Tampa Bay Tarpon Fishing Charters
The silver king. Fish over 100 pounds that jump higher than your head and fight like nothing else in the bay. Every spring, migrating tarpon pour into Tampa Bay, and resident fish roam the backcountry all year. Captain Phil puts you on them.
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. First time on big fish? Perfect. Captain Phil coaches every fight.
Hook one. Then hold on.
Tampa Bay is one of the great tarpon fisheries in the world. The bay hosts one of the biggest tarpon migrations on the Gulf Coast, plus a population of resident fish that never leaves.
- Migrating giants. From late spring through summer, schools of adult tarpon, many well over 100 pounds, roll along the beaches, passes and bridges.
- Resident tarpon. Smaller tarpon live in the backcountry creeks and mangroves year-round. Great on lighter tackle, and they jump just as hard.
- Every fish goes back. Tarpon are catch-and-release. Florida law keeps tarpon over 40 inches in the water, so you get the photo boatside.
Schools of adult tarpon roll along the beaches, passes and bridges.
Fish that jump higher than your head.
Backcountry creeks and mangroves, great on lighter tackle.
Peak season is May to July
The migration peaks from May through July, and the best dates book first. Resident tarpon bite year-round in the backcountry, so a winter trip can still produce a silver king.
Find them. Feed them. Bow to the king.
Meet at the dock
540 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin, or the pickup spot you chose when you booked.
Find the rollers
Phil runs to the beaches, passes, bridges or backcountry, wherever tarpon are rolling that day, and puts a live bait in front of them.
Jump, fight, release
When it jumps, bow the rod. Phil coaches the whole fight, then you get your photo with the fish in the water before it swims off.
- Heavy tackle and rigs for big fish
- Bait, plus everything else you need
- Fishing licenses for everyone aboard
- Photos with your fish before the release
- Captain Phil's coaching, start to finish
Built for the silver king
Knows where they roll
Tarpon move with the tide and the bait. Phil has spent 25+ years learning which beach, pass or bridge they'll be on, and when.
Right bait, right tackle
Live crabs, threadfins or pinfish on heavy spinning gear, from a bay boat that can run the beaches and slip into the backcountry.
Released in great shape
Tarpon stay in the water for photos and get revived before release, so they're ready to jump for the next angler.
Tarpon trip questions
Can we keep a tarpon?
No. Tarpon fishing is catch-and-release. Florida requires a special tag to keep one, and tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water. We photograph and release every fish.
When is tarpon season in Tampa Bay?
The migration peaks from May through July, with good fishing in April, August and September. Resident tarpon are in the backcountry year-round.
How big are they?
Migrating adults commonly weigh 80 to 150 pounds or more. Resident backcountry tarpon are smaller, often under 30 pounds, and still jump like crazy.
Will I land one?
Tarpon are famous for throwing hooks mid-jump, so you'll likely hook more than you land. Every jump counts. Captain Phil coaches you to give yourself the best shot.
I've never fished. Can I do this?
Yes. Captain Phil coaches every step, from the cast to the hookset to the fight. Plenty of first-timers have landed their first tarpon on his boat.
What does it cost?
$700 for 1 or 2 guests, plus $50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6. $150 books your date, and the balance is due at pickup. Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
Book a charter
Just $150 books your date. Private charters with Captain Phil Pegley, USCG licensed with 25+ years on the water. We pick you up all around Tampa Bay: Ruskin, Hula Bay, St. Petersburg Landing, O'Neal's Marina, Hook's Restaurant, or almost any dock with a pier.
Shark, goliath grouper and tarpon are specialty charters: from $700 for up to 2 people per four-hour block, plus $50 per additional person. All day is $300 more. Choose it as an option when you book in the calendar. Questions? Call (813) 416-6296.
Pick your date and time in the calendar Out early on calm water for redfish, snook and trout, and back with your catch cleaned by midday. The easiest trip to fit around a vacation. $550for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates Afternoon trip Afternoon Inshore Charter Afternoon departure
Pick your date and time in the calendar A later start for a slow morning. Fish the afternoon tide on Tampa Bay's flats and mangroves, then head to dinner with a fresh catch. $550for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates All-day trip All-Day Inshore Charter Full day on the water
Pick your date and time in the calendar Time to work more spots, follow the tides, and chase bigger fish. The trip for anglers who want the whole day. $750for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates Seasonal · Tampa Bay Cast & Blast Duck Hunt + Fishing Nov. 21 – Jan. 31
Duck season only (approximate dates) Two bookings, one day: a duck hunt and a fishing charter with the same captain. Hunt in the morning and fish in the afternoon, or the other way around. Save 10%on the total of both bookings Hunt: 1 hunter$3502 hunters$300 each3 hunters$250 each Plus the fishing charter, from $550 See how it works Seasonal · Key West Lobstering Key West Lobstering July 15 – Aug. 31
Florida Keys, not Tampa Bay Snorkel the shallow reefs and ledges for spiny lobster, and fish between dives. All ages welcome. $700for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6 Check dates
Meeting point. 540 Bahia Beach Blvd., Ruskin, FL 33570, or a pickup at Hula Bay, St. Petersburg Landing, O'Neal's Marina, Hook's Restaurant (611 Destiny Dr., Ruskin) or almost any Tampa Bay dock with a pier. Add it in your booking notes.
Pricing. Morning or afternoon: $550 for 1–2 guests. All day: $750 for 1–2 guests. Key West lobstering: $700 for 1–2 guests. Each additional guest is $50, up to 6. Cast & Blast is two bookings, a duck hunt and a fishing charter, with 10% off the total.
Cancellation. Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
Good to know. Kids and first-timers are welcome. There's no bathroom on the boat, but in Tampa Bay we're never more than about 10 minutes from one.
Questions? Call (813) 416-6296 or email Captain Phil.
Hunting something else big?
The silver king is waiting.
Peak dates go first. Pick yours, put down $150, and Captain Phil will have the bait in the well.
Reel Escapes Fishing Charters · USCG licensed · Fishing regulations change; current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules always apply.