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
272
Reviews
22
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Downtown Tampa Charters

State licensed
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(272 reviews)
Angler's choice
Tampa
 Last booking: 7 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $295

Fishing Reports

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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HOT Bite!
HOT Bite!
Jul 18, 2024 Tampa
The fish are warm and full of energy. Rainy season is here and is cooling things down, making mornings and late afternoon/evenings great. Keeper fish have been Snapper, trout, and mackerel with the occasional redfish. For the gamefish- tarpon, snook, redfish, and jacks have been prevalent. Bait is plentiful and there is no red tide. The state of the union is strong!
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Fall Is Fired Up
Fall Is Fired Up
Oct 28, 2023 Tampa
The bayโ€™s water temperature has dropped significantly in the past two weeks, creating mass migrations of fish. They are feeding heavily before the Florida โ€œwinter,โ€ 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 whatโ€™s biting. Using live sardines has been the method. Fall is arguably the best time of year to fish Tampa Bay. Come get emโ€™!
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Great Start to October
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.
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Hot Bite Cool Breeze
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 emโ€™ before it gets too cold!
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 272 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (320)
AMAZING
Great trip!
Great trip!
+317
Angler rating
236
17
3
1
5
Anglers claimed
Good experience
94%
Friendly captain
98%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
97%
Satisfied with the boat
98%
Caught fish
92%
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Showing:
5 of 272 reviews
Katherine K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

AMAZING

VERIFIED   NEW  2 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Shorty on July 22, 2025
Capital Max was great. Very in touch with nature and the Ocean. Will be back and definitely will recommend
Katherine K. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Katherine K. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Shawn C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Trip with Captain Max!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunrise Special (AM) on June 25, 2025
My family and I had great fishing charter with Captain Max! Very personable and knowledgeable. We got into some fish right...
Shawn C. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Shawn C. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Steven B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Max

VERIFIED   NEW  2 Hour Trip โ€“ Afternoon Shorty on July 15, 2025
Good experience, crew was fun with go conversation. Max found the fish and we hooked them!
Steven B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Steven B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Rob M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Friendly fun and knowledgeable

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunrise Special (AM) on April 12, 2025
Had a great time with Ralph and Max, just genuinely good people having a good time on the water. Were knowledgeable and helpful...
Rob M. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Rob M. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Paula J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fun short trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Afternoon Shorty on April 11, 2025
Captain Max and 1st Mate Ralph were great guides. They were patient and even made special arrangements at another dock to...
Paula J. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Paula J. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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