky, Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay could still be strong at this time of year. The flats offer plenty of light tackle and fly action. Cast a few lines before a cold front pushes the fish into deeper water.
November
The offshore fishing season comes to a close in November, but this can be the perfect time to check out the busy waters inshore. With fewer tourists in the Bay, you can have this fishery all to yourself!
December
Even in December, you can expect balmy weather and excellent angling conditions. Fishing the deeper water in the bay will yield Redfish, Speckled Trout, and the odd Snook. You could also find Flounder and Sheepshead because they prefer “colder” weather.

Tampa Bay Fishing Calendar

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Pay a little money for a charter because the water is shallow andยทlots of sandbars.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Pay a little money for a charter because the water is shallow andยทlots of sandbars.
Tony  N.
Tony N. Riverview, Florida
Its a fun experience for all ages, besides thw fishing just the scenery and boat experience is awesome.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Its a fun experience for all ages, besides thw fishing just the scenery and boat experience is awesome.
Jesse  G.
Jesse G. Nashville, GA
Youโ€™re in good hands. Go with the flow! Youโ€™ll get more than you expected!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Youโ€™re in good hands. Go with the flow! Youโ€™ll get more than you expected!!
Janessa  S.
Janessa S. Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania
Yes. Capt Jeremy is very patient and taught us a lot. We varying degrees of experience and he worked well with all of us.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes. Capt Jeremy is very patient and taught us a lot. We varying degrees of experience and he worked well with all of us.
Jay  R.
Jay R. New Port Richey, FL
Captain was very friendly and knowledgeable caught a lot of fish captain was very punctual Iโ€™d recommend it to the beginners
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain was very friendly and knowledgeable caught a lot of fish captain was very punctual Iโ€™d recommend it to the beginners
Robert  A.
Robert A. United States
Don't cancel if the weather is forecasted to be bad- it changes pretty quickly . What is bad the day before becomes beautiful the next morning. You will miss out on great fishing if you let the the weather scare you off.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Don't cancel if the weather is forecasted to be bad- it changes pretty quickly . What is bad the day before becomes beautiful the next morning. You will miss out on great fishing if you let the the weather scare you off.
Laurel  L.
Laurel L. Clearwater, Florida
Fishing just off sore was very exciting no big fish on our trip but caught fish left and ride plenty of fish to keep and plenty were thrown back
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing just off sore was very exciting no big fish on our trip but caught fish left and ride plenty of fish to keep and plenty were thrown back
Josh  H.
Josh H. Orlando, Florida
If you are wanting to catch a variety of fishโ€ฆ And a few unexpected onesโ€ฆ Inshore/nearshore is the way to go.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are wanting to catch a variety of fishโ€ฆ And a few unexpected onesโ€ฆ Inshore/nearshore is the way to go.
Dean  P.
Dean P. Orlando, Florida
This was a great trip! The crew was absolutely great and were fun to be around.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was a great trip! The crew was absolutely great and were fun to be around.
Dan  A.
Dan A. Woodbury, MN
Just let the expert teach you how to fish. We went quite a ways out and caught lots of fish, I was hoping to catch a tarpon but they werenโ€™t biting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just let the expert teach you how to fish. We went quite a ways out and caught lots of fish, I was hoping to catch a tarpon but they werenโ€™t biting.
Anne  R.
Anne R. Ruskin, Florida
Find yourself a good charter too take out and show you the ins and outs, we used Neptune charters and absolutely loved it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find yourself a good charter too take out and show you the ins and outs, we used Neptune charters and absolutely loved it!
Zachary  E.
Zachary E. Dayton, OH
The flats is the place to fish during the hot summer months on the reefs no need to go out long distance and take away from time catching fish. We caught more in the flats near Land
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The flats is the place to fish during the hot summer months on the reefs no need to go out long distance and take away from time catching fish. We caught more in the flats near Land
Ronnie  C.
Ronnie C. Bradenton, Florida
Go when it is cooler water and weather. Don't miss the dolphin show at the end!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Go when it is cooler water and weather. Don't miss the dolphin show at the end!
Peggy  P.
