World-Class Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Charters

Half Day Tampa Bay Fishing: Snook, Reds & More

Ready to wet a line in some of Tampa's best inshore waters? Captain Tony Frankland's got you covered with his half-day guided fishing trip that'll have you hooked from the start. Whether you're chasing hard-fighting snook, battling big reds, or targeting the elusive silver king, this trip's got something for every angler. With over a decade of experience navigating these waters, Capt. Tony knows exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the flats for some world-class Tampa Bay fishing!

What to Expect on the Water

Your adventure kicks off bright and early at the dock, where you'll meet Capt. Tony and hop aboard his well-equipped skiff. As you cruise out into Tampa Bay, you'll get to soak in the stunning coastal scenery while Tony gives you the lowdown on the day's game plan. He'll have you rigged up and ready to go in no time, whether you're tossing live bait, working soft plastics, or even fly fishing if that's your thing. With a max of two anglers, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to dial in your technique and maximize your chances of landing that trophy catch. From sight-fishing the flats for tailing redfish to working mangrove shorelines for snook, every cast is a chance at something special in these fish-rich waters.

Techniques & Top Spots

Capt. Tony's got a whole bag of tricks when it comes to putting you on fish. Depending on the season and what's biting, you might find yourself drifting grass flats and popping cork rigs for trout, or pitching jigs around bridge pilings for monster snook. When the tarpon are rolling, get ready for some heart-pounding action as you free-line live bait to these silver missiles. And don't sleep on the redfish – sight-casting to schools of reds tailing in skinny water is about as good as it gets. Tony's always got his finger on the pulse of the bay, so whether you're working oyster bars, tidal creeks, or deep channel edges, you'll be hitting the hottest bites Tampa has to offer.

What Anglers Are Saying

"It was a fun and memorable trip for my nephew and fiancé. Would highly recommend Captain Tony!" - David

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting linesiders are the crown jewels of Tampa Bay fishing. Known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, snook will test your skills and your tackle. They love to hang around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and passes. Spring and fall are prime times to target big snook as they move in and out of the bay, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the rush of a big snook crushing your topwater plug at first light.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a staple of Tampa Bay fishing. They're famous for their powerful runs and their distinctive tail-up feeding behavior in shallow water. Reds can be caught year-round, but fall is particularly good when they school up in big numbers. Sight-fishing for tailing redfish on the flats is a heart-pounding experience that'll have you coming back for more.

Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate game fish for many anglers, and Tampa Bay is a world-class tarpon fishery. These prehistoric giants, which can top 150 pounds, migrate through the area from late spring through summer. Hooking one is thrilling enough, but be prepared for spectacular aerial displays as they try to throw the hook. Landing a tarpon is a true bucket-list accomplishment for any angler.

Cobia: These curious, hard-fighting fish are a favorite among Tampa Bay anglers. Often found around structures like markers and wrecks, cobia are known for their strong runs and delicious meat. They typically show up in spring and stick around through fall. Sight-casting to cobia as they lazily swim by the boat is an exciting and uniquely satisfying way to fish.

Bluefish: Don't let their size fool you – these toothy critters punch well above their weight class. Bluefish are aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, providing fast and furious action when you find them. They're most common in Tampa Bay during the cooler months. Bluefish are a blast on light tackle and make for some of the most exciting topwater fishing you'll experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, the fishing here is pretty darn good. What sets Capt. Tony's trips apart is the whole package. You're not just a customer; you're part of the crew for the day. Tony's laid-back style and wealth of local knowledge mean you're in for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, lots of bent rods. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or a first-timer just wanting to feel the tug, Tony's got you covered. And let's not forget the scenery – from dolphins playing in the wake to ospreys diving for their lunch, Tampa Bay is a nature lover's paradise. It's the kind of trip where even if the fish aren't cooperating (which is rare), you'll still have a day to remember.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks – a half day of top-notch Tampa Bay fishing that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're dreaming of that bull red tailing on the flat, the heart-stopping strike of a big snook, or the aerial acrobatics of a tarpon, Capt. Tony's got the skills and local know-how to make it happen. With only two spots per trip, these outings fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait – get in touch with Capt. Tony today and lock in your chance at some of the best inshore fishing the Sunshine State has to offer. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. Tight lines and see you on the water!