Your captain · Reel Escapes

Meet Captain Phil Pegley.

Your guide for fishing and hunting around Tampa Bay. With more than 25 years of local knowledge, Captain Phil brings his own approach to inshore and nearshore light-tackle sportfishing, and coaches every guest, from first-timers to seasoned anglers.

USCG-licensed captain. Private charters for up to 6 guests, picked up all around Tampa Bay.

Captain Phil Pegley
On Tampa Bay25+ years
CaptainUSCG licensed
25+ yearslocal knowledge
200+species in Tampa Bay
USCGlicensed captain
Up to 6guests, private boat
How Phil fishes

Light tackle, local water, no fixed routes

Most of Phil's days are spent inshore and nearshore on light tackle. He reads the tide, the wind and the bait, then runs where the fish are actually feeding.

  • Inshore. Redfish, snook and trout on Tampa Bay's flats and mangroves.
  • Big game. He isn't afraid to chase tarpon, sharks and the mighty goliath grouper.
  • Every level. Patient with a first-timer, relentless with a tarpon. He coaches every cast, hookset and fish.
Guests holding a catch on the deck of Captain Phil's boat
Straight off the boat

Recent catches

Real guests, real fish, photographed on Captain Phil's boat.

A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
A recent catch on a Reel Escapes charter
25 years of fish tales

Ask Phil about any of them

Captain Phil has a story for most spots on the bay. Read a few before your trip.

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.

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