Peggy P. St. Petersburg, FL
I would definitely take the early morning trip. Zach was professional and excited to be sharing the water and this recreation with us.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I would definitely take the early morning trip. Zach was professional and excited to be sharing the water and this recreation with us.
Tami  M.
Tami M. Crescent, MO
Irs a great place to fish and see other sea life. I recommend Anglers Dream charters.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Irs a great place to fish and see other sea life. I recommend Anglers Dream charters.
Kile  T.
Kile T. Fincastle, VA
Patience and above all a good captain. Would definitely come and fish again. Also mornings during the week not as crowded and hot
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Patience and above all a good captain. Would definitely come and fish again. Also mornings during the week not as crowded and hot
Elvin  P.
Elvin P. Disputanta, KY
The water gets hot so find an expert who can find the fish. Fishing close to sure is difficult during the summer. Spend the money and get out to deeper waters and youโ€™ll be happy you did.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The water gets hot so find an expert who can find the fish. Fishing close to sure is difficult during the summer. Spend the money and get out to deeper waters and youโ€™ll be happy you did.
Timothy  W.
Timothy W. North Huntingdon, PA
Just before it starts to get to hot to enjoy being outside an according to the captain the water temperatureโ€™s are still in the warm but not hot Category which makes fish more active an and they tend to feed better..
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just before it starts to get to hot to enjoy being outside an according to the captain the water temperatureโ€™s are still in the warm but not hot Category which makes fish more active an and they tend to feed better..
FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member North Port, Florida
If you're doing a near shore trip, definitely do the 6 hour trip. I'm glad we did. With the travel time to the fishing spots that were 7-10 miles out, 4 hours wouldn't have been enough.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you're doing a near shore trip, definitely do the 6 hour trip. I'm glad we did. With the travel time to the fishing spots that were 7-10 miles out, 4 hours wouldn't have been enough.
Mike  C.
Mike C. Chariton, Iowa
Sure. It was hot and we knew fish were gonna be slower. Our captain did excellent work
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Sure. It was hot and we knew fish were gonna be slower. Our captain did excellent work
Russell  C.
Russell C. Crete, NE

Home Again Old Florida Adventures
Home Again Old Florida Adventures
Fishing charter in Longboat Key
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(55 reviews)
J.D. was awesome and we kept going until he got us on some fish. Highly recommend and we will be coming back in the future.
Derick  S.
Derick S. Tampa, FL
Fishin Magician Inshore
Fishin Magician Inshore
Fishing charter in Ruskin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(12 reviews)
Captain Eric was fantastic. Listened to how I wanted to spend the day and what I wanted to target and he put us on them. Started the day catching a couple of redfish for the chest and then headed out to the grouper spots. We managed to get a few undersized in the boat but we did hook into a few giants but they got us in the rocks before we could pull them free. Was an awesome day and will be booking again.ย 
Jess  B.
Jess B.
Reel Experience Fishing Charters
Reel Experience Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Holmes Beach
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(48 reviews)
This is the first time salt water fishing charter. We had a perfect experience. Excellent Captain friendly and knowledgeable. Most definitely would recommend and will use him again. Thank you for a fun day.
David  S.
David S. Bradenton, Florida
Leisure Life Charters
Leisure Life Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(501 reviews)
Captain was very knowledgeable from beginning to end. He knew the area very well and didnโ€™t waste any time moving us if there was no action. I would recommend leisure to anyone and hope to return in the future soon! Thanks Cap!!
Steve  H.
Steve H. Tampa, Florida
Deep Color Fishing
Deep Color Fishing
Fishing charter in Bay Pines
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(386 reviews)
Hank was great, the boat is fantastic. Had a great time. We caught several fish despite the challenging weather conditions.
Gary  A.
Gary A. St. Petersburg, Florida
Florida Professional Charters
Florida Professional Charters
Fishing charter in Tampa
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(145 reviews)
David was great. He put us on fish right away. We caught a variety of fish. I recommend that you utilize his services. David, I will be back.
CARLTON  E.
CARLTON E.
Masi Boys Fishing Charters
Masi Boys Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(45 reviews)
Capt Joe made this an adventure of a lifetime. As a fairly new fisher, he explained everything and knew the waters like nobodies business. It was an experience watching the mackerel jump and hooking three sharks. I will take my grandkids on the next adventure. 10 stars!
