Timing Your Tampa Vacation And Fishing Charter With Annual Fishing Events

Why Combine a Fishing Charter with Tampa Bay Events?

Tampa Bay’s 400-square-mile estuary is a hotspot for species like snook, redfish, tarpon, spotted seatrout, grouper, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and sheepshead. Its mangroves, flats, and offshore reefs create ideal conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing. Local charters, such as Reel Escapes Fishing Charters or Steady Action Fishing Charters, cater to all skill levels, offering tailored trips to target seasonal species.

Fishing tournaments and events add a competitive or communal element to your trip. Whether you’re vying for cash prizes in the Ed Alber Tarpon Rodeo or teaching kids to fish at the Old Salt Kids Fishing Slam, these events enhance your Tampa Bay experience. By syncing your charter with these gatherings, you can fish prime waters, learn from top anglers, and soak in the region’s coastal vibe. Below, we detail 10 key fishing-related events, their 2025 dates (where known), and how to plan your charter around them.

Tampa Bay’s Fishing Seasons

Understanding Tampa Bay’s fishing seasons helps you choose the best time for your charter and event pairing. Here’s a quick overview:

• Winter (December–February): Cooler waters (60–70°F) bring sheepshead and spotted seatrout to docks and bridges. Redfish school in deeper flats, while grouper and kingfish thrive offshore.
• Spring (March–May): Warming waters (70–80°F) spark tarpon migration, peaking in May. Snook and redfish hit the flats, and grouper dominate offshore.
• Summer (June–August): Hot temperatures (80–90°F) drive tarpon, snook, and redfish inshore. Offshore, snapper and grouper are plentiful. Early morning trips avoid heat and storms.
• Fall (September–November): Cooling waters (70–80°F) boost redfish, snook, and kingfish activity. Spanish mackerel migrate nearshore, and grouper fishing excels.

Charter operators recommend booking 2–3 months in advance for peak seasons (May–July for tarpon, fall for kingfish) to secure spots with experienced captains.

10 Fishing Tournaments and Events in Tampa Bay for 2025

Tampa Bay’s fishing calendar is packed with tournaments and events that cater to competitive anglers, families, and conservationists. Below are 10 highlights for 2025, including their timing, focus, and how to pair them with a fishing charter.

1. Johnny Kellar Inshore Fishing Tournament (January)

When: Mid-January (exact date TBD)
Where: St. Petersburg, FL
What: Hosted by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, this catch-and-release inshore tournament targets snook, redfish, and trout. It honors Johnny Kellar, a young angler whose passion inspired this annual fundraiser for youth fishing programs. Expect cash prizes, a captain’s meeting, and a festive awards banquet.

Charter Pairing: January’s cool waters are ideal for sheepshead and trout. Book an inshore charter to fish near St. Petersburg’s flats and docks, targeting the same species as the tournament for practice or post-event fun.

Tip: Stay at a St. Petersburg hotel near the marina for easy access to the tournament and charter launches.

2. The Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament (February 14–15)

When: February 14–15, 2025
Where: Tampa Bay and surrounding waters (Sanibel to Crystal River)
What: This two-day, fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release tournament focuses on redfish, with an optional snook Calcutta. Limited to 60 teams, it supports Tampa Bay Waterkeeper’s clean water initiatives. Anglers submit photos for scoring, with boundaries spanning Florida’s west coast.

Charter Pairing: February is prime for snook and redfish on shallow flats. Schedule an inshore fly-fishing charter to hone your skills on the same waters, targeting redfish in 2–4 feet of water.

Tip: Book early, as this exclusive event fills fast. Combine with a visit to the Florida State Fair for family fun.

3. TAMCO Foundation Grand Slam Charity Fishing Tournament (March)

When: Early March (exact date TBD)
Where: Tampa Bay
What: This charity tournament supports veterans and wounded warriors, featuring a catch-and-release format targeting snook, redfish, and trout. Past events have included divisions for veterans, with prizes for the largest fish and grand slam totals. It’s a heartfelt event with breakfast, lunch, and raffles.

Charter Pairing: March marks the start of tarpon season, but inshore fishing for snook and redfish is strong. Book an inshore charter to fish near bridges and flats, mirroring the tournament’s focus.

Tip: Stay in Tampa for proximity to the event and pair with the Florida Strawberry Festival in nearby Plant City.

4. Spring King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament (April 24–26)

When: April 24–26, 2025
Where: Madeira Beach, FL
What: Organized by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, this is one of Tampa Bay’s largest kingfish tournaments, drawing hundreds of anglers. It features cash prizes up to $20,000, a captain’s meeting, and a family-friendly festival with food and vendors.

Charter Pairing: April’s warming waters bring kingfish nearshore. Book a nearshore charter to target kingfish around reefs and wrecks, preparing for or celebrating the tournament.

