The Big Daddy Sportfishing bay boat anchored over clear, shallow flats in Tampa Bay

Big Daddy Sportfishing · St. Petersburg, FL

Tampa Bay Fishing Charters

Guided Inshore, Nearshore & Tarpon Fishing on Florida’s Suncoast with Big Daddy Sportfishing

Call (727) 518-4383
  • Since 1994
  • USCG Licensed Master Captain
  • 30+ Years on Tampa Bay
  • All-Inclusive Private Trips
1994Fishing the waters of Tampa Bay since
30+Years of experience on these waters
4Anglers per private trip (max 6 passengers)
$600All-inclusive trips start at, per trip, not per person

Private Charters for Up to 4 Anglers

Fishing Charters We Offer in Tampa Bay

Every Big Daddy Sportfishing trip is private and all-inclusive: fishing licenses, premium rods and reels, bait and tackle, ice and water, and fish cleaning at the end of the day.

Redfish · Snook · Trout

Inshore Fishing Charters

Our most popular trip. We fish the bays, flats, and mangroves of Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg for redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout. Calm water and steady action make inshore charters perfect for families and first-time anglers.

From $600 per trip

Rates

Cobia · Sharks · Mackerel

Nearshore Fishing Charters

Head a few miles off the coast for bigger fish and open-water action, targeting cobia, sharks, mackerel, and more. A great step up for anglers who want a stronger fight.

From $600 per trip

Rates

Late Spring Through Summer

Seasonal Tarpon Fishing Charters

From late spring through summer, chase the “silver kings” as they migrate through Tampa Bay and Boca Grande. Sight casting to rolling tarpon is one of the most thrilling experiences in Florida fishing.

From $900 per trip

Details

All Ages Welcome

Family & Private Charters

Every trip is private to your group, up to four anglers, with hands-on instruction from Captain Jim. A relaxed, memorable day on the water for anglers of all ages.

From $600 per trip

Details

Suncoast Fishing at Its Finest

Inshore & Nearshore Fishing Charters in Tampa Bay Since 1994

Big Daddy Sportfishing offers inshore and nearshore fishing charters in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg, Florida, targeting species like tarpon, snook, redfish, and trout year-round. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Jim Pollard provides guided fishing trips designed for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Fishing in Tampa Bay delivers consistent action throughout the year, with multiple species available every month due to the region’s warm waters and diverse habitats. Whether you’re planning a relaxing family outing or an exciting day of Tampa sportfishing, every trip is tailored to help you target your bucket-list fish while enjoying suncoast fishing at its finest.

Captain releasing a tarpon boatside on a Big Daddy Sportfishing charter
Woman holding a snook caught on an inshore fishing charter in Tampa Bay with Big Daddy Sportfishing.

Tarpon Fishing Charters in Tampa Bay & Boca Grande

Tarpon fishing charters in Tampa Bay and Boca Grande are most popular from late spring through summer, when large schools of “silver kings” migrate through the area. Boca Grande is the Tarpon fishing capital of the world, and its legendary pass draws anglers from all over in pursuit of these powerful fish. Whether you are chasing silver kings on the flats of Tampa Bay or in the famous waters of Boca Grande, tarpon provide one of the most thrilling experiences in charter boat fishing in Tampa, FL. Captain Jim Pollard uses proven techniques such as sight casting with live bait or artificial lures to target rolling tarpon and increase your chances of success.

Catch a Variety of Species on Every Trip

Tampa Bay fishing trips also offer the opportunity to catch a wide variety of species in a single outing, making each trip dynamic and rewarding. Depending on the season, anglers commonly catch snook, redfish, trout, sharks, jacks, flounder, cobia, snapper, mackerel, and gag grouper. This diversity makes our guided fishing trips and Clearwater fishing charters ideal for anglers who want consistent action and variety.

The waters of Tampa Bay feature bridges, grass flats, and clear coastal areas that create ideal conditions for productive fishing charters throughout the year. These environments attract baitfish and larger predators, increasing catch rates and making inshore and nearshore fishing experiences both exciting and reliable.

Serving Tampa, St. Petersburg & Clearwater

Big Daddy SportFishing has been providing professional fishing charters in Tampa Bay since 1994, serving St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa, Florida. We specialize in private fishing charters, deep sea fishing charters in Tampa, Florida (nearshore range), and fully guided fishing trips that are customized for beginners, families, and experienced anglers alike.

Contact Big Daddy SportFishing today to book your fishing charter in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or Tampa, FL. Reserve your trip now to enjoy a safe, exciting, and memorable day on the water with one of the area’s most trusted fishing charter providers.

