Expert-Guided Tampa Bay PM Inshore Fishing Trip

Afternoon Fish Fest on Tampa Bay

Ready for a laid-back afternoon of rod-bending action? Captain John Thomas has got you covered with this 5-hour private inshore trip that'll have you casting lines and reeling in memories. Kicking off at 2:15 PM, it's the perfect way to spend your afternoon soaking up the Tampa Bay sun while chasing after some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, Capt. John's got the know-how to put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as you step aboard Capt. John's boat, you'll feel right at home. He'll get you set up with light tackle gear that's perfect for battling inshore predators like redfish, snook, and trout. Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing – Capt. John's got a knack for teaching newcomers the ropes. He'll show you how to work a soft plastic lure or set up a live bait rig like a pro. And for you seasoned anglers out there, he knows all the local honey holes where the big boys hang out. With room for just 1-2 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and have the flexibility to fish exactly how you want.

Top Catches This Season

Tampa Bay's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish, and Capt. John knows just where to find 'em. You'll be targeting a mix of species that'll keep you on your toes all afternoon. Redfish are always a crowd-pleaser – these copper-colored bruisers put up a mean fight and are downright delicious if you decide to keep one for dinner. Snook are the local rock stars, known for their acrobatic jumps and line-stripping runs. And don't sleep on the spotted seatrout – these speckled beauties are a blast on light tackle and make for some fine table fare. Depending on the season, you might also tangle with hard-fighting black drum, tasty sheepshead, or even a high-flying tarpon if you're lucky.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Tampa Bay's got a charm all its own, with mangrove-lined shores, grass flats that seem to stretch for miles, and the occasional dolphin or manatee sighting to keep things interesting. Capt. John's easy-going nature and wealth of local knowledge make every trip feel like you're fishing with an old buddy. He's got all the gear and licenses covered, so all you need to bring is some snacks, drinks, and a camera to capture your catch of the day. And with the afternoon start time, you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still have plenty of daylight left to bend some rods.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These are the undisputed kings of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. Snook are ambush predators that love to hang around structure like mangrove roots and dock pilings. They're known for their distinctive black lateral line and their powerful, gill-rattling strikes. Spring and fall are prime times to target these bad boys, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look. Snook put up an incredible fight, often making multiple runs and even jumping clear out of the water. It's catch-and-release only for most of the year, but the memories of landing a big linesider will last a lifetime.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing flashier species, black drum are the quiet giants of Tampa Bay. These bruisers can grow to over 100 pounds, though you're more likely to encounter "puppy drum" in the 5-30 pound range on this trip. They've got a face full of whiskers (called barbels) that they use to root around in the mud for crabs and shrimp. Black drum aren't the prettiest fish in the bay, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. When you hook into a big one, it's like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom. They're great eating too, especially the smaller ones.

Sheepshead: These striped convicts are some of the wiliest fish in the bay. Sheepshead have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs, which means they're often found around pilings, rocks, and other hard structure. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, you better set the hook fast! Winter is prime time for sheepshead fishing, when the water cools and they school up around structure. They're not the biggest fighters, but the challenge of catching them and their excellent table quality make them a favorite target for many anglers.

Sea Trout: Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These silvery, spotted gamefish are found throughout the bay's grass flats and channels. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. The average trout runs 1-3 pounds, but gator trout pushing 5+ pounds aren't uncommon. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch trout year-round in Tampa Bay. They're not the hardest fighting fish, but their willingness to bite and their tasty fillets make them a staple of any good inshore trip.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are the all-American gamefish of the Gulf Coast. Redfish love to cruise the shallow flats and mangrove shorelines of Tampa Bay, often giving themselves away with their signature "tailing" behavior as they root for crabs in the mud. They've got a distinctive black spot on their tail, which according to local legend, is there to fool predators into attacking the wrong end. Reds can grow to over 40 inches, but slot-sized fish in the 18-27 inch range are more common and make for better eating. Fall is the peak season when big schools of bull reds invade the bay, but you can catch them year-round. When a big red makes a run, you'll know why they're one of Florida's most popular gamefish.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler for dinner or just want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, this trip's got you covered. Capt. John's laid-back style and fish-finding skills make it perfect for families, couples, or anyone who wants to experience the best of Tampa Bay fishing without the hassle. With all the gear provided and the flexibility of a private charter, all you need to do is show up ready for a good time. The afternoon bite in Tampa Bay can be red hot, and with only two spots available, you don't want to miss out. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go bend some rods!