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Max Rowe
Captain

Max Rowe

Tampa, United States
Angler's choice
250+ reviews
I grew up on the water in Tampa Bay and fishing has been my passion since I was 12 years old. I love catching big fish - lots of big fish. Also the mystery of what big sea creature you'll find out there; sharks, dolphins, manatees, and even alligators are regularly spotted while fishing. The biodiversity and the crazy fish you catch and see keeps me coming back. After developing a love for fishing, and earning the nickname 'Captain,'- through middle and highschool, I took a scholarship to USF to play college baseball. Then I pursued being a drummer in a rock band, now I'm a licensed captain and have been for 7 years. Fishing is my true passion and is now just about the only thing I do. It is my passion, career, hobby, and therapy. I get along with everyone and welcome all skill levels. I love the science behind catching fish and love to educate. I hope to pass on my passion to all of my customers.

Charter

Rating

4.8
288 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

95%
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
93%
Caught fish

All reviews (288)

Showing 1 – 5 of 288 reviews
  • Elizabeth Singleton
    Elizabeth Singleton
    us
    Georgia, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    we had a BLAST!

    2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty • 4 adults • 1 child

    Captain Max and Mr Ralph were awesome. we call catfish, we caught an angel fish a Lady fish some trout and my 12-year-old caught a shark! the best part of the trip was when my 12-year-old caught the shark and even Captain Max and Mr Ralph were just as excited as we were. They were friendly and very knowledgeable. They definitely have customers for life!

    Reported catch:
    Snook
    Redfish
    Speckled Trout
  • Jody Hochberg
    Jody Hochberg
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    2 Hour Trip – Shorty • 2 adults

    We all enjoyed fishing with Captain Max and his assistant, Ralph. Both were patient and helpful, making the experience easy and fun. My wife, who was fishing for the first time, had the help she needed to fully participate. We got to fish in several different locations and caught a variety of fish. While some had to be thrown back, we came home with enough sea trout for dinner. The boat was very clean. Even the musical selections were great!

    Reported catch:
    Jack Crevalle
    Speckled Trout
  • Mike Lamprea
    Mike Lamprea
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing Trip, Caught lots of fish!!

    2 Hour Trip – Shorty - 10:00 AM • 4 adults • 2 children

    Thank you to Capt. Max and our 1st mate. Both gentlemen were incredible hosts and showed us a great time. We caught lots of different fish including a shark. I loved how our captain changes spots quickly if a location slows the biting activity. We were constantly catching fish the entire time and we plan on booking with this captain again. What a fantastic birthday this was for my 7 year old. It made his day!

    Reported catch:
    Speckled Trout
    Blacktip Shark
  • Rebecca Wiles
    Rebecca Wiles
    us
    Ohio, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Sharks, Trout, and a sting ray!

    4 Hour Trip – Sunset Special (PM) • 4 adults

    Captain Max and his first mate were absolutely amazing! Friendly, fun, and knowledgeable! This was most definitely the highlight of our trip and we will remember this for a lifetime! We will definitely be back!

    Reported catch:
    Speckled Trout
  • Natalie Hoekstra
    Natalie Hoekstra
    us
    Ohio, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fish and Fun

    2 Hour Trip – Shorty • 4 adults • 2 children

    Max and Ralph were great. We brought our 10 and 12 year old out with us. They have fished a lot back home with limited success and very little knowledge. We all learned a little and had a great time. Caught a lot of different fish. Got some fun photos and we’d highly recomend these guys! thanks for the good time!

    Reported catch:
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    thanks Natalie!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    we had a BLAST!
    Elizabeth S.
    Elizabeth S.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    Sharks, Trout, and a sting ray!
    Rebecca W.
    Rebecca W.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    Fish and Fun
    Natalie H.
    Natalie H.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    kept us on the fish, great personality
    Craig C.
    Craig C.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    Great trip
    Christopher B.
    Christopher B.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    Awesome Experience
    Robert B.
    Robert B.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    Great for the whole family!
    Erin K.
    Erin K.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    AMAZING
    Katherine K.
    Katherine K.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    Great trip!
    Haley S.
    Haley S.
  • Downtown Tampa Charters
    Downtown Tampa ChartersTampa, FL
    Tampa bay fishing!
    Reanne D.
    Reanne D.

What's biting with Downtown Tampa Charters in Tampa

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. 

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

A young boy proudly displays a Speckled Trout while fishing with an adult on a boat during sunset.

Fishy Fall

Oct 24, 2025 • Tampa
Cold fronts have started coming through and the temperature is dropping. Beautiful weather and blue skies. Or as Capt. Max would say, “inside, outside.” Trout, mackerel, redfish, and snook have been the most prevalent. Sharks are always around, and cobia have been making appearances. Get out before it gets too cold! The water temp is just right.
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A young angler proudly displaying a large Snook while two excited children pose beside her on a fishing boat.

HOT Bite!

Jul 25, 2025 • Tampa
The temperature on the water is ten degrees cooler than on land! Get out on the water, catch a breeze and some fish. Summer time fishing is in full swing. We’re catching trout, snapper, tarpon, snook, sharks, redfish, and more! The bay is calm, bait is everywhere, and so are the fish.
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Summer’s In Full Swing!

May 27, 2025 • Tampa
Summer has finally set in. Huge schools of bait, mackerel flying out of the water, sharks everywhere, snapper, trout, snook, redfish, and more. Tarpon are making an appearance. The bay is full of life right now! Dont be spooked by the storms! They’re usually avoidable and turn the bite on!
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Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while enjoying a sunny day on the water.

Summer Bite is Hot!

May 13, 2025 • Tampa
Catch a breeze and world class sport fish! Summer is one of my favorite seasons, yielding snook, tarpon, trout, snapper, sharks, redfish, and just about everything else. Tarpon and snook for the sporty folks. Snapper, mackerel, and sharks for the families! Or mix it up! Stop at the sandbar for a swim, check out the downtown waterfront. They bay is your oyster!
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Three anglers proudly displaying a large shark while enjoying a sunny day on the water.

Spring Has Sprung!

Feb 8, 2025 • Tampa
Winter came with gusto, with one of the coldest seasons on record. And it has left. It feels like spring here in tampa. Sunny and 75. The birds are chirping, the dolphins are jumping, and the fish are biting. This is the weather everyone moves to Florida for. Every species of fish is around. Redfish, trout, sharks, snook, cobia, and more. The water temp is just right, like when you figure out how to adjust your shower to the perfect temperature. You like it. So do the fish! Get em’ while theyre frisky!
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Angler proudly displaying a Silver Pompano while fishing on a boat, with a scenic backdrop of blue skies and water.

Better than Snow

Jan 18, 2025 • Tampa
We’re in the dead of winter but its still gorgeous in Florida! The water temperature is low which creates steady bites using shrimp for bait, with the occasional trophy fish. Bull sharks are lurking, manatees and dolphins are seen daily. Table fare includes pompano, sheepshead, and speckled trout. Cobia if youre lucky, but as Capt.Max says, “luck is for losers.” So let that snow pile up and ask your neighbor to shovel it for you and book a trip! Or however it works? Ive only seen snow twice!
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