No fixed routes. We go where they're biting.
Meet Captain Phil in Ruskin, or get picked up at a dock that suits your day. From there, the route is built around the tide, the bait and the fish you came for.
Pickup spot in mind? Add it to your booking notes, or call and Captain Phil will work it out with you.
Start from where you are
Most trips leave from Ruskin. Pickup and drop-off are also available in southeast Tampa Bay, central Tampa and St. Petersburg, so pick the spot that's easiest for your group.
Somewhere else? Captain Phil can pick you up or drop you off at almost any Tampa Bay dock with a pier. Call (813) 416-6296 or add it to your booking notes.
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 conditions first, then decides where to go.
- The tide. Fish move with the water. The tide decides which flats, bars and channels are worth fishing, and when.
- The wind and the bait. Phil follows the bait and picks water that fishes well in the day's wind.
- Your plan. Trophy fish, the kids' first redfish, or a scenic cruise. The day is built around what your group wants.
One bay, a lot of water
Tampa Bay holds more than 200 species. Where you fish depends on what you're after.
Flats & mangroves
Shallow, calm water for redfish, snook and trout on light tackle. The usual choice for morning and afternoon inshore trips.
Channels, passes & bridges
Deeper, moving water where sharks feed and migrating tarpon roll in late spring and summer.
Structure & nearshore
Bridge pilings, wrecks and reefs in and just outside the bay, home to goliath grouper and snapper.
How the day runs
Meet or get picked up
540 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin, or the pickup spot you chose when you booked.
Run to the fish
Aboard a 23' 6" custom Dorado hybrid bay boat. Phil coaches every cast, every hookset, every fish.
Drop-off and dinner
Your catch is cleaned before you leave. Head home, or get dropped at a cook-your-catch restaurant.
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.