4-Hour Fishing Charter Tampa Bay: Private Boat with Captain

You catch the fish, then take them home filleted and frozen.

A private 4-hour fishing charter in Tampa Bay with Captain Jason Dozier, a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain who fishes the bay's islands, creeks and sandbars for inshore species like snook, trout, redfish and tarpon. The boat holds up to six people. All fishing equipment and licenses are included, and any legal catch gets filleted and bagged for you to keep.

The experience

Captain Jason grew up fishing Florida's back country and inter-coastal waterways, and he runs private charters only: meaning your group is the only one on the boat. You'll meet him at the marina at your chosen time, then head out to catch bait before moving to the fishing grounds. The 4-hour window is typical, though he also offers 6-hour and full-day options depending on when the fishing is best and what fits your schedule.

Tampa Bay is the largest open-water estuary in Florida, covering nearly 400 square miles across three counties. You'll fish the bay's islands, creeks and sandbars for inshore species including snook, trout, redfish, mackerel, jacks, snapper, sharks and tarpon. All equipment and fishing licenses are provided, along with bottled water and a cooler with ice. If you want to keep any legal species for dinner, Captain Jason will fillet them and bag them in freezer bags so you can take them with you.

Morning, afternoon and evening departures are available. You'll discuss the timing with Captain Jason beforehand to match both the fishing conditions and the rest of your trip's schedule.

What’s included

• All fishing equipment and fishing licenses.
• bottled water.
• cooler with ice.
• bait-catching at the start of the trip.
• fish filleting and freezer bagging if you keep your catch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Chasing Tails Charters

Is this one for you?Captain Jason speaks English and leads the charter himself, so you'll have direct access to his knowledge of Tampa Bay's waters throughout the trip. The private-boat setup means your group fishes without other anglers aboard, and the 4-hour duration fits a half-day into most travel schedules.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What species of fish will I be targeting in Tampa Bay?

You'll fish for inshore species including snook, trout, redfish, mackerel, jacks, snapper, sharks and tarpon. The specific species available depends on the season and the day's conditions.

Do I need to bring my own fishing gear and license?

No. All fishing equipment and licenses are included with the charter, so you arrive ready to fish.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, any legal species you catch can be kept. Captain Jason will fillet them and put them in freezer bags for you to take home.

How many people can go on the boat?

The boat holds up to six people maximum, and it's a private charter, so only your group will be aboard.

What times of day are available?

Morning, afternoon and evening departures are available. You'll work with Captain Jason to pick the time that works best for your schedule and when he expects the fishing to be strongest.