Offering access to the atlantic fishing waters, on top of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa bay’s Shallows Treasure Island Florida deep sea fishing charters have something to the needs of most fishers. Picturesque views from sandy beaches, the island itself offers the perfect location for a fishing trip, you can even fish right off the dock at John’s pass inlet.
Inshore Fishing
For someone who’s looking for inshore fishing Tampa bay has many beaches, backcountry rivers and smaller bays to suit sea anglers. You can use light beef flies lures and that’s suitable for people like to use light spinning gear.
Offshore fishing
Once you travel west of the demarcation line in the gulf of Mexico, they consider this deep sea fishing. Most of the fishing off Treasure Island is bottom fishing or trolling around rex or over limestone ridges; they can use heavier light tackle for these activities.
Fishing laws in Treasure Island, Florida
Both visitors and residents of Florida must hold saltwater freshwater Florida hunting lessons when engaging in nanny fishing or hunting activities in the state.
If you intend to catch and release or cast, they require a license to attempt any fishing.
For saltwater fishing you will require a license to catch any marine plants, lobsters, crabs or any non-native or native marine organisms.
Even if you’re passively taking part in a fishing activity, you must have permits and licenses.
What you can catch deep sea fishing in treasure island Florida
Why are there a wide variety of fish available when deep sea fishing off Treasure Island? Here are the five most common fish species you will catch in deep sea fishing.
Tarpon commonly referred to as the silver king of swordfish, this is a highly prized catch for experienced fishers because it’s known for fighting back. While this fish is edible, It’s not commonly eaten because it doesn’t taste very good. But it remains one of the most popular game fish hunted in the area. It’s found large quantities of Florida’s West coast and around treasure Island in particular.
Sailfish is Florida’s official saltwater fish. It’s referred to as a tackle buster and inhabits both subtropical and tropical waters it’s popular because of its high dorsal fin.
Snook is also commonly found in the area because of Florida’s warmer waters; this is for its high sensitivity to any changes in water temperature. We know it a strong and various predator snook can rip fishing lines to shreds. Also known as a crafty adversary, they will take a bit of effort to catch and provide grand sport for people who like to work with light tackle. As a bonus, it’s also good to eat.
Snapper is most commonly found in 60 to 400 ft of water and is another offshore species that’s in plentiful supply around Treasure Island. Red snapper is distinguished by its red /pinkish color and it’s pointed anal fin. It’s also one of the finest edible fish you can find in Floridian waters.
We easily find mackerel and king mackerel in particular and Spanish mackerel in this area of the Atlantic and are plentiful along the Florida coast. One of the Atlantic top predators, kingfish , is a particular favorite of tournament fishers who visit Treasure Island.
Finally, Grouper is one of our favorites! This bottom feeder fish is a staple of deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and one of the most fun to catch. There are all kinds of grouper you can catch including: Scamp Grouper, Gag Grouper, Red Grouper, and Goliath Grouper (which can grow to an incredible 500 lbs).
Best time of year to go deep sea fishing
Opinions differ as to the best time of the year to go deep sea fishing on Treasure Island, but summer is typically the best time for any offshore or deep sea fishing charters in Florida. Because the temperature of the water is higher than average than other times of the year, you’ll find fish are more active. Second, the number of offshore fish explodes this time of the year as their migration patterns bring them closer to the shore. Also, you may catch a wider variety of deep-sea fish that’s the area abounds in prey such as anchovies squid and crab.
June, July, August, and September and occasionally into mid-October and the best times to head to Treasure Island if you’re looking to strike gold while deep sea fishing. Aside from the species mentioned above, you can also catch a bluefin tuna, white sea bass, halibut, Calico bass and rockfish.
Deep sea fishing is also easier during the summer months as you offer a higher level of visibility in the water, making it easier to lure your prey into missing some common bait. Not that fishing isn’t a challenge, but choosing the summer months to fish in treasure Island will make your task easier.
What is considered deep sea fishing
To be considered a deep sea fishing trip, you can expect to venture out into the Atlantic Ocean past the inter-coastal waterway kind of significant distance from land. Deep sea fishing occurs at a depth of a minimum of 30m.
What you should wear for deep sea fishing
As you can probably appreciate, venturing out into the Atlantic Ocean on a deep sea fishing trip will require more than just a boat and a fishing rod. Whether you’re a deep-sea fisher with extensive experience are you heading out on your very first fishing trip, here are some fishing apparel that you should wear.
UV Protective wear
Spending a half day or a full day fishing off the Florida coast on a deep sea fishing expedition, you can expect to encounter a lot of sun. Wearing apparel that provides a high level of UV protection is vital to stay safe on these types of trips. This starts with a high-quality sunscreen and UV sunglasses, hat and a fishing shirt.
Most experienced fishing men will have these, and they may even add a fishing mask. If there’s a chance that the weather might change, you should a UV hoodie too. Regardless of the fact that the sun may not be shining brightly, the chance of getting burned on a deep sea fishing trip is still high without adequate UV protection.
