The 5 Best Tampa Fishing Charters
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Caught 11 days ago36-inch King MackerelImperial SportfishingTampaUp to 6 people"Great Captain who knows his stuff and puts you in the right spot to fish!"trips from$300per group of 2 adultsFree cancellation - Caught 13 days ago24-inch RedfishBeyond Fishing ChartersTampaUp to 4 people"He’s very knowledgeable about the local Tampa area and its waters"trips from$500per group of 1-4 people
- Caught 11 days ago25-inch SnookPocket Change Inshore Fishing ChartersSt. Petersburg27 mins drive from TampaUp to 6 people"He was extremely patient with us as we were casting into the trees."trips from$300per group of 2 adultsFree cancellation
- Florida Reels Fishing ChartersTampaUp to 4 people"If you want one of the best fishing experiences PLUS the best customer service there is… you have to choose these guys!"trips from$350per group of 2 adultsFree cancellation
- Salt Work Fishing Co.TampaUp to 4 people"He had everything prepared, taught along the way, and knew all the best spots."trips from$550per group of 2 adults
- Show all 38 fishing charters
We’ve handpicked Tampa fishing charters that deliver top-rated experiences across Tampa Bay. Captains on our platform hold an average rating of 4.9/5 from over 200 reviews and bring an average of 6 years of guiding experience. These local experts know every channel, flat, and reef, ensuring your trip is both productive and memorable. Whether you’re planning a family outing or chasing trophy fish, you’ll be with some of the best captains in Tampa.
Tampa Inshore Fishing Charters
Tampa Bay’s inshore waters include grass flats, mangroves, oyster bars, and quiet backcountry creeks. Anglers often target Redfish, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Tripletail in these areas. Close proximity to shore and the use of light tackle with live bait or lures make inshore trips a comfortable option for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a relaxed day on the water.
Average price of inshore fishing: About $580, with trips typically ranging from $300 to $1,500. Charters run from quick 2-hour outings to full 8-hour adventures. The most popular option is a 4-hour trip starting at $450 for two anglers, plus $50 per additional guest (up to six total).
Show all inshore fishing chartersTampa Offshore Fishing Charters
Offshore charters head into the Gulf of Mexico to fish reefs, wrecks, and ledges. Anglers often catch Gag Grouper, Red Snapper, Amberjack, King Mackerel, Barracuda, Wahoo, Triggerfish, and Mahi Mahi using trolling or bottom fishing. These trips involve longer runs but offer access to larger fish and diverse grounds.
Average price of offshore fishing: Trips cost about $750, typically ranging from $695 to $2,200. Most boats accommodate up to six anglers, with many offering a flat rate for the entire group.
Show all offshore fishing chartersWhat’s Biting This Week in Tampa, FL?
Cobia 38 in with Cast Away Charters8 days ago
Snook 24 in with Cast Away Charters9 days ago
King Mackerel 36 in with Imperial Sportfishing11 days ago
Spotted Seatrout 24 in with Cast Away Charters11 days ago
Snook 25 in with Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters11 days ago
Redfish 26 in with Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters11 days ago
Redfish 24 in with Beyond Fishing Charters13 days ago
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8 days agoSurprise surprise…. a cobia on the line! Not a usual catch for us, but what a beauty.with Cast Away Charters![]()
9 days agoIt’s always a thrill watching the line peel and seeing the big silver flash come up!with Cast Away Charters![]()
11 days agoFall bite is off to a blazing start! Kingfish and mackerel out nearshore and tons of snook and reds inshore.![]()
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11 days agoDropping them photos and after reeling in them fish.![]()
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13 days agoSo we started the week with some beautiful weather, low winds and awesome tides which led to some incredible fishing! Then as the week went on… the winds picked up and gave us some more difficult conditions… but all my clients persevered, had a great time, and got the job done! I still have a couple slots open in October and plenty in November!
What Anglers Say About Fishing Charters in Tampa, FL?
- 5/5Great experience. We had a lot of fun. Zack nailed it! Thank you
- 5/5Took a 4-hour charter with Captain Zach the other day and it was fabulous! He’s very knowledgeable about the local Tampa area and its waters. We did some trout fishing on the flats before we headed to the mangroves to catch redfish. We even had a curious manatee come say hi while we were in the shallows. Will 10/10 be booking with Beyond Fishing Charters again! Thank you!
- 5/5Very professional and friendly. I definitely recommend them to any of my friends and family.
- 5/5Even when the tides aren’t great Zach still puts on fish!!! Don’t even look for a different charter, just book em and hook em
- 5/5My husband and son just went fishing with them and had a great time! Garrett kept there lines baited and every spot had fish! Spent the time fileting their catch at the end. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a private experience.
- 5/5Steven is a great captain. He was VERY easy to work with when some of my group cancelled last minute. He knows these waterways very well and was able to put us on a lot of fish. We did two half day trips with him. One was offshore and on inshore. I will use him again and would highly recommend others to book a trip with him, too.
- 5/5We had an amazing time with Captain Ty!! He had everything prepared, taught along the way, and knew all the best spots. We both caught fish and truly had a fantastic experience. Highly recommend Salt Water Fishing Co & Captain Ty
5/5👍👍- 5/5Captain Kevin took my wife my son and I out for a trip today and it was a blast, he quickly put us onto the fish and was extremely patient with my little boy. I would recommend him 100%!
- 5/5Had an amazing experience on the water with Captain Garrett. Caught a shark within the first 5 minutes on board. He knows exactly where the fish are, truly a master of his craft. Highly recommend!
FAQs about fishing charters in Tampa, FL
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$580 is the average price for the most popular 4-hour inshore trip for two people. Fishing charters in Tampa typically range from $400–$800 for a half day (4 hours) and $800–$1,500 for a full day (8 hours). Prices are usually per boat, with a base rate for two anglers and an added fee for each additional guest. Charters are worth it for the local expertise, quality equipment, and best chance of catching fish.
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The best fishing in Tampa is March–June and September–November; fishing continues year-round, but July–August heat and summer rains (June–September) can slow things down.
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For a 4-hour fishing charter in Tampa, it’s customary to tip 15–20% of the trip cost. For example, on a $ 500 charter, that works out to about $75–$100. The exact amount is up to you and should reflect the level of service and overall experience.
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No, you don’t need to purchase your own fishing license when booking a charter in Tampa. The captain’s license covers all guests on board.
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A Tampa fishing charter typically includes the boat, fuel, a licensed captain, fishing gear, bait, tackle, and the required fishing licenses that covers all the guest. Most charters also provide cleaning and bagging of your catch. Food, drinks, and gratuity for the captain are usually not included, so it’s best to bring your own.
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Choose a charter based on the type of fishing you want (inshore or offshore) and trip duration. Look at the captain’s experience and reviews, consider the boat’s capacity and amenities, and compare trip lengths and pricing to find the best match for your goals and budget.
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