Tampa Bay Fishing Charter FAQ
The questions our guests ask most. Still have one? Call or text (813) 714-5670.
Booking and prices
How much does a fishing charter cost?
Prices are per boat, not per person. Crappie starts at $550. Inshore, redfish, snook and shark start at $600. Nearshore and tarpon start at $650, and offshore at $950. Every price by trip length is on the charters page.
How many people can come?
Inshore, nearshore, offshore and shark trips take up to six; the price covers four, and the fifth and sixth guests are $75 and $150. Redfish, tarpon and crappie trips take up to four. Snook trips take up to three.
What time do trips leave?
Morning trips leave at 8:00 AM. Most 4 and 6 hour trips can also leave at 1:00 PM. Crappie trips leave in the morning only.
How do I reserve a trip?
Book online or call or text (813) 714-5670. A 10% deposit holds your date.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe, you get a new date or your deposit back. Our captains call it straight rather than run a trip that isn't safe or worth fishing. An inshore trip inside the bay is often the backup when the Gulf is rough.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes, in any amount, good for any trip. Buy them on our booking page.
What's included and what to bring
Do I need a fishing license?
Not for saltwater trips; the license is covered for everyone on board, including the snook permit. Crappie trips are freshwater, so each angler brings a Florida freshwater fishing license.
What's included?
Your captain, rods, reels, tackle and bait, and a cooler with water and ice. On offshore trips your catch is cleaned at the dock.
What should I bring?
Any food and drinks you want other than water, polarized sunglasses, and sun protective clothing or sunscreen.
On the water
Can kids come?
Yes. Inshore, shark and crappie trips are the easiest for young anglers. One guest wrote that Capt. Gonzalez "kept them engaged and excited the whole time" on a trip with his two nephews.
Do I need experience?
No. Your captain rigs the rods, picks the spot and coaches you through the bite and the fight.
What will we catch?
Inshore: redfish, snook, trout, Spanish mackerel and snapper. Nearshore: grouper, snapper, grunts, sheepshead and kingfish. Offshore: red grouper, red snapper and other reef fish. Crappie on the lakes. Our fishing reports show what was biting recently, like the October 2026 roundup.
Can we keep fish?
Yes, what's in season and within Florida limits. Tarpon are catch and release, and snook can only be kept in the spring and fall harvest windows.
Where we go
Where do trips leave from?
Capt. Pruner's inshore trips leave from Ruskin, at 611 Destiny Drive. Offshore trips launch from a ramp around Tampa Bay chosen for the day's weather, and crappie trips launch on the lake we're fishing that week. Your captain confirms the meeting point when you book.
What areas do you fish?
Tampa Bay from Ruskin to St. Petersburg, the Gulf past the mouth of the bay, and the Kissimmee area lakes for crappie. See where we fish.
Who are the captains?
Capt. William Ashmore, Capt. David Pruner, Capt. Frankie Gonzalez and Capt. Rob Hahn, each running his own boat. Meet them on Our Captains, read their reviews, or send us your dates.