Fishing Charter Etiquette St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay | Captain Matt Hilliard

Hey everybody, Captain Matt Hilliard here with Daybreaker Inshore Charters out of St. Petersburg. Sixth generation fisherman born and raised right here on Tampa Bay. Proper etiquette on a fishing charter down here makes all the difference on a small boat like my 22 footer.

Listen to your captain. I know these waters from the flats off Fort De Soto to the mangroves at Weedon Island and the tides around the Skyway. When I say keep the noise down or shift because we're drifting over fish, there's a reason. Don't try to guide the guide. I've seen that a hundred times and it wastes time we could be fishing.

Space is tight. Stow your gear and move careful when somebody's hooked up so lines don't tangle. Show up on time or a few minutes early. I hate burning daylight waiting on late folks while the tide's right. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and hydrate. Florida sun chews you up quick. Cooler for drinks is fine, just don't overcrowd the deck.

Tipping around twenty percent is standard if we have a good day and I take care of you. It keeps me running personal trips instead of rushing big groups like some outfits do.

Stay positive even if the bite's slow. Some days slot reds cooperate, other days we grind it out with wind and tide. That's fishing in Tampa Bay. Bad attitude just makes it worse for everybody.

Keep drinking light for safety. Don't blast music. Sound carries and spooks fish. Follow regulations and I'll clean your catch at the end if you want.

Bottom line, respect the boat, respect each other, listen a little, and we'll do our best to get you on fish. That's proper etiquette on fishing charters out of St. Petersburg and around Tampa Bay. Give us a call or book direct for an honest trip where everybody knows what to expect.