Tampa fishing charters
Inshore on Tampa Bay, plus bass on Lake Tarpon.
Book a local captain for inshore fishing in the backwaters of Tampa Bay for redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon. For freshwater, guides run bass trips on Lake Tarpon. Inshore trips start at $600 for 4 hours. Bass trips start at $350 for 4 hours.
Build Your Trip
Book your Tampa fishing trips today: inshore on Tampa Bay and bass on Lake Tarpon.
Tell us what sounds fun and we’ll show the trips that fit, or pick a trip and the fish you want.
1. What sounds fun? Optional
2. Pick your trip Start here · select one
Looking for a specific fish?
2. Your options
Where do you want to fish? How longPick a trip to see your options and the live calendar.
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide or captain confirms the meeting spot and start time with you before the trip. Distances are straight-line estimates; drive times vary with traffic.
Reviews from Tampa trips
5.021 reviews
Freshwater bass fishing trip
Loved fishing near Bradenton for bass. Took my family on vacation. We wanted to explore some freshwater fishing. Found Bass Online and their great guides and went out on Lake Tarpon with Capt Lenny. Great day of fishing with artificial lures! Will be back soon.
Bob Summers · January 2026
This was terrific. Our grandson said it was THE BEST part of our week long vacation in Florida. Captain Lenny was great. Wonderful experience and worth every penny. Will certainly take this adventure next time in Tampa.
mrFisherUSA · June 2024 · Google
Great time!
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Thomas Pace · December 2023
Great trip
Tampa Bass Fishing Trip - 6 Hr Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Pete Johnson · September 2023
Bass fishing
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
William Vaughn · September 2023
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
alan lyons · September 2021
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
Alan Lyons · September 2021
Bass Online is #1 Service
They advertise being good, there guides are the best. They only work with select few for a reason. I was able to ask specifically for a guide who I seen online. Buyer Beware, this is the real deal!
Tony Allen · July 2021
lake tarpon
went fishing with captain Bill back in the spring, weather was a little windy and chilly. He came through for me, caught my limit Up to 5 lbs size wise
Time bourke · June 2021
Great Choice with Captain Bill
When we looked to charter a guide we had multiple options so we went with Captain Bill Goudy. We definitely made an awesome choice. We chose Lake Tarpon and he was very knowledgeable of the lake and was able to find us fish. We had a great time. You won’t go wrong with Captain Bill. We will…
Kathy & Rich Erdely · April 2021
Lake Tarpon
Spent an OUTSTANDING morning with Capt Bill on Lake Tarpon. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth bass.. largest 6#14, that by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Great experience.. look forward to next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
rborman52 · February 2021
Just back from an OUTSTANDING morning on Lake Tarpon with Capt Bill Goudy Jr. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth.. the largest 6#14 by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Look forward to the next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Richard Borman · February 2021 · Google
What fishing charters can you book in Tampa?
iOutdoors books inshore fishing trips in the backwaters of Tampa Bay for redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon, from $600 for 4 hours, $800 for 6 hours and $1,000 for 8 hours. Bass trips on Lake Tarpon start at $350 for 4 hours. Inshore trips include the licensed captain, fishing license, tackle, bait and fuel.
Compare Tampa fishing trips
| Inshore · Tampa Bay | Bass · Lake Tarpon | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Tampa backwaters | Lake Tarpon, Palm Harbor |
| Main target | Redfish, seatrout, snook, tarpon | Largemouth bass |
| Trip lengths | 4, 6 or 8 h | 4, 6 or 8 h |
| Price | From $600 (4 h), $800 (6 h), $1,000 (8 h) | From $350 (4 h), $425 (6 h), $550 (8 h) |
| License | Included | Florida freshwater license needed (16+) |
| Best for | Families, first-timers, snook and tarpon | A break from saltwater, up to 4 people |
| Book Tampa inshore | Book Lake Tarpon bass |
What’s biting in Tampa by season
Full Tampa fishing calendarWinter Dec–Feb
- Inshore: Redfish and seatrout on the flats on warmer days
- Bass: Largemouth move shallow to spawn on Lake Tarpon
Spring Mar–May
- Inshore: Snook and redfish get active; tarpon arrive late in the season
- Bass: Good bass fishing as the water warms
Summer Jun–Aug
- Inshore: Tarpon and snook; early starts beat the heat
- Bass: Best early and late in the day
Fall Sep–Nov
- Inshore: Redfish school on the flats; snook feed before the cold
- Bass: Bass feed up as the water cools
What you can catch in Tampa
Inshore trips fish shallow, protected water in the bay. Bass trips fish Lake Tarpon, a freshwater lake in Palm Harbor.
- Inshore: redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and tarpon in season.
- Bass: largemouth bass on Lake Tarpon, all year.
Redfish
Red drumOn the grass flats and mangrove shorelines of the bay, all year.
Spotted seatrout
Speckled troutOver grass beds; a good fish for beginners.
Seasons, size and bag limits apply to many species: see the FWC freshwater and saltwater fishing regulations.
Where you’ll fish
Open in Google Maps: Tampa Bay · Lake Tarpon
Tampa Bay inshore: calm backwater fishing close to downtown Tampa. Your captain confirms the meeting spot and start time before the trip.
Lake Tarpon: a freshwater lake in Palm Harbor, northwest of Tampa, for largemouth bass.
How to plan your Tampa fishing trip
Tampa sits at the top of Tampa Bay, with calm backwaters for inshore fishing and Lake Tarpon to the northwest for bass.
Inshore or bass?
Choose inshore for redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon in calm, protected water; it suits families and first-timers. Choose a bass trip for largemouth bass on Lake Tarpon; bass boats take up to 4 people.
How long should we go?
4 hours is a good first trip and works well with kids. 6 or 8 hours gives the captain time to move between spots and wait for the tide.
What should we bring?
Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, food and drinks. On bass trips, each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
Tampa fishing charter FAQ
How much does a fishing charter in Tampa cost?
Inshore trips on Tampa Bay start at $600 for 4 hours, $800 for 6 hours and $1,000 for 8 hours. Bass trips on Lake Tarpon start at $350 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The booking calendar shows the exact price for your date and group.
Can I book offshore fishing from Tampa?
Offshore trips are not booking online right now. Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we can help you plan one.
Where can I go bass fishing near Tampa?
On Lake Tarpon in Palm Harbor, northwest of Tampa. Bass boats take up to 4 people.
Do I need a fishing license?
On saltwater trips the captain’s license covers you. On bass trips, each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What’s included?
Inshore trips include the licensed captain, fishing license, rods, reels, tackle, bait and fuel. Bass trips include the guide, bass boat, fuel, life jackets, rods, reels, tackle and lures. Not included: the tip (10–20% is customary) and food and drinks.
Are these trips good for kids and first-timers?
Yes. Inshore trips fish calm, protected water, and bass boats take up to 4 people. Your guide or captain sets up the rods and helps every step of the way.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the guide or captain cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
