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World-Class Tampa Bay Shark & Tarpon Fishing
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- St Petersburg
- $400 - $1,200 price range
- Updated Date: July 26, 2025
Summary
Looking for a real fishing challenge in Tampa Bay? Captain Joe Masi's 5-hour shark and tarpon trip is the way to go. You'll head out with up to 3 other guests to target some serious fighters - hammerheads, blacktips, and bull sharks. These aren't your average catch; they'll test your skills and give you a proper workout. The trip leaves from Bay Pines, FL, an area packed with marine life and prime fishing spots. While you're battling it out with these powerful fish, you'll also get to soak in the beautiful Tampa Bay scenery. It's an action-packed day on the water that'll leave you with some great stories. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're ready for this adventure before booking. Whether you're an experienced angler or looking to try something new, this trip offers a unique chance to go after some of the ocean's most impressive predators.
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Shark Showdown
Young angler learning the ropes!
A large tripletail caught in St. Petersburg!
An impressive permit catch under the clear skies!
A massive permit catch on a sunny day!
Young angler learning the ropes!
A large tripletail caught in St. Petersburg!
An impressive permit catch under the clear skies!
A massive permit catch on a sunny day!
Young angler learning the ropes!
A large tripletail caught in St. Petersburg!
An impressive permit catch under the clear skies!
A massive permit catch on a sunny day!
Tampa Bay Shark & Tarpon Fishing Adventure
Ready for some serious action on the water? Captain Joe Masi's got you covered with a 5-hour shark and tarpon fishing trip that'll have your adrenaline pumping. Based out of Bay Pines, FL, Masi Boys Fishing Charters takes you right into the heart of Tampa Bay's prime fishing grounds. Whether you're after the powerful pull of a hammerhead or the acrobatic leaps of a tarpon, this trip delivers big time. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll get plenty of personalized attention as you target some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish.
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment you step aboard, you'll feel the excitement building. Captain Joe's got years of experience under his belt, and he knows exactly where to find the hotspots. As you cruise out into Tampa Bay, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of marine life. Once we hit our fishing grounds, it's go time. We'll be using heavy-duty tackle designed to handle the strength of sharks and tarpon. Don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing – the captain will walk you through everything you need to know. Just be ready for some serious action when that reel starts screaming!
Techniques & Gear Rundown
For shark fishing, we typically use a combination of live and cut bait. We'll set up a chum slick to attract the sharks, then deploy baits at different depths. It's all about patience and being ready when that bite comes. For tarpon, we might switch to sight-casting with artificial lures or live bait, depending on the conditions. The key is staying alert – when a tarpon rolls on the surface, you've got to be quick on the draw. We provide all the necessary gear, including heavy-duty rods, reels spooled with braided line, and terminal tackle strong enough to handle these powerhouses.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are the stuff of fishing legend. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 6 feet long and weigh well over 100 pounds. What really sets them apart is their incredible aerial displays. When hooked, tarpon often launch themselves completely out of the water, shaking their massive heads in an attempt to throw the hook. It's a sight you'll never forget. Spring and summer are prime tarpon seasons in Tampa Bay, with May and June being the peak months.
Bonnethead Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you – bonnetheads pack a punch. These relatives of the hammerhead typically run 3-4 feet long and are known for their feisty attitude. They're often found in shallower waters, making them a great target for light tackle enthusiasts. Bonnetheads are around pretty much year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months.
Blacktip Shark: If you're after a true test of strength, blacktip sharks are your go-to. These powerful predators can reach lengths of 6-7 feet and are known for their explosive runs and acrobatic jumps. Blacktips are most common in Tampa Bay during the spring and fall, when they follow baitfish migrations along the coast.
Bull Shark: When it comes to raw power, few fish can match a bull shark. These stocky bruisers can grow up to 8 feet long and are infamous for their aggressive nature. Hooking into a bull shark is like trying to stop a freight train – it's an experience you won't soon forget. While they can be caught year-round, bull sharks are often more active in the warmer months when baitfish are plentiful.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Tampa Bay that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a massive shark in the shadow of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Or perhaps it's the heart-stopping moment when a hundred-pound tarpon launches itself skyward, your line singing as it peels off the reel. Whatever it is, Captain Joe's trips have a way of getting under your skin. The combination of world-class fishing, stunning scenery, and expert guidance makes for an experience that's hard to beat. Plus, with a max of 3 guests per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and personalized attention.
Top Catches This Season
This year's been a banner one for big fish in Tampa Bay. We've seen some monster bull sharks pushing the 300-pound mark, and the tarpon fishing has been off the charts. Just last week, one of our guests landed a 150-pound Silver King after an epic 45-minute battle. On the shark front, we've been seeing a lot of blacktips in the 5-6 foot range, perfect for some serious pull without being too overwhelming for newer anglers. And let's not forget about the bonnetheads – these little guys have been showing up in force, providing non-stop action on light tackle.