Juli  B.
Juli B. St. Petersburg, FL
My Girls Adventures
My Girls Adventures
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(95 reviews)
Amazing day for us. Steve was an excellent captain. Boat was very well kept and clean. Thank you for making our adventure so memorable. The place you recommend to have the fish we caught cooked up afterwards was outstanding.
JD  M.
JD M. Colleyville, TX
FLP Fishing Charters
FLP Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
We had an amazing experience, our after engagement trip to catch some fish with Michael was amazing! We booked last minute, as our previous booking had cancelled and although he thought he had his day booked out for no fishing trips he accommodated us in many ways! We caught many fish and he gave great advice!
Jillian  K.
Jillian K. Fremont, OH
Bay Reef Fishing Charters
Bay Reef Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(177 reviews)
Had a great experience on this 2 hour fishing trip. Captain D was very personable and super friendly he was very helpful with all the kids ha ha and adults. We highly recommend captain D and will definitely be back.
Jesse  G.
Jesse G. Nashville, GA
Westbound Sportfishing
Westbound Sportfishing
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(66 reviews)
Little rough concerning weather but it changed throughout the trip and got better. Fishing also picked up and we caught lots of fish including quite a few hogfish and gag groupers. Plenty to eat on all week during our stay. Definitely recommend Brian and Jake! They worked very well with us and put us on really good fish. Thanks so much!
Greg  C.
Greg C.
Bay Reef Fishing Charters
Bay Reef Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(177 reviews)
My son was in his element and Cap kept him engaged. Great trip and weโ€™ll use him again.
Keith  R.  R.
Keith R. R. Orlando, Florida
Captain Chris's Fishing Adventures
Captain Chris's Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Belleair Bluffs
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(136 reviews)
Captain Chris showed my party of 4 an enjoyable time catching fish. Very knowledgeable at knowing where to find fish and kept our poles baited with fresh bait. Caught a variety of fish, and we enjoyed our time on the water. Would highly recommend an outing with Captain Chris.
Catherine  S.
Catherine S.
Leisure Life Charters
Leisure Life Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(501 reviews)
Cpt. Jeff is very knowledgeable. All you have to do is listen and do what he says. He definitely made the trip worth it and will be back to do it again. It was well worth the money because you can see how passionate he is about fishing.
Tony  N.
Tony N. Riverview, Florida
Bait House Charters
Bait House Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(251 reviews)
Absolutely great experience. If youโ€™re looking to catch a lot of fish with a great crewโ€ฆBait House Charters is for you!
Matthew  M.
Matthew M. Conshohocken, PA
Markinโ€™ Fish Charters
Markinโ€™ Fish Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(75 reviews)
Our fishing excursion with Captain Mark and Chris was fantastic! Heโ€™ll do everything he can to get you fish. We had a blast. I highly recommend!
John  C.
John C. Largo, Florida
Leisure Life Charters
Leisure Life Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(501 reviews)
We booked the half day trip with Captain Jeff (1pm-4pm) and it was an absolute blast! Caught a ton of fish and Captain Jeff was excellent. He knew exactly where to go to get us on fish and was very knowledgeable about the local fishery. Definitely coming back next time weโ€™re in St. Pete Beach. Couldnโ€™t recommend a better Captain!
Paul  Y.
Paul Y. Tampa, Florida
2 Shea Charters
2 Shea Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(23 reviews)
Great experience with this charter! Captain Jason and Will were great. Definitely be back for another outing soon!
Michael  O.
Michael O. Toronto, Ontario
FishHuge Charters โ€“ St Petersburg
FishHuge Charters โ€“ St Petersburg
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(123 reviews)
Not much was biting but we snagged a fewโ€ฆ seemed like all boats had same issue. Took us to 3 spots to test the water in different places. Captain was knowledgeable and friendly. Nice boat, I would recommend sitting in the back for the bounce effect on the water. Thanks for the trip.
Jay  C.
Jay C. CONCORD FARR, TN
FLP Fishing Charters
FLP Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(26 reviews)
Capt Micheal, was top notch, he told us how to catch the fish, put us on some good spots. Our next trip will be for eight hours so we can go out further and longer. We had a great time.
Harold  J.
Harold J. Orlando, Florida