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Fishing charters in Tampa, FL

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The 5 Best Tampa Fishing Charters

Good to Know

This city is one of Florida’s most visited fisheries. It never fails to mesmerize with the species of fish, and a large number of Tampa fishing charters.

Tampa fishing charters will put you on Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more.

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Inshore fishing charters in Tampa

Tampa waters give a unique inshore fishing experience all year round. Bays, inlets, and shallow flats provide excellent fishing opportunities for an experience of a lifetime.

Tampa fishing charters target variety of fish including species like Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more.

Inshore fishing trips are good for families with kids, couples, and small groups of friends.

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Inshore fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip is $465 for 2 people. An extra angler fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

The most affordable rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near Tampa.

In Tampa and nearby cities, there are about 110 inshore fishing charters. So you'll have plenty of options to find your next fishing break.

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Best time for inshore fishing

June, July and May are the best months for inshore fishing near Tampa.

Popular inshore fish species

Popular inshore fishing charters

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Offshore fishing charters in Tampa

While it might be famous for its inshore fishing trips, Tampa offshore fishing charters have plenty to offer offshore anglers.

Tampa fishing charters target variety of fish including species like Cobia, King Mackerel, Gag Grouper, Jack Crevalle, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

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Offshore fishing trip prices

$770 is the average base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter and 2 anglers. An extra person fee is $50. Captains can accommodate 4-6 persons depending on the capacity of the vessel.

$595 is the lowest price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip in Tampa found on our platform.

In Tampa and nearby cities, there are about 65 offshore fishing charters. It’s easy to book your next fishing break in Tampa.

Tip: It’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience. Offshore fishing spots are away from the coast, so you will need some time to get there.

Standard tips are 15-20% of the price you paid for your charter if the crew did a good job.

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Best time for offshore fishing

June, July and May are the best months for offshore fishing near Tampa.

Popular offshore fish species

Popular offshore fishing charters

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Family-friendly fishing charters in Tampa

Tampa family-friendly fishing charters will help you experience a memorable fishing trip with your family. The fishing charter Captain will teach you about different species of fish and show you various fishing techniques.

In-shore fishing refers to inland waters like creeks, flats, and small bays. Inland waters provide consistent fishing even on windy days.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Take a quick 4-hour inshore fishing trip if you are traveling with your family. This trip is ideal for families. Your kids will learn about species of fish and won’t get tired.

$436 is the average price for a 4-hour family-friendly fishing trip and 2 guests. Add $50 for each additional guest. Captains can take 4-6 persons depending on the length of the craft.

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Popular family-friendly fishing charters

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Shark fishing charters in Tampa

Sharks are plentiful all year round, from the shallow flats to the offshore waters near Tampa. Hiring a Tampa shark fishing charter is an excellent idea if you want to target famous ocean predators.

There are a variety of options for your next shark fishing trip near Tampa. These waters are a playground for Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Nurse Shark, Bull Shark, and many more.

Note: not all shark species can be caught or landed in Florida. Some species are considered prohibited. These sharks have to be released. But don't worry about shark identification. Your Captain will assist you.

Sharks are known to inhabit shallows, reefs, shipwrecks, sandy bottoms, and even deep sea waters. Young sharks reside in shallow waters, while deep waters are home to adult species.

There are many options for bait. Live bait for shark fishing consists of Ladyfish, Mullet, Little Tunny, and Blue Runner. Usually, fishing charters prepare the bait before they take off on the water.

Shark fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour shark fishing trip is $522 for 2 guests. Add $50 for an extra angler. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

There are more than 15 fishing companies in Tampa and nearby cities. So you'll have plenty of options to find your next fishing break.

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Best time for shark fishing in Tampa

Most of the non-prohibited shark species can be caught any time of the year. The best months for shark fishing in Tampa are March through October.

Popular shark species

Popular shark fishing charters

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Tarpon fishing charters in Tampa

Tampa is one of the best Tarpon fishing destinations. Local charters will help you to find the best fishing locations. They are ready to share their knowledge and fishing techniques with any potential angler on their fishing charters.

Tarpon occur in shallow waters, passes, inlets, channels, bays, and river mouths. Pinfish, mullet, and crabs are the go-to bait for Tarpon fishing.

Note: Tarpon are a catch-and-release-only species. Also, you can’t lift a 40+ inch Tarpon out of the water. So be careful with a fish, take a few photos, and release your catch.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the base price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing charter is $580 for 2 anglers. An extra angler fee is $50.

You can find 23 fishing charters in Tampa and nearby cities.

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Best time for Tarpon fishing in Tampa

The best seasons for Tarpon fishing in Tampa are spring and summer. The ideal months are August, July, and June.

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FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. Captains provide rods, reels, tackle, bait, and a cooler with ice. Usually, Captains clean the catch with no additional payments.

A Saltwater fishing license is included in the price. It covers all the anglers on the boat.

An offshore fishing charter has to have a federal permit to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can reserve a trip with a 10-30% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The deposit could be refunded if you cancel the trip before the cancellation deadline. On average, a free cancellation deadline is 2-14 days before the trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Tampa?

Fishing charters launch from marinas or public boat ramps. Popular meeting points near Tampa are:

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Nearby fishing destinations