Waterproof Clothing
It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that you should expect to get wet on your deep sea fishing adventure. Rather than having to spend all day sitting in with clothing, it may be worth your while considering either hiring or purchasing some performance fishing clothing. And something that will help you stay dry like a moisture resistant fishing shirt or a saltwater shirt.
It’s important to understand that you will face a combination of ocean spray and sea breeze that will usually be significantly colder than it will be on land. Because of this, you should to pack a poncho or a windbreaker too.
Footwear
Wearing the right footwear is essential for your safety on any deep sea fishing trip, so choose shoes that offer both good traction and are waterproof. A high-end pair of sneakers may be acceptable for a onetime trip. This is something that is going to turn into a hobby. It’s advisable to purchase specialized fishing shoes, and these can vary in design from anything from boots to sandals. One of the worst decisions you can make is to head out on a deep sea fishing trip without the right clothing as it could easily spoil your day.
Is deep sea fishing safe?
Obviously anytime you head out into the Atlantic Ocean there will be some danger attached. The best advice we can give you is to work with a charter company who has a proven track record.
So before you do anything, make sure you thoroughly research the company you’re working with and compare them to as many of their competitors in the area before you commit to any trip.
It’s also important to appreciate that the cheapest provider is not always the best. More reputable companies would have taken higher safety measures and as a result have invested more heavily in their boats and gear. This cost will have to be passed on to their client’s. The easiest way to ensure you’re working with a company who will put your safety first. Look for real customer reviews online. The most trustworthy way to access these is through a third-party website. Remember that any reviews placed on a company’s website can easily be fabricated and be manipulated after the fact easily. So you can never be sure of the authenticity of what you’re reading.
Never rely on an online booking alone to ensure you pick up the phone and talk to the charter company before you decide and confirm that the details you’ve received and what it publishes online match. Make sure what the person on the end of the phone is saying matches all your needs. But having said all that this is a highly competitive business and charter companies who are not open, honest and transparent in their workings don’t last too long.
Do I need a fishing licence?
As we mentioned previously any non-resident of Florida who’s over the age of 16 will need a permit and license to take part in any fishing, saltwater fishing, or hunting activity. They also do not accept any out-of-state licenses if you wish to take fish while on a fishing trip off treasure Island.
Charter fishing companies in treasure island Florida
La Costa Charters
This deep sea fishing charter is run by an experienced Captain named Patrick Eichelberger locals know him for providing both a personalized and professional service. When heading offshore you will encounter a variety of species, while hitting spots anything from 15 to 40 miles into the Gulf of Mexico and catch both delicious and exotic fish.
Half day charters cost $675
Most Popular Features:
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License
Live Bait provided
You Keep your Catch
Ice Box
Rods, reels & tackle
Toilet onboard
Child Friendly craft
Snorkeling Equipment on demand
Early riser charters
If you’re looking to base yourself in one of Florida’s best beach towns Madeira Beach has some of the most impressive fishing grounds, beautiful weather and long sandy white beaches. This fishing charter company welcomes anyone from first time fishers to professional anglers. Their purpose is to help you really a dream catch while providing you with a Floridian fishing experience at its finest.
Half-day trips start at $850
Most Popular Features:
Child Friendly
Air Conditioning
Rods, reels & tackle
Fishing License
Drinks
Toilet on board
Live Bait
Catch cleaning & filleting
Deep Color Fishing
This charter company is based out of John’s pass and it’s known for specialized fishing trips to the wrecks and reefs in the area. Captained by Hank Valencia, an expert in providing anglers with the greatest opportunity to make a prize catch by taking them to the most productive fishing spots at a reasonable price.
Full day trips start from $650
Most Popular Features:
Child Friendly
Ice Box
Rods, reels & tackle
You Keep Catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License
Live Bait
Sunrise Fishing Adventures
Captain Brett is happy to welcome anyone onboard from experienced anglers to complete novices. This is also a child friendly craft as he is delighted to help families fall in love with fishing. A cooler will be provided on board for any snacks and drinks that you might want to help you keep safe under the Florida sun.
Half-day trip from $280
Most Popular Features:
Catch cleaning & filleting
Child Friendly
Ice Box
Rods, reels & tackle
Fishing License
Live Bait
You Keep Catch
Hookin’ Ain’t Easy
Working with Hookin Ain’t Easy will prove that there’s never a bad time to catch fish off Treasure Island. if you’re looking for an experienced native to guide you through the best local fishing grounds its time to look further
Cost of a Half-day trip starts from $375
Most Popular Features:
Catch cleaning & filleting
Child Friendly
Rods, reels & tackle
Fishing License
Live Bait
You Keep Catch
Conclusion
This article focused most of its pricing on a half-day trip that’s the best majority of people who head out from Treasure Island with fishing charters and our families. A full day offshore is sometimes a lot for younger children, but they are happy to spend four to six hours hunting tuna, wahoo, sailfish, amberjack, hogfish, grouper, mangrove, and red snapper among the wrecks and reefs off Treasure Island.
Once you’ve done your due diligence on the charter company to work with, come spend some beautiful summer days on treasure Island exploring its fishing towns, beaches, wrecks and reefs and don’t forget your sunscreen.
