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Tampa Bay Fishing Charters FAQ | Shallow Point Charters

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Tampa Bay Fishing Charters

Booking a fishing trip should be as stress-free as a calm day on the water. With over 25 years of experience guiding anglers in the Tampa Bay area, Captain David Beede has seen and heard it all. Whether you are a seasoned tournament angler or planning a fun family day on the water, we have compiled the answers to our most common questions below so you know exactly what to expect when you step aboard with Shallow Point Charters.

Frequently Asked Questions

 We offer a wide variety of Fishing Trip Options to suit every angler's preference. Our core trips include inshore flats fishing for Snook, Redfish, and Trout, as well as nearshore trips for Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack. For thrill-seekers, we also specialize in seasonal Tarpon fishing, action-packed Shark fishing, nighttime charters, and unique bowfishing excursions.

No, you do not need to purchase your own license. As a fully USCG Licensed and Insured Tampa Bay Fishing Guide, Captain Dave's charter license covers all passengers on board the vessel for the duration of the trip.

We provide everything you need for a successful day of fishing. This includes all live and dead bait, chum, fishing licenses, and top-tier, high-end tackle (featuring brands like Van Staal, St. Croix, and Quantum). We also provide a cooler stocked with plenty of ice for your food and drinks.

 To ensure you have a comfortable day, we recommend bringing polarized sunglasses, a protective hat or visor, stick sunscreen, and any food or drinks you'd like for the day in a medium-sized cooler. During cooler winter months, a light jacket is highly recommended for the boat ride. Read more about What to Expect and Bring.

Yes. For the safety of our guests and the cleanliness of the vessel, we strictly prohibit spray sunscreen (especially Bull Frog or spray tans, which stain the deck), black-soled or metal shoes, and, in true maritime superstition, NO bananas are allowed on board!

Yes, beer and alcoholic beverages are allowed on board, but we ask that they be consumed in moderation for everyone's safety.

Our custom 27-foot Gause Built boat can comfortably fish up to 6 anglers. It features 27 feet of open fishing space, a wide 9-foot beam, high gunnels for safety, and a dry ride, making it perfect for groups.

Absolutely! Shallow Point Charters prides itself on being a family-friendly operation. Captain Dave loves teaching young anglers the ropes. In fact, we even host a dedicated Kids Fishing Camp during the summer months to teach children essential boating safety, bait casting, and fishing techniques.

We fish the entirety of Tampa Bay and the surrounding coastal waters. To make it convenient for you, we have multiple departure sites depending on where the fish are biting and where you are staying. Common launch locations include Gandy Blvd in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tierra Verde, and Ruskin. See our full list of Departure Sites.

We offer highly customizable trips to fit your schedule. You can book trips for 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 hours. If the fish are biting and you want to extend your time, Captain Dave is not a clock-watcher and is often happy to stay out longer to ensure you have a great catch.

Your safety is our top priority. Captain Dave reserves the right to cancel any trip due to unsafe weather conditions. If your trip is canceled by the Captain due to weather, your deposit is fully refundable.

Yes! As long as the fish are within Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) legal size and bag limits, you are welcome to keep them. Captain Dave will even clean and fillet your catch for you at the end of the trip.

We strive to make the booking process easy. We accept Cash, Company or Certified Checks, Money Orders, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal.

Tampa Bay has fantastic accommodations. We have compiled a list of our favorite Local Hotels that keep you close to the action, ranging from downtown Tampa spots like the Marriott Waterside to beachfront resorts like the Don Cesar in St. Pete.

Yes! In addition to hardcore fishing, we offer customized experiences including bachelor parties, corporate client entertainment, manatee and dolphin sightseeing excursions, and island-hopping tours. Please Contact Us to plan your custom itinerary.

Booking is easy! You can give us a call or send a text directly at (813) 758-3406. Alternatively, you can fill out the reservation inquiry form on our Contact Page. Tarpon season and holidays book up fast, so we recommend reaching out as early as possible to secure your date!

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