Tampa flats fishing charters
Snook, redfish, trout and tarpon on the Tampa Bay flats, on light tackle or fly.
Sight fish the flats and backwaters of Tampa Bay for snook, tarpon, redfish and trout, with a chance at a permit. Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, to book.
How to book your Tampa flats trip
Online booking isn’t available for flats trips yet. Call us and we’ll book your date.
Tampa flats trips: 4, 6 or 8 hours
Call (407) 392-4593Saltwater license covered by the captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the guide cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Rather book online?
These nearby Tampa Bay trips have live calendars. Pick your date and book online.
What can you catch on the Tampa flats?
Snook, tarpon, redfish and trout, with a chance at a permit. The fish roam the shallow flats, so sight fishing is the main way to catch them, on light tackle or fly. Trips run 4, 6 or 8 hours. Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, to book.
What’s included and what to bring
- Licensed local captain
- Boat and fuel
- Saltwater fishing license (covered by the captain)
- Light tackle or fly rods, reels and tackle
- Bait
- Cooler, ice and bottled water
- Fish cleaning
- Captain tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Some live bait may cost extra; your captain tells you before the trip
What to bring
Flats fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Trout and redfish on the flats
- Tides, wind and water temperature move the fish
Spring Mar–May
- Snook move to the beaches and passes
- Redfish on the flats
Summer Jun–Aug
- Tarpon season
- Fish early in the day
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bull redfish and snook
- Your captain picks the flats for the day’s tide
Fish you can catch on the Tampa flats
Snook, tarpon, redfish and trout, plus a chance at a permit. Swipe to see what you could catch.
Redfish
Red drumOften seen tailing in shallow water. A favorite on light tackle and fly.
Permit
Flats permitFound on the same flats as bonefish and tarpon. Seasons and size limits apply.
Bonefish and tarpon are catch and release in Florida. Seasons, size and bag limits apply to other fish: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations. Your captain can tell you what you can keep.
Where you’ll fish
Tampa flats trips fish the flats and backwaters of Tampa Bay.
Meeting spot: 9427 US Hwy 41 S, Riverview, FL 33578. We confirm the dock and start time with you when you book.
Tampa flats fishing questions
How do I book a Tampa flats trip?
Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we’ll check dates and book your trip.
Can I book a flats trip online?
Not yet. If you’d rather book online, the St. Petersburg inshore and Clearwater inshore trips have live calendars.
What fish can I catch on the Tampa flats?
Snook, tarpon, redfish and trout, with a chance at a permit.
How do you find fish on the flats?
By sight. The fish roam the shallow flats, so you look for them, cast and watch them eat.
Can I fly fish?
Yes. Trips are light tackle or fly. Tell us which you want when you book.
Is it good for families?
Yes. Bring family or friends; the captain brings the tackle and helps everyone fish.
Where do Tampa flats trips meet?
At 9427 US Hwy 41 S, Riverview. We confirm the dock and start time when you book.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. The captain’s saltwater license covers everyone fishing on the trip.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the captain or guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule. You can also cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
More flats fishing in Florida
Flats trips in Miami and the Keys. Each one is booked by phone.
