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.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(288 reviews)
Angler's choice
Tampa
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $295

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 288 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (338)
we had a BLAST!
we had a BLAST!
we had a BLAST!
+335
Angler rating
251
17
3
1
5
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
93%
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Showing:
5 of 288 reviews
Elizabeth B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

We had a BLAST!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Shorty on June 26, 2026
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...
Elizabeth B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Elizabeth B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Natalie H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fish and Fun

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Shorty on February 18, 2026
Max and Ralph were great.ย  We brought our 10 and 12 year old out with us.ย  They have fished a lot back home with limited...
Natalie H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Jody H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Shorty on October 15, 2025
We all enjoyed fishing with Captain Max and his assistant, Ralph. Both were patient and helpful, making the experience easy...
Jody H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Jody H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Mike L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Trip, Caught lots of fish!!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Shorty - 10:00 AM on October 16, 2025
Thank you to Capt. Max and our 1st mate. Both gentlemen were incredible hosts and showed us a great time. We caught lots of...
Mike L. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Mike L. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Rebecca W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Sharks, Trout, and a sting ray!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Special (PM) on April 10, 2026
Captain Max and his first mate were absolutely amazing! Friendly, fun, and knowledgeable! This was most definitely the highlight...
Rebecca W. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Rebecca W. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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