Good questions, straight answers.
Where we meet, what it costs, what to bring and what happens to your catch. If your question isn't here, call Captain Phil. He'd rather answer it now than have you wondering at the dock.
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. Licenses, rods, bait and tackle are included.
How do I book my guided fishing charter?
Pick a morning, afternoon or all-day trip in the booking section below and choose a date in the calendar. $150 books your date, and the balance is due at pickup. You can also call (813) 416-6296 or email cptphilpegley@gmail.com.
How much does a charter cost?
Morning and afternoon trips are $550 for 1 or 2 guests. All day is $750 for 1 or 2 guests. Each additional guest is $50, up to 6 aboard. Shark, goliath grouper and tarpon charters start at $700 for up to 2 people.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
How many people can come?
Up to 6 guests. Every charter is private: just your group on the boat.
Where do the fishing charters launch from in Tampa?
We often meet at 540 Bahia Beach Blvd., Ruskin, FL 33570.
Pickup and drop-off are also available in southeast Tampa Bay at Hook's Restaurant (611 Destiny Dr., Ruskin, FL 33570), in central Tampa at Hula Bay (5210 W Tyson Ave., Tampa, FL 33611), and in St. Petersburg at Pinellas Point Dr. S and Sunshine Skyway Ln. S (St. Petersburg, FL 33711). Call with a request and we can pick you up or drop you off almost anywhere in Tampa Bay with a pier or dock.
What routes do the charters take?
There are no fixed routes. Captain Phil reads the tide, the wind and the bait, then runs to wherever the fish are feeding that day. Each trip is built around your pickup spot and the fish you want to catch.
What safety features does the boat have?
Flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter, an enclosed transom, and broadband and trip sonar. The hull isn't fiberglass but a stronger, lighter composite, and the boat takes waves well.
Is Reel Escapes Fishing Charters licensed?
Yes. Captain Phil Pegley is a USCG-licensed captain with more than 25 years on Tampa Bay.
Do I need to buy a fishing license?
No. Fishing licenses and permits are provided for everyone aboard.
Are your guided fishing charters child-friendly?
Yes. We take children and families fishing often, and Captain Phil coaches everyone, from first-timers to seasoned anglers.
What should I bring for my guided fishing trip in Tampa?
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and anything you'd like to eat or drink. There's a cooler seat on board. If you're keeping your catch, bring a cooler with ice for the drive home. Rods, reels, bait and tackle are all provided.
Does the boat have a bathroom?
No, but along our routes we're never more than about 10 minutes from one.
Does Captain Phil clean and prepare the catch?
Yes. Captain Phil cleans your catch before you head home.
Can I immediately cook my fish and be taken to a 'cook your hook' restaurant?
Yes. We can drop you at a cook-your-catch restaurant so you can have your fish on the table the same day.
Real days on Captain Phil's boat
Guests on Tampa Bay, photographed the moment the fish came over the side.
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.