Tampa inshore fishing charters
Redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon in the backwaters of Tampa Bay.
Book a local captain for an inshore trip in the calm backwaters of Tampa Bay, close to downtown Tampa. Trips start at $600 for 4 hours, $800 for 6 hours and $1,000 for 8 hours, with the fishing license, rods, reels, tackle and bait included.
Book your inshore trip
Every calendar below shows live availability. Choose your number of guests, a date and a time, then book.
4-hour inshore charter
6-hour inshore charter
8-hour inshore charter
Saltwater 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.
What does a Tampa inshore fishing charter include?
iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour inshore fishing trips in the backwaters of Tampa Bay for redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and tarpon in season. Trips start at $600 for 4 hours, $800 for 6 hours and $1,000 for 8 hours. The licensed captain covers your saltwater fishing license, and rods, reels, tackle, bait and fuel are included.
What’s included and what to bring
- Licensed local captain
- Boat and fuel
- Saltwater fishing license (covered by the captain)
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Bait
- Captain tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the meeting spot
What to bring
Reviews from Tampa inshore trips
5.02 reviews
Go fish with Cat. Nick Pasquarello!
My buddy Mike and I wanted a chance to catch a trophy largemouth as well as our first peacock bass. Capt. Nick wasted no time in putting us on both. We had a great time, caught lots of fish and enjoyed Cat. Nick's company. On my next visit, I will use Capt. Nick Pasquarello again!
FarAway58566891706 · May 2019
Go fish with Cat. Nick Pasquarello!
My buddy Mike and I wanted a chance to catch a trophy largemouth as well as our first peacock bass. Capt. Nick wasted no time in putting us on both. We had a great time, caught lots of fish, and enjoyed Cat. Nick's company. On my next visit, I will use Capt. Nick Pasquarello again!
FarAway58 · May 2019
What’s biting inshore by season
Full Tampa fishing calendarWinter Dec–Feb
- Redfish and seatrout on the flats on warmer days
Spring Mar–May
- Snook and redfish get active
- Tarpon arrive late in the season
Summer Jun–Aug
- Tarpon and snook
- Early starts beat the heat
Fall Sep–Nov
- Redfish school on the flats
- Snook feed before the cold
Fish you can catch inshore in Tampa
Redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon are the main targets. Swipe to see what you could catch.
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: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations. Your captain can tell you what you can keep.
Where you’ll fish
Inshore trips fish the calm backwaters of Tampa Bay, close to downtown Tampa: grass flats, mangrove shorelines, docks and bridges.
Meeting spot: your captain confirms the spot and start time with you before the trip, based on conditions.
Staying at the beach? See Clearwater inshore fishing. For freshwater, see Tampa bass fishing on Lake Tarpon.
Tampa inshore fishing questions
How much does an inshore fishing charter in Tampa cost?
Trips start at $600 for 4 hours, $800 for 6 hours and $1,000 for 8 hours. The booking calendar shows the exact price for your date and group.
What can I catch inshore in Tampa?
Redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and tarpon in season, plus fish like black drum, sheepshead, flounder and jack crevalle on the flats and in the backwaters.
Where do Tampa inshore trips fish?
In the calm backwaters of Tampa Bay, close to downtown Tampa. Your captain confirms the meeting spot and start time with you before the trip.
Should I book Tampa Bay or Clearwater?
Both trips fish for the same inshore species. Pick the one closer to where you are staying: Tampa Bay for downtown Tampa and Brandon, Clearwater for Clearwater Beach and the Pinellas side.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. The captain’s saltwater license covers everyone fishing on the trip.
What’s included in the price?
The licensed captain, boat and fuel, your saltwater fishing license, rods, reels, tackle and bait. Not included: the captain’s tip (10–20% is customary) and food and drinks.
Which trip length should I pick?
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.
Is inshore fishing good for kids and first-timers?
Yes. Inshore trips fish calm, protected water, and your captain sets up the rods and helps every step of the way.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the captain or guide 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.
Nearby inshore fishing trips
More inshore trips around Tampa Bay, with their own captains and live calendar.
