Private Tampa Bay Fishing Charter

CAPTAIN FRANKIE BIRD

Captain Frankie Bird is a St. Petersburg native who grew up fishing the marinas, bridges, piers, and inshore waters of Tampa Bay. What started as a childhood love for fishing became a lifelong connection to the water and eventually led Frankie to earn his U.S. Coast Guard captain credentials and turn that passion into Barefoot Fishing Charters.

Today, Capt. Frankie gets to share the waters he grew up on with anglers of all experience levels. For him, a great charter is about more than the number of fish in the boat. It’s about putting guests on fish, sharing his knowledge of Tampa Bay, and creating the kind of day people are still talking about when they get home.

Barefoot Fishing Charters operates out of Ruskin and Little Harbor, with trips tailored around the season, conditions, and what you want from your time on the water.

Come fish Tampa Bay with a captain who grew up on these waters. Book your trip with Capt. Frankie today.

Book Your Trip With Captain Frankie

CHARTER BOAT

You’ll be fishing on a 2019 23’ Key West bay reef, all updated electronics and safety equipment. It can fish 4 adults comfortably. She has a Minn Kota trolling motor and dual power poles.  There’s a tower with a second station allowing me to drive the boat upstairs giving you full range downstairs.  It also provides shade.  There are plenty of rod holders and cup holders as well as 2 life wells.  She’s US Coast Guard Certified and ready to fish.

Tampa Bay Fishing Chart

Why Fish With Captain Frankie?

There are plenty of ways to get out and fish Tampa Bay, but who you spend the day with makes a difference. Capt. Frankie brings years of local knowledge, a genuine love for these waters, and the kind of laid-back personality that makes everyone feel welcome on the boat. He’ll work to put you on fish, help when you need it, and adjust the day as conditions change. Whether you’ve been fishing your whole life or you’ve never held a rod, Captain Frankie will make sure to give you a good day on the water and a reason to come back.

 

“I grew up fishing these waters. Now I get to take people out, put them on fish, and show them why I’ve never gotten tired of Tampa Bay.”


— CAPT. FRANKIE BIRD

FISH TAMPA BAY WITH A LOCAL CAPTAIN

Capt. Frankie launches from Ruskin, putting you within easy reach of Tampa Bay’s inshore waters and the surrounding Gulf Coast. Having spent years fishing these waters, he knows how to adjust each trip around the season, current conditions, and what’s happening on the water that day. Whether you’re coming out to fish or enjoy a sunset cruise, every trip offers a chance to experience Tampa Bay from a local’s perspective.

From Our Clients

Great day fishing. Frankie was a great captain. He took us to multiple spots and we caught lots of fish! Lots of snook, trout, catfish, ladyfish and yellow jack. He took the time to teach and help me and my kids with everything. Highly recommend for any fishing trip.

-Andrea

I just spent a week in Florida with my son and two friends and we booked with Capt. Frankie for four days, and what a great time we had. Frankie put us on fish every day and went above and beyond our expectations. We endured wind and rain and it didn’t bother him a bit. We just moved around the bay to find new spots out of the weather. He works hard every day catching fresh bait and he isn’t afraid to run around and burn gas to put you on fish. If you’re looking for a good guy to fish with that’s laid back and easy to get along with, Frankie is your guy.

-Josh

We went out on a full-day, in-shore trip and had an absolute blast! We caught a good variety of fish including snapper, mackerel, grouper, snook and tarpon and were able to bring home plenty for dinner. Frankie was an awesome captain and made sure we got the most out of our time. We also appreciated his enthusiasm and excitement every time we caught a fish. We will definitely be booking with Barefoot again!

-Madeline

Capt. Frank is top notch. His communication before the trip was amazing. His knowledge of the area was also amazing. It felt like just three guys fishing. He was one of the guys with the go to spots. Highly recommend and worth every dime.

-Kevin

Ready to Spend A Day On The Water?

Your fishing adventure is just a few clicks away.

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Fishing Charters
Half Day AM
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6 Hour Trip
8 Hour Trip
Night Fishing
Scalloping Trip
Sunset Cruise
Gasparilla Cruise
Get in Touch
104 4th St SW, Ruskin, FL 33570
(813) 751-7895
Barefootfishingcharter@gmail.com
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