Tampa Bay Fishing Charter, Tampa Fishing Boat

Captain Matt's Tampa Bay charter boat is a 24ft. custom Sheaffer with a new 225 Suzuki four stoke powering it. It is equipped with a powerful Raymarine fish finder and GPS. Make no mistake this is the best fishing boat in the mid 20 ft class in the world. Ask any naval Architect that is familiar with Sheaffer boats, and they will say the same.

Captain Matt’s Sheaffer is a full 8.6 feet wide, with a large casting platform on the bow. The boat is built like a tank. It weighs 6800 pounds and is full foam injected so it is truly completely unsinkable. It is equipped with a formula one portabracket so it can run in less than 12 inches of water.

The bait tank is 50 gallons plus with 2700 gallons per hour of raw fresh sea water running into it, as well as 1100 gallons per hour of chopped aerated water. This makes it possible for Captain Matt to keep hundreds of bait lively and fresh for a full day of Tampa Bay charter fishing.

The boat is equipped with a full 7 foot to the floor Tuna tower. That puts the Captain’s eyes at about 13 ft off the water. This makes it possible for Matt to see schools of fish under the water sometimes hundreds of yards away. The tower has a large shade to take a break from the sun and 10 rod holders to keep the rods up and out of the way when not being used.

The boat is equipped with 8 hp trolling motors, 6 large agm batteries so he can chase a school of tarpon with quiet power all day long without running out of juice. He also has two very powerful onboard chargers so his boat is fully charged and ready to go day after day. Captain Matt keeps a full spare set of trolling motors, batteries, and chargers at home so it can be changed out quickly if something goes down.

Captain Matt keeps his Tampa Bay fishing boat on a boat lift out of the water at his private dock. This makes it easy for him to keep his boat properly maintained and in tip top shape so that it’s ready to perform.

Top Brand Name Tampa Bay Fishing Gear You Can Count On to Get the Fish to The Boat

Spinning and Conventional Tackle

Captain Matt uses Okuma 8ft. light tackle spinning gear for his Tampa Bay flats fishing charters. He uses Penn 850ss with 8 to 13ft. rods for his Tarpon fishing charters. His Grouper rods are Penn 850 as well as stiff 7ft. rods. When Shark fishing and Goliath Grouper fishing, he uses Penn 200 pound Tuna tackle to wrestle the big boys.

Fly Tackle

Captain Matt ties all his own flies. He feels it’s a great advantage to get patterns that work the best. Matt uses all Orvis Rods for their great casting ability. On his flats fishing charters he prefers 8 and 9 weights. Offshore fly fishing charters he uses 9 through 12 weights depending on the size of the fish. For Tarpon fishing the Captain likes to stick to 12 weights so the tarpon is not over stressed with an over lengthy battle. He has a variety of reels lined with all kinds of different lines for floaters, from intermediate to fast sinking to match the conditions accordingly.

Captain Matt always has top of the line tackle in new or like new condition and always has fresh line.

What To Bring To The Boat

Tampa Bay Fishing Captain will supply everything you need to catch fish which will include top brand name rod n reels, fishing tackle, live or artificial baits, and even ice for the fish. We have provided a list of a few things you may want to bring that may make your Tampa Bay fishing trip more comfortable below. In addition to the listed items you may bring, if you also have a pair of boat shoes like Topsiders or Docksiders then you should wear them. Tennis shoes or other soft soled shoes are OK too.

DO NOT wear hard soled shoes such as an old pair of dress shoes, penny loafers, or similar as they leave black scuff marks all over the deck plus there is a real danger of slipping right onto your backside in a split second. Tennis shoes, boat shoes, or flip flops are recommended.

Bring a cooler for food and drinks. Ask your Florida charter boat Captain how large of a cooler you will need to carry your fish home in.	A sports bag is a good idea to bring for carrying your rain gear, hat, glasses etc and other personal items that you need on a saltwater charter fishing trip.
Bring all your food and drinks. You are welcome to bring beer on the boat. BUT all beer must be in CANS and hard liquor is not permitted.	If you will be fishing in foul or rainy weather then you may want to bring some gear to keep you dry. Not as important on boats with covers and cabins.
Bring sun glasses. Preferrably polarized fishing glasses to lessen the sun's glare that reflects up off the water.	Bring a camera to take snapshots of those big fish you catch or video of the beautiful offshore waters of Florida.
A hat or ball cap is a good idea, especially for you guys that are getting a bit thin on top. Protect your head from the hot Tampa sunshine. For Chilly Weather you should wear a knit hat or "beenie".	If you get sea sick or aren't sure if you get sea sick then it is a very wise idea to take your Dramamine before you leave the dock. Nothing can ruin a fishing trip worse than a guy named "RALPH".
For summer time fishing the key is to stay cool as possible. Make sure you wear the right gear like a thin light colored button shirt or tee shirt. Also be sure to bring sunscreen because the Florida sun will burn you, especially if you are not used to it.