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
268
Reviews
22
Fishing Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Downtown Tampa Charters

State licensed
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(268 reviews)
Angler's choice
Tampa
 5 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $295

Fishing Reports

HOT Bite!
HOT Bite!
Jul 11, 2025 Tampa
The temperature on the water is ten degrees cooler than on land! Get out on the water, catch a breeze and some fish. Summer time fishing is in full swing. Weโ€™re catching trout, snapper, tarpon, snook, sharks, redfish, and more! The bay is calm, bait is everywhere, and so are the fish.
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Summerโ€™s In Full Swing!
Summerโ€™s In Full Swing!
May 27, 2025 Tampa
Summer has finally set in. Huge schools of bait, mackerel flying out of the water, sharks everywhere, snapper, trout, snook, redfish, and more. Tarpon are making an appearance. The bay is full of life right now! Dont be spooked by the storms! Theyโ€™re usually avoidable and turn the bite on!
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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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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 268 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (310)
Great time with Captain Max
Great time with Captain Max
Great time with Captain Max
+307
Angler rating
232
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 268 reviews
Ryan V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great 2 Hour Trip

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Morning Shorty on October 20, 2023
Family vacation to Florida ended with the highlight of the trip on our way from Clearwater to Tampa Airport. Captain Max and...
Ryan V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Ryan V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Michelle V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best trip ever!!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Shorty on November 21, 2023
Captain Max and his first mate Connor made this the best trip ever!ย  We caught a few fish and then we changed spots (all the...
Michelle V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Michelle V. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Suzy F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Capt Max

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Shorty on May 4, 2024
Capt Max was awesome!! Not only was the fishing experience FUN, but the sightseeing and the landmarks were super cool and interesting!ย ...
Suzy F. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Suzy F. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Jimmy H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A bit windy, but Nice day on the water

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunset Special (PM) on March 28, 2024
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
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Jimmy H. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Gorge A.
Abraham, UT
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half Day Trip With Captain Mike

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Sunrise Special (AM) on September 25, 2022
We were a group of 6. Captain Max taught us all the skills and tricks to obtain the perfect catch, this man was born to be...
Gorge A. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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