Rates Per Trip, Not Per Person

Tampa Bay Charter Rates

All trips include fishing licenses, premium rods, reels, bait and tackle, bottled water and ice, and fish cleaning at the end of the day. Up to 4 anglers, maximum 6 passengers.

  • 4-hour inshore & nearshore trip$600
  • 6-hour inshore & nearshore trip$750
  • 8-hour full day inshore & nearshore$950
  • 6-hour seasonal tarpon trip$900
  • 8-hour seasonal tarpon trip$1,100

Rates are per trip, not per person. Gratuity for your captain is not included and is always appreciated.

Questions about which trip suits your group? Call (727) 518-4383 or send us a message.

Full Trip Details
Captain Jim Pollard, owner of Big Daddy Sportfishing, on his Tampa Bay charter boat

Simple From Start to Finish

How Does a Fishing Charter with Us Work?

Booking a fishing charter with Big Daddy SportFishing is simple and designed to get you on the water quickly and stress-free.

  1. Choose Your Fishing Trip

    Select from inshore, nearshore, or customized fishing trips based on your goals.

  2. Book Your Date

    Call us or fill out our booking form to reserve your preferred date and time.

  3. Meet at the Dock

    Arrive at the designated Tampa Bay or St. Petersburg location and meet your captain.

  4. Enjoy Your Guided Fishing Trip

    Head out on the water with expert guidance and top-quality equipment for a productive day.

Big Daddy Sportfishing Tampa Bay charter boat in turquoise water

Big Daddy Sportfishing | Since 1994

Serving Tampa Bay and the Suncoast

Four anglers holding their catch on a Tampa Bay inshore fishing charter
Two anglers on a Big Daddy Sportfishing charter holding a pair of redfish

Inshore and nearshore fishing in and around the waters of Tampa Bay and Saint Petersburg, Florida is fast, furious, and exciting. We have the opportunity to catch multiple species every month of the year. No matter what your bucket-list fish may be, you will have a great day on the water.

Some clients dream of chasing tarpon during the late spring into summer. Nothing is as thrilling as chasing schools of tarpon, and Captain Jim Pollard loves putting clients on the infamous “silver kings”. We will catch them by sight casting plugs or live bait to rolling fish!

Other clients enjoy catching a variety of fish throughout the day. A typical day of fishing generally includes catching Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sharks, Jacks, Flounder, or Cobia! This area simply has it all.

Our area boasts bridges that hold bait, grass flats where redfish and snook school up, and a crystal clear coastline for the tarpon to roll down during the summer.

Big Daddy Sportfishing runs guided inshore and nearshore fishing charters throughout the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Apollo Beach. No matter where you are staying on Florida’s Suncoast, or what your experience level is, Captain Jim will put you on fish and make sure you have a great day on the water. Contact us to book your Tampa Bay fishing charter today.

Meet Captain Jim

Google Reviews

Tampa Bay Fishing Charter Reviews

It’s about making memories and having a great time on and off the water!

Nothing tells the story better than the anglers who have fished with us. Big Daddy Sportfishing has earned a reputation across Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg for putting first-timers, families, and seasoned anglers on fish, and for making every trip a great time on and off the water. Read a few recent reviews from Captain Jim’s guests below, then book your own day on the water.

Posted on Google Google
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Sean F
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Thank you Big Daddy for an amazing day showing us an incredible time today. We will definitely be back soon!!!
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Macey H profile picture
Macey H
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Captain Jim made our fishing charter an absolute blast from start to finish! He was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely trustworthy. You can tell he truly knows the water — he had us on fish the entire trip and knew all the best spots. Beyond that, he made the whole experience fun, relaxed, and memorable. If you’re looking for a captain who knows what he’s doing and genuinely cares about giving you a great experience, I can’t recommend Captain Jim enough. We’ll definitely be booking with him again!
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Ashley S
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We have booked with James the past few years, and he ALWAYS strives to give us the best experience possible. So thankful, and can’t wait to come back out again next year. No better person to spend some hours in the boat anywhere in the area
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Todd T profile picture
Todd T
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Captan Jim went out of his way to make this a special day for us. Under much less then perfect fishing conditions Captain worked his magic! We came home with many keepers and a 23” gator trout🙂
Posted on Google Google
Mike L profile picture
Mike L
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Great trip! Been twice in the last 5 years now and Captain Jim is a true pro! Good communication, great with kids, solid equipment and a willingness to provide a great experience. Highly recommend!
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Nicholas M
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Had a trip with Captain Jim today and we were on fish all day. He’s very informed in his field and I broke my personal best 3 times.
Posted on Google Google
Charles B profile picture
Charles B
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What a day on the water, shoutout big daddy for putting us on some studs. Definitely recommend.
Posted on Google Google
Cooper W profile picture
Cooper W
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Big fish only on big daddy’s vessel, guy knows his stuff.
Posted on Google Google
Mary H profile picture
Mary H
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I saw Big Daddy SportFishing truck go past me on the freeway and I memorized their number! My brother in law was coming in out of town from Minnesota, pulling him away from ice fishing, and told him about Captain Jimmy. Rick and his brother Greg jumped at the chance to be able to fish for red fish, black drum , and sheep head. They caught all of that and more including a 32 inch long red fish. They learned about different species of fish, bait and how the tide affects the fishing. We fully recommend them as your guide!
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Debbie C profile picture
Debbie C
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Fantastic day on the water with Jim, Big. Daddy Sportfishing. Curtious, extreamly knowledgeable, professional, and great personality. Buitifully restored and kept boat and equipment. Thanks Jim
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@bigdaddy_sportfishing

