Can I Bring My Own Fishing Rod on a Charter? | Daybreaker Inshore Charters St. Petersburg

Hey everybody, Captain Matt Hilliard here with Daybreaker Inshore Charters out of St. Petersburg. Folks ask me all the time if they can bring their own fishing rod on a charter. Short answer is yes, you can.

I provide quality rods, reels and tackle for our inshore trips around Tampa Bay. Setups are dialed in for local conditions. Light spinning gear that works great on the grass flats off Fort De Soto, mangroves at Weedon Island, or the tides near the Skyway and in Boca Ciega Bay. Most days that is all you need for slot redfish, snook, trout and whatever else is biting.

If you have a favorite rod or want to use your own, bring it. Just let me know ahead when you book so I can make room on the 22 foot bay boat. Space gets tight with four anglers and extra gear. I like everything organized and safe.

I have fished these waters my whole life. Sixth generation fisherman. Family commercial fished Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor for generations. I know how fast conditions change down here. One minute glassy near Johns Pass, next the wind picks up or a summer storm rolls in. My gear handles it. Sometimes a client's rod works perfect. Other times it does not quite match the conditions and they switch to what I have. I have seen it both ways plenty of times.

Bring your own if it fits what we are doing that day. Keep safety in mind on a smaller boat. Secure rods so nothing goes overboard. If your gear gets damaged or lost, it is on you. That is standard.

I get frustrated with some of the bigger operations that make this complicated with all kinds of strict rules. I keep mine small and personal. Less hassle if we just talk about it. If you want to bring your own rod on an inshore charter around St. Petersburg or Clearwater, mention it when you book. We will figure it out.

Either way, I will get you on some fish and make sure you have a good day on the water.

Contact Captain Matt Hilliard Daybreaker Inshore Charters St. Petersburg, Florida Phone: 727-434-0383 Email: captainmatthilliard@gmail.com