A 26-foot Key West, rigged for Tampa Bay.
Every charter runs on Gavin's 2020 Key West 250BR: a bay boat built for exactly this water. Shallow enough for the flats, big enough to cross the bay in comfort, with two live wells, shade, a misting system and a bathroom on board.
Seats 10. Gavin never takes more than six, so everyone has room to fish.
2020 Key West 250BR
What's on board
Gavin picked this boat for how he fishes the bay: lots of live bait, lots of room to cast, and a comfortable ride for people who've never been on a fishing boat.
For the fishing
- Two monster live wells for the bait he nets at sunrise
- Bow and stern casting decks, wide open
- Rods for everyone, rigged and racked
- Sonar to find the fish and the structure
- Insulated fish boxes to keep the catch cold
- Raw water washdown to keep the deck clean
For comfort
- Bathroom in an enclosed head in the console
- Shade under the T-top
- Misting system for the hot afternoons
- Coolers with drinks and snacks
- Bluetooth stereo and USB charging
- Seating for 10, including a fold-away rear bench and a cooler seat up front
For safety
- 9' 3" beam for a stable, steady ride
- High sides, good with kids aboard
- Foam-filled hull with no wood to rot
- Marine radio on board
- Swim platform and ladder at the stern
- 100-gallon tank, so range is never a worry
Built for the bay, not the brochure
Big offshore boats can't get up on the flats. Little skiffs get bounced around crossing the bay. A bay boat does both, which is why Gavin fishes from one.
It gets to the fish
Redfish, snook and trout live on shallow flats, mangrove edges and oyster bars. The 250BR gets you up there, then runs out to the bridges and rock piles for sheepshead, snapper and grouper.
It comes to you
Most of the bay is a short run for a 26-foot boat, so Gavin can pick you up at a dock near where you're staying, from Ruskin and Apollo Beach to Tampa.
It's easy on beginners
A wide, stable deck, high sides, shade, and a bathroom on board. Kids and first-timers are comfortable all morning, which is how a fishing trip turns into a good day.
"Everyone gets a spot on the rail and a rod in their hands. That's why I never put more than six on the boat." Captain Gavin O'Neal
Every trip includes
You bring sunscreen, sunglasses and whatever you'd like to eat. Everything else is on the boat.
Pickup and drop-off
At a dock near you, anywhere permitted on Tampa Bay. Hooks Waterfront in Ruskin is the default.
Rods and tackle
Rigged for the fish that are biting that day, for beginners and old hands alike.
Live bait
Netted at sunrise, before you get to the dock, and kept lively in the wells.
Fishing licenses
Everyone aboard is covered under the charter. Nothing to buy.
Drinks and snacks
In the coolers, ready when you are.
Your catch, cleaned
Filleted and bagged on ice before you leave, so you can hook it and cook it tonight.
Shade and a bathroom
The T-top, the misting system and the head in the console.
A local captain
Thirty years on Tampa Bay, and the same captain every trip.
Boat questions
Is there a bathroom on the boat?
Yes. There's an enclosed head in the center console, which makes a big difference on a long trip or with kids.
How many people can come?
Up to six. The boat seats ten, but Gavin keeps it to six so everyone has room to cast. Prices cover four guests, and each additional guest is $50. Bigger group? Gavin can run more than one boat: see group charters.
Is there shade?
Yes, under the T-top, plus a misting system to cool everyone down on summer afternoons.
Will I get seasick?
Most guests don't. The bay is far calmer than offshore, and the 250BR's wide beam keeps it steady. If you're prone to it, take something the night before and again in the morning, and eat a light breakfast.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes. The boat has high sides and a wide, stable deck, and most of Gavin's guests have never fished before. Safety is always the captain's call, and if the weather turns unsafe he'll contact you to reschedule.
Where does the boat pick up?
Hooks Waterfront in Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Simmons Park, Hula Bay, Fourth Street, Dandy Blvd and O'Neal's Marina, or almost anywhere permitted on the bay. See every pickup spot.
Book the boat
Pick a trip and a date. 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. See group charters or call (813) 418-0225.
Not sure which fish or month? Try the Fishing Charter Wizard.
Book a 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 early on the bait, back with fillets by lunch. The easiest trip to fit around a holiday, and the one most families pick. $650For 4 guests · $150 to book Check dates 4 hours Afternoon Half Day 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Monday to Saturday A later start and the evening tide turning. Good for a slow morning, and often the better light for photographs. $650For 4 guests · $150 to book Check dates 6 hours Morning Six Hour 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Seven days a week Enough time to work more than one spot and follow the tide. The trip to book if you want a real shot at a trophy snook or a bull redfish. $750For 4 guests · $150 to book Check dates 8 hours Full Day 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Seven days a week Flats in the morning, structure through the middle of the day, back on the fish as the tide turns. For anglers who want the whole day. $950For 4 guests · $150 to book Check dates
Party size. Prices cover four guests. Each additional guest is $50, up to six aboard.
What you pay. $150 deposit at booking, balance on the day of the charter by PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo or cash.
Cancellations. Cancel 24 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
Bigger group? Gavin runs multiple boats and can take parties up to 25, with a discount for booking more than one. Call (813) 418-0225.
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