We Go Where the Fish Are Biting.
No fixed routes, no crowded party boat. Just your crew, a custom bay boat, and Captain Phil Pegley, with 25+ years on Tampa Bay, running to wherever the redfish, snook and tarpon are feeding today. Rods, bait and licenses are on board, and your catch is cleaned before you head home.
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. Never fished? Perfect. Captain Phil coaches everyone.
Most charters run a route. Phil runs to the fish.
Plenty of boats leave the dock with the day already planned. Captain Phil reads the tide, the wind and the bait, then runs where the fish actually are, and he never skimps on fuel to get you there.
- Picked up where you are. Ruskin, Hula Bay, St. Pete Landing, O'Neal's Marina, Hook's, or almost any dock on the bay.
- Built around your crew. Trophy snook, the kids' first redfish, or just a beautiful day on the water.
- Dinner, handled. Your catch is cleaned, and we can drop you at a cook-your-catch restaurant tonight.
You show up. Phil handles the rest.
Meet at the dock
540 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin, or the pickup spot you chose when you booked.
Fish where they're biting
Aboard a 23' 6" custom Dorado hybrid bay boat with Bull Bay custom rods. Phil coaches every cast, every hookset, every fish.
Take dinner home
Your catch is cleaned before you leave. Cook it yourself, or hand it to a local kitchen tonight.
$150 books your date
Every charter is private: just your group, up to six aboard. Pick a trip, pick a date, and $150 holds it. The balance is due at pickup.
Three reasons it's a great day
25+ years at the wheel
USCG-licensed and local. Phil knows every flat, mangrove and channel on the bay, and he's as patient with a first-timer as he is relentless with a tarpon.
A boat built for this
A 23' 6" custom Dorado hybrid bay boat with sun shade and tower, premium tackle, flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter and an enclosed transom.
From the hook to the table
Redfish, snook, trout, snapper and more, cleaned before you step off. Ask and Phil will point you to a cook-your-catch restaurant.
Real days on Captain Phil's boat
No stock photos. These are guests on Tampa Bay, snapped the second the fish came over the side.
What guests say
Whatever the occasion, book it here
Every trip is private, so the day runs at your group's speed.
Kids & families
Calm inshore water, a captain who loves teaching kids, and dolphins and pelicans between bites. Grandparents welcome.
Book a morning trip
Birthdays & old friends
The college crew, the fishing buddies, the big 5-0. A boat, a cooler and a whole day with nowhere else to be.
Book all dayCouples & slow mornings
Sleep in, fish the afternoon tide, then take your fresh catch to a waterfront kitchen for dinner.
Book an afternoon trip
Teams & nonprofits
Not everyone golfs, but everyone can hold a rod. Client outings, team days and fundraisers, planned with Phil.
Call to planAll fun. No homework.
Bull Bay custom rods, quality reels, bait and tackle are on the boat.
Fishing licenses and permits are provided for everyone aboard.
Pros or first-timers, Phil gives hands-on help from the first cast.
Your catch is cleaned before you leave. Just bring a cooler.
The things people ask first
What does it cost?
Morning or afternoon: $550 for 1 or 2 guests, plus $50 for each additional guest, up to 6. All day: $750 for 1 or 2, plus $50 each, up to 6. $150 books your date; the balance is due at pickup.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
I've never fished before.
Most guests haven't. Captain Phil walks everyone through casting, bait and reeling as you go.
Is it good for kids?
Absolutely. We take children and families fishing often, on calm inshore water with flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter and an enclosed transom aboard.
Is there a bathroom?
Not on the boat, so go before you board. Along our routes we're never more than about 10 minutes from one.
What should we bring?
Sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothes, and whatever you'd like to eat and drink. There's a cooler seat on board.
Where do we meet?
540 Bahia Beach Blvd., Ruskin, or a pickup at Hula Bay, St. Pete Landing, O'Neal's Marina, Hook's Restaurant or almost any Tampa Bay dock.
What about weather?
Safety always comes first. If conditions look unsafe, Captain Phil will contact you about rescheduling.
The fish are biting. Let's go.
Morning, afternoon or all day. Everything provided, pickup around the bay, and your catch cleaned before you leave. Ask Phil about the storm off Key West while you're out there.
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
Pick a trip. Pick a day.
Every charter is private: just your group, up to six aboard. Pick a trip, pick a date, and $150 holds it. The balance is due at pickup.
Reel Escapes Fishing Charters · 1214 Frisbie Rd., Ruskin, FL 33570 · USCG licensed · (813) 416-6296
Decades of fish tales. All of them true.
Fog in a shipping lane. A tarpon that wouldn't quit. Storms, rescues and lobster jackpots from Tampa Bay to Key West. Ask him about any of them on the boat.
All fun, no homework
No gear, no license
Bull Bay custom rods, quality reels, bait and tackle are aboard, and fishing licenses are provided for everyone.
No experience needed
Pros or first-timers, Captain Phil gives hands-on help so beginners learn fast and experienced anglers can chase bigger fish.
No cleaning fish
Captain Phil cleans your catch. Take it home, or head to a cook-your-catch restaurant for dinner.
No hunting for the marina
Meet in Ruskin, or get picked up at Hula Bay, St. Pete Landing, O'Neal's Marina, Hook's Restaurant, or almost any Tampa Bay dock.
The things people ask first
I've never fished before.
Most guests haven't. Captain Phil walks everyone through casting, bait and reeling as you go.
Is it good for kids?
Absolutely. We take children and families fishing often, with flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter and an enclosed transom aboard.
Is there a bathroom?
Not on the boat, so go before you board. Along our routes we're never more than about 10 minutes from one.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. Licenses and permits are provided for everyone on board, along with rods, reels, bait and tackle. Just bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and food and drinks.
How much does it cost?
Morning or afternoon: $550 for 1–2 guests, plus $50 per extra guest, up to 6 ($750). All day: $750 for 1–2, plus $50 per extra guest, up to 6 ($950). Just $150 books your date.
Where do we meet?
540 Bahia Beach Blvd., Ruskin, or one of our pickup spots around the bay. Add your preference when you book.
More answers on our FAQ page.
Good reading before you board
The fish are biting. The boat's waiting.
Morning, afternoon or all day; birthday or business. Everything provided, flexible pickup, and your catch cleaned before you leave. Just $150 books your date.
Pick a trip, pick a day
Every charter is private: just your group, up to six aboard. Morning and afternoon trips are $550 for 1–2 guests; all day is $750. Add $50 per extra guest, up to six. Just $150 books your date.
1214 Frisbie Rd., Ruskin, FL 33570 · USCG licensed · cptphilpegley@gmail.com