Looking for a top-tier fishing experience in the Tampa Bay area?
Permit fishing on the flats between Anna Maria Island and Fort DeSoto is heating up — and now is the time to book your trip with a local guide who knows where and when to target these elusive fish.
As a full-time Tampa Bay fishing guide, I specialize in shallow water sight fishing for species like permit, tarpon, snook, and redfish. Permit are one of the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch on the flats, and this season is shaping up to be a good one.
When Is the Best Time to Catch Permit in Tampa Bay?
Spring through early summer is prime time. As water temperatures rise into the 75–85°F range, permit begin showing up on the beaches, flats, and sandbars in search of small crabs, shrimp, and sand fleas. They move in with the tide and feed in shallow water, often in less than two feet.
On the right tide, we’ll spot them:
- Tailing over white sand and turtle grass
- Cruising just off the beach
- Poking their eyes out of the water while hunting crabs on the flats
Where We Target Permit Near Tampa Bay
We focus on the shallow water zones between Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key, and Fort DeSoto. These areas offer some of the best permit fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, with:
- Clean, clear water for sight casting
- Productive sandbars and troughs on incoming tide
- Consistent shots at feeding fish during the right windows
Guided Permit Fishing Charters Near Anna Maria Island and Fort DeSoto
Whether you’re a fly angler or prefer light tackle spin fishing, I tailor every trip to your skill level and preferences.
On my custom East Cape Vantage skiff, we pole silently through the shallows, giving you the best chance at a visual eat. With a Carbon Marine push pole, Minn Kota trolling motor, Simrad electronics, and a 35-gallon livewell for bait, this boat is rigged for serious permit fishing.
I guide 1–3 anglers per trip to ensure a stealthy approach and a personalized experience.
Why Fish for Permit?
- Permit are one of the most technical fish to catch on the flats
- Every cast counts — it’s a game of stealth, precision, and timing
- Whether it’s your first shot at a permit or your tenth, hooking one in shallow water is unforgettable
This is one of the most rewarding experiences in Tampa Bay inshore fishing — and it’s only available for a short window each season.
Book Your Tampa Bay Permit Fishing Trip Today
If you’re searching for a permit fishing charter near Tampa, sight fishing guide in Tampa Bay, or a light tackle fishing trip near Anna Maria Island, you’re in the right place.
Let’s chase these fish in some of the most scenic, shallow waters on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Call, email, or book online to reserve your spot.
Permit season is short — don’t miss your chance.
