Captain Rachel

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

What started as a normal bait run at the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier turned into an unexpected catch when a squid showed up in the cast net! 🦑

While catching live bait in Tampa Bay, I pulled up a squid before sunrise. Many anglers don’t realize that squid are actually common around Florida’s Gulf Coast during the summer months, especially in low-light conditions when they’re actively feeding around schools of baitfish.

As a Florida fishing charter captain, early mornings are spent catching fresh live bait before clients arrive. Whether it’s greenbacks, threadfin herring, scaled sardines, or the occasional squid, every cast of the net can bring a surprise.

This behind-the-scenes look at charter fishing shows the work that goes into finding bait before a day of targeting snook, redfish, trout, tarpon, kingfish, and other Tampa Bay gamefish.

📍 Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier
📍 Tampa Bay, Florida
🦑 Surprise Squid Catch
🎣 Cast Net Fishing for Live Bait
🌅 Pre-Sunrise Bait Run

If you enjoy Florida fishing, cast netting, bait fishing, Tampa Bay fishing reports, and behind-the-scenes charter fishing content, subscribe and follow along for more adventures on the water.

05/24/2026

Brokenhearted 💔

05/21/2026

If a photo can say “I’m tired”

05/21/2026

“Sorry I Forgot to Smile While Throwing a Cast Net”. Had to make this video after I had to go swimming for my brand new net. Something to SMILE about my new Wholesale Leadcore 10ft lighter weight net for throwing on the grass flat.

05/19/2026

🦈 Epic shark fishing action on Florida’s Gulf Coast!

There is nothing like hooking into a powerful Lemon shark. These incredible sharks are known for their long, drag-screaming runs and unforgettable fights that make for an exciting adventure for anglers of all ages. Catch and release shark fishing is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have while visiting the waters around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.

Whether you’re a beginner, bringing the kids, or looking to battle one of Florida’s hardest-fighting sharks, this is an experience you’ll never forget.

🎣 Family-friendly fishing charters
🦈 Catch and release lemon shark fishing
📍 Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Tampa Bay, Florida

Ready to catch your own lemon shark? Send a message to book your next shark fishing charter on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

05/06/2026

The bait GRIND! Everyone wants to be a captain until days like this. Ever wonder what it’s really like catching bait when conditions aren’t perfect?

Before clients even step on the boat, the work begins. Catching bait can take hours—especially in high winds with thick algae covering the grass flats. Every throw of the cast net turns into a battle… heavy, dragging nets loaded with grass, constant resets, and sorting through the mess just to find usable bait.

By the time it’s ready to go, the deck is already covered, the boat’s a mess, and the day hasn’t even officially started.

This is the behind-the-scenes side of charter fishing most people never see. It’s not always calm seas and quick bait—some days are a full grind before and during the trip. This is what captains push through to make it happen.

It’s not pretty, and it’s definitely not easy—but that’s the job