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Premier 8-Hour Tampa Bay Fishing Adventure

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Tampa Bay
  • $350 - $799 price range
  • Updated Date: October 17, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fishing action in Tampa Bay with this 8-hour trip. Kicking off at 7 AM, you'll have plenty of time to target a variety of saltwater species and really hone your angling skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this laid-back experience is perfect for enjoying Florida's outdoors. Your captain will be there to guide you, share local knowledge, and help you make the most of your time on the water. With a focus on sharks and crevalle jacks, you're in for some exciting catches. The trip is designed for two guests, making it ideal for a fishing buddy or a more personal experience. Remember, this is hands-on fishing – you'll be actively involved in the whole process, from baiting hooks to reeling in your catch. It's a great way to immerse yourself in Tampa's fishing scene and create some lasting memories out on the bay.
Premier 8-Hour Tampa Bay Fishing Adventure

Hooked in Tampa Bay

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Redfish caught while fishing in FL

Beaming with a beautiful Redfish!

A lone angler fishing in St. Petersburg

Glowing with a gorgeous Redfish!

Two spotted weakfish caught while fishing in FL

Double trouble with two solid Speckled Trout!

Redfish caught by two people in FL

Proud moment with a feisty Redfish!

Snook fish caught fishing in FL

Proud with a playful Snook!

Angler caught a 24-inch fish in FL

Pumped with a perfect Speckled Trout!

Redfish caught in FL

Chill with a clean Redfish!

Snook fish caught in St. Petersburg

Happy with a healthy Snook!

Snook fish caught while fishing in St. Petersburg

Grinning with a giant Snook!

One fisherman catches a 14-inch fish in FL

Stoked with a sleek Bluefish!

Redfish caught while fishing in FL

Beaming with a beautiful Redfish!

A lone angler fishing in St. Petersburg

Glowing with a gorgeous Redfish!

Two spotted weakfish caught while fishing in FL

Double trouble with two solid Speckled Trout!

Redfish caught by two people in FL

Proud moment with a feisty Redfish!

Snook fish caught fishing in FL

Proud with a playful Snook!

Angler caught a 24-inch fish in FL

Pumped with a perfect Speckled Trout!

Redfish caught in FL

Chill with a clean Redfish!

Snook fish caught in St. Petersburg

Happy with a healthy Snook!

Snook fish caught while fishing in St. Petersburg

Grinning with a giant Snook!

One fisherman catches a 14-inch fish in FL

Stoked with a sleek Bluefish!

Redfish caught while fishing in FL

Beaming with a beautiful Redfish!

A lone angler fishing in St. Petersburg

Glowing with a gorgeous Redfish!

Two spotted weakfish caught while fishing in FL

Double trouble with two solid Speckled Trout!

Redfish caught by two people in FL

Proud moment with a feisty Redfish!

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Full Day Shark and Jack Action in Tampa Bay

Get ready for a serious day of fishing on Tampa Bay with our 8-hour trip that'll have you chasing sharks and jacks from sunup to sundown. We're talking about the kind of day where time flies by as you're reeling in one fish after another. Starting at 7 AM sharp, we'll hit the water when the bite is hot and keep at it all day long. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is all about hands-on experience and non-stop action. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a day of top-notch fishing and maybe even a few local stories thrown in for good measure.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't your average boat ride. We're talking about a full-on, sun-up to sun-down fishing adventure. You'll be casting lines, setting hooks, and battling fish all day long. Our 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to really get into the groove of things. We'll start by targeting some of the inshore species like redfish and snook, then as the day heats up, we might move out to deeper waters for some shark action. The beauty of a full day trip is that we can follow the fish and adjust our tactics as needed. And don't worry if you're new to this - our captains are more than happy to show you the ropes and help you land that trophy catch.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

When it comes to fishing Tampa Bay, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves. For the inshore species like redfish and snook, we might use light tackle and live bait, working the mangroves and grass flats. But when we're after those big sharks and jacks, we'll break out the heavy gear. We're talking about stout rods, reels with plenty of line capacity, and some serious leaders. We might chum a bit to get the sharks interested, then it's all about presenting that bait just right. For the jacks, keep an eye out for those surface explosions - nothing beats the thrill of tossing a topwater lure into a frenzy of feeding fish. Our boat's equipped with all the gear you'll need, so just bring yourself and be ready to learn some new techniques.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are one of Tampa Bay's prized catches, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties put up a heck of a fight, often making long runs and testing your drag. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be working those mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. Fall is prime time for redfish, but you can catch them year-round in Tampa Bay. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the thump of a big red taking your bait.

Now, let's talk sharks. Blacktip sharks are common in these waters, and they're a blast to catch. These guys can grow up to 6 feet long and are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. When you hook into one of these, hold on tight - they'll give you a run for your money.

Crevalle jacks are like the bulldogs of the sea. These hard-fighting fish travel in schools and can create quite a commotion when they're feeding on the surface. They're around most of the year but really pick up in the summer months. When you see a school of jacks busting bait on the surface, it's a sight you won't forget. Throw a lure in there, and hold on tight - these guys hit hard and don't quit.

Tripletail are an odd-looking but delicious fish that we often find around floating debris or markers. They have a unique way of laying on their side near the surface, mimicking a floating leaf. Spring and summer are the best times to target these tasty fish. They might look lazy, but once hooked, they put up a surprisingly good fight.

