Join Salty Gillz for flat and bay fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area. Fish for redfish, trout, snook, tarpon, cobia, snapper, grouper, mackerel, pompano, and flounder! Browse our options below, and book your trip today.
Premier Tampa Bay Fishing Experiences at Salty Gillz
Our comprehensive range of fishing charter services caters to both seasoned anglers and newcomers to the sport. Each trip is customized to match your skill level and interests, ensuring memorable experiences on Tampa Bay’s pristine waters. Let our experienced captains guide you through the perfect fishing adventure that matches your goals.
Signature Fishing Charter Services
Flats and Bay Fishing Adventures
Experience the thrill of stalking gamefish in Tampa Bay’s shallow grass flats and productive bay waters. Our specialized flats boats access remote fishing grounds where redfish, snook, and speckled trout thrive. Perfect for light tackle enthusiasts, this service combines stealth and skill as you target fish in crystal-clear waters. Our guides excel at teaching sight-fishing techniques while helping you explore the bay’s most productive zones.
Legendary Tarpon Fishing Excursions
Challenge yourself against Tampa Bay’s most prestigious gamefish – the mighty Silver King. Our tarpon fishing charters focus on prime seasonal locations where these magnificent fighters congregate. Using both live bait and artificial presentations, we’ll put you in position to battle these incredible gamefish. Our experienced captains know the precise times and locations to intercept migrating tarpon, maximizing your chances for an unforgettable encounter.
Scenic Sandbar and Sightseeing Tours
Combine the pleasure of fishing with Tampa Bay’s natural beauty on our sandbar and sightseeing excursions. These family-friendly trips offer a perfect blend of casual fishing, wildlife observation, and coastal exploration. Drop anchor at pristine sandbars, watch dolphins play in our wake, and cast a line in picturesque settings. These tours showcase the best of Tampa Bay’s diverse ecosystem while providing excellent fishing opportunities.
Custom Fishing Adventures
Let us design your perfect day on the water with our custom fishing charters. Whether you’re seeking specific species, wanting to learn new techniques, or planning a special event, we’ll tailor the experience to your preferences. Available in half-day or full-day options, these personalized trips can accommodate various group sizes and skill levels. Our guides adapt their approach to ensure everyone on board enjoys a productive and entertaining fishing experience.
The Salty Gillz Advantage
Every charter service we offer comes complete with premium fishing equipment, expert guidance, and all necessary licenses. Our vessels are maintained to the highest standards, featuring modern electronics and safety equipment. We provide complementary fish cleaning services, photo opportunities of your catch, and coolers to preserve your harvest.
Seasonal Fishing Opportunities
Tampa Bay’s diverse fishery offers excellent opportunities throughout the year. Spring and fall bring peak activity for most inshore species, while summer provides prime tarpon fishing conditions. Winter months excel for targeting redfish and sheepshead around structure. Our varying service options allow us to adapt to seasonal patterns, ensuring productive trips regardless of when you visit.
Tampa Bay Charter Fishing FAQ
-
Our Flats and Bay Fishing Adventures or Scenic Sandbar Tours provide perfect introductions to Tampa Bay fishing. These trips offer plenty of action with cooperative species while building fundamental skills.
-
All necessary fishing licenses, quality equipment, bait, ice, and fish cleaning services are included with every charter. You only need to bring personal items and refreshments.
-
Yes, all our services can be booked as private charters for a more personalized experience. This option is perfect for families, corporate groups, or serious anglers.
-
We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (spring and summer) and 1-2 weeks during off-peak months. Popular services like tarpon fishing often require more advance notice. We do will accommodate short term bookings upon availability.
About Your Charter
-
- We strive to work hard for you here at Salty Gillz Charters to put you on the best bite possible, and because of that, we have a No Fish, No Pay policy. If you book a trip and not one fish is brought into the boat, then you will not have to pay for the charter. This does exclude the tarpon trips since they do not like to come boat side easily.
- There is nothing like watching the young ones reeling in the big one, so we also allow children under 10 to come aboard free of charge. Bring the kids!
- Gear is provided as needed. Please notify us when booking your trip if you will be bringing your own equipment.
- Visit our Directions page to view maps and directions to access boat ramps.
- Please remember to bring all of the following items along with anything else you may need: sunblock, food, water, hat, sunglasses (polarized), towel.
-
- Fishing gear (rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses)
- Cooler with ice
- Your catch cleaned and bagged (fish kept within regulations)
- Fuel
- Fishing knowledge (info given on knot tying, what to look for while fishing the flats and bay)
- A great time making memories!
-
Captain Matthew Salgado, who charters out of Tampa, FL, is licensed and insured. He is a fourth generation angler in the Tampa Bay area. He grew up fishing here with family and knows the scene like it’s his own backyard. Although he enjoys many different styles of fishing, you can usually find him using a wide array of artificial bait in the backcountry and flats areas. Redfish, snook, and trout are his specialties. Captain Matt has competed in numerous redfish tournaments over the past eight years, both live bait and artificial series. He can be your guide to the fish if you’re new to the area. He can also be your teacher if you are new to fishing altogether.