Over Memorial Weekend, I took my 23‑year‑old son on his very first fishing trip, and choosing Baytime Charters in Tampa Bay turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. Captain Sam absolutely did not disappoint. From the moment we stepped on the boat, he made the entire experience fun, comfortable, and unforgettable.

My son had an amazing first‑time outing, and I loved every moment of watching him enjoy it. Whether someone is a complete beginner like he was or already experienced, I truly believed they would have a fantastic time with Captain Sam.

By the end of the trip, I already knew we’d be booking with him again on our next Florida visit. Baytime Charters earned every bit of this praise. Thank’s Captain.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable day on the water, this is the captain you want. From the moment we stepped on the boat, Captain Sam made me feel welcome, safe, and excited for the day ahead. His knowledge of the local waters is incredible—he knew exactly where to go and had us on fish immediately.

Not only is he highly skilled, but he’s also patient, friendly, and great at teaching. Whether you’re an experienced angler or it’s your first time holding a rod, he takes the time to make sure everyone is comfortable and having fun. The equipment was top-notch, the boat was clean and well-maintained, and the entire trip was smooth from start to finish.

What really stood out was how hard he worked to make sure we had a successful trip. He stayed on the fish, adjusted spots when needed, and made sure everyone had a chance to reel something in. By the end of the trip, we had great catches, great photos, and even better memories.

If you’re thinking about booking a fishing charter, don’t hesitate—this captain is the real deal. We’ll definitely be back for another trip!

We had an absolutely fantastic 4-hour bay fishing trip with Captain Sam Newman of Baytime Charters! It was the perfect family outing for me, my wife, and our 9-year-old son. Captain Sam was incredibly patient and knowledgeable, teaching us all the ins and outs of fishing Tampa Bay’s waters—even for beginners like us.

We caught speckled sea trout (kept 5 keepers that Sam expertly cleaned and filleted for us), redfish, some flounders, and even a nice grouper that we released. The action was steady, and seeing our son’s excitement with every bite made it unforgettable.

Captain Sam put us on the fish right away, made everyone feel comfortable, and shared great tips along the way. He’s truly passionate about what he does and fantastic with kids. This was our first charter in Tampa Bay, and it exceeded all expectations—we’ll definitely book again!
Highly recommend Baytime Charters and Captain Sam Newman for anyone wanting a fun, productive, and family-friendly day on the water!

Great day fishing yesterday on Tampa Bay with Baytime Charters - Captain Sam was a great host and guide!! He communicated clearly prior to the trip and exchange contact information in case we needed to get in touch. Directions to the boat ramp were clear and concise. He was at the launch on time with bait, ready to go! He was kind, gave clear communication and tips on how to catch the species we were after. Conditions on the bay were beautiful - calm, no wind, warm with sun, however the beautiful weather made fishing challenging. Captain Sam made adjustments throughout our trip to make sure we were catching fish. We caught Ladyfish, Snook, Jack Crevalle, and Redfish. It was an enjoyable experience and I highly recommend!!

Capt Sam was great.  I took my wife and daughter out for Mother’s Day and it was beautiful!  The weather was great and Capt put us on the fish within minutes of leaving the dock. We hammered fish!  We caught some of the biggest trout in the last few years with Capt Sam ad are looking forward to dinner tonight.
Give me a call when you head back to CT so I can repay the Favor!

Best,

-The Dougherty’s