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.

185

Reviews

Fishing Reports

My Charter Listing

Downtown Tampa Charters

4.8 / 5

(185 reviews)

4.8 / 5

(185 reviews)

Tampa • 23 ft • 4 persons

trips from US $295

Fishing Reports

Solid Start to the Holiday Season

Dec 1, 2023 Tampa

The water temp has dropped a good bit, moving fish into their winter homes. Sheepshead, redfsih, black drum, sharks, cobia, snook, trout, and jacks are the main species. Depending on the temperature we’ll be using live shrimp or live greenbacks. As long as it doesnt get too cold the fishing is great this time of year.

Fall Is Fired Up

Oct 28, 2023 Tampa

The bay’s water temperature has dropped significantly in the past two weeks, creating mass migrations of fish. They are feeding heavily before the Florida “winter,” when certain species hunker down like bears in the winter. So the time is now! Spanish Mackerel, redfish, snook, snapper, jacks, cobia, trout, and sharks are mainly what’s biting. Using live sardines has been the method. Fall is arguably the best time of year to fish Tampa Bay. Come get em’!

Great Start to October

Oct 6, 2023 Tampa

The north winds are here and masses of fish are migrating and eating. Based off recent outings, the state of the bay is strong. The fish that are here now should stay until next spring. Meaning quality redfish snook trout cobia triple-tail sheepshead black drum and sharks. Fish to eat or for sport, fish are guaranteed.

Hot Bite Cool Breeze

Sep 29, 2023 Tampa

Capt. Max is back after summer vacation! The north winds are here and the fall season is underway. Schools of tired fish are needing to eat after long journies. Baitfish are plentiful as well as sea turtles, dolphins and signs of a healthy ecosystem. Redfish and Snook are most prevalent, snapper are still around and cobia and triple tail. Tarpon are showing early in the morning and at sundown. Mackerel, bluefish, trout, and sharks are around the flats and bars. All inshore species are readily available. If you have a bucket list fish, now is the time. Get em’ before it gets too cold!

Early Fall Action

Oct 15, 2022 Tampa

Tampa bay lucked out big time dodging the eye of hurricane Ian and God bless those severely affected. It seems as if fish took refuge from down south into tampa bay. Post-storm we have been seeing larger numbers in schools of fish. As well as catching some irregular, more tropical species. Right now just about every species is available, take advantage of it before the water gets too cold!

Hot weather makes fishin’ better

May 18, 2022 Tampa

Summer is finally here-probably my favorite. And im not one for favorites. Just about every inshore species is available. Snook, snapper, trout, mackerel, redfish, tarpon, cobia, tripletail, sharks, jacks, you name it. The bay is full of bait and the fish are right behind them. Get em before it gets too hot!

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.8 / 5

out of 5 stars from 185 reviews

See details

Boat

4.7 / 5

Crew

4.9 / 5

Experience

4.8 / 5

Photos & videos by reviewers (201)

+198

Anglers claimed

Good experience
	94%
Friendly captain
	99%
Recommend this charter
	91%
Appropriate for children
	96%
Satisfied with the boat
	98%
Caught fish
	90%

Appropriate for children
	96%
Satisfied with the boat
	98%
Caught fish
	90%

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Showing:

5 of 185 reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 185 reviews

Brian B.

5.0 / 5

Experience:

5.0 / 5

Boat

5.0 / 5

Crew

5.0 / 5

Overall

Shorty Special

VERIFIED NEW 2 Hour Trip – Morning Shorty on March 24, 2024

Brian B.

5.0 / 5

Mar 24, 2024

2 Hour Trip – Morning Shorty

For my uncle and I we had a morning open and wanted to get a little time on the water and maybe catch some fish. Captain Max focused on more fishing and less boat travel time which we appreciated in a two hour shorty. The weather was perfect the captain worked hard to put us on them but it wasn’t much of a bite. That said it was just what we wanted, a great time in the time we had to spend. I’d recommend Max as a knowledgeable guide and would recommend his services if... More

For my uncle and I we had a morning open and wanted to get a little time on the water and maybe catch some fish. Captain...

