Meet Captain Gavin It's a privilege to share my love of these waters!

The Captain Gavin Difference

  1. Experience. Over 30 years’ experience on the water as skipper translate to a) safety, b) a successful catch, and c) a good time.
  2. End-to-End Service. I do pick up, drop off, and have all the equipment. I clean the fish and have snacks and drinks. 
  3. Hospitality. I consider my charters guests in my home (at sea). My mission is to make you feel comfortable and engaged. We don’t just take your money and go through the motions. 
  4. Education. As you can tell from my ebooks, graphics and recipes – I’m happy to teach what I know. I field questions, listen and engage my guests.
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Captain Gavin's Graphic Guide To Inshore Tampa Fishing

Our Gallery Of Catches

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FAQ Or Common Questions

Captain Gavin picks up, drops off, and provides a full-service experience, including readying rods, bringing fish in, cleaning and filleting!

Trips last either 4 or 6 hours. 

Trips start at either 8 am, or 1 pm.

North Side of the Bay (Tampa)

Hula Bay; Fourth Street; Dandy Blvd.

South Tampa

O’Neal’s Marina 

East Side 

Apollo Beach; Simmons Park; Hooks Waterfront Bar And Grill; Cockroach Bay Boat Route

From Simmons Park to Terricia Bay, across to Fort DeSoto, then into North Tampa. 

Hula Bay or Dandy Boat Ramp, up into flats, into Courtney Campbell Causeway, and head back.

  • Pick up
  • Music (when appropriate)
  • Rods for 5
  • Seating for 10
  • Drinks, water, snacks
  • Cleaning and bagging fish in ice
  • Photos of every catch
  • Details on how to cook
  • Drop off

Everyone from anglers (professional fishermen) to couples seeking a romantic day on the water book trips. We see a lot of families, professionals seeking an alternative to golf outings, and tourists looking to do something memorable and different on their trip. 

While we can’t promise, we can come just shy of that. We greatly increase our chances of catching a given species by knowing where they go, when, and what kind of bait they like – and we know these things!

Yes to both.

Yes. Click the menu link. 

Cost varies depending on season and party size. Our rates are competitive. Contact Captain Gavin for a quote.

Captain Gavin O’Neal has 30 years’ experience fishing.

Yes, for some fish. With sheep head you’re allowed 8 fish per person. With snapper, you are allowed 5 fish per person. Otherwise, no.

2020 Key West 250 BR.

The boat has an 8 person capacity, can seat 6, and rods for 5 people. 

Yes. Fish are ‘struck’, filleted, cleaned and put on ice for our customers.

  • Before the charter. The client books a trip through the website or by calling the Captain. That reservation involves selecting a pickup location and time.
  • Day of the charter. The Captain’s day starts early with chumming, as he catches live bait.
  • The Captain then goes to pickup location at the designated time.
  • Fishing usually starts within 20 minutes after pickup.
  • The charter is hands-on. Rods and reels, bait, knot-tying, advice are privided. The Captain offers information on what you’re doing.
  • After the charter ends. The balance of payment is paid by the client. This can be Square, cash, and most peer-to-peer forms of payment. 

Dress appropriately for the season, and consider that temperatures may change. 

During the summer a backup set of dry clothes is less important – since you will dry out if you get wet. 

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Tips And Trips From The Captain's Blog

Before You Book Any Fishing Charter

Before You Book Any Fishing Charter We know you’re excited to jump aboard, but before booking a fishing charter, take…

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Captain Gavin’s Surprising Charter Fishing Facts

How fish tastes is determined by what they eat. Diet, including trash, and predators impact the pH and hormones of…

Preparing For Your Tampa Bay Fishing Charter

What should you expect when you set out on an inshore fishing charter in Tampa Bay? If you’re new to…

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