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Tom Charlton
Captain

Tom Charlton

Tampa, United States
100+ reviews
I have been a Coast Guard licensed fishing charter captain in Tampa for 25 years. Having full coverage insurance and Red Cross training, I have your safety always in mind. Check me out and see how a quarter century of experience can put you on the fish.

Charter

Rating

4.8
172 reviews
4.7
Boat & Equipment
4.8
Captain & Crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

96%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
95%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
83%
Caught fish

All reviews (172)

Showing 1 – 5 of 172 reviews
  • Michael Flow
    Michael Flow
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    very great trip

    3 Hr – Tampa Bay Fishing Trip • 4 adults • 2 children

    The captain was incredibly knowledgeable and provided us with the exact instructions on how to catch the fish. We ended up with a diverse catch, including a stingray, which was an incredible experience. He was also very patient and attentive to the children, making the trip enjoyable for everyone. I would definitely book with him again.

    Response from Captain

    Thank you. I’m glad y’all had fun.

  • Joshua Linnell
    Joshua Linnell
    us
    Kansas, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Great experience

    3 Hr – Tampa Bay Fishing Trip • 3 adults • 1 child

    The Captain was great with the kids. He really seems to know the area well and has been doing this for quite a while. I would highly recommend for families.

  • Giuseppe Canzoneri
    Giuseppe Canzoneri
    Repeat angler
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2026
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    would go again

    3 Hr – Tampa Bay Fishing Trip • 1 adult

    graat capitan took his time to make sure i cuaght fish

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Red Grouper
  • Michael Payten
    Michael Payten
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Tom

    4 Hr – Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing • 2 adults
  • Bill Church
    Bill Church
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2021
    7 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Tom was fantastic very kid friendly fishing trip

    Kids, Beginners and Fun Cruisers • 3 adults • 2 children

    Our trip was awesome, we didn't catch any keepers not for a lack of trying, my boys (11 &10) had a wonderful time. Captain Tom was very patient with my boys playful too, he made the trip real fun for them. We did catch a bunch of fish but the big one got away! We had a wonderful time I would highly recommend this trip for anybody with kids or beginners, book your trip and enjoy your time!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    Great experience
    Joshua L.
    Joshua L.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    very great trip
    Michael F.
    Michael F.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    would go again
    Giuseppe C.
    Giuseppe C.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    Great trip!!!
    Ashley C.
    Ashley C.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    Great time!
    Mike P.
    Mike P.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    Half Day AM
    Daniel A.
    Daniel A.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    1/2 day
    Tony F.
    Tony F.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    Awesome inshore fishing with Capt Tom!
    Gene L.
    Gene L.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    More then a half day!!!
    Toni B.
    Toni B.
  • Charlton’s Reef Charters
    Charlton’s Reef ChartersTampa, FL
    Great day on the water with Captain Tom
    Greg S.
    Greg S.

What's biting with Charlton’s Reef Charters in Tampa

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.

Top catches for October

Fishing reports

Catch of the Day

Jul 3, 2026 • Tampa
8 foot nurse shark while snapper fishing in Tampa Bay
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Angler proudly displaying a large Grouper under a bridge, showcasing a successful day of fishing.

Abundant red grouper.

Jun 22, 2026 • Tampa
Last week was tough. I really had to look around for the target species. But we got on them . They were all too small to keep but we had a great tome catching not fishing.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Goliath Grouper while fishing in coastal waters.

Another awesome day grouper fishing!

Apr 13, 2026 • Tampa
The day started out slow looking for snook. After a few small ones I suggested bottom fishing for grouper to get a great fight. Man o man!
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Great Hammer Head

Apr 4, 2026 • Tampa
An 8’ surprise while grouper fishing
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing on a sunny day.

Bay grouper… Fun for the Whole Family

Mar 28, 2026 • Tampa
Heavy tackle fishing for grouper in the middle of Tampa Bay.
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Angler proudly displaying a large Grouper while fishing on a sunny day in open waters.

Bottom digging for bay grouper!

Mar 10, 2026 • Tampa
Tampa Bay offers many types of fishing and one of my favorites is bottom dropping cut bait for gag and red groupers on the rock piles. The fight is unforgettable. They will make you cry for mama to come and help as your eyes bug out, your face turns red and your grip on the rod tightens as it bends into a half moon twards the water. You have to lean backwards and put your body weight into it to keep them out of the rocks and breaking the 80 lb test leader. All this and cranking madly on the 40 conventional reel as sweat pours down your face. Man it’s worth it! Some folks troll for them but I love that first hit that you don’t get when trolling.
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