Tampa Flats Fishing

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you.

  • I've never done this before. How should I get started?
    Give me a call or send an email giving me the best times to contact you along with a daytime, nighttime and cell phone number and I’ll call you at my first opportunity, normally, the same day. Ask me any questions you like. I’m always willing to help you choose the right charter package.

  • Does the boat have a bathroom on it?
    No, although, I do have alternative methods for women passengers and if needed we’re usually not too far from a public facility if you desire.

  • Do I need a fishing license to fish on a charter boat?
    No. I supply the proper license and stamps for up to 4 anglers. The only tag not supplied is one for Tarpon if you desire to land and keep one for mounting the tag is $50. However, I strongly discourage this practice as skin mounts are almost non-existent today, fiberglass mounts look better, last longer and allow the fish to go free.
  • What should I bring with me on the boat?
    Depending on the length of charter consider bringing food, drinks, camera, hat, sun block and a rain jacket if the weather looks like rain. My boat is equipped with an ice chest for your food and drinks. Most of my charters are catch and release however, if you would like to have a few for dinner you might consider a small cooler to keep in your vehicle for the trip home.
  • Is the boat safe for me and my entire family?
    Yes. I am federally licensed by the United States Coast Guard. Also, my boat has many redundant safety features and I will brief you at the beginning of the trip about where to find life jackets, first aid kit, and fire extinguishers. For communications I am equipped with a VHF radio, and cell phone. Don't worry, so far I’ve never had to execute an emergency plan and my safety record stands at 100%. You can enjoy the trip knowing that you’re safe, secure with a seasoned professional captain.
  • Do we still fish on rainy days?
    Yes we normally fish on rainy days and I make every effort to avoid those areas. However, depending on the winds and chances of thunderstorms and lightening there is always a chance we may cancel if the weather presents hazardous conditions for your safety. I will call the evening prior to the trip to confirm the weather conditions. If you are in doubt of the weather, always ask me before you decide to cancel your trip. Surprisingly we’ve some of our best days catching fish rainy stormy looking days and besides… I’ve never caught a dry fish.
  • Why is the boats capacity limited to 4 people?
    Mandated by the United States Coast Guard I’m only allowed to have six paying customers on board and I have no control over this six paying passenger law. However, I do have control over the number of passengers I can fish effectively. Unlike the large offshore party boats where everyone is fishing straight down we are casting toward certain areas where the fish have congregated. Even though my vessel can carry six anglers this type of inshore fishing would not allow everyone to successfully catch fish.
    So, if you have more than four people… I do offer multi-boat charters for larger groups. I would be glad to set up two or more boats utilizing professional captains with boats comparable to mine, to take your group fishing.
  • What are the chances of a successful charter?
    Extremely high, although I cannot guarantee the fish will bite, after thousands of trips I’ve been fortunate enough to catch fish on every charter. With extensive knowledge about the waters we’ll fishing; it’s my goal to make your trip the best fishing outing you’ve ever experienced. Depending on the weather, wind and tidal conditions I will discuss with you the best options for a productive trip outlining which species of fish we should target.
  • What type of fishing can I expect?
    I specialize in quality inshore light tackle fishing matching the equipment to the species of fish targeted. Although light tackle does not necessarily mean we only catch small fish it’s not uncommon to catch much larger trophy size. I will recommend what types of fishing is most will be most productive but do everything possible to tailor it to your desires.
  • I want to catch Big Fish… Can you help me?
    Targeting big fish is my area of expertise but keep in mind that targeting only big fish can limit the total numbers of fish caught. What this basically means is we may do more fishing than actual catching as the big ones don’t often cooperate when you want them to. During late spring and early summer we have tremendous success on large Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Mackerel, and Sharks… ask me when you inquire.
  • What kind of bait do you use?
    I use Sardines, Mackerel, Pinfish, Shrimp, Grunts, Blue Runners and assorted artificial lures. The bait used depends on the type of fishing we do and the time of year. Live baits are always a favorite usually resulting in more numbers and larger fish. However, if you’re interested in using or learning to use artificial lures I have mastered this skill and I’m always willing to teach you.
  • Do you practice catch and release?
    Yes and encourage this practice because it saves one of our most valuable resources… the fish. Today, most inshore waters experience tremendous fishing pressure by the shear volume of anglers. Most of our inshore and offshore species have bag and size regulations and under no circumstances will an illegal fish be kept. However, if you desire to keep some for dinner that’s perfectly ok.
  • What happens to the fish I catch?
    If not released and you’re planning on keeping some for dinner they’re kept alive in the livewell. Should one succumb it’s put on ice until it’s cleaned. I will gladly fillet your catch and place the fillets gallon sized bags.
  • How do I know if the boat is available for the date I want?
    When you call to reserve one or more days, I can usually make arrangements to accommodate you or have one of my on-staff captains be of service. The sooner you make your booking the better.
  • What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
    I normally take a $100 deposit on MasterCard or Visa. You can cancel any trip 48 hours in advance and pay no fee. All trips cancelled after 48 hours are charged a $50 cancellation fee. If you fail to show up for a fishing charter, your deposit will not be returned. If the captain cancels the trip due to weather or another reason, you will receive a complete refund.
  • Is gratuity expected and how much?
    Gratuities are never expected but greatly appreciated. If the captain did a good job, made the trip enjoyable and you had a good time you might consider rewarding those efforts. 15%-20% is standard.
  • Why do fishing charters cost so much?
    Maintaining and operating a safe, properly outfitted quality fishing boat is expensive and today’s fuel costs alone are staggering. There are many additional costs that one never sees on a fishing charter. For example, charter insurance, launch and dock fees, bait, boat maintenance, and many other factors. You get what you pay for in charter boats, and I strive to keep my costs down to give you the best value in the area. The excitement of chartering your own guide, catching fish and having a tremendous outdoor experience while making memories to last a lifetime… is well worth the expense.

Tampa Bay Fishing Trips


Interested In Fishing With Us?
Book your charter online via our reservation form or call 813.477.3814

Fishing Gift Certificates Available!
Looking for the perfect gift for the family fisherman? Give a gift certificate for a days fishing with Captain Woody Gore. An excellent holiday surprise for friends, family or business associates. More on Gift Certificates...

© Captain Woody Gore. All Rights Reserved. - Florida Web Design
Cell Ph. 813.477.3814 | Office Ph. 813.982.2034 | Email. wgore@ix.netcom.com