CastandBlast
Hunt diving ducks on open Tampa Bay at first light, then trade the shotguns for rods and fish the afternoon tide. Two charters, one day, with Captain Phil Pegley.
Save 10% when you book both halves of the dayThe Blast
Boat hunt over decoys for bluebills, redheads and buffleheads.
The Cast
Inshore fishing for redfish, trout and sheepshead on the afternoon tide.
Part oneThe Blast
Hunting the Bay
From the Boat
Tampa Bay isn't flooded timber or a cornfield pit. It's a big tidal estuary on Florida's Gulf Coast, and every winter it holds rafts of diving ducks: bluebills, buffleheads, redheads, ring-necks and ruddy ducks.
Those birds live on open water, and the way to reach them is by boat. Captain Phil runs out before first light, sets a decoy spread on the flats or a bay point, and positions the boat for the wind and tide.
From the Ramp to Shooting Light
Never hunted from a boat? Here's how a Tampa Bay morning usually goes.
Before Sunrise
Meet Captain Phil at the ramp in the dark and go over the plan and safety.
The Run Out
Cross the bay in the dark to the spot Phil has been scouting.
Set the Spread
Decoys go out on long lines and anchors, leaving a landing hole for the birds.
Shooting Light
A half hour before sunrise. Stay low and still, and wait for Phil's call.
The Hunt
Divers come in fast and low. Birds on the water get picked up by boat or by wading.
Tampa Bay's Winter Ducks
Mostly diving ducks, plus a few Florida residents.
Bluebills (Lesser Scaup)
The bread-and-butter duck of the bay. Fast and willing to work a decoy spread.
Buffleheads
Small, quick divers with a bold black-and-white drake. Challenging to shoot.
Redheads
The drake's brick-red head is unmistakable. Tampa Bay holds a wintering population.
Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks
A year-round Florida resident. Long legs, red bill and a whistling call.
Ring-necked and ruddy ducks also turn up. All ducks count toward a 6-duck daily total.
Dates, Licenses & What to Bring
Cast & Blast runs on Tampa Bay during duck season only.
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Regular season, phase 1 | Nov. 21–29, 2026 |
| Regular season, phase 2 | Dec. 12, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027 |
From FWC's 2026–27 migratory bird regulations. Shooting hours run a half hour before sunrise to sunset. Always confirm at myfwc.com before your hunt.
Included in the hunt
- Boat, captain and decoy spread
- Scouting and spot selection
- Coaching throughout the hunt
- Shotguns, ammunition and equipment available for a nominal fee
Hunters bring
- Florida hunting license
- Florida waterfowl permit
- Signed Federal Duck Stamp (16+)
- Florida migratory bird permit (free)
- Non-toxic shot only. Lead is illegal for waterfowl
- Layers, a waterproof shell, and waders or tall boots
Part twoThe Cast
Same bay. Different game.
Decoys stowed, shotguns cased. Captain Phil reads the afternoon tide and runs to wherever the fish are feeding. No fixed routes, just your crew on a custom bay boat.
- Winter inshore species. Redfish, speckled trout and sheepshead on Tampa Bay's flats, docks and channels.
- A boat built for it. A 23' 6" custom Dorado hybrid bay boat with Bull Bay custom rods and premium tackle.
- Dinner, handled. Your catch is cleaned before you head home. Duck for one night, fish for the next.
All fun. No homework.
No gear
Rods, reels, bait and tackle are on the boat.
No fishing license
Fishing licenses and permits are provided for everyone aboard.
No experience
Pros or first-timers, Phil gives hands-on help from the first cast.
No cleaning fish
Your catch is cleaned before you leave. Just bring a cooler.
Book both. Save 10%.
A Cast & Blast is a regular morning duck hunt and an afternoon fishing charter on the same day, with 10% off. Tampa Bay only.
Tampa Bay Duck Hunt
- 1 hunter$350
- 2 hunters$300each
- 3 hunters$250each
Up to 3 hunters. Shotguns, ammo and equipment available for a nominal fee. Hunters bring their own licenses and permits.
Afternoon Inshore Charter
Rods, bait, tackle and fishing licenses included. Your catch cleaned before you head home.
Captain Phil Pegley
Captain Phil guides the hunt and the fishing himself. In the morning his job is judgment: picking the spot around wind, tide and weather, setting the spread before shooting light, and calling the shots. In the afternoon he's reading the same water for redfish and trout, with 25+ years on Tampa Bay behind every call.
He keeps groups small and coaches first-timers on both, from staying still in the boat to setting the hook.
Cast & Blast questions
What is a Cast & Blast?
A full day with Captain Phil on Tampa Bay: a regular morning duck hunt, then an afternoon inshore fishing charter. Book both together and save 10%.
When can we do it?
During Florida's duck season only. For 2026–27 that's Nov. 21–29, 2026 and Dec. 12, 2026 to Jan. 31, 2027. Mornings fill up, so book early.
What licenses do hunters need?
A Florida hunting license, a Florida waterfowl permit, a signed Federal Duck Stamp if you're 16 or older, and Florida's free migratory bird permit. The free field guide covers the details. Fishing licenses for the afternoon are provided.
How many people can come?
Up to 3 hunters for the morning hunt, so everyone gets Captain Phil's attention. Call if you'd like to add someone for the afternoon fishing.
Do I need my own shotgun?
No. Shotguns and ammo are available for a nominal fee. If you bring your own, use steel or another non-toxic shot. Lead is illegal for waterfowl.
What will we catch in the afternoon?
Winter inshore fishing on Tampa Bay usually means redfish, speckled trout and sheepshead. Captain Phil runs to wherever they're feeding that day.
What should I wear?
Layers and a waterproof shell. It's colder than you'd expect on open water at dawn, and the boat throws spray. Waders or tall boots for the hunt, and sunglasses and sunscreen for the afternoon.
I've never hunted or fished. Is that OK?
Yes. First-timers are welcome on both halves. Captain Phil covers safety, how the hunt works and when to shoot, then walks you through casting and reeling in the afternoon.
Ducks at dawn. Fish by dusk.
Duck season runs about 60 days and mornings fill up. Pick your date, and Captain Phil will handle the boat, the decoys, the tackle and the spots.
DuckHuntingCharters.com · ReelEscapesFishingCharters.com · (813) 416-6296