Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Capt. Jason

The Ultimate Tampa Bay Fishing Charter Planning Guide: Species, Seasons, and Stay

Planning your perfect fishing trip around Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast? This comprehensive guide, compiled by Captain Jason Dozier of FishnFL, contains all the essential information you need to know about seasonal species, fishing regulations, accommodations, and what to expect on your charter.

I. Tampa Bay Inshore Species Calendar

A client with a Tampa bay Tarpon alongside the boat.

Looking to plan your trip around catching a certain species? Here is the breakdown of the best times to target our most popular game fish in the Tampa Bay area.

Species	Primary Season (Best Bet)	Secondary Season (Next Best)	Key Locations	Bag Limit/Notes (Current FWC regulations apply)
Tarpon (The Silver King)	May – July	August – September	St. Petersburg, Bay Passes	Catch and Release Only. We practice 100% “catch and release” to protect this legendary species.
Snook	March – June & October – November	December	St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, Tarpon Springs	Regulation Reminder: We can target Snook year-round but can only keep them for dinner during the active harvest seasons (Check FWC for current dates).
Redfish	February – June & October – December	The Rest of the Year	St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Tampa Bay	Open Season Year ‘Round. A year-round favorite for sight fishing on the flats.
Spotted Sea Trout	January – March	The Rest of the Year	Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg	Regulation Note: Bag limits vary between the North Region and South Region (Tampa Bay is South).

Best of the Rest: Nearshore and Year-Round Action

These species provide consistent action throughout the year and are essential to our FishnFL fishing charters:

Mangrove Snapper: Best Bet = May – September. Excellent eating fish, great action on structure.
Spanish Mackerel: Best Bet = March – November. Fast, continuous action on nearshore trips.
Cobia: Best Bet = March – October. Highly prized for their fight and table fare.
Inshore Grouper: Best Bet = November – March. Contact us directly for current harvest regulations, as rules frequently change.
Jack Crevalle: Best Bet = All Year. The ultimate drag-screaming fight, always active.
Sharks: Best Bet = April – November. Prime season aligns with the warm water migration of breeders and baitfish.

II. Planning Your Trip: What You Need to Know

Included in Your FishnFL Charter

When you book your Tampa Bay Fishing Charter with Captain Jason Dozier, we provide everything needed for a successful, hassle-free day on the water:

Tackle & Gear: Use of high-quality rods, reels, and all necessary tackle.
Live Bait: Live bait is provided for your trip (available 99% of the time, conditions permitting).
Amenities: Use of a large cooler with ice to keep drinks and snacks cold.
Licensing: Your Florida fishing license is covered for the duration of the charter.
Post-Trip Service: Fish are professionally cleaned and bagged for your trip home.
Memories: Photos of your catch will be emailed to you after the charter.

What You Should Consider Bringing

To ensure your comfort during your time fishing in Florida:

Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential for sun protection.
Clothing: Check the weather and wear layers! It’s better to have warmer clothes you can peel off than to be cold early in the morning.
Cooler: Bring a cooler (for the car, not the boat) to safely transport your cleaned catch home with you.

Recommended Local Accommodations

Need to know where to stay? We recommend these conveniently located hotels for our St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay fishing clientele:

Tampa Area: Embassy Suites Tampa Airport (Call us for special client rates and details).
St. Petersburg: Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Marina Cove (Within one mile of our main St. Pete pickup location).
Tarpon Springs / New Port Richey: Hampton Inn

III. Booking Your Charter: Secure Your Date!

When You Should Book: The moment you know the date(s) you would like to fish, don’t hesitate—book them immediately. Many of our repeat clients use our online reservation system and book dates months in advance. Don’t procrastinate and miss out on the only date you could go!

How to Book a Trip: Call Captain Jason for current rates and specials, and then place your reservation by phone or by using our online reservation system.

[Click Here to Access Our Online Reservation System] ([Link to your reservation page])

2010 Tampa Bay Area Fishing Charter Planning Guide