Optimus Fishing Charters

What to Expect

• 24 feet boat with shade
• Child-friendly
  trips
• Trips for both beginners and experts

• Fishing license for all anglers
• All necessary fishing gear and live bait
• Weather
  protection
• Ice box for fish and drinks
• Bottled water
• Catch cleaning and filleting

Fish You'll Reel In

• 
  Spotted Seatrout
  March is prime for Spotted Seatrout—peak fun and catch rates
• 
  Redfish
  March is prime for Redfish—peak fun and catch rates
• 
  Cobia
• 
  Spanish Mackerel
• 
  King Mackerel
• 
  Tripletail
  March is prime for Tripletail—peak fun and catch rates
• 
  Sheepshead
  March is prime for Sheepshead—peak fun and catch rates

Boat Features & Amenities

• Length 24 feet This boat of average size will provide enough space for everyone
• Capacity 6 people (excluding captain)
• Rods, reels, tackle All necessary fishing gear is provided and included in the trip price
• Live bait well Live bait is provided and included in the price for each trip
• Fish finder
• Wireless trolling motor
• Ice box For fish & drinks
• Shade Prevents sunburn on boat trips; don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses
• Toilet Heads up: No toilet on board!

• Captain Brian Lemelin
• Over 10 years of expert fishing charter experience
• State licence confirmed
• Merchant Mariner Credential checked
• Greg M. "Captain Brian was very patient and gracious with us"
  Read all customer reviews

Customer Reviews

• GM

  Greg M.

  5/5
  We had a great day on the water with Captain Brian. We are not the most experienced fishermen and Captain Brian was very patient and gracious with us losing his gear in the mangroves. Will definitely be booking again so stock up on some more gear Captain..Thank you for helping make a great memory with my kids..
  January 9, 2024
• JM

  Jason M.

  5/5
  My 5 year old son and I had a great time!
  November 9, 2023
  Response from Capt. Brian Lemelin

  Thank you Rip. Enjoyed the time we got to fish together.

  November 11, 2023

Where do the trips start?

602 Bahia Del Sol Dr, Ruskin, FL, United States Good location 12-minute drive from Ruskin city center Convenient parking There is a large parking area near the meeting point.

Show on map

Pro Tip: To maximize your time on the water, we recommend arriving around 15 minutes before the trip begins.

What is included?

• Rods, reels, tackle All necessary fishing gear is provided and included in the trip price
• Live bait Live bait is provided and included in the price for each trip
• Fishing licence For all anglers
• Fish cleaning & filleting At the end of the trip, the captain will clean and fillet the fish you caught
• Ice box For fish & drinks
• Drinks Water in bottles is provided

What to bring?

• Sunglasses & sunscreen We recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for the weather (your captain will advise you the day before). And, of course, don't forget your phone to capture memorable moments with photos :)
• Snacks (if you want) The cooler has ample space for your favorite snacks, sodas, or alcoholic beverages should you choose to bring them. For trips of 6 hours or more, we recommend packing a lunch. A sandwich or any easy-to-eat option would be ideal for enjoying while fishing.

How to book & pay?

• Step 1 (Before Your Trip): Secure your booking online with a 15% prepayment to guarantee your reservation. We accept all major credit cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay, ensuring a seamless and secure payment process:

  • and others

• Step 2 (At the Trip): Pay the remaining balance directly to the captain on or before the day of your trip. Accepted payment methods include PayPal, Visa, Mastercard or Cash.

• Step 3 (After the Trip): While tipping the captain is not obligatory, it is greatly appreciated as a gesture of satisfaction with your experience. We suggest a gratuity of 10-20% for exceptional service.

Cancellation & Refund policy

• If you cancel your booking, your prepayment will not be refunded. In certain cases, the captain can offer a different fishing date, but we can't guarantee that.
• If the captain decides it is not safe to proceed with the trip (for instance, due to weather conditions or because the boat needs maintenance), the captain can cancel the trip at any time before it starts. In such cases, your prepayment will be fully refunded.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the trip price include when booking with Optimus Fishing Charters?

  Everything you need for a successful fishing trip is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, live bait, an ice box, and fishing licenses for all anglers. Your catch cleaning and filleting are also included in the trip price.

• Do I need to have prior fishing experience to go fishing with Optimus Fishing Charters?

  No, prior fishing experience is not required to enjoy a trip with Optimus Fishing Charters. Whether you're casting a line for the first time or you're an experienced angler, you're sure to have a memorable experience. Captain Brian Lemelin is well-equipped to introduce beginners to the basics of fishing, covering common techniques and essential tips. For those with more experience, he will offer advanced tips and tricks, as well as insights into the distinctive fishing opportunities the region has to offer.

• Does Optimus Fishing Charters offer family-friendly trips?

  Absolutely! Optimus Fishing Charters prides itself on offering trips that are suitable for all ages, making it a fantastic experience for families. Children are especially welcome. The captain not only educates kids about different fish species and fishing techniques but also ensures they get hands-on experience. There's nothing like the thrill of catching fish, and we love providing that joy to young anglers.

• Do I need to leave a tip?

  While tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated as a gesture of satisfaction with the service provided. We suggest a gratuity of 10-20% of the charter cost, reflective of your experience.

• Is there a toilet facility on the Optimus Fishing Charters boat?

  No, the Optimus Fishing Charters boat does not have a toilet onboard.

• Where do trips with Optimus Fishing Charters begin?

  All trips with Optimus Fishing Charters commence at 602 Bahia Del Sol Dr, Ruskin, FL, United States. This location is particularly convenient for those staying in Ruskin, with an approximate drive time of 12 minutes from the city center. Additionally, this location offers ample parking space for guests.

• Do I need a license to go fishing with Optimus Fishing Charters?

  No, you do not need a personal fishing license. A fishing license for all anglers is included in the price of each trip.

• What is the passenger capacity of the Optimus Fishing Charters boat?

  The Optimus Fishing Charters boat can accommodate up to 6 people, in addition to the captain.

• What can I do with my catch?

  After your trip, the captain will clean and fillet your catch for free, allowing you to either take it home or enjoy it at a nearby restaurant with waterfront dining.