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

The Captain Gavin Difference

Experience. Over 30 years’ experience on the water as skipper translate to a) safety, b) a successful catch, and c) a good time.
End-to-End Service. I do pick up, drop off, and have all the equipment. I clean the fish and have snacks and drinks.
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.
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.

Cook Your Hook Recipes and Where to Grill

Get The Free Guide To Hooking And Cooking Tampa Bay Fish

Captain Gavin's Graphic Guide To Inshore Tampa Fishing

Our Gallery Of Catches

Learn About Tampa Bay Fish

Spanish Mackerel

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!

How Long Are Charter Trips?

Trips last either 4 or 6 hours.

When Do Trips Start?

Trips start at either 8 am, or 1 pm.

Where Do You Pick Up?

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

What Are Your Routes?

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.

What Do Charters Include?

What Kinds Of Groups Book Charters?

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.

Can You Reliably Catch A Certain Kind Of Fish?

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!

Are You Licensed? Insured?

Yes to both.

Can We Book A Charter Online?

Yes. Click the menu link.

What Is The Cost?

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

How Many Years' Experience Do You Have?

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

Is There A Limit On How Many Fish You Can Catch?

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.

What Kind Of Boat Do You Use?

2020 Key West 250 BR.

How Many Can Your Boat Hold?

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

Do You Clean And Store Fish?

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

What Is Involved In A Typical Trip?

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.

What Should We Wear?

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.