Tip: Stay in Madeira Beach for tournament access and enjoy the Tampa Bay Blues Festival in St. Petersburg the same month.

5. Ed Alber Tarpon Rodeo (May)

When: Mid-May (exact date TBD)
Where: Tampa Bay waters
What: This prestigious tournament is a highlight for tarpon anglers, targeting the “Silver King” during peak migration. With cash prizes and a competitive yet festive atmosphere, it draws top anglers to Tampa’s passes and beaches.

Charter Pairing: May is the heart of tarpon season, with schools of 75–200-pound fish flooding the bay. Book a tarpon-specific charter to fish passes like Egmont Key, either competing or enjoying the action nearby.

Tip: Reserve accommodations near Tampa’s marinas and visit The Florida Aquarium for tarpon insights.

6. Old Salt Kids Fishing Slam (June)

When: Early June (exact date TBD)
Where: St. Petersburg, FL
What: This family-friendly event, hosted by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, introduces kids to fishing through a fun, non-competitive tournament. Targeting inshore species like redfish and trout, it includes clinics, prizes, and a celebratory atmosphere.

Charter Pairing: June’s tarpon frenzy is in full swing, but inshore fishing for redfish and snook is excellent. Book a family-friendly inshore charter to teach kids fishing skills before or after the event.

Tip: Pair with the Tampa Bay Business Journal Leadership Summit for a professional angle to your trip.

7. Tampa Rough Riders Fishing Tournament (July)

When: Mid-July (exact date TBD)
Where: Tampa Bay
What: Organized by the Tampa Rough Riders, this tournament targets snook, redfish, trout, snapper, mackerel, and grouper. It’s a fun, community-driven event with prizes for top catches and a leaderboard, supporting local charities.

Charter Pairing: July’s warm waters favor tarpon and snook inshore, with snapper offshore. Book an inshore or nearshore charter to target tournament species, fishing early to avoid heat.

Tip: Stay in Tampa and attend the Tampa Bay Comic Convention for pop culture fun.

8. Port Tampa BaySlam (September)

When: Early September (exact date TBD)
Where: Downtown Tampa waterways
What: This one-day, catch-and-release tournament targets five species: snook, redfish, trout, mackerel, and grouper. A fundraiser for the Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation and Tampa Port Ministries, it includes guided boats, an angler’s dinner, and prizes.

Charter Pairing: September is prime for redfish and snook on flats, with mackerel nearshore. Book an inshore charter to fish downtown waters, mirroring the tournament’s focus.

Tip: Stay near the Tampa Riverwalk and attend the Tampa Bay International Film Festival for a cultural twist.

9. Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament (October)

When: Mid-October (exact date TBD)
Where: Tampa Bay
What: Hosted by the Gasparilla Bowl and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, this catch-and-release tournament uses the iAngler app to score the largest snook, redfish, and trout. Prizes, gift bags, and raffles make it a community favorite, supporting clean water initiatives.

Charter Pairing: October’s cooling waters boost redfish and trout fishing. Book an inshore charter to fish flats and oyster bars, practicing for the tournament or enjoying post-event action.

Tip: Pair with a visit to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for fall festivals.

10. Old Salt Fall King of the Beach Kingfish Tournament (November)

When: Early November (exact date TBD)
Where: Madeira Beach, FL
What: This major kingfish tournament, hosted by the Old Salt Fishing Foundation, offers substantial cash prizes and a festive atmosphere with food, vendors, and live music. It’s a highlight for offshore anglers during kingfish migration.

Charter Pairing: November’s kingfish run is in full swing. Book a nearshore or offshore charter to target kingfish around wrecks and reefs, either competing or fishing alongside the tournament.

Tip: Stay in Madeira Beach and attend the Tampa Bay Seafood Festival for a culinary capstone.

Planning Your Fishing Charter Around Events

To make the most of your Tampa Bay fishing charter and event experience, follow these tips:

• Choose the Right Charter: Operators like Reel Escapes Fishing Charters offer inshore, nearshore, and offshore trips. Inshore charters suit downtown events (e.g., Port Tampa BaySlam), while offshore trips pair with Madeira Beach tournaments.
• Book Early: Peak seasons (May–July for tarpon, November for kingfish) and major tournaments fill fast. Reserve your charter 2–3 months in advance.
• Match Species to Events: Align your charter with tournament species (e.g., tarpon for the Ed Alber Rodeo, kingfish for the King of the Beach). Practice on similar waters to boost your skills.
• Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, hats, polarized sunglasses, and snacks. Charters provide gear, bait, and licenses, but check with your captain for specifics.
• Balance Activities: Non-anglers can enjoy dolphin tours, The Florida Aquarium, or shopping at Channelside while you fish.