Tampa Bay Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Tampa Bay fishing trip is US $545, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $996 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Tampa Bay are good for families?

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

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

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

What are the top fishing techniques in Tampa Bay?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Tampa Bay are:

What are the top types of fishing in Tampa Bay?

The top 3 types of fishing in Tampa Bay are:

Do Tampa Bay fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

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

Who are the best rated captains in Tampa Bay?

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

Who are the top awarded captains in Tampa Bay?

Who are the top awarded captains in Tampa Bay?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Tampa Bay?

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

2-hour fishing trips – CA $443
3-hour fishing trips – CA $549
4-hour fishing trips – CA $765
5-hour fishing trips – CA $825
6-hour fishing trips – CA $1,031
7-hour fishing trips – CA $894
8-hour fishing trips – CA $1,392

Fishing in Tampa Bay

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

4.9 / 5

Based on 28562 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Tampa Bay Fishing Seasons

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

Loading Fish Calendar!

Please Wait...

What anglers said about fishing in Tampa Bay

I would definitely recommend fishing in Palmetto. 2 hour trip was good but 4 would have been great.

5.0 / 5

I would definitely recommend fishing in Palmetto. 2 hour trip was good but 4 would have been great.

Coastal Bound Charters

Yes I Would. But need to watch the weather and what time of year for the main fish you want to catch. It was our first time our Captain was great with us and was excellent with my 8 year old granddaughter. She had a great time. Thanks again to our Captain

5.0 / 5

Wet Lines Fishing

Captain Louis went out of his way to provide a high quality tailored fishing trip, he taught us how to fish and took us to several hot spots. My son caught so many fish he lost count. Smiles all around for the adventure. We all loved it. We would book with him in the future.

5.0 / 5

Island Boat Tours & Adventures

If you are an inexperienced fisherman Figured It Out Charters was very informative with helpful instructions while fishing.

5.0 / 5

If you are an inexperienced fisherman Figured It Out Charters was very informative with helpful instructions while fishing.

FIGURED IT OUT CHARTERS (Belmonte 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

Be ready for fun! Great weather, great boat and crew! Bring your sunscreen.

5.0 / 5

Be ready for fun! Great weather, great boat and crew! Bring your sunscreen.

Bottom Line Sportfishing

It’s all weather dependent. Of course, with a knowledgeable captain, a good boat and equipment, your chances of success go up. Just remember, it’s called fishing, not catching for a reason. Good Luck!

5.0 / 5

Charter Fish Bradenton

Today was a little windy but we caught lots of fish. Some too small to keep but still had awesome time.

5.0 / 5

Today was a little windy but we caught lots of fish. Some too small to keep but still had awesome time.

Good Times Fishing Adventures with Capt Wayne

Weather didn’t fully cooperate, but the captain made it a great experience!

5.0 / 5

Weather didn’t fully cooperate, but the captain made it a great experience!

Jewel Of The Bay Charters

We didn't have ideal weather as it was overcast and a bit windy with a storm coming in, but the fish were hungry and biting. We packed some long sleeves since it was a little chilly with the wind, but overall it was a great experience.

5.0 / 5

2 Shea Charters

Great beginning charter for those looking for fun family experience. May be a bit of a rough ride for small ones and elderly.

4.7 / 5

Great beginning charter for those looking for fun family experience. May be a bit of a rough ride for small ones and elderly.

Anna Maria Charter Fishing

Bring a wet proof wind breaker , and old towel for wiping your hands. A good attitude b/c you will lose some fish and share the boat and the captain services with others. Sunscreen for epiderma protection is a must!

4.3 / 5

Ami Excursions

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

Don’t expect too much on a 2 hour tour. Be realistic, and know you will still have a great time.

5.0 / 5

Don’t expect too much on a 2 hour tour. Be realistic, and know you will still have a great time.

Captain Andy's Salty Adventures

Perfect last minute trips, great day on the water and caught a lot of fish.

5.0 / 5

Perfect last minute trips, great day on the water and caught a lot of fish.

Lyons Charters - 26'

Select captain Hunter Wilcox, knows his profession plus is personable and friendly. He has thorough knowledge of the Skyway area waters of Pinellas County and the near shore Gulf Of Mexico. This area affords the largest variety of fish under the broadest weather conditions in Pinellas County.

5.0 / 5

Lock it Down Sportfishing

Bring plenty of sunblock keep your balance the boat gets a little rocky and just have some fun

5.0 / 5

Bring plenty of sunblock keep your balance the boat gets a little rocky and just have some fun

Reel Passion Charters

Bring your own equipment if you can, when you only have 2-3hrs to fish you don’t want to lose any time learning the feel of their rigs. I missed lots of strikes in the first 45min or so.

5.0 / 5

Bring your own equipment if you can, when you only have 2-3hrs to fish you don’t want to lose any time learning the feel of their rigs. I missed lots of strikes in the first 45min or so.

Angler's Dream Fishing

Be prepared for weather change. Take warm clothing, and plenty of sun screen. Listen closely to the captain and 1st mate as they give instruction. Concentrate on what you're doing and you should catch fish.

4.3 / 5

Angler's Dream Fishing

Just remember it is called fishing and not catching. We had caught a bunch of fish, just not the “monster” the captain was after.

