Hey there, anglers! Ready for a killer day on Tampa's waters? Our 6-hour charter isn't just a fishing trip - it's your ticket to hauling in a cooler full of fresh catches and unforgettable memories. We're talking about 360 minutes of non-stop action, targeting some of the area's most sought-after species. And the best part? You'll be back in time to turn those fish into a mouthwatering dinner. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're about to show you why Tampa Bay is a angler's paradise!
Our 6-hour trip is the sweet spot for serious fishing without burning a whole day. We'll zip out to the hottest spots, where the fish are practically jumping into the boat (okay, not really, but you get the idea). Captain Eric, AKA the "Fishin' Magician," knows these waters like the back of his hand. He'll put you on the fish faster than you can say "tight lines." Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with top-notch gear and all the know-how you need. Just bring your excitement and maybe a snack - we'll handle the rest!
We're not messing around when it comes to equipment. You'll be armed with state-of-the-art rods and reels, perfect for battling everything from scrappy Spanish mackerel to hard-fighting grouper. We'll be using a mix of techniques - from light tackle finesse fishing for snapper to heavier setups when we're after the big boys. Expect to do some drift fishing, bottom bouncing, and maybe even some trolling if the conditions are right. And don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Eric will show you the ropes, from how to work a lure to the perfect way to set the hook when you feel that telltale thump.
"This was my second trip with Eric. He definitely did not let me down. We caught a lot of fish. Very well organized and definitely knows where the fish are biting." - Leroy "Hands down best fisherman in the area!! Do yourself a favor and book a trip , you won't regret it. Our last trip we slayed the grouper and snapper Inshore. Awesome time!!!!!" - Robert "The fishin magician worked his magic again!!! Captain Eric is the best guide we've dealt with! We'd highly recommend him! Top notch operation. Thanks for all the successful trips that always come with heap of fish on that filet table!!!!" - Shelly
Tripletail: These oddball fish are a Tampa Bay specialty. They love to hang out near floating objects, looking like a piece of debris until - bam! - they strike your bait. Tripletail put up a great fight and taste even better. We usually find them spring through fall, and they can grow up to 30 pounds. Talk about a trophy catch!
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the perfect fish for light tackle enthusiasts. They school up in Tampa Bay from fall to spring, chasing bait and giving anglers a run for their money. Expect fast action when we find a school - it's not uncommon to catch one on every cast. They're also fantastic on the grill, so be sure to keep a few for dinner.
Gag Grouper: Now we're talking about some serious muscle. Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the Gulf, and hooking one is like arm wrestling a small car. They love structure, so we'll be targeting reefs and ledges to find these brutes. The season is limited, but when it's open, it's game on. A 30-pounder isn't out of the question, and trust me, you'll feel it the next day!
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're abundant, tasty, and can be downright finicky - making them a fun challenge for anglers of all skill levels. We'll use light tackle and small baits to outsmart these crafty fish. The bite is often best during the warmer months, and a good-sized snapper can push 5 pounds or more.
King Mackerel: When the kings are running, hold onto your hat! These toothy predators are known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. We typically target them in the fall and spring as they migrate through the area. Trolling with live bait is often the ticket, and when a big one hits, it's an all-hands-on-deck situation. Kings over 30 pounds aren't uncommon, and they make for some epic fish stories.
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase - this trip is the real deal. We're talking about six solid hours of rod-bending, drag-screaming action that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer, chase that personal best, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, we've got you covered. Captain Eric doesn't just find fish; he puts you on the mother lode. And with only two spots per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and a boatload of knowledge dropped on you throughout the day. So what are you waiting for? Dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Don't be the one telling the "shoulda been there" story - be the one living it. Grab your phone, hit that "Book Now" button, and let's make some fishing magic happen. Trust me, your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you later. See you on the water!
August 11, 2023
Hands down best fisherman in the area!! Do yourself a favor and book a trip , you won't regret it. Our last trip we slayed the grouper and snapper Inshore. Awesome time!!!!!
June 15, 2023
The fishin magician worked his magic again!!! Captain Eric is the best guide we’ve dealt with! We’d highly recommend him! Top notch operation. Thanks for all the successful trips that always come with heap of fish on that filet table!!!!
August 11, 2022
Amazing guide!!! Limited in snapper in 2 hours and got us on the fish quickly! Highly recommend!!!
September 1, 2022
Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that put up a serious tug-of-war. They average 20-30 inches and 10-20 pounds, but can reach 50+ pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Peak season is fall and winter. Anglers love gags for their powerful fights and excellent eating quality. To land one, use heavy tackle with 50-80 lb line. Drop live pinfish or large jigs to the bottom. When you feel the bite, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from structure. A local trick is to use a hand-sized blue crab for bait - gags can't resist them. Be ready for a battle once hooked, these fish don't give up easy.
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are sneaky biters that take some finesse to catch. They average 1-3 pounds inshore, but can reach 10+ pounds offshore. Look for them around docks, bridges, and mangroves in 10-100 feet of water. They're most active at night, especially around the full moon. Anglers target them for their light tackle action and tasty white meat. To catch greys, use light tackle with 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. Live shrimp or small pinfish work great. A local trick is to chum with cut bait to get them fired up. When you feel the bite, don't set the hook right away - let them eat it for a few seconds. Once hooked, get ready for some zigzag runs as they try to wrap you around structure.
King mackerel are the speedsters of the Gulf, known for blistering runs. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50 pounds. Look for them in open water from 30-150 feet deep, often around bait schools. Peak season is spring and fall as they migrate. Anglers love kings for their smoking fast runs and acrobatic jumps. To catch them, troll with wire leaders and large spoons or live baits. When you spot a school busting bait, try casting big topwater plugs. A local trick is to slow-troll live blue runners - kings can't resist them. Use at least 20 lb test line and be ready for some serious drag-screaming action when a big king hits. Just watch those teeth when you land one!
Spanish mackerel are speedsters that'll test your tackle. They typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds. Look for them in large schools near the surface, often around bait pods. They migrate seasonally, showing up in Tampa waters from spring through fall. Anglers target them for their fast runs and tasty fillets. To catch Spanish macks, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind planers. When you find a school, casting small jigs or live bait works great too. Use light tackle with 15-20 lb line. A local trick is to look for diving birds - that often means Spanish mackerel are feeding below. Get ready for some smokin' runs when you hook one of these rockets.
Tripletail are an oddball species that's always a fun catch. They average 2-13 pounds but can reach 40+ pounds. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris, buoys, and weed lines. They have a unique ability to lay sideways, mimicking floating leaves. Peak season is summer through fall. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic fights and excellent table fare. To catch one, sight-cast carefully - they spook easily. Use light tackle with 20 lb test line and a live shrimp or small baitfish. Let your bait drift naturally near the structure. When you spot one, cast past it and slowly reel the bait into its strike zone. Be ready for an explosive take and aerial jumps once hooked. Remember to check those crab trap buoys - tripletail love hanging around them.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
This was my second trip with Eric. He definitely did not let me down. We caught a lot of fish. Very well organized and definitely knows where the fish are biting.