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
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $295

Fishing Reports

HOT Bite!
HOT Bite!
Jul 25, 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. We’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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Summer’s In Full Swing!
Summer’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! They’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 em’ while theyre frisky!
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Better than Snow
Better than Snow
Jan 18, 2025 Tampa
We’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, “luck is for losers.” 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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Santa’s Sleigh Is Here!
Santa’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 you’re lucky you’ll see a cobia,(big fish pictured), if you’re really lucky you’ll get one in the boat! There’s plenty to be had out there in this beautiful weather. Get em’ while they’re still hot!
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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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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 272 reviews
Peter D.
Poor
1.0 / 5
Experience:
Poor
1.0 / 5
Boat
Poor
1.0 / 5
Crew
Poor
1.0 / 5
Overall

STAY AWAY......TURN BACK........DO NOT BOOK!!!!!

VERIFIED   2 Hour Trip – Morning Shorty on October 21, 2024
HORRIBLE, BAD DIRTY BOAT, MESSY CAPTAIN, SHORTENED THE TRIP, NO BAIT, WENT ONLY ABOUT 500 FT FROM THE DOCK. NO FISH, NO ALTERNATIVE...
Peter D. does not recommend Downtown Tampa Charters
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Jon M.
Littleton, CO
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day with Captain Max

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip (AM) on March 30, 2021
Max did a great job, very efficient, fished a lot of areas in one 1/2 day trip.
Jon M. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Randal B.
United States
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Max

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip – Whole Day Special on May 22, 2020
Captain and first mate were first class had the best day with the two of them and will be back again for more fishing
Randal B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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John B.
Duette, FL
Very good
4.0 / 5
Experience:
Very good
4.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

November fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip – Sunrise Special (AM) on November 3, 2022
John B. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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Paul S.
Lakeland, FL
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Very good
4.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Solid, unique Tampa Bay fishing outing

VERIFIED   Holiday Special on December 31, 2020
Captain Max is very chill, an uber local who knows Tampa Bay fishing like few do. He got us all around the bay and caught all...
Paul S. recommends Downtown Tampa Charters
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