TIGHTLINES CHARTER – Private Inshore Fishing Trips

About your Trip.

Tightlines Charter specializes in private, shallow-water inshore fishing along Florida's Gulf Coast, with a focus on the productive waters of St. Joseph Sound near Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, and New Port Richey.

Every trip is built around current conditions rather than a fixed route. Wind, tides, water clarity, seasonal fish movements, and bait activity determine where we fish each day, allowing us to adapt and provide the best opportunities possible.

We target redfish, snook, speckled trout, and seasonal tarpon using light tackle, live bait, artificials, or a combination of both depending on conditions. Whether we're quietly working mangrove shorelines, sight fishing shallow grass flats, or exploring oyster bars and tidal creeks, the emphasis is always on finding active fish.

These are active, hands-on trips designed for anglers who want to experience Florida's shallow-water fisheries. My goal is not only to help clients catch fish, but to share the knowledge and decision-making process behind every trip so they leave as better anglers than when they arrived.

Every charter is private, personalized, and tailored to the day's conditions, and your skill set, creating a unique experience that showcases why Florida's shallow-water fishery is unlike any other.

Some FAQ's

What do I need to bring with me?
Bring whatever you would like to eat or drink. I always have a few waters in the cooler. There is plenty of room in the cooler for a sandwich, snacks, beer or whatever you like.

Other things you may want to bring:
Sunglasses & hat
Sun protection (sunscreen or UPF clothing)
Light rain jacket - or we can all huddle under the T Top

YOU DO NOT NEED A FISHING LICENSE. You are covered under my charter license.

Can we bring adult beverages?
Absolutely! No judgement will be passed on the breakfast beer or 5 o'clock somewhere mentality. This is your trip, and you can do as you please. We just ask that you stay safe and inside the boat : )

What is the best thing I can do to ensure a great trip?
Listen, ask questions and trust that I will do everything in my power to give you a great experience! Leave your ego at the ramp and let me "guide" you through a great day on the water. I will communicate with you through every part of the experience.

I am here to make sure you have a great time, stay safe and leave with pictures that will last a lifetime.

Why are most trips 3 or 4 hours?
This is the perfect amount of time to target a specific part of the tide cycle. We usually get two optimal windows in the tides each day. We normally do not make long runs on our trips so you will have a rod in your hand for most of the trip.

There are a lot of factors that go into the time slot I suggest for your trip.
Tides
Wind
Daylight
Fish patterns

What kind of gear do you use?
THE BEST! I have tried every rod and reel brand out there. I always come back to Shimano. They are the gold standard for sensitivity, power and durability. Most combos you will have in your hands are worth over $550. This is what I fish with personally in tournaments. These are very high end rods and reels and you will feel every ounce of excitement these fish have to offer.
You can pick up combos like these at Tailwater Outfitters in Clearwater Florida

Are you licensed and insured?
Absolutely! Getting my Captain's license was one of the proudest days of my life and I love what I do! I have invested a lot of money into my business and protect that with my insurance policy. I always say that having fun is job #1 but it goes without saying on my boat that safety is always my first concern. You are in good hands, and I look forward to our time on the water!

Do you ever get skunked?
Sure, any guide who tells you no is lying. But it is a very low % of trips and usually due to some weather or wind event. I will say that we see fish on every trip with clients or when I am out scouting. We will absolutely see fish and have shots at them. After that there are a lot of factors that come into play that I cannot control.

Pressured fish that just won't eat
Bad casts / poor hooksets
Uncooperative or spooky fish
Wind, rain and cloudy skies

This is where the old saying "Guide, not God" comes from. I will pull every trick out of my bag to make sure we have a productive day!

Can we keep what we catch?
Yes . . . and . . . No. It really depends.

First off we really encourage catch and release. Big fish make little fish and releasing these fish helps the population. There are also some species that the Florida Wildlife Commission does not allow you to keep on a charter regardless of size or season.

If you want to keep fish to eat let me know when you book. That will definitely influence my plan for the day. I will do my best to get you all the fish you want. Bring a cooler with ice and leave it in the car.

We have so many great local restaurants that have sustainably caught fresh fish for you to enjoy! Some of these restaurants will cook your catch for you. Check out the legendary Rusty Bellies just a block away from the marina on the World Famous Sponge Docks!

Why do we require a deposit at booking?
By paying your deposit it locks in your date and automatically puts you on the calendar. This guarantees your trip and helps avoid double bookings or scheduling issues.

Is the deposit refundable?
Yes, if we cancel the trip due to weather or unforeseen issues.
Yes, if you cancel more than a week in advance.
No, if you cancel within 7 days of the trip.

Can we reschedule?
Absolutely! I will be happy to move your deposit to a future open date on the calendar.

Should I tip you after the trip?
Tips are never expected but always appreciated.

What if we break down out there?
I am a nut about routine maintenance and keeping all of my equipment in top shape. In the very unlikely event that we breakdown and are dead in the water, fear not. I have a premium commercial membership with SeaTow with unlimited towing. It gives my wife peace of mind, and I am sure it will do the same for yours. Especially if she's on the boat with us! knock on wood I have never needed it but it's there if we do.