Captain
Max Rowe

Member since August 2018 Tampa, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
Live bait fishing is my go-to method. Would you eat a plastic cheeseburger over a real one? White bait (sardines) during the warmer months and shrimp when colder. I mainly target Snook, Trout, Redfish, Tarpon, Tripletail, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel, and more. All fishing is done around Downtown Tampa( Hillsborough Bay). If you prefer to fish with lures you are welcome to, I have a few options.

Hey, I'm Captain Max Rowe

Tampa, United States
Background
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.
Techniques
Live bait fishing is my go-to method. Would you eat a plastic cheeseburger over a real one? White bait (sardines) during the warmer months and shrimp when colder. I mainly target Snook, Trout, Redfish, Tarpon, Tripletail, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel, and more. All fishing is done around Downtown Tampa( Hillsborough Bay). If you prefer to fish with lures you are welcome to, I have a few options.
250
Reviews
20
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Downtown Tampa Charters

State licensed
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(250 reviews)
Tampa
 Last booking: 1 hour ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $295

Fishing Reports

Summer Bite is Hot!
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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Spring Has Sprung!
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 emโ€™ while theyre frisky!
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Better than Snow
Better than Snow
Jan 18, 2025 Tampa
Weโ€™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, โ€œluck is for losers.โ€ 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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Santaโ€™s Sleigh Is Here!
Santaโ€™s Sleigh Is Here!
Jan 18, 2025 Tampa
Dont let the cool weather fool you. The water temp is perfect for this time of year. Snook and redfish are creeping around the shallows, trout are plentiful on the flats. Sheepshead are ready to harvest, and schools of black drum should be roaming the bay. If youโ€™re lucky youโ€™ll see a cobia,(big fish pictured), if youโ€™re really lucky youโ€™ll get one in the boat! Thereโ€™s plenty to be had out there in this beautiful weather. Get emโ€™ while theyโ€™re still hot!
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As Good As It Gets!
As Good As It Gets!
Dec 6, 2024 Tampa
After the hurricanes, life on the water has been turned upside down. However, the balance of nature has gifted us some of the best fishing ive ever seen! It has been hard to not catch fish! Thousands of redfish, trout, snook, and juvinile tarpon. Bait is all over the place and easy to catch. These conditions should remain until the next serious cold front. We are set up for a fantastic fall season. Book your trip today!
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Everything is Fine!
Everything is Fine!
Oct 14, 2024 Tampa
We got smoked by the hurricaneS! But in terms of fishing charters weโ€™re good to go. This redfish was caught amongst many others in between the storms. This is one of the best times of year to fish. It might look a little different out there but the fishing is stellar.
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 250 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (291)
Great morning with Captain Max!
Great morning with Captain Max!
Great time with a awesome local captain
+288
Angler rating
214
17
3
1
5
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
91%
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Showing:
5 of 250 reviews
Katelyn H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Special (PM) on January 17, 2025
My husband and I came to Tampa for a long weekend and decided to book a short fishing charter.ย  Captain Max and his First...
Katelyn H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Katelyn H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Kamal S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Captain Max fishing Charter Experience!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Morning Shorty on April 4, 2025
I had an amazing time on the fishing charter! From the moment we set sail, the crew made everything feel effortless and fun....
Kamal S. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Kamal S. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Bryan M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip for my boys!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Morning Shorty on April 17, 2025
Captain max and his first mate where so good with the kids! My boys are 7 and 9 and he was vary attentive to showing them the...
Bryan M. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Bryan M. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Mike K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great charter.

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunrise Special (AM) on April 2, 2025
Capt Max was great. We had a great time and caught a lot of fish. We wanted to get Snook, Red, and shark and we got them all....
Mike K. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Mike K. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Aicha Y.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

2nd booking and experience still amazing

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Afternoon Shorty on March 11, 2025
Our family has booked two trips in the past year with Captain Max. Truly amazing experience. Heโ€™s friendly, welcoming, super...
Aicha Y. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Aicha Y. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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