
What Types of Fish Can We Catch on an Inshore Tampa Bay Fishing Charter?

You can’t go wrong when it comes to fishing adventures in Tampa Bay, and the possibilities when it comes to the array of fish you can catch are nearly limitless. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or an absolute beginner, you shouldn’t wait to book a Tampa Bay fishing adventure company today.
The Kinds of Fish You Can Expect to Catch Are Guided by the Season
The fishing in Tampa Bay is great all year round, but the season you choose will determine the kind of fish you’ll be angling for.
Year-Round Varieties
Some fish species are plentiful in Tampa Bay waters all year round, which makes for exciting charters whenever you book them.
Snook
Snook are often referred to as linesiders, and they are one of the most sought-after gamefish in Florida. They congregate around the mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and estuaries that are so common in Tampa Bay, and they can weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Snook are attracted to both live and artificial bait, which makes for an exhilarating catch.
Redfish
The redfish — or Bronze Bomber — is generally found in Tampa Bay’s expansive grass flats, mangrove-lined shores, and residential docks. The fact that they can weigh up to 40 pounds makes them whoppers. These beauties are attracted to a wide range of live and artificial baits.
Speckled Sea Trout
Speckled sea trout are easy to spot in Tampa Bay’s gorgeous waters, and they reach lengths of up to 39 inches. These prized fish, however, are a more delicate variety that should always be released after snapping a pic in celebration of the occasion.
Cobia
Cobia are lovingly referred to as the man in the brown suit, and they are fierce predators that cruise Tampa Bay estuaries. This species can push and exceed the 90-pound mark, and they often swim among sharks, stingrays, and manatees, which lends itself to an exciting fishing experience.
Sharks in the Summer and Winter Months
If you’re looking for a rush, it’s hard to beat shark fishing. While sharks can be found in Tampa Bay year-round, they’re most plentiful in the summer and winter months when they follow the hot water outflow of local power plants. Common varieties include:
- Blacktip sharks
- Hammerhead sharks
- Bonnethead sharks
- Bull sharks
You may be interested to know that bull sharks have the highest testosterone levels of all Earth’s creatures, which makes them one powerful predator. The thrill of watching a shark destroy your bait is worthy of your bucket list.
Tripletail in Fall and Spring
Tripletails are prehistoric creatures that are as delicious to eat as they are a blast to catch. If you’re a sight fishing enthusiast, tripletail fishing in Tampa Bay is for you. Good locations include floating debris on the water, channel markers, dock pilings, and bridges.
Explore the Possibilities by Booking a Fishing Charter Today
When you fish in the fruitful waters of Tampa Bay, you can expect plenty of variety, and at Bay to Bay Outfitters, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your fishing excursion. Our charters are led by Captain Ainsley Watson, a native Floridian with a lifetime of experience fishing in Tampa Bay.
Whether you’re just testing the waters or have been angling for years, we can hook you up with a memorable fishing experience that is very likely to keep you coming back for more. To get started, please contact us online or call us at (478) 235-1321 today.