Sportsman’s Club Center Console Fishing Trips last about 6 hours, cover more distance, cost a bit more, and usually produce bigger catches than our Pontoon Boat Trips.

Freedom Boat Club members lend their boats for these trips. We pick a day around noon when the tide is best for fishing. Everyone meets at Little Harbor Marina, 606 Seagrape Drive, Ruskin, and we head out into Tampa Bay. Depending on fish activity, we may go south near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, toward St. Petersburg, or north to Tampa.

Trips run from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up early on SignUpGenius since spots fill fast.

Mobility Consideration: The boats are 20' to 24' Center Console designs, not wheelchair accessible, requiring side boarding and offering limited space.

Bring your own fishing gear and bait. Most use light to medium-light spinning rods and shrimp bait. Since bait may not be sold at the marina, stop by bait shops on US-Hwy 41 in Ruskin before the trip.

The trip cost is included with your Freedom Boat Club membership, but donations to help with fuel and to thank the dockhand are appreciated.