Salty Gills Fishing Charters - Tampa Bay & Homosassa
Charter Boat for Guided Fishing Trips | Captain Mike Smythe
Premier charter boat in Tampa Florida offering guided fishing trips in Tampa Bay and Homosassa. Expert flats fishing for tarpon, redfish, and snook with Captain Mike Smythe. Experience tarpon migration season, explore Courtney Campbell boat ramp, and enjoy sandbar trips. Professional PADI scuba certification, seasonal scalloping adventures, and family-friendly fishing excursions. Specializing in tarpon fishing, redfish fishing, and snook fishing on the flats of Tampa Bay.
Captain Mike Smythe is a USCG Licensed Captain and PADI Instructor Development Staff with over 20 years of experience guiding anglers through the pristine waters of Tampa Bay and Homosassa Springs. Our charter boat operates year-round, providing exceptional light-tackle inshore fishing experiences for both beginners and seasoned anglers. We target popular game fish including snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper.
Our guided fishing trips depart from Courtney Campbell boat ramp, providing easy access to the most productive fishing grounds in Tampa Bay. During tarpon migration season (March through May), we offer specialized tarpon fishing charters that showcase the incredible silver king runs along the beaches and bridges. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, our sandbar trips provide the perfect combination of fishing, swimming, and family fun in the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay.
Professional Fishing Charter Services:
Explore our full range of fishing charter packages designed for every experience level and preference:
Tampa Bay and Homosassa offer exceptional year-round fishing opportunities. Learn more about our fishing expertise and the species we target:
Snook Fishing - Peak season: March-May. These aggressive fighters thrive in mangrove-lined shorelines and around bridges throughout Tampa Bay. Book a snook charter.
Redfish Fishing - Available year-round. Upper-slot redfish patrol shallow grass flats and oyster bars, providing exciting sight-fishing opportunities. View trophy redfish in our gallery.
Spotted Seatrout - Available year-round. Found over grass flats in 3-5 feet of water, these beautiful fish are perfect for light-tackle fishing.
Tarpon Fishing - Peak season: March-May. Experience the thrill of tarpon migration charters as these silver kings migrate through Tampa Bay's waters.
Sheepshead - Peak season: December-March. Expert structure fishing around docks and rock piles for these hard-fighting fish.
Mangrove Snapper - Available year-round. Perfect for families, these delicious fish are found around bridges and markers.
Check out our latest fishing reports to see what's biting this week in Tampa Bay and Homosassa.
Why Choose Salty Gills Fishing Charters:
With over 20 years of experience and 300+ satisfied customers, Captain Mike Smythe provides the ultimate fishing charter experience. Our modern charter boat is fully equipped with top-quality light-tackle fishing gear, safety equipment, and all necessary licenses. We provide everything you need for a successful fishing trip including bait, tackle, ice, and fish cleaning services. Whether you're targeting trophy tarpon during migration season, sight-fishing for redfish on the flats, or enjoying a family-friendly sandbar adventure, Salty Gills Fishing Charters delivers unforgettable memories on the water. Read our customer testimonials to see why anglers choose us.
Fishing Locations We Cover:
Our guided fishing trips explore the most productive waters in the Tampa Bay area and Homosassa Springs region. Popular locations include Fort De Soto, Weedon Island, Picnic Island, Apollo Beach, Bunces Pass, Courtney Campbell Causeway, and the Skyway Bridge. In Homosassa, we fish the crystal-clear waters around St. Martins Keys, Ozello, and the renowned Homosassa River. Each location offers unique fishing opportunities depending on tides, seasons, and target species. Learn more about our target species and seasonal patterns.
What should I bring on my Tampa Bay fishing charter?
We provide all fishing equipment, bait, tackle, and safety gear for your guided fishing trip. You should bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, comfortable clothing suitable for the weather, snacks, and beverages. A cooler for your catch and a camera to capture your trophy tarpon, redfish, or snook are also recommended. For Homosassa trips, bring water shoes for scalloping adventures.
When is the best time for tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay?
Tarpon migration season runs from March through May, with peak action typically in April and May. During this time, massive schools of silver kings migrate through Tampa Bay, offering spectacular fishing opportunities. Our 8-hour Tarpon Special charter gives you the best chance at landing one of these incredible gamefish. Early morning trips from Courtney Campbell boat ramp provide optimal conditions.
Do I need a fishing license for your charters in Tampa Florida?