5.0 / 5

Just remember it is called fishing and not catching. We had caught a bunch of fish, just not the “monster” the captain was after.

Home Again Old Florida Adventures

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Tampa Bay?

Finseekers Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(148 reviews)

I took my kids (10 &12) along with one of their friends and we all caught fish. The boys were raving about fishing and only regret was that we didn’t go longer! Mason was an amazing captain and likely helped me with 7 different snags! He filleted our fish for us as well! We will defiantly be fishing with Mason again!

Ingrid Z.

Captain Kirby's Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Bradenton

5.0 / 5

(209 reviews)

We had a great trip. We were very inexperienced anglers and captain kirby did a great job helping us catch fish. He was on the ball the whole time, swapping baits, taking fish off hooks, and helping us cast. I would glady recommend this charter to anyone looking for an easy day out on the water reeling in some fun fish.

Amber K.

Masi Boys Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Seminole

5.0 / 5

(75 reviews)

My husband and I went with Captain Joe, and it was such a fun and enjoyable experience! There’s no doubt that Joe’s passion is fishing, and he takes great pride in landing anglers fish! Would absolutely recommend to anyone!

KAELYN F.

Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
Fishing charter in Belleair Bluffs

5.0 / 5

(95 reviews)

I'm exhausted from all the reeling but extremely happy with Capt. Gary and the amazing time we had. 5*

William O.

Deep Color Fishing
Fishing charter in Bay Pines

5.0 / 5

(413 reviews)

Hank took my boyfriend and I out for the best fishing trip we’ve had! He had the best spots picked out and was extremely helpful with everything. We were able to bring enough fish home to feed the family and he provided us both the awesome experience with reeling in some huge barracuda! 10/10 will be coming back!

Dana W.

Outlaw Gunner Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

4.7 / 5

(410 reviews)

Another great trip with Capt. Gage and Peyton!! Caught our limit of grouper and topped it off with some snappers and grunts!! Nice day on the big blue!

Dennis H.

La Costa Charters
Fishing charter in Treasure Island

5.0 / 5

(348 reviews)

Capt and mate were great ! Very helpful and professional!! First class trip!!!

Edward M.

Chummy Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Bradenton

5.0 / 5

(145 reviews)

Unfortunately fishing was slow. But captain Steve was probably the most accommodating, professional, helpful, positive captain I’ve ever experienced. This was only the first trip. But definitely will not be our last

Mark B.

Deep Color Fishing
Fishing charter in Bay Pines

5.0 / 5

(413 reviews)

My wife and I went out with deep color 2 days in a row and had a blast. Captain is very knowledgeable and does well at finding fish. wish he would have had an extra day free we would have went with him again.

Travis S.

Gulfcoast Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Pete Beach

5.0 / 5

(389 reviews)

We had a really wonderful time. Captain Bobby was so accommodating and great with all our kids. Our youngest was 4 and it compelty tuckered him out. Everyone got a chance to reel in fish. Highly recommend ! And would go back again.

Jillian M.

Catch On Charters
Fishing charter in Bay Pines

5.0 / 5

(154 reviews)

Great time, enjoyed the experience of fishing both ocean and inland on the same charter. Kevin is a great host and knows how to find the fish!!

Laurence M.

Capt. Nick’s Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(61 reviews)

Nick is extremely knowledgeable about the local fishery and a very nice guy to boot. He found the fish and maximized all two hours of my first salt water fishing experience.I would definitely recommend.

Kate F.

Skyway Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Anna Maria

5.0 / 5

(167 reviews)

Great experience with Capt Tony. We went straight out to fishing hot spots and the bite was within a couple minutes. Tony had a live well full of bait beforehand. No wasted time catching bait in other words. We caught over 40 fish which 10 were keepers. Tony filleted our fish and put them in ice filled ziplock bags. We will definitely book with Skyway Sports-fishing next time in town.

Ed M.

Reel Experience Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Holmes Beach

5.0 / 5

(80 reviews)

Great morning out with Captain Donny. Captain Donny was great with my five year old and helped teach him how to cast and real in the fish. We caught about a dozen Spotted Seatrout and a Mackerel. Definitely recommend!

Matt S.

Ami Excursions
Fishing charter in Holmes Beach

5.0 / 5

(124 reviews)

Captain Nate was terrific! We caught over 20 fish. The captain was great with the kids and was very attentive and efficient. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

William S.

Ami Excursions
Fishing charter in Holmes Beach

5.0 / 5

(124 reviews)

Everything from weather, fishing, boat and especially Capt Nate were incredible!! Caught a lot of fish between Bonita, Reds, snook mackerel. Captain was one of the most knowledgeable and passionate that I ever encountered. We will be back!!

Tad F.

JT Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(155 reviews)

Great trip with captain Jace. Very easy to get along with and put in full effort to find the fish. Definitely recommend to anyone visiting the Clearwater area.

Ryan B.

FLP Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(48 reviews)

Captain Mike worked hard to get us a couple fish on short notice,after Island time family charters cancelled the night before! Captain Mike with FLP charters got us out early and stayed late!

Logan B.

Neptune Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(338 reviews)

Highly recommend Captain Jason as your Clearwater fishing guide. Boat was fast, had top notch equipment and we caught 5-6 different species of fish some of which we kept for a great fish taco dinner that night! Jason was great as he’s friendly, knowledgeable and will get you on fish.

Mark M.