Captain Jarrod carries on the tradition as a second-generation captain. Originally from New York, he made the move to Florida in 2014. He shares, "From the moment I can recall, my dad had me out on the water with a fishing rod in hand. Initially, I was just thrilled to have bait on my hook and spend time with him. As I got older, the fish I chased grew larger, and I became completely hooked! Growing up in New York, we targeted species like Fluke, Flounder, Stripers, and Cod during the winter months. We even participated in the occasional shark fishing tournament. Fishing has always been a major part of my life, offering precious bonding moments with my father before he sadly passed away in 2006."
Since relocating to Florida, Jarrod has been actively fishing these waters alongside friends and entering various local tournaments—from the popular Offshore King Fish "King of the Beach" contest to community firefighter charity events. In 2018, he attended Sea School to earn his captain’s license. After graduating, he purchased his own boat, allowing him to fully embrace the lifestyle he dreamed of. It was his father’s dream to retire and launch a charter business using his captain’s license, and Jarrod strives every day to honor that legacy.
His ultimate goal is to share the joy of fishing with his daughter, just as he experienced it with his dad, while helping others create their own unforgettable memories on the water. When it comes to favorite catches, Jarrod recalls Bluefish as the top pick in New York for their fierce fight despite their size. In Florida, Redfish are his passion—their powerful strikes and drag-pulling runs are unmatched. Each redfish is unique with varying spot patterns; will you catch one with a single large spot or several smaller ones? Book a charter and discover the thrill for yourself!
This experience exceeded all expectations and was incredibly smooth. I highly recommend Captain Experiences. Excellent service, fun, and engaging — I will definitely be returning!
You can cancel your booking free of charge if done at least 7 days prior to your trip and the funds will be refunded to your account. If you cancel within the 7 days leading up to the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. Cancellations made on the day of the trip or failing to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your payment method.
Includes fishing license, snorkeling gear, an ice box, as well as rods, reels, and tackle.
Sharks are often portrayed in popular culture as fearsome predators, like the ones featured in movies such as "Jaws." However, avid anglers know a different story. Despite being apex predators, sharks are elegant, powerful creatures that offer an exhilarating fishing experience. Whether you're a novice or seasoned angler, embarking on a Tampa shark fishing charter with Captain Jarrod promises an unforgettable adventure.
Tampa Bay is home to a diverse array of shark species, making it an ideal destination for anglers aiming to catch a trophy shark or simply enjoy an exciting day on the water. Over a dozen species can be found beneath Tampa Bay’s surