Ready for a fishing trip that'll knock your socks off? Capt. Tony Frankland's got you covered with his Tampa Bay fishing charters. This ain't your average day on the water – we're talking about reeling in some of Florida's most prized catches while soaking up that famous sunshine. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to wet a line, this 4-hour adventure is the perfect way to experience the best of Tampa Bay's inshore fishing scene.
Picture this: you're cruising the crystal-clear waters of Tampa Bay, rod in hand, with Capt. Tony at the helm. He knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the fish. You'll be targeting a smorgasbord of species – from hard-fighting redfish to acrobatic snook. The best part? This trip is perfect for small groups, with room for you and a buddy to cast away without feeling cramped. No need to pack a lunch; just bring your game face and maybe a cold drink or two. Capt. Tony's got all the gear and know-how you need to make this a day to remember.
On this trip, you'll get schooled in the art of inshore fishing, Tampa Bay style. Capt. Tony's a pro at reading the water and knowing just where those fish are hiding. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, or working a topwater lure for explosive snook strikes. He'll show you how to work the mangrove shorelines where snapper love to hang out, and maybe even take you to some honey holes for cobia or jack crevalle. Whether it's live bait or artificials, you'll be using top-notch gear and learning techniques that'll up your fishing game. And don't worry if you're new to this – Capt. Tony's got the patience of a saint and loves teaching folks the ropes.
Tampa Bay's inshore waters are teeming with fish, and each season brings its own hot bite. In the cooler months, redfish school up and provide non-stop action. As things warm up, snook start to get frisky, offering heart-stopping surface strikes. Summer brings in the big boys like cobia and jack crevalle, known for putting your tackle and your biceps to the test. And let's not forget about those tasty mangrove snapper – they're around pretty much year-round and make for some mighty fine eating. Capt. Tony keeps his finger on the pulse of what's running, so you're always in for the best shot at a cooler full of fish.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Tampa Bay staple. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a heck of a fight and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They love hanging around oyster bars and grass flats, often tailing in shallow water. Fall and winter are prime time for reds, but you can catch 'em year-round. Slot-sized fish make for great eating, while the big bulls will give you the battle of a lifetime.
Snook: The prized gamefish of Florida, snook are the ultimate inshore predator. They're ambush feeders with a big appetite and an even bigger attitude. Snook love structure, so you'll often find them around mangroves, docks, and bridges. Their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs make them a favorite among anglers. Spring and summer are peak seasons, especially during the spawn when big females move into the passes.
Cobia: These curious fish are like the puppy dogs of the sea – they'll often follow your boat just to check things out. Don't let their docile appearance fool you; hook into one, and you're in for a serious fight. Cobia show up in Tampa Bay as the water warms in late spring and summer. They're often found near structures or following large rays. Landing a big cobe is always a highlight of any trip.
Jack Crevalle: If you're looking for a pure, drag-screaming fight, jacks are your fish. These bulldogs of the bay school up and terrorize bait pods, creating exciting topwater action. They're not known for their table fare, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. Look for birds diving to find feeding jacks, and hang on tight when you hook up!
Bluefish: These toothy critters are like little torpedoes, all muscle and attitude. Bluefish are known for their aggressive feeding frenzies and will hit just about anything that moves. They make for great light tackle action and can save the day when other species are being finicky. While they're not as common as some other Tampa Bay species, when you find a school of blues, it's non-stop action.
Fishing with Capt. Tony isn't just about catching fish – it's about the whole experience. From the moment you step on his boat, you're in for a treat. He's got a knack for making everyone feel comfortable, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. His local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's tour of Tampa Bay. You might spot dolphins, manatees, or ospreys while you're out there. And let's be real – there's nothing quite like that moment when your rod bends and the drag starts singing. It's the kind of thrill that keeps folks coming back trip after trip.
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching for some world-class inshore fishing, Capt. Tony Frankland's Tampa Bay charters are where it's at. You've got the chance to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish, learn from a pro, and make memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, this trip's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Grab a buddy, pick a date, and get ready for some of the best fishing Tampa Bay has to offer. Trust me, once you fish with Capt. Tony, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? It's time to get out there and tight lines!
Bluefish are the perfect mix of fight and flavor in Tampa Bay. Most run 2-5 pounds, though bigger ones show up seasonally. You'll find them wherever there's bait - inlets, beaches, and open bay waters. They're most active in spring and fall as they migrate. Blues are famous for their aggressive feeding frenzies, chopping through bait schools with razor-sharp teeth. Anglers love their hard strikes and tasty fillets when prepared fresh. To catch them, try fast-moving lures like spoons or topwater plugs. Live bait works too, but watch your fingers - they'll bite anything. Local tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, that's often bluefish blitzing bait. Get in there quick for some wild action.
Cobia are one of Tampa Bay's most prized catches, often reaching 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds. They're usually loners, cruising near the surface around structures like buoys, wrecks, and even big rays. Spring is prime time as they migrate through, but you can find them year-round. Anglers love cobia for their hard fights and excellent eating quality. They're curious fish, so sight-casting is a blast - look for their distinctive flat heads breaking the surface. Live bait like pinfish or eels works great, but they'll also chase down big jigs or swimbaits. Here's a local secret: when you spot one, get your bait in front of it fast. They don't hang around long once they know you've seen them.
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay. These powerful fish average 3-5 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds offshore. You'll find them chasing bait in open water or hanging around structures like bridges and jetties. They're here year-round but really fire up in summer. Jacks aren't known for eating quality, but they more than make up for it with sheer fighting power - expect screaming reels and sore arms. To hook into a jack, watch for birds diving on bait schools. Then cast a silver spoon or topwater plug into the frenzy and hang on tight. Pro tip: bring some heavy tackle, these guys will test your gear.
Redfish are a Tampa Bay favorite, usually ranging from 20-30 inches. Look for them in shallow flats and around oyster beds, where their copper-colored backs often give them away. They love to hang out in water just 1-4 feet deep, especially over mud bottoms. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's just right. Anglers love redfish for their strong fight and excellent table fare. To boost your chances, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or scented soft plastics. A local trick: on calm days, scan for their tails sticking up as they feed in super shallow water. Just remember, there's a slot limit, so measure carefully before keeping any.
Snook are the rockstars of Tampa Bay fishing. They usually run 24-34 inches but can grow much bigger. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and seawalls, especially in summertime. Snook love moving water, so target them around passes and tide changes. They're famous for their sideways strikes and acrobatic jumps - plus, they're delicious (when in season). Anglers go crazy for the challenge of outsmarting these wary fish. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish is hard to beat, but they'll also hit lures like jerkbaits and soft plastics. Here's a local secret: fish the shadow lines of docks on bright days. Snook often hide in the darker water, ambushing prey that swims by.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200