Charity & Nonprofit Fishing Charters — Tampa Bay

Give your supporters a day on the water they'll never forget.

Fishing charters are a unique and impactful way for nonprofits, including those dedicated to pediatric cancer, cystic fibrosis, and habitat conservation, to engage supporters and advance their missions. Captain Phil builds every trip around your people and your cause.

  • $150 books your date
  • USCG licensed
  • 25+ years on Tampa Bay
  • Fishing licenses included
Young angler proudly holding his catch on a Reel Escapes nonprofit charter
Reel Escapes Fishing Charters logo

Nonprofit chartersConnection, wellness, and fundraising.

Why a fishing charter

More than a day on the water.

These tailored outings deliver benefits that extend far beyond the dock: connection, well-being, and awareness for the causes you care about.

01

Stronger community ties

Patients, families, and supporters share the thrill of a catch and the beauty of Tampa Bay, creating memories that strengthen your network.

02

A therapeutic escape

Time on the water reduces stress and boosts mood, a real break for families affected by serious illness.

03

A fundraiser people want to attend

Ticketed outings and sponsorships use a one-of-a-kind setting to attract donors and share your mission.

04

Stories worth sharing

Photos and stories from the trip power your newsletters, social posts, and campaigns, amplifying your cause long after the boat docks.

By offering connection, wellness, and fundraising opportunities, fishing charters empower nonprofits to create meaningful impact while delivering unforgettable experiences.— Reel Escapes Fishing Charters
Guest with a catch aboard a Reel Escapes charter
Smiling guest on a Reel Escapes charter
Charity & nonprofit charters

Ways to put a charter to work for your mission.

Every charter is fully customizable. Tell us what your organization needs, and Captain Phil will shape the day around it.

Causes we proudly support: pediatric cancer, cystic fibrosis, and habitat conservation organizations, and more.
  • Patient & family daysA relaxed, safety-first outing for the kids and families you serve. We take children fishing often, and they get such a kick out of it.
  • Ticketed fundraising outingsSell seats on a charter as a fundraising event, an experience supporters are excited to buy.
  • Sponsor & donor appreciationThank your biggest supporters with a day they'll remember, and build the relationships that keep them giving.
  • Conservation & volunteer outingsConnect volunteers directly to Tampa Bay's marine ecosystem and teach sustainable fishing practices that inspire stewardship.
Plan a nonprofit charter
What's included

You bring the people. We handle everything else.

Custom-built bay boat

A 23' 6" custom Dorado Hybrid bay boat with sun shade and tower, built from a composite that's stronger and lighter than fiberglass.

Premium tackle

Bull Bay custom rods, quality reels, and rod holders placed for easy use. No gear required.

Licenses & permits

All fishing licenses and permits are provided for everyone on board.

Safety first

USCG licensed. Flotation devices, GPS emergency transmitter, enclosed transom, and sonar on board.

Catch cleaned & cooked

Captain Phil cleans your catch, and we can drop you at a cook-your-catch restaurant to enjoy it right away.

Flexible pickup

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.

How it works

Three steps to a day nobody forgets

Tell us about your cause

Call or send a request with your organization, group size, date, and goal: a family day, a fundraiser, or a thank-you for supporters.

Captain Phil builds the trip

Target species, length, pickup location, and route are all tailored to your group. There are no fixed routes; we go where the fish are biting.

Show up and enjoy

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and your food and drinks. Gear, licenses, bait, and expertise are on us.

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.

Morning trip Morning Inshore Charter Early departure
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.

Reel Escapes charter on Tampa Bay
Guests fishing with Captain Phil on Tampa Bay
Big catch on a Reel Escapes charter
Fishing with Captain Phil
Tampa Bay catch
Group charter on Tampa Bay
Captain Phil Pegley
Your captain

Captain Phil Pegley

With more than 25 years of local knowledge, Captain Phil brings a unique approach to inshore and nearshore light-tackle fishing. He's not afraid to chase tarpon, sharks, and the mighty Goliath grouper, and he's just as good at making a first-timer's day.

25+years experience
200+species in Tampa Bay
USCGlicensed captain
Group charter FAQ

Good questions, straight answers

How much does a charter cost?

Morning and afternoon trips are $550 for 1–2 guests, plus $50 per additional guest, up to 6 ($750). An all-day trip is $750 for 1–2 guests, plus $50 per additional guest, up to 6 ($950). Just $150 books your date; the balance is due at pickup. Licenses, rods, bait and tackle are included.

How many people can come?

Each boat carries up to 6 guests. Planning a bigger outing? Call Captain Phil to talk through the options for your group.

Are charters safe for kids and families?

Absolutely. We take children and families fishing often and are focused on safety: flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter, and an enclosed transom on a boat that handles waves well.

Does anyone need fishing experience?

No. Whether your group is full of pros or has never held a rod, Captain Phil coaches everyone. Inshore Tampa Bay fishing is calm and beginner-friendly.

Can we customize the trip?

Completely. Target species, trip length, pickup and drop-off, and route are all built around your group. Some groups want trophy fish; others just want a calm, happy day on the water.

Where do charters launch?

We often meet at 540 Bahia Beach Blvd., Ruskin, FL 33570. Pickup also includes Hula Bay, St. Petersburg Landing, O'Neal's Marina, and Hook's Restaurant (611 Destiny Dr., Ruskin), or almost anywhere in Tampa Bay with a pier or dock.

Is food provided?

Bring whatever you'd like to eat and drink. There's a cooler seat on board. After the trip, we can take you to a cook-your-catch restaurant.

Is there a bathroom on the boat?

No, but we're never more than about 10 minutes from one along our routes.

How do I book?

Book a morning, afternoon or all-day trip in the booking section above, call (813) 416-6296, or email cptphilpegley@gmail.com.

Charity · Nonprofit · Fundraising

Let's plan a day that serves your mission.

Tell us about your organization, your group, and what you hope the day will accomplish. Captain Phil will build the charter around it.

Planning a company or client outing? See our business charters →

Reel Escapes Fishing Charters · 1214 Frisbie Rd., Ruskin, FL 33570 · cptphilpegley@gmail.com

The tarpon hit like it meant to end the day right there. It was supposed to be a clean, controlled beach-side setup—one of those mornings off Key West where everything lines up just enough to give y

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