Tampa Bay Fishing Charters

Welcome to Tampa Bay Fishing Charters with Fishy Business LLC — your trusted choice for inshore and nearshore fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whether you’re a visiting angler, a local fisherman looking to learn the area, or a family ready for an unforgettable day on the water, our Tampa Bay charters offer the perfect combination of adventure, comfort, and expertise.

With nearly 40 years of guiding experience, Captain Rick Gross has spent his career fishing Tampa Bay’s diverse ecosystem, including flats, mangroves, backwaters, and nearshore structure. Each charter is customized to your skill level and target species, ensuring a productive and enjoyable experience from launch to landing.

Captain Rick has fished Tampa Bay since the early 1980s and launched Fishy Business Charters in 1986. Few captains know the tides, flats, seasonal migrations, and structural patterns of this region like he does. His expertise helps you consistently find fish — even when weather or tides shift.

Your Tampa Bay charter takes place aboard a 2012 23’ Dorado, a comfortable and stable fishing vessel outfitted with Lowrance GPS, advanced fish-finders, and high-quality tackle. The boat’s shallow draft allows access to skinny-water zones where snook, redfish, and trout thrive, while still offering stability for nearshore runs.

Every charter includes:

• High-quality rods & tackle

• Live bait

• All fishing licenses

• Safety gear

• Fish cleaning after your trip

All you need to bring are snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and soft-soled shoes. Alcohol is allowed.

Whether you’re an expert angler chasing your next personal best or a family with kids just looking for a fun day outdoors, Captain Rick tailors the trip to your goals. He’s known for being patient with beginners, great with families, and skilled at coaching anglers through landing bigger fish.

Tampa Bay is home to an exceptional variety of sportfish. Depending on the season, tides, and your preferences, you may target:

Tampa Bay’s mangrove-lined shorelines and shallow flats create the perfect habitat for snook. Their explosive hits and strong runs make them a guest favorite.

Known for tailing across shallow grass flats, redfish fight with brute strength and provide a rewarding challenge.

Often found over grassy flats, trout offer reliable action and are great for light-tackle anglers.

During migration season, Fishy Business offers specialized tarpon trips in Tampa Bay. Tarpon can reach over 150 pounds and are known for breathtaking airborne jumps.

Depending on the day and location:

• Cobia

• Spanish Mackerel

• Mangrove Snapper

• Sheepshead

• Pompano

• Gulf Flounder

• Black Grouper

• Sharks

With such a diverse ecosystem, every trip can deliver something different.

Fishy Business offers several charter durations to fit any schedule:

• 4-hour (Half Day): $550 for up to 2 anglers (+$50 per additional, max 4)

• 5-hour Trip: $650 for 1–2 anglers

• 6-hour Trip: $750 for 1–2 anglers

• 7-hour Trip: $850 total

• 8-hour Trip: $950 for up to 2 anglers

• Tarpon Trips (6 hours): $900 for one angler (+$100 per additional, max 4)

All pricing includes bait, tackle, and fishing licenses.

To ensure the best experience on Tampa Bay, we recommend bringing:

• Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing

• A hat and polarized sunglasses (to help you see fish on the flats)

• Food and drinks (alcohol is fine)

• A camera for capturing your catches and scenic views

• Boat-friendly, light-soled shoes

Captain Rick will provide a cooler with ice.

Booking is easy — simply call or text (941) 730-5148, or email captrickgross@gmail.com.
Trips depart from Bradenton, Florida, convenient to Tampa Bay’s most productive fishing areas.

Whether your goal is to fight a trophy snook, sight-cast to tailing redfish, or experience the thrill of tarpon season, Fishy Business is ready to deliver a Tampa Bay fishing adventure you’ll never forget.