TAMPA BAY FISHING CHARTERS

About your Trip.

TAMPA BAY FISHING CHARTERS

We are an exciting inshore charter company specializing in sight fishing charters with spinning and fly fishing gear in the Gulf & Tampa Bay!

Here is your chance to fish some of the most exciting flats on Florida’s Suncoast! We will spend our day stalking these fish in the waters of Saint Joseph Sound, Tampa Bay and in the estuaries of the Gulf. These areas have an amazing landscape of sand flats, mangroves and turtle grass flats. This gives us ample opportunities to find happy fish at all parts of the tide cycle. Sight fishing is a rush like no other. We will be poling around on the flats usually in about a foot of water. Visibility is fantastic on these flats, so bring your A game. These fish don't get this big by being stupid.

Our primary focus will be on the big three, Redfish, Snook and Tarpon. But I like to have clients cast at whatever comes into range. Depending on conditions, you might hook into Black Drum, Sheepshead, Bonefish, Cobia, Flounder, Jack Crevalle, Permit, Tripletail or Speckled Trout and who knows what else! The Saltmarsh Heron 18 is loaded up with the best gear and tackle! You bring the passion, and we will supply the rest!
NOTE:
We do NOT offer "bait trips", we do not use any live or frozen bait. Sitting around waiting for the bite to happen isn't our idea of fun! We us artificial lures and flies to trigger an aggressive strike from these fish as we move through the flats.

Clients should be comfortable and able to make accurate casts at a distance or 40' to 60’ away.

About Your Captain

I got into skinny water sight fishing on the flats of South Carolina. Sight fishing big fish on the flats is such a rush! I love recreating that experience for my clients! They say, "The tug is the drug" and I know we are all addicted!

Some FAQ's

1. No live or frozen bait?
Nope! We use lures and flies to trigger an aggressive strike from these fish as we move through the flats. Soft plastic lures from Zman and Gulp are some of our most productive baits

2. How far should I be able to cast?
You will need to be able to cast, accurately, at 40' to 60'. We typically use 1/4oz jig heads on medium power rods. This is a critical skill for these types of trips. If you are a little rusty I suggest practicing before the trip.

3. 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 or snacks.
Other things you may wat to bring:
Sunglasses & hat
Sun protection (sunscreen or UPF clothing)
Light rain jacket - skiffs can be a wet ride sometimes

4. 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 : )

5. 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 do an assessment with every client before we ever see a fish the first time we go out. This allows us to get on the same page.
This will let me:
See how far you can cast accurately. That way I can make sure I get you in the perfect position to make good casts.
Go over the verbiage I will use when I spot a fish. You will know exactly what I mean when I say "3 o'clock, 40 feet, moving left".
Go over what we will do once you hook up on a fish. How we will land it and where you will take your pictures.
Answer any questions you may have.
We will have a great time and catch some fish together!

6. Why are most trips only 4 hours?
Four hours 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

7. I am a trout fly fisherman, how different is saltwater fly fishing?
There are some adjustments that you will need to make. In these cases, we will start the day out on the water with a mini lesson. We will go over casting techniques, how to present the fly, retrieving the fly, and finally strip setting. This usually helps break some old habits and really improves your chances of success.

8. Do you ever get skunked?
Sure, any guide who tells you no is lying. I will say that I 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.

9. I am a freshwater bass fisherman, how different is saltwater fishing?
You are in a very good situation since we will be throwing lures. You should feel right at home throwing around docks, oysters or skipping under trees. Your adjustment will come when sight casting tailing or moving fish. Trust in your skills and you will be fine.

10. Can I bring my own rods and tackle?
Yes, if you feel like you will have a better experience with your gear then bring it. We have some of the best rods and reels out there on the skiff. But I totally get the "lucky rod" feeling.

11. We have more than three people, now what?
Skiffs are incredible tools for fishing the skinny water. They do however limit how many people we can take. Good news is I know a lot of other Captains with skiffs. We can do a multiple skiff trip and even fish close enough to see each other. Just send an email and we can work it out.

12. 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.

13. Can we keep what we catch?
We really encourage catch and release. If you want to keep some fish, call or text me and we can discuss it. We are here for the thrill of catching as many fish as possible and releasing those fish to grow and be caught again. Catch and release is the best way for us to help the fishery continue to grow. We have so many great local restaurants that have sustainably caught fresh fish for you to enjoy!

14. How can I pay for the trip?
When you book you will do a 25% deposit through PayPal. You don't need to sign up for anything they are simply a secure way to process your card. I will never see your card info or have access to it. Your balance can be paid in cash, Venmo, Zelle or through PayPal. Cash will help you avoid any fees.

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

16. We had a great time! How can I let people know about you?
Word of mouth is a great thing and I love getting referrals from great clients. You can also go on Google, Yelp or Trip Advisor and leave a review if you like. My main concern is that you have a great time and come back time and time again! My goal is to make clients feel like friends, because everyone prefers to fish with friends!

17.Where do you typically pick up clients?
Most of the time I meet clients in Safety Harbor Marina if we are fishing the bay or Sutherland Bayou if we are fishing the Gulf. I use a number of ramps depending on wind, tides and target area. But I will use other ramps from time to time if conditions call for it. If you live or are staying on the water, I can also pick you up at your house if needed. This just depends on where you are located and what type of fishing we want to do.

18. Are you licensed and insured?
Absolutely! Getting my Captains 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. You are in good hands, and I look forward to our time on the water!

19. What if we breakdown 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.