Insider Tips for Success
Want to up your chances of landing that trophy fish? Here are a few local secrets to keep in mind. First off, pay attention to the tides. The big predators love to ambush bait on moving water, so fishing the tide changes can be killer. For tarpon, keep an eye out for rolling fish – that's your cue to cast. When it comes to sharks, patience is key. Sometimes it takes a while for them to find the bait, but when they do, hold on tight! And don't forget to stay hydrated out there. The Florida sun can be brutal, so bringing plenty of water is a must.
What to Bring Aboard
While Captain Joe provides all the fishing gear you'll need, there are a few things you'll want to bring along to make your trip more comfortable. Sunscreen is an absolute must – even on cloudy days, that Florida sun can be sneaky. A hat and polarized sunglasses will help cut the glare and make it easier to spot fish. Bring some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up, and don't forget a camera to capture your epic catches. Oh, and if you're prone to seasickness, you might want to take some motion sickness meds before heading out. Better safe than sorry!
Conservation Matters
At Masi Boys Fishing Charters, we're all about responsible fishing. That means treating these amazing creatures with respect. For sharks, we use circle hooks to minimize injury and ensure a quick release. With tarpon, we keep them in the water for a quick photo before sending them on their way. Remember, it's all about the thrill of the catch and the stories you'll tell – not about bringing home a trophy. By practicing catch and release, we're helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same incredible fishing we have today.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to test your skills against some of Tampa Bay's hardest-fighting fish, now's the time to lock in your trip. Captain Joe's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak tarpon season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next big challenge or a newbie eager to experience the thrill of offshore fishing, this trip's got something for everyone. Just remember, that deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. Trust me, once you feel that first run from a big shark or see a tarpon explode out of the water, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot and get ready for some serious fishing action in beautiful Tampa Bay!
Learn more about the species
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are speedy hunters, usually 4-5 feet long. You'll spot them patrolling artificial reefs and muddy bays around Tampa, especially in warmer months. These sharks are known for their acrobatics - they'll leap clear out of the water chasing bait fish. Anglers get a kick out of their fast runs and aerial displays when hooked. To target blacktips, use oily fish like mackerel or herring as bait. Here's a trick: chum the water with some ground-up baitfish to get them excited. Just watch out - these guys can get so worked up they sometimes jump right into boats! Gear up with a 20-50 pound setup and circle hooks to handle their bursts of speed.
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead Sharks are the oddballs of our local shark family, easily recognized by their shovel-shaped heads. These smaller sharks typically max out around 4 feet long, making them perfect for anglers looking for a more manageable catch. Don't let their size fool you though - they can still put up a spirited fight! You'll find Bonnetheads cruising the shallows, often in schools of 10 to 15. They love hanging out in bays, estuaries, and near the coast where they hunt for crabs and small fish. Summer's the best time to target them, as they migrate south when the water cools off. What makes Bonnetheads fun is their abundance and the challenge of hooking them. They're known for being a bit shy, so finesse is key. Use a 20-pound test line with a sliding sinker setup and a circle hook. Here's a local tip: fresh blue crab is irresistible to these guys. Cut it in half and hook it through a leg for best results. While they may not be the biggest sharks out there, Bonnetheads offer a unique fishing experience. Their unusual appearance and quick, darting fights make them a favorite among our guests looking for something different.
Bull Shark
Bull Sharks are the heavyweights of Tampa Bay, often reaching 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. These guys are built like tanks, with thick bodies and a powerful bite. What makes them unique is their ability to handle both salt and freshwater, so you might spot them in rivers or even lakes around here. We usually find Bulls in shallow coastal waters, but they're not afraid to venture into deeper areas. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Bulls are known for their aggressive nature and willingness to chase down prey, which makes for an intense fishing experience. When targeting Bull Sharks, we use heavy gear with strong leaders - these fish have serious teeth. Fresh bait is key, with mullet or mackerel being top choices. Here's a local secret: if you can get your hands on some freshwater eel, Bulls go crazy for it. The high oil content and tough skin make it perfect bait. Remember, landing a Bull Shark is all about patience and strength. They'll test your endurance, but the thrill of reeling in one of these beasts is hard to beat.
Tarpon
Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), often called the "Silver King", is one of the most prized game fish in saltwater sportfishing. Known for their explosive jumps, long, powerful runs, and unmatched strength, tarpon offer an unforgettable challenge to anglers of all skill levels.
About the Proline flatback 24 Foot
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Ready for some serious shark action in Tampa Bay? Captain Joe Masi of Masi Boys Fishing Charters knows where the big ones lurk. On this 5-hour offshore trip, you'll be targeting hammerheads, blacktips, and bull sharks - some of the ocean's most powerful fighters. With room for up to 3 guests, you'll get plenty of hands-on time reeling in these toothy predators. The waters around Bay Pines are teeming with sharks, and Capt. Joe will put you right in the middle of the action. Between battles with sharks, keep an eye out for the local tarpon - another hard-hitting game fish that calls Tampa Bay home. Just remember, these trips are popular and deposits can't be refunded, so lock in your date early. Grab your sunscreen and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping day on the water!