Snook are the rockstars of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These sleek, powerful fish are known for their explosive strikes and challenging fights. They love structure, so we'll be targeting them around mangroves, docks, and bridges. Spring and fall are prime snook seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Landing a big snook is often the highlight of many anglers' trips.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing Tampa Bay that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the variety - where else can you catch a slam of redfish, snook, and trout in the morning, then battle sharks in the afternoon? Or maybe it's the scenery - cruising past the skyline as the sun comes up, watching dolphins play in our wake. But I think what really hooks people is the quality of the fishing. We've got some of the best inshore action you'll find anywhere, and our full-day trips give you the time to really experience it all. Plus, with only two guests max, you're getting a personalized trip tailored to your skill level and what you want to catch.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're looking for a day of non-stop fishing action in Tampa Bay, this is the trip for you. We're talking about 8 full hours on the water, chasing everything from hard-fighting jacks to high-flying sharks. Our experienced captains know these waters inside and out, and they're ready to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some serious gamefish, or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, this trip's got you covered. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready for a day of reeling that'll leave your arms sore and your face grinning, give us a call and let's get you booked. Trust me, this is one fishing trip you won't want to miss.

Learn more about the species

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip sharks are a thrill to catch in Tampa Bay, usually running 4-5 feet long. You'll find them prowling the shallows, often in water less than 100 feet deep. They're partial to artificial reefs and areas with plenty of baitfish. Summer's the hot time for blacktips, when water temps rise and they move inshore. These sharks are known for their explosive runs and acrobatic jumps – they'll give you a serious fight on medium-heavy tackle. Anglers love targeting them for the pure excitement and challenge. To up your chances, chum the water with oily fish like mackerel or sardines. A local tip: watch for birds diving on bait schools, that's often a sign blacktips are feeding below. Use circle hooks with wire leaders, and be ready for some heart-pounding action when one hits.

Blacktip Shark

Crevalle Jack

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay, typically weighing 3-5 pounds but can hit 30+ pounds offshore. Look for them around structure like bridges, jetties, and grass flats, often in schools chasing bait. They're most active in warmer months, especially summer. Jacks are famous for their relentless fight – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest pulling fish out there. Anglers love them for the sheer thrill and the workout they provide. To find jacks, keep an eye out for birds diving or bait skipping across the surface. A local trick: use fast-moving lures like spoons or topwater plugs. Cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly – jacks love the chase. Just be ready when they hit, because these fish don't know when to quit.

Crevalle Jack

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target in Tampa Bay, typically ranging from 20-30 inches. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in 1-4 feet around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. They love a muddy bottom. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their powerful fight and that distinctive tail spot. When hooked, they'll give you a good run, especially the bigger ones lurking near deeper channels. For best results, try sight-fishing with light tackle. A local trick: on sunny days, look for their copper-colored backs gleaming just under the surface. Toss a gold spoon or live shrimp near structure, and get ready for some action. Remember, they're great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat.

Redfish

Snook

Snook are the rockstars of Tampa Bay fishing, typically 24-34 inches but can top 40. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and passes, especially during their spring and fall spawning runs. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure with moving water. Anglers prize snook for their hard-fighting nature and challenging bite. They're known for explosive strikes and gill-rattling head shakes. A local trick: fish the outgoing tide at night with live bait or noisy topwater lures. Snook are temperature sensitive, so they're most active in warmer months. Remember, they're catch-and-release most of the year to protect the population. When you do hook one, be ready for a battle – snook will use every trick to break you off on nearby structure.

Snook

Tripletail

Tripletail are an oddball catch in Tampa Bay, usually 2-10 pounds but can reach 30. You'll spot them floating near buoys, channel markers, or debris, often looking like a big leaf on the surface. They're most active in warmer months, especially late spring through fall. Anglers love tripletail for their unique looks, hard fights, and excellent table fare. They're also a fun sight-fishing challenge. To catch one, you've got to be stealthy. A local tip: cast past them and slowly retrieve your bait or lure. Live shrimp under a float works great. Once hooked, tripletail put up a surprisingly tough fight for their size, with some acrobatics thrown in. Just watch out for those razor-sharp gill plates when handling them.

Tripletail

About the Skeeter 220sx

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Get ready for a full day of fishing action in Tampa Bay! We'll set out at 7 AM for 8 hours of angling adventure, targeting sharks and crevalle jacks in the rich inshore waters. This trip is perfect for both experienced fishermen looking to land some big game and beginners wanting to learn the ropes. Your knowledgeable captain will guide you to the best spots and share tips to improve your technique. With plenty of time on the water, you'll have ample opportunities to reel in some impressive catches. The relaxed pace allows you to soak in the Florida sunshine and enjoy the beauty of Tampa Bay. Remember, this is a hands-on experience, so come prepared to cast lines and reel in your own fish. It's a great way to spend a day outdoors, whether you're fishing with a buddy or going solo. Don't forget, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready for a full day of saltwater fishing fun!
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Don't miss out on the fishing adventure of a lifetime! Book your ultimate fishing charter with Captain Roy Johnson in Tampa Bay today and reel in unforgettable memories. Limited availability, so hurry and secure your spot now before it's too late!

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