TAMPA FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Half-Day with Capt. Charlie: Poling Tampa Bay’s Flats for Snook, Redfish and Tarpon
A half-day fishing charter aboard Ebb and Flow with Capt. Charlie that covers poling grass flats, sight-fishing for snook and redfish, and tarpon action along Tampa’s beaches—this guide distills what’s included and what to bring.
Half-Day with Capt. Charlie: Poling Tampa Bay’s Flats for Snook, Redfish and Tarpon.
Step aboard the Ebb and Flow and join Capt. Charlie for a half-day of fishing and exploration in Tampa Bay and the surrounding waters. The trip ranges from quietly poling across grass flats and stalking sighted snook and redfish to chasing tarpon along pristine beaches, guided by local knowledge and hands-on gear and safety support.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Grass Flats & Sight Fishing
Much of the charter focuses on poling across the bay’s beautiful grass flats—perfect terrain for sight-fishing for snook and redfish, where stealth and a sharp eye matter as much as tackle.
Tarpon Along Pristine Beaches
When the day calls for bigger fights, the trip shifts to the beaches where tarpon are the target—an entirely different style of fishing and a high-adrenaline contrast to the flats.
Full Gear, Safety and Local Know‑How
The charter supplies fishing license, tackle, safety equipment, bait, ice and water; the captain prefers catch-and-release but will clean and bag your fish and can refer visiting anglers to local restaurants to have their catch cooked.
What the day feels like
What the Half-Day Feels Like
Expect a hands-on, compact outing: boarding the Ebb and Flow, you’ll be set up with tackle and bait, then moved to the best nearby flats or beaches for the conditions—poling quietly for sight-fish or presenting to cruising tarpon. The day is deliberately provisioned (ice, water) and supported with safety equipment so you can focus on the water and the strike.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most out of this half-day charter, and what policies to expect.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sunblock, a hat, sunglasses (polarized suggested), and drinks for the day. If you bring beer, bring canned beer and do not overindulge.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is included in the charter?
The trip includes a fishing license, tackle, safety equipment, bait, ice and water.
What should I bring?
Bring sunblock, a hat, sunglasses (polarized recommended), and drinks; if you bring beer, bring canned beer and do not overindulge.
Do you clean the fish?
The captain prefers catch-and-release but will clean and bag your catch if you would like some fish to take home.
Which species do you target?
Trips focus on sight-fishing for snook and redfish on the flats and pursuing tarpon along the beaches.
Can you recommend restaurants to cook our catch?
Yes—if you are visiting from out of town, the captain can refer you to local restaurants that will cook your fish.