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.

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(261 reviews)
Tampa
 Last booking: 2 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $295

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 261 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (305)
Awesome experience - Book with Max.  You won\u2019t be disappointed.
Awesome experience - Book with Max.  You won\u2019t be disappointed.
Great 1st experience in Tampa!
+302
Angler rating
225
17
3
1
5
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
92%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 261 reviews
Adam B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent Charter Experience!

VERIFIED   NEW  2 Hour Trip – Afternoon Shorty on June 23, 2025
Max and Ralph provided the perfect charter experience! They arrived exactly on time, and had everything ready to go from the...
Adam B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Adam B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

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 – 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.  Captain Max and his First...
Katelyn H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Katelyn H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Clifford J.
Largo, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

3 hour trip with Capt Max

NEW  2 Hour Trip – Sunset Shorty on June 27, 2025
Excellent experience for us today with Capt Max and first mate Ralph!  The kids aged 14, 10, and 4 all enjoyed catching many...
Clifford J. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Clifford J. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Rachel C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect Fathers Day 🎣

VERIFIED   NEW  2 Hour Trip – Morning Shorty on June 14, 2025
We had a great time on our shorty fishing trip—fun, relaxing, and perfect for the whole family. It was a Father’s Day gift,...
Rachel C. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Rachel C. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

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 – 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
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Kamal S. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful