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Premier Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Adventures
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa Bay
- $500 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: November 21, 2025
Summary
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Tampa Bay's Top Catches
Saltwater mornings, unforgettable memories.
Life is better by the water.
Reel in smiles, not just fish.
Saltwater trout, endless fun.
Where the water meets adventure.
Cast your line and chase adventure.
Fishing days are the best days.
Ocean, rod, and reel therapy.
Sun, surf, and endless casts.
Adventure awaits with every cast.
Saltwater mornings, unforgettable memories.
Life is better by the water.
Reel in smiles, not just fish.
Saltwater trout, endless fun.
Where the water meets adventure.
Cast your line and chase adventure.
Fishing days are the best days.
Ocean, rod, and reel therapy.
Sun, surf, and endless casts.
Adventure awaits with every cast.
Saltwater mornings, unforgettable memories.
Life is better by the water.
Reel in smiles, not just fish.
Saltwater trout, endless fun.
Reel in the Bay's Best: Tampa Inshore Action
Get ready to tangle with some of Tampa Bay's most sought-after game fish on this half-day adventure with Capt. Tony Frankland. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation on Florida's Gulf Coast. We'll be targeting a mix of inshore species that'll keep your rod bent and your heart racing, all while soaking up the sunshine and salt air.
What's Biting in the Bay
Tampa Bay's waters are teeming with life, and on this 4-hour trip, we'll be zeroing in on some real crowd-pleasers. Redfish, cobia, jack crevalle, bluefish, snook, mangrove snapper, and Spanish mackerel are all on the menu. The bay's diverse ecosystem means we can switch up tactics and locations to keep the action hot, even if one spot goes cold. Capt. Tony knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a day of non-stop fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Gearing Up for Inshore Success
We'll be using light to medium tackle that's perfect for battling inshore bruisers. Expect to do a mix of live bait fishing and artificial lure casting, depending on what's working best that day. Capt. Tony's boat is set up with all the latest electronics to find the fish, and he'll have you rigged up with the right setup for each species we're after. Whether we're sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows or working deeper channels for snook, you'll get a crash course in the techniques that local anglers swear by.
Top Catches This Season
Tampa Bay's inshore fishing scene is on fire right now. Anglers have been crushing it with monster redfish tailing on the flats, while others are hooking into hard-fighting jacks that'll test your drag system. The snook bite has been particularly hot, with fish busting bait around mangrove shorelines. And let's not forget about those cobia – these curious fish have been showing up around markers and structure, ready to pounce on a well-presented bait.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a Tampa Bay staple. Known for their distinctive spot on the tail, redfish put up a stubborn fight and are a blast on light tackle. They love to cruise the shallows, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch them year-round in Tampa Bay.
Cobia: Sometimes called "ling" or "lemonfish," cobia are the heavyweight champs of inshore waters. These curious fish can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. They're often found hanging around buoys, markers, or even large rays. Spring and early summer are your best bet for hooking into one of these bruisers.
Jack Crevalle: If you're looking for a fish that pulls like a freight train, look no further than the jack crevalle. These bulldogs of the bay school up and terrorize bait pods, creating exciting topwater action. They're around all year but really fire up when the water warms in late spring and summer. Be ready for some serious pull when you hook one of these guys!
Bluefish: With their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature, bluefish are like the piranha of Tampa Bay. They're fast, furious, and will absolutely destroy your lure or bait. Bluefish tend to move in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're most common in the cooler months, making them a great target for winter visitors.
Snook: The prized catch of many Florida anglers, snook are as challenging as they are delicious (though we practice catch and release to keep the population healthy). These ambush predators love to hang around structure, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting bait. The snook bite is best in the warmer months, with peak action during their spawn in late spring and early summer.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Tampa Bay offers a unique fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back for more. The variety of species means you never know what you might hook into next. One minute you're sight-casting to redfish, the next you're battling a bruiser jack that picked up your bait meant for snook. And let's not forget the scenery – from pelicans diving for bait to dolphins cruising by the boat, there's always something to see on Tampa Bay.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Tampa Bay's inshore action, this half-day trip with Capt. Tony Frankland is your ticket to tight lines and big smiles. With room for two anglers, it's perfect for a father-son outing, a date with your fishing buddy, or even a solo adventure where you can hog all the rod time. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and Capt. Tony's ready to put you on the hottest bite in the bay. Don't let this chance slip away – book your trip now and get ready for some serious inshore fishing action in Tampa Bay!
Learn more about the species
Bluefish
Bluefish are the perfect combo of fight and flavor in Tampa Bay. These toothy predators usually run 2-5 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds. Look for them busting bait on the surface, especially in passes and along beaches. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they migrate through. Bluefish are aggressive feeders and will attack just about any lure – their strikes are explosive. They're known for their strong, determined fights, often jumping and tail-walking. Plus, they're tasty when eaten fresh. To catch 'em, try fast-retrieving a silver spoon or topwater plug. Local tip: use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. Just be careful handling them – bluefish can give you a nasty bite too!
Cobia
Cobia are one of Tampa Bay's most prized catches, growing up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. These curious fish often hang around buoys, wrecks, and even swimming sea turtles. Spring and early summer are prime time as cobia migrate through our waters. They're not the prettiest fish, but boy can they fight – expect long, powerful runs that'll test your tackle. Cobia are also excellent eating, with firm, white meat. Sight fishing for them is a rush – keep an eye out for their distinctive shark-like profile just under the surface. When you spot one, cast a live eel or a large jig nearby. Here's a local tip: if you miss on the first cast, don't give up. Cobia are often so inquisitive they'll stick around for another shot.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay. These powerful fish average 3-5 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds offshore. Look for them busting bait on the surface – you can't miss the commotion. They hang around structure like bridges, wrecks, and channel edges. Jacks are here year-round but really fire up in summer and fall. These guys are pure muscle and will test your drag, making long runs and fighting to the bitter end. That's why anglers love 'em, even if they're not the best eating. To hook up, cast into feeding frenzies with topwater lures or jigs. My go-to trick is to use a popper – the noise drives jacks crazy. Just be ready for an explosive strike and hold on tight!
Redfish
Redfish are a Tampa Bay favorite, typically 20-30 inches long and weighing 5-15 pounds. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in grass flats or hanging around oyster bars. These bronze beauties with their distinctive black tail spot put up a great fight. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, so look for 'pushes' of water or tailing fish. They'll hit live bait, but artificial lures like gold spoons or soft plastics work well too. One local trick: fish the edges of grass flats on an incoming tide. Redfish often ambush prey there, and you can catch some real bruisers. Whether you're after a trophy or just want a tasty dinner, redfish are a blast to catch and delicious on the plate.
Snook
Snook are the rock stars of Tampa Bay fishing. These sleek, powerful fish average 24-34 inches but can grow over 40 inches. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and beaches, often ambushing prey in the shadows. Spring and fall are prime, but summer night fishing is a local favorite. Snook are famous for their acrobatic fights and smart tactics – they'll try to wrap you around structure fast. They're catch-and-release most of the year, which keeps the fishery healthy. To hook up, try live bait like pilchards or lures that mimic baitfish. Here's a pro tip: when fishing docks, cast your lure parallel to the pilings. Snook often hide between them, waiting to ambush. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with one of Florida's top gamefish, snook never disappoint.
About the Ranger (Bay boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