No fishing license is required for our guided fishing trips. Our charter boat is fully licensed and covers all passengers on board. This applies to all our Tampa Bay and Homosassa fishing charters, including tarpon fishing, redfish fishing, snook fishing, and scalloping adventures.
What makes flats fishing in Tampa Bay special?
Flats fishing Tampa Bay offers incredible sight-fishing opportunities in shallow water. Using light-tackle fishing techniques, anglers can target tailing redfish, cruising snook, and spotted seatrout over grass flats and oyster bars. The crystal-clear water, especially during Courtney Campbell tides, allows you to see the fish before you cast, creating an exciting and interactive fishing experience. Captain Mike's expert knowledge of Tampa Bay's flats ensures you're always in the right spot at the right time.
Are your sandbar trips suitable for families?
Absolutely! Our Tampa Sandbar Day and Homosassa Springs Swim Day trips are perfect for families and non-anglers. These relaxing 6-hour adventures include swimming, floating on our water mat, fresh fruit, ice, and water. Kids love swimming in the crystal-clear springs of Homosassa, where they might spot manatees, while Tampa's sandbars offer pristine beaches and calm waters. It's the perfect way to enjoy Florida's natural beauty.
What is included in your PADI scuba certification course?
Our comprehensive PADI Openwater Scuba Lessons include digital materials sent to your email for self-paced learning, Zoom calls to review materials and answer questions, the certification exam, pool sessions for skill development, and open water dives at Florida's beautiful springs. All scuba equipment except mask, snorkel, and fins will be provided and sized at our training location. Captain Mike, as a PADI Instructor Development Staff Rated Scuba Instructor, ensures you receive top-quality instruction.
Why Tampa Bay and Homosassa are Premier Fishing Destinations:
Tampa Bay is recognized as one of the most productive inshore fisheries in the United States, offering diverse habitats from mangrove shorelines to grass flats, oyster bars to bridge pilings. The bay's complex ecosystem supports abundant populations of snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. With over 400 square miles of fishable water and countless productive spots from Fort De Soto to Weedon Island, anglers enjoy year-round action.
Homosassa Springs, located on Florida's Nature Coast, provides a completely different fishing experience. The crystal-clear spring-fed waters create ideal conditions for sight-fishing, while the extensive grass flats and oyster bars hold trophy redfish and seatrout. During summer months, scalloping season attracts families to harvest delicious bay scallops in the pristine waters. The Homosassa River and surrounding keys offer remote, untouched fishing grounds that few charter services access.
Fishing Techniques and Light-Tackle Methods:
Salty Gills Fishing Charters specializes in light-tackle fishing techniques that maximize the sporting quality of every catch. Using spinning rods with 10-20 lb test line, we employ live bait fishing with pinfish, pilchards, and shrimp, as well as artificial lures including soft plastics, topwater plugs, and suspending baits. Sight-fishing on the flats requires stealth, proper boat positioning, and accurate casting - skills Captain Mike has perfected over 20 years.
For tarpon fishing during migration season, we upgrade to heavier tackle capable of handling these 100+ pound gamefish. Circle hooks and proper fish handling techniques ensure high survival rates for catch-and-release fishing. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced angler seeking trophy fish, our guided fishing trips are tailored to your skill level and preferences.
Seasonal Fishing Calendar for Tampa Bay:
Spring (March-May): Peak tarpon migration season brings world-class fishing to Tampa Bay. Snook become increasingly active as water temperatures rise. Redfish school on shallow flats. This is prime time for sight-fishing and our most popular season for guided fishing trips from Courtney Campbell boat ramp.
Summer (June-August): Excellent early morning and evening fishing for snook around mangrove shorelines and dock lights. Tarpon remain in the bay through summer. Redfish continue providing action on grass flats. Scalloping season opens in Homosassa (July 1 - September 24), offering family-friendly adventure.
Fall (September-November): Outstanding fishing as water temperatures moderate. Large schools of redfish cruise the flats. Snook fishing peaks before winter. Spotted seatrout become very active. Mangrove snapper fishing excels around bridges and structure.
Winter (December-February): Sheepshead fishing peaks around docks and rock piles. Deeper grass flats hold concentrations of spotted seatrout. Redfish remain active in 2-4 feet of water. Clear water provides excellent sight-fishing opportunities. Tampa's mild winters allow comfortable fishing year-round.