Premium Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

$750 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Picture this: You're out on Tampa Bay as the morning sun warms up, with your fishing buddy and Captain John Thomas at the helm. This 5-hour trip kicks off at 9 AM, perfect for anglers who want to beat the afternoon heat. You'll be casting light tackle for a mix of inshore species - Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, you name it. Don't sweat the gear or licenses; Capt. John's got you covered. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and a camera to show off your catches later. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's laid-back vibe suits all skill levels. You'll be skimming across the flats, trying different spots, and hopefully reeling in some nice ones. With just two spots on board, you'll get plenty of attention and tips from the captain. And hey, if plans change, you can cancel up to a week out, no problem. It's a great way to spend a morning on the water without taking up your whole day.

Hooked in Tampa Bay

A photo of a redfish caught while fishing in Tampa.

Redfish from Tampa inshore trip

Spotted weakfish, 19 inches, caught fishing in Tampa

Johnny T Good knows where sea trouts hide

Tampa Bay snook never disappoint anglers

Snook fish caught by two people in Tampa

Guided inshore snook fishing trip with Capt. John

Tampa Bay's Ultimate Half-Day Inshore Adventure

Looking for a quick fishing fix in Tampa Bay? Captain John Thomas has you covered with this killer 5-hour morning trip. Forget about hauling gear or worrying about licenses – we've got all that sorted. Just grab your buddy, some snacks, and get ready to tangle with Tampa's inshore stars like redfish, snook, and more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Capt. John will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll shove off at 9 AM sharp, giving us prime time on the flats when the fish are most active. Capt. John knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll hit all the honey holes where the big boys hang out. Light tackle is the name of the game here – it's all about finesse and feel. You'll be working soft plastics, live bait, or maybe even throwing some topwater lures if the conditions are right. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what you'll hook into next. One cast might land you a bruiser redfish, the next a acrobatic snook. It's non-stop action in some of the prettiest water you'll ever see.

Techniques That Hook 'Em

Leave your heavy offshore gear at home – we're going light and nimble on this trip. Capt. John will set you up with top-notch spinning gear, perfect for sight-casting to tailing reds or working the mangrove edges for snook. We might do some drift fishing over grass flats for trout, or anchor up on a deep hole if the black drum are biting. Live bait is often the ticket, but don't be surprised if the captain busts out some killer artificial lures too. The key is versatility – we'll switch it up until we find what's working that day. And don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing. Capt. John's a pro at teaching the tricks of the trade, from working a popping cork to the perfect topwater walk-the-dog.

Top Catches This Season

Tampa Bay's inshore scene is on fire right now. Anglers have been crushing it with slot-sized redfish, especially around oyster bars and mangrove islands. The snook bite has been insane during the early morning hours – nothing beats watching a big linesider explode on a topwater plug. Sheepshead have been stacked up on the pilings, perfect for some light tackle jigging action. And let's not forget about the gator trout – we've been seeing some real monsters lurking in the potholes. Every trip is different, but one thing's for sure – you're in for some serious rod-bending action.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: The crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These powerful predators love to ambush bait around structure, and they fight like crazy. Expect explosive strikes and heart-pounding runs. They're most active in the warmer months, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. The "snook slam" – catching one under, one in, and one over the slot – is the holy grail for many anglers.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are like inshore bulldozers. They grow to massive sizes and put up a stubborn, dogged fight. We target them around bridge pilings and deeper holes, usually with crabs or cut bait. The bigger ones can top 50 pounds, but the "puppy drums" in the 5-15 pound range are perfect for the table. They've got a distinctive thump-thump-thump bite that'll get your heart racing.

Sheepshead: These striped bandits are the ultimate bait stealers, but man are they fun to catch. We find them around any kind of structure – docks, pilings, reefs. They've got a mouthful of chompers perfect for crushing crustaceans, so small jigs tipped with shrimp or fiddler crabs are the way to go. The bite is super subtle, so you've got to stay on your toes. They're at their peak in the cooler months, and they make for some fantastic eating.

Sea Trout: The bread and butter of Tampa Bay flats fishing. These speckled beauties are abundant and willing biters, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. We catch them drifting over grass flats or working the edges of channels. They love soft plastics and live shrimp under a popping cork. The real thrill is when you hook into a "gator" trout over 20 inches – they've got serious shoulders and will give you a run for your money.

