A private fishing charter in Tampa means the boat, the captain and the whole day belong to your group. With Big Daddy Sportfishing, every trip is private for up to four anglers (six passengers max), starts at $600 for a 4 hour trip, and includes your fishing licenses, rods, reels, bait and tackle, bottled water and ice, and fish cleaning at the end of the day. Here is exactly what that looks like.
What Is a Private Fishing Charter?
On a private charter you are not sharing the boat with strangers. The trip is booked for your group only, and the day is built around what you want to catch and how you want to fish. That is how every trip with Big Daddy Sportfishing works: there are no shared or “per seat” trips, so the rate is the same whether you bring two people or four.
Captain Jim Pollard is a USCG Licensed Master Captain and Pinellas County native who has been fishing the waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of America since 1994. On a private trip he tailors the plan to your group, whether that is a family with first-time anglers or a crew chasing a bucket-list fish.
How Much Does a Private Fishing Charter in Tampa Cost?
Rates are per trip, not per person, for up to four anglers:
Inshore and nearshore trips
- 4 hour trip (morning or afternoon): $600
- 6 hour trip: $750
- 8 hour trip: $950
Seasonal tarpon trips
- 6 hour tarpon trip (morning, or the afternoon special): $900
- 8 hour tarpon trip: $1,100
Gratuity for your captain is not included and is always appreciated. For a deeper breakdown of what drives the price, read how much a Tampa Bay fishing charter costs, or see every option on our fishing trips and rates page.
What Is Included on a Private Charter?
Every trip is all-inclusive. Your rate covers:
- Fishing for up to 4 anglers (max 6 passengers)
- Fishing licenses for everyone fishing
- Rods, reels, all bait and tackle
- Bottled water and ice
- Storage for personal items on board
- A Yeti cooler for your food and other beverages
- Post-charter fish cleaning and preparation
You fish from a 2015 24ft Avenger bay boat, fully rebuilt in 2021, with a custom dual-station tower, a 2023 Mercury 250HP outboard, Garmin electronics with side scan, a 55 gallon live well and a fighting chair for big tarpon.
Why Does the Charter Cover Only Four Anglers?
The State of Florida requires the captain to purchase the fishing license for the boat and up to four anglers. That means up to six people can come along on the boat, but only four can fish at a time. It also keeps the day personal: everyone gets hands-on help from Captain Jim instead of waiting their turn.
What Should You Bring?
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a hat
- A UPF fishing shirt and a towel
- Any food or drinks other than water (alcohol is allowed, but no glass bottles)
- A cooler or bag to take your cleaned catch home
What Can You Catch?
Depending on the season, anglers commonly catch snook, redfish, trout, sharks, jacks, flounder, cobia, snapper, mackerel, and gag grouper. Tarpon move through Tampa Bay from late spring through summer. Inshore trips fish the bays, flats and mangroves, while nearshore trips head a few miles off the coast for bigger fish. Our guide to inshore vs nearshore fishing in Tampa can help you pick.
Where Do Private Charters Fish?
Big Daddy Sportfishing serves Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Apollo Beach. Captain Jim confirms the meeting location when you book.
FAQs About Private Fishing Charters in Tampa
Is every trip private?
Yes. Every Big Daddy Sportfishing charter is private to your group, up to four anglers and six passengers total.
Does the price change with group size?
No. Rates are per trip, not per person, so the price is the same whether two or four people fish.
Do we need fishing licenses?
No. Your fishing license is covered under the charter, so it is already included in the price.
Can kids come on a private charter?
Absolutely. Captain Jim is experienced with anglers of all ages and skill levels, and calm-water inshore trips are a great fit for families. See our family fishing charters page.
How do I book?
Call Captain Jim at (727) 518-4383 or use the booking form to reserve your date. We recommend booking early during peak season.
