Hop aboard for a day of serious Black Drum fishing in Tampa Bay. This trip is all about targeting these hard-fighting fish that'll give your arms a real workout. We've got room for up to four anglers, so bring your buddies or family along. While Black Drum are the main event, we might mix it up on the way back with some Redfish or Snook action if time allows. These fish don't give up easy, so get ready for some exciting battles on the line. The waters around Tampa are prime territory for these species, and we know just where to find them. Remember to pack some snacks to keep your energy up – you'll need it when you're reeling in the big ones. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip offers a great chance to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species.
Hey there, angler! Ready to tangle with some of Tampa's toughest fighters? Our Black Drum-focused trip is calling your name. We're talking about a day on the water that'll have your arms aching and your face grinning from ear to ear. Bring your A-game, because these bruisers don't go down easy. And if we've still got gas in the tank, we might just sneak in some Redfish and Snook action on the way back. It's the kind of trip that'll have you reliving the battles over cold ones for weeks to come.
Picture this: You're cruising the inshore waters of Tampa Bay, the sun's warming your face, and you've got a rod in your hand that's about to get put through its paces. We're on the hunt for Black Drum, those bulldogs of the bay that'll test your mettle and your tackle. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on top of the action. With room for four, you can bring your buddies or the family along for the ride. Just remember to pack some grub – fighting fish works up an appetite!
When it comes to Black Drum, we're not messing around. We'll be using heavy tackle and chunky baits to entice these brutes. Think big, juicy crabs or cut mullet – the kind of offering a hungry Drum can't resist. We'll be fishing near structure, dropping our lines around oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deep holes where these behemoths like to hang out. It's all about patience and timing, feeling for that telltale thump before setting the hook hard. And when you do? Hold on tight, because the fight is on!
"Captain Josh is one of a kind. We had an amazing snorkeling trip for scallops on his perfect sized fishing boat. Josh is a great guide and is very knowledgeable about the area. I can't recommend his charter enough. He preaches safety and fun. The kids had an amazing time. We will be booking him again no doubt. It's hard to find good down to earth people like captain Josh." - D
Black Drum: These heavyweight champs are the stars of our show. Known for their distinctive chin barbels and powerful builds, Black Drum can grow to monster sizes – we're talking 50+ pounds! They're stubborn fighters that'll make you work for every inch of line. The best part? They're around all year, but spring and fall can be particularly hot. When you hook into one of these brutes, you'll understand why anglers get hooked on drum fishing.
Redfish: Also known as Red Drum, these copper-colored beauties are a Tampa Bay staple. They're known for their iconic spot near the tail and their hard-charging runs. Redfish love to hang around structures and grass flats, often tailing in shallow water. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like the sight of a tailing red in skinny water – it's heart-pounding stuff!
Snook: The legendary linesiders are the ninjas of the inshore world. With their distinctive lateral line and bucket mouth, Snook are ambush predators that'll test your skills. They're famous for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Spring and summer are peak Snook seasons, especially around mangrove shorelines and dock lights. Landing a big Snook is a badge of honor for any Tampa angler.
Sea Trout: Spotted Seatrout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are the bread and butter of Tampa's inshore scene. These speckled predators are known for their soft mouths and willingness to hit artificial lures. They school up over grass flats and can provide non-stop action when you find them. Winter months can be especially good for gator trout – the big ones that'll make your drag sing.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – Grey Snapper, or Mangrove Snapper, are pound-for-pound some of the craftiest fish in the bay. These structure-loving fish have keen eyesight and can be finicky eaters, making them a challenge for even seasoned anglers. Summer months are prime time for Greys, and there's nothing better than pulling these tasty critters from around docks and bridges.
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase – this Black Drum trip is the real deal. We're talking about a day filled with rod-bending, drag-screaming action that'll have you coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, our experienced captain will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. And remember, while we're gunning for those bruiser Drums, the mixed bag potential means every cast could bring a new surprise. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, round up your crew, and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Tampa Bay has to offer. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner. Let's make some fishing memories!
June 5, 2024
Black drum are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay. These powerful fish can range from 5 pounds up to 50+, with most catches in the 10-30 pound class. You'll find them in shallow, muddy areas, often near oyster beds. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp is your best bet. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers dig black drum for their strong fights and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen up when you're in drum territory. My go-to trick: Use a half-ounce egg sinker above your leader to keep that bait on the bottom where the drum are feeding.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are sneaky little fighters that hang around structure. Most run 1-4 pounds, but offshore you can find some pushing 10+. Look for them near docks, reefs, and mangroves in 10-30 feet of water. They're year-round targets but really fire up in summer. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge of getting them to bite. These fish are wary, so use light tackle and keep a low profile. Live shrimp is hard to beat, but small jigs work too. Here's a local trick: Chum with cut bait to get them fired up, then drop your offering right in the mix. Be ready for a quick, sharp bite!
Redfish are a Tampa Bay favorite, known for their coppery color and black tail spot. Most catches run 3-8 pounds, but bulls over 20 are possible. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster bars and mangroves. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love reds for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. Live bait like pinfish works great, but soft plastics and gold spoons are killer too. Pro tip: Watch for push water or tailing fish in the shallows, then make a long cast ahead of them. Redfish aren't picky eaters, but they spook easily in skinny water.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a Tampa Bay staple. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 are out there. Look for them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially near dropoffs or channels. They're active year-round but really turn on in cooler months. Trout are fun on light tackle and make for great eating. Live shrimp under a popping cork is dynamite, but soft plastics work well too. These fish have soft mouths, so go easy on the hook set. Here's a local secret: Fish the early morning outgoing tide for best results. The trout stack up to ambush bait getting pulled off the flats.
Snook are a prized catch in Tampa Bay, known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. These fish typically range from 5-15 pounds, with some monsters hitting 30+. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and bridges in shallow water. Snook love structure, so cast close to cover. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Anglers love snook for their challenging fight and excellent table fare. Live bait like pinfish or whitebait works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. My tip: When you hook one, keep it away from pilings or it'll cut you off in a heartbeat. Snook fishing takes patience, but landing a big one is worth the wait.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 42
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Ready to reel in some Black Drum? This Tampa fishing trip is all about targeting these tough fighters. With room for you and three buddies, you'll head out to prime inshore spots known for big Black Drum action. These fish put up a serious battle, so get ready to test your skills. If you've still got some fight left in you after tangling with the Drums, we can try our luck with some Redfish and Snook on the way back to the dock. These species are equally scrappy, promising more exciting catches to end the day. Don't forget to pack some snacks - you'll need the energy to take on these hard-pulling fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, this trip offers plenty of rod-bending action in the waters around Tampa. Come see why Black Drum fishing is such a blast!
Captain Josh is one of a kind. We had an amazing snorkeling trip for scallops on his perfect sized fishing boat. Josh is a great guide and is very knowledgeable about the area. I can’t recommend his charter enough. He preaches safety and fun. The kids had an amazing time. We will be booking him again no doubt. It’s hard to find good down to earth people like captain Josh.