Redfish: Tampa Bay's copper-colored rockstars. Nothing beats sight-casting to a school of tailing reds in skinny water. They've got incredible power for their size and will test your drag system to the max. We find them cruising the flats, hiding in mangrove roots, or hanging around oyster bars. Live bait is always a winner, but there's something special about watching a red crash a topwater lure. They're available year-round, but the fall "bull red" run is something every angler needs to experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, the action here is pretty insane. What keeps folks coming back to Tampa Bay is the whole package. You've got crystal clear flats, mangrove-lined islands, and some of the most diverse inshore fishing you'll find anywhere. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you're battling a bruiser snook around a dock piling. Capt. John's local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of Tampa Bay's hidden gems. And with all the gear provided, it's the perfect way to dip your toes into inshore fishing without any hassle. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just soak in the Florida sunshine, this trip delivers.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, Tampa Bay is calling your name. This half-day trip with Capt. John is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without eating up your whole day. You'll be back on shore by early afternoon with a cooler full of fish (fingers crossed) and a head full of memories. And hey, if you need to cancel, no sweat – just give 7 days' notice and you're good to go. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddy, book your spot, and get ready for some serious inshore action. The fish are biting, and Capt. John's ready to put you on 'em. Trust me, once you experience Tampa Bay fishing, you'll be hooked for life.

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats. These powerful fish average 5-30 pounds but can reach 90. You'll find them in brackish areas around oyster beds and mudflats in 2-6 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum put up a great fight on light tackle and make tasty table fare when under 15 pounds. Bigger ones can be tough and wormy. To catch them, use fresh-cut crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Fish it on the bottom and wait for that telltale thump. When you feel weight, reel steady and let the circle hook do its job. Listen for their distinctive grunting sound - it means you're in the right spot.

Redfish

Redfish are one of Tampa's most popular inshore species. Most "reds" run 3-10 pounds, but bulls over 20 are possible. Look for them tailing in very shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep. They love to cruise flats, especially around mangroves and oyster bars. Fall is prime time as they school up before spawning. Redfish put up a great fight and are excellent eating. To catch them, use gold spoons or scented soft plastics. Work them slowly along the bottom, watching for that telltale copper flash. Or try cut bait like mullet or ladyfish on the bottom. When sight-fishing, make long casts to avoid spooking them. That big spot near the tail isn't just for looks - it helps fool predators, so cast beyond it for best results.

Sea Trout

Spotted seatrout, or just "trout" to locals, are a Tampa Bay staple. Most run 1-3 pounds, with gator trout over 5 pounds possible. Look for them over grass flats and potholes in 2-6 feet of water. They feed actively year-round but especially in spring and fall. Trout are fun on light tackle and make great eating. To catch them, try a popping cork rig with a live shrimp. Cast it out, then make sharp jerks to create noise. Or use soft plastics like curl-tail grubs. Work them with a slow retrieve and sharp twitches. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook fast - trout have soft mouths and shake hooks easily. Early mornings over quiet grass flats are hard to beat for consistent trout action.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are quirky looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes. Most run 1-5 pounds, maxing out around 15. You'll find them around barnacle-covered pilings, reefs, and rocky areas in 5-15 feet of water. Winter and early spring are best as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait stealers. They're also excellent eating. For best results, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or oysters. Get your bait right up against structure and hold on tight - sheepshead are masters at stealing bait. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook hard. Their tough mouths make them tricky to hook, but the fight is worth it.

Snook

Snook are one of Tampa Bay's most prized gamefish. These sleek predators typically range from 5-15 pounds but can top 30. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and other structure in 1-4 feet of water. They love to ambush prey, so casting near cover is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, buttery flavor. For best results, use live bait like pilchards or pinfish. Work it slowly near structure and be ready for explosive hits. Just remember snook can be leader shy, so go with 20-30 lb fluorocarbon.

About the Johnny T Good Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for a laid-back morning of fishing in Tampa Bay with Captain John Thomas. This 5-hour private trip is perfect for two anglers looking to reel in some local favorites. Setting out at 9 AM, you'll explore the rich inshore waters, targeting species like Redfish, Snook, and Tarpon. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing, Capt. John's light tackle techniques make it fun and accessible for everyone. He's got all the gear, bait, and licenses covered, so you can focus on enjoying the experience. Just bring along some snacks, drinks, and a camera to capture your catches. With the flexibility of free cancellation up to a week before, it's an easy choice for a relaxing yet rewarding day on the water. Don't miss this chance to discover Tampa Bay's diverse marine life and maybe land the big one!

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