Brian B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters

Mark review as helpful

Shelley R.

5.0 / 5

Experience:

5.0 / 5

Boat

5.0 / 5

Crew

5.0 / 5

Overall

Awesome Time

VERIFIED NEW 2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty on April 14, 2024

Shelley R.

5.0 / 5

Apr 14, 2024

2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty

Awesome Time

VERIFIED NEW

Capt Max certainly gave us a trip to remember… my son caught a shark!!! He went out of his way to show us some prominent homes and buildings along the bay and he dropped us off only a short walk from our hotel saving us another Uber ride… definitely would recommend Capt Max… he knows his stuff and a great guy to boot. Thanks for a great trip! The Rose’s

Capt Max certainly gave us a trip to remember… my son caught a shark!!! He went out of his way to show us some prominent...

Shelley R. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters

Mark review as helpful

Michelle V.

5.0 / 5

Experience:

5.0 / 5

Boat

5.0 / 5

Crew

5.0 / 5

Overall

Best trip ever!!

VERIFIED 2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty on November 21, 2023

Michelle V.

5.0 / 5

Nov 21, 2023

2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty

Best trip ever!!

VERIFIED

Captain Max and his first mate Connor made this the best trip ever! We caught a few fish and then we changed spots (all the while being shown local sites on the way). Encountered several pods of dolphins! Then we went to the place where my husband caught a HUGE fish! Well, a small shark! On our way back to the dock we watched a gorgeous sunset while listening to classic boat music. Max and Connor were so pleasant and accommodating! We will be back to Florida soon for a 4 hour trip!

Captain Max and his first mate Connor made this the best trip ever! We caught a few fish and then we changed spots (all the...

Michelle V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters

Mark review as helpful

Jimmy H.

5.0 / 5

Experience:

5.0 / 5

Boat

5.0 / 5

Crew

5.0 / 5

Overall

A bit windy, but Nice day on the water

VERIFIED NEW 4 Hour Trip – Half Day Special (PM) on March 28, 2024

Jimmy H.

5.0 / 5

Mar 28, 2024

4 Hour Trip – Half Day Special (PM)

A bit windy, but Nice day on the water

VERIFIED NEW

If we had more time in FL we would have taken Capt Max up on his offer to postpone once we were out in the water due to high winds. We struggled with the wind but Capt Max did his best to put us on the fish. We caught fish though. My two sons and I enjoyed our time on the water. Looking forward to the next trip!

If we had more time in FL we would have taken Capt Max up on his offer to postpone once we were out in the water due to high...

Jimmy H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters

Mark review as helpful

Joseph R.

5.0 / 5

Experience:

5.0 / 5

Boat

5.0 / 5

Crew

5.0 / 5

Overall

Great Trip!

VERIFIED 2 Hour Trip – Afternoon Shorty on December 1, 2023

Joseph R.

5.0 / 5

Dec 1, 2023

2 Hour Trip – Afternoon Shorty

Great Trip!

VERIFIED

Went out on a quick afternoon fishing trip with Captain Max and it was a blast. He knew the area well and really knew how to find fish. We caught a few fish, saw dolphins, manatees and got to enjoy a wonderful boat ride. Captain Max packed a whole lot of fun and good time into a two hour trip. Myself and four friends all agreed that we would love to come back and do another trip with Captain Max in the future. Thank you Max!

Went out on a quick afternoon fishing trip with Captain Max and it was a blast. He knew the area well and really knew how...

Joseph R. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters

Mark review as helpful

...

Settings

5 stars		156
4 stars		13
3 stars		2
2 stars		0
1 star		4

Email Address

Phone Number

Captain
Max Rowe

Hey, I'm Captain Max Rowe

My Charter Listing

Downtown Tampa Charters

Fishing Reports

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Shorty Special

Shorty Special

Awesome Time

Awesome Time

Best trip ever!!

Best trip ever!!

A bit windy, but Nice day on the water

A bit windy, but Nice day on the water

Great Trip!

Great Trip!

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