Questions people ask, answered straight.

Four, six or eight hours. Most families pick a four-hour half day. The six-hour and full-day trips leave time for more than one spot and a real shot at a trophy snook or bull red.

Morning trips leave at 8 a.m.: the half day runs 8 a.m. to noon, the six-hour trip 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the full day 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Afternoon half days run 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

You book and choose a time and a pickup spot. Before you arrive, Captain Gavin chums and catches live bait. He picks you up, and you're usually fishing within about 20 minutes. You fish hands-on the whole time, with Gavin coaching. At the end, he cleans, fillets and ices your catch.

Dress for the season and plan for the temperature to change through the day; layers help. In summer, don't worry much about getting wet, because you'll dry out fast.

Winter is a strong season, especially for sheepshead. See winter fishing charters for what bites when the water cools.

Captain Gavin's favorite spot is Hook's Waterfront Bar & Grill in Ruskin, where trips start and end. He also picks up at several spots on the north side of the bay in Tampa, at O'Neal's Marina on the south side, and on the east side at Apollo Beach, Simmons Park and the Cockroach Bay boat ramp. Pickup and drop-off can be almost anywhere it's allowed on Tampa Bay.

Two favorites. One runs from Simmons Park down to Terra Ceia Bay and across toward Fort De Soto. The other starts at Hula Bay or the Gandy boat ramp, works the flats, and comes back by the Courtney Campbell Causeway. On the day, Gavin goes where the fish are.

Pickup and drop-off, rods for five, seating for six, drinks and snacks, music when the group wants it, photos of every catch, cleaning and icing your fish, and tips for cooking it. Fishing licenses and live bait are included too.

Yes. Your catch is cleaned, filleted and packed on ice, ready to take home. Nothing is cooked on the boat.

A 2020 Key West 250 BR, rated for eight, with seating for six and rods for five. See the boat and equipment.

Prices cover up to four guests. Morning or afternoon half day (4 hours): $650. Morning six-hour: $750. Full day (8 hours): $950. Each extra guest is $50, up to six.

Yes. Book a charter online, or call Captain Gavin at (813) 418-0225.

Payment is settled after the trip, by Square, cash or most peer-to-peer apps.

Serious anglers, couples, families, visitors to the area, and companies looking for something better than the usual team outing.

No captain can guarantee a species. What improves the odds is knowing where a fish feeds, when, and which bait it wants, and that's what 30 years on these waters buys you. See the catching and cooking guide for what's in season.

Florida sets bag and size limits for many species. Sheepshead, for example, is 8 per person and snapper is 5 per person. Captain Gavin keeps your catch within the current FWC rules.

Captain Gavin O'Neal has fished these waters for 30 years. Meet Captain Gavin.

Yes, both.