Winter fishing doesn’t mean what you think it means.
Not in Florida. While the lakes up north freeze over, Tampa Bay has mild days, calm water and the best sheepshead fishing of the year. Spend a winter morning on the water with Captain Gavin O’Neal, who has fished this bay for thirty years. $150 books your date.
Rods, live bait and license included. Cancel 24 hours or more ahead for a full refund.
This… or that?
When people up north think about winter fishing, they picture a frozen lake, a hole in the ice and a long, cold day for a handful of fish. On Tampa Bay, the off-season is the season.
- Frozen ramps and numb fingers
- Layers, augers and a bucket for a seat
- A short, bitter day for a handful of fish
- Mild days, glassy water and sunshine
- A light jacket in the morning, a T-shirt by noon
- Sheepshead stacked on the pilings
Why winter is one of the best times to fish Tampa Bay
Contrary to popular belief, the cooler months bring real advantages on the water.
Comfortable weather
No summer heat to wear you down, so you can stay out longer and enjoy every hour of it. Most winter days on the bay sit comfortably in the 60s and 70s.
Calmer water
Winter often brings steadier conditions, with fewer of the summer storms and high winds. Smooth rides and clear water make for easier fishing and better sight casting.
Fewer boats
With fewer anglers on the water, there’s less pressure on the fish and less competition for the best spots. That improves your odds.
What’s biting in winter
Winter brings certain species to the front of the line, especially sheepshead and snapper. Here’s what Captain Gavin targets when the water cools.
Sheepshead
Peak: winterThe star of the season. They spawn in winter and crowd pilings, docks and rock beds. Fiddler crabs, light tackle and the outgoing tide. Up to 8 per person, and some of the best eating in the bay.
Mangrove snapper
Abundant in the cooler monthsIn winter they hold on structure like concrete pilings. A good fight for their size and a favorite at the table.
Cobia
September to FebruaryMost active in the cooler months. Find the stingrays and you’ve often found the cobia. A real trophy.
Redfish
Year-roundBig, heavy and fun to catch. Active all year, and a winter trip on the flats can still turn up a bull red.
Speckled trout
Year-roundAggressive strikes on light tackle around the grass flats. A great fish for first-timers and families.
“Winter is some of the best sheepshead fishing of the year.”
Captain Gavin O’Neal
Book your winter charter
Every charter includes pickup and drop-off, rods, tackle and live bait, licensing, drinks and snacks, and your catch cleaned and bagged on ice before you leave.
Seven days a week Out on the bait early, back with fillets by lunch. The easiest trip to fit into a winter getaway. $650For 4 guests · $150 to bookCheck dates 4 hours Afternoon Half Day 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Monday to Saturday The warmest part of a winter day, and often the better light for photographs. $650For 4 guests · $150 to bookCheck dates 6 hours Morning Six Hour 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Seven days a week Time to work the pilings for sheepshead and still chase redfish on the flats. $750For 4 guests · $150 to bookCheck dates 8 hours Full Day 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Seven days a week Structure, flats and the tide change. For anglers who came south to fish. $950For 4 guests · $150 to bookCheck dates
Party size. Prices cover four guests. Each additional guest is $50, up to six aboard.
Cancellations. Cancel 24 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
Bigger group? Gavin runs multiple boats for parties up to 25. Call (813) 418-0225.
Winter isn’t “winter” in Tampa Bay, Florida
Sunshine, palm trees and a waterfront skyline. Come down for the weather and stay for the fishing.
Apollo Beach: a prime spot for winter fishing
Nestled along the eastern shore of Tampa Bay, Apollo Beach offers a serene and productive fishing experience through the cooler months.
- Miles of canals. Apollo Beach’s canal system leads directly into Tampa Bay, putting prime winter structure close at hand.
- A real waterfront town. Developed in the 1950s, it has grown into a thriving community on the water.
- Abundant marine life. Grass flats, oyster bars, mangroves, docks and pilings support a wide variety of species.
What you get with Captain Gavin
- A local captain. Gavin lives in Apollo Beach and has fished these waters for thirty years. Same captain every trip.
- Live bait caught that morning. He’s out with a cast net before sunrise, so you fish what the fish are eating.
- Everything provided. Rods, reels, tackle, license, drinks and snacks. Beginners welcome; the day is hands-on.
- Your catch, ready to cook. Filleted and bagged on ice before you leave, with recipes for the exact fish in your bag.
- Pickup on your side of the bay. Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Tampa and more. Fishing usually starts within twenty minutes.
Tips for a successful winter trip
Dress in layers
Florida winters are mild, but mornings can be chilly on the water. Bring a light jacket you can peel off as the day warms up.
Mind the tides
Negative tides are common in winter, leaving some shallow areas very thin. That’s the captain’s job: Gavin knows where the water is.
Use the right bait
Live shrimp and fiddler crabs are particularly effective for sheepshead and snapper this time of year. They’re on the boat.
What if a cold front comes through?
Safety is the captain’s call and always comes first. If conditions are unsafe, Gavin contacts you to reschedule.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. Everyone aboard is covered under the charter.
Is it good for kids and first-timers?
Yes. Calm winter water is ideal for beginners, and there’s a bathroom on board.
Skip the ice this year.
Half day, six hours or the full day on Tampa Bay, with everything provided and your catch cleaned before you leave. $150 books it.
827 Seabreeze Dr, Ruskin, FL 33570. Licensed and insured.
Or send Gavin a message below. Ready to pick a date? See trips and open dates.
Send Gavin a message
Questions about a trip, a gift, or a group? Gavin usually gets back to you the same day.
- Call or text(813) 418-0225
- Address827 Seabreeze Dr.
Ruskin, FL 33570