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Couple holding a redfish caught on a Tampa Bay fishing charterTwo anglers holding snook caught inshore in Tampa Bay with Big Daddy Sportfishing.Three anglers each holding a redfish caught on a Big Daddy Sportfishing charter in Tampa Bay.Angler holding a snook caught in Tampa Bay with Big Daddy Sportfishing

Tampa Bay Fishing Charter FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers on cost, species, seasons and what is included. More detail on the FAQ page.

View Our Fishing Packages

We Offer Premier Fishing Trips in The Waters of Tampa Bay! Contact Us Today To Book Your Trip, or View The Details of Our Fishing Trips By Using The Button Below!

How much does a fishing charter cost in Tampa Bay?

Fishing charter prices in Tampa Bay typically range from $400 to $1,200 depending on trip length, group size, and type of fishing. Shorter inshore fishing trips cost less, while longer private fishing charters and nearshore trips are priced higher due to fuel and extended time on the water.

What types of fishing charters do you offer in Tampa Bay?

Big Daddy SportFishing offers private fishing charters, Tampa Bay family fishing charters, and guided fishing trips for all experience levels. Our trips include inshore and nearshore fishing experiences tailored to beginners, families, and experienced anglers.

What fish can you catch on a Tampa Bay fishing trip?

Tampa Bay fishing trips commonly include species like tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, sharks, cobia, snapper, and mackerel depending on the season. The variety of fish available allows anglers to catch multiple species in a single trip.

When is the best time for fishing in Tampa Bay?

Fishing in Tampa Bay is productive year-round, with peak seasons depending on the species you want to catch. Tarpon fishing is best from May to July, while snook, redfish, and trout are commonly caught throughout the year.

Are Tampa Bay fishing charters suitable for beginners?

Tampa Bay fishing charters are beginner-friendly and include full guidance, equipment, and instruction from experienced captains. Over 90% of first-time anglers successfully catch fish on guided fishing trips.

What is included in a fishing charter in Tampa, FL?

Fishing charters in Tampa, FL typically include rods, reels, bait, tackle, and safety equipment for a complete fishing experience. Most charter boat fishing trips also provide fish cleaning and expert guidance throughout the trip.

How far offshore do fishing charters go in Tampa Bay?

Most inshore and nearshore fishing charters in Tampa Bay operate within 5 to 15 miles from shore depending on the trip type and target species. Nearshore trips may go slightly farther to access deeper waters and larger fish.

Do I need a fishing license for a charter in Tampa Bay?

You do not need a fishing license when booking a fishing charter in Tampa Bay because it is covered by the charter captain. This allows you to focus entirely on enjoying your guided fishing trip without additional paperwork.

What should I bring on a fishing trip in Tampa Bay?

You should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, food, drinks, and comfortable clothing for your Tampa Bay fishing trip. Everything related to fishing equipment is typically provided during private fishing charters.

Why choose Big Daddy SportFishing for fishing charters in Tampa Bay?

Big Daddy SportFishing is a trusted provider of fishing charters in Tampa Bay with over 30 years of experience and a strong track record of successful trips. We offer personalized guided fishing trips, local expertise, and a commitment to delivering suncoast fishing at its finest.

Ready When You Are

Book Your Tampa Bay Fishing Charter

Peak dates fill up fast. Call Captain Jim at (727) 518-4383 or reserve your date online in under a minute.

Call (727) 518-4383
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