Skip the theme-park lines. Make memories on the water.
A private family fishing charter on Tampa Bay, built so everyone from young kids to grandparents has a safe, engaging, and thrilling day together. Captain Phil handles the gear, the know-how, and the safety. You just bring the family.
- $150 books your date
- Kid & family friendly
- USCG licensed
- No experience needed
Private family chartersJust your family, at your pace.
More than a day of fishing.
It's the story you'll retell for years.
Tampa Bay's calm inshore waters and diverse fish make it an ideal place for families to explore the outdoors together, with no crowds and no distractions.
Real time together
A private charter means no crowds and no screens, just your family. Whether it's a child's first fish or a grandparent's big catch, those moments stick.
Kids learn by doing
Captain Phil teaches young anglers to cast, identify snook, redfish, and trout, and understand why conservation matters. Keep an eye out for dolphins and pelicans.
Safety comes first
USCG licensed, with flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter, and an enclosed transom. We pick calm inshore water for little ones and beginners.
A break from the ordinary
Tampa is known for theme parks and beaches. A charter swaps long lines for open water, mangrove shorelines, and a day that's active for every age.
We take children and families fishing often. We're so focused on safety, and think kids get such a kick out of fishing, that we offer dedicated family charters.— Reel Escapes Fishing Charters
A hassle-free day, planned around your family.
Whether your crew includes seasoned anglers or first-time fishers, every charter is customized. Captain Phil gives hands-on help so beginners learn fast, while experienced anglers can chase bigger fish like tarpon or grouper.
- Easy pickupMeet us 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.
- A plan that fits your crewWant a specific fish, some sightseeing, or a bit of both? Captain Phil plans the day around your family's goals and energy.
- Fishing & funTarget redfish, snook, and trout inshore. Kids love the thrill of reeling in their own catch, and adults enjoy the challenge.
- Dinner, caught by youCaptain Phil cleans your catch. Take it home, or head to a cook-your-catch restaurant for the freshest family dinner in Tampa.
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.
Three steps to your family's day on the water
Tell us about your family
Call or send a request with your date, how many are coming, the kids' ages, and what you'd love to see or catch.
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.
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.
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.
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 young kids?
Absolutely. We take children and families fishing often. The boat carries flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter, and an enclosed transom, and Captain Phil chooses calm inshore water for younger kids and beginners.
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 families want a trophy fish; others just want calm water, wildlife, and a few good catches for the kids.
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.
What should we bring?
Sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, and anything you want to eat or drink. Rods, reels, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are all provided.
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, so have everyone go before the trip. Along our routes we're never more than about 10 minutes from a bathroom.
How do I book?
Pick a morning, afternoon or all-day trip in the booking section above, call (813) 416-6296, or email cptphilpegley@gmail.com.
Ready for your family's day on the water?
Tell us your date, how many are coming, and the kids' ages. Captain Phil will build a charter your whole family will love.
Planning a company or client outing? See our business charters →
Reel Escapes Fishing Charters · 1214 Frisbie Rd., Ruskin, FL 33570 · cptphilpegley@gmail.com
The Missing Lobster Diver: Key West Lobstering Stories From Captain Phi
Captain Phil was running a lobster charter out of Key West during the heart of lobster season. The weather was beautiful, the water was clear, and dozens of boats were spread across the reef system as
The Lobster Hole: Key West Lobstering Stories From Captain Phil
Most lobster charters require a little work. This one was practically over before it began. Captain Phil was spending the summer in Key West during lobster season when he welcomed a group of business
The Atlantic Shelf Jackpot: Key West Lobstering Stories From Captain Phil
The charter was supposed to last four hours. Instead, the guests were back at the marina with their limit of lobster before most lobster charters are even getting started. Every summer, Captain Phil s
The Tarpon That Wouldn’t Let Go
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
Fog Of War: Real Fishing Stories From Captain Phil
They weren’t just lost in fog. They were in a shipping lane. The day didn’t start with any warning. It was the late 1990s, and Captain Phil had run offshore out of Key West countless times before.
The Ultimate Guide to Catch-and-Cook Restaurants in Tampa Bay That Prepare Your Fresh Fish
One of the best parts of fishing in Tampa Bay is enjoying the reward after the trip.
Fishing Charters For Business: Why Fishing Charters Create Bonds, Close Deals, and Reveal Who People Really Are
There is a quiet truth that people in business, politics and entertainment have known for a long time: if you really want to understand someone, take them out of their usual environment.
Preserving Your Catch After a Charter: Storing, Transporting, and Food Safety Tips For Your Fish
This guide breaks down the best ways to store, transport and prepare your fish so you get the most out of your catch without losing quality or risking food safety issues.
The Real Cost of Running a Fishing Charter: Fuel, Gear, Maintenance & Hidden Expenses
Understanding what it takes to operate a charter helps you appreciate the expertise, equipment, and effort that go into every trip.