Tampa Bay Shark Fishing Charters
Blacktips that go airborne, bull sharks that won't quit, and the hammerhead that makes the whole boat go quiet. Captain Phil runs you to where the sharks are feeding, rigs the heavy tackle, and coaches you through every run. Just your crew, up to six aboard.
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. First time on big fish? Perfect. Captain Phil coaches every fight.
Six-foot fish. Ten feet from the boat.
Tampa Bay is one of the best shark fisheries on Florida's Gulf Coast. Warm, bait-rich water draws big predators into the channels, passes and bars at the mouth of the bay.
- Blacktip sharks. Fast, acrobatic and everywhere in spring and fall. Hooked blacktips often spin clear of the water.
- Bull sharks. Heavy, stubborn and strongest in the warm months. This is the fight people book a shark trip for.
- Hammerheads. Great hammerheads follow the tarpon into the bay in late spring and early summer. Protected, photographed and released.
- Smaller sharks, too. Bonnetheads, sharpnose and spinners keep the rods bending and are perfect for kids.
Sharks bite all year
Spring and fall bring the blacktip runs. Summer brings the big bulls and the hammerheads that shadow the tarpon. Even in winter, Captain Phil finds sharks on the warmer days.
Chum, wait, hang on.
Meet at the dock
540 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin, or the pickup spot you chose when you booked.
Set the slick
Phil anchors up-current of where the sharks are feeding, puts out a chum slick and fresh cut bait, and the waiting gets short.
Fight, photo, release
You fight the fish. Phil handles the leader, the hook and the release, and gets the photo with it.
- Heavy tackle and rigs for big fish
- Bait, plus everything else you need
- Fishing licenses for everyone aboard
- Photos with your fish before the release
- Captain Phil's coaching, start to finish
Built for big sharks
Knows where they feed
Sharks follow the bait and the tide. With 25+ years on this water, Phil knows which channel, bar or pass holds them on any given day.
Tackle that holds
Heavy spinning and conventional gear, wire leaders and circle hooks, on a 23' 6" custom bay boat that's stable at anchor.
Fish go back healthy
Circle hooks and fast releases. Protected species stay in the water, and Phil tells you what, if anything, is legal to keep.
Shark trip questions
Can we keep a shark?
Some species can be kept within Florida's size and bag limits, but many, including hammerheads, are protected and must be released. Most of our shark trips are catch-and-release, and Captain Phil will tell you what's legal on the day.
How big are the sharks?
Blacktips commonly run 4 to 6 feet. Bull sharks and hammerheads can be considerably bigger. Smaller species like bonnetheads are common too, which makes the trip great for kids.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes. Kids reel; Captain Phil handles the leader, the hook and every release. The boat carries flotation devices, a GPS emergency transmitter and an enclosed transom.
When is the best time to go?
Spring and fall for blacktips, and summer for big bulls and hammerheads. Sharks bite year-round on Tampa Bay, so any date can produce.
How is this different from a regular inshore trip?
Morning and afternoon inshore trips target redfish, snook and trout on light tackle. The shark charter is set up for big fish: heavier tackle, chum, and spots chosen for sharks.
What does it cost?
$700 for 1 or 2 guests, plus $50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6. $150 books your date, and the balance is due at pickup. Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
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.
Hunting something else big?
Your shark is out there.
Pick a date, put down $150, and Captain Phil will handle the rest: the bait, the tackle, the spot and the photo.
Reel Escapes Fishing Charters · USCG licensed · Fishing regulations change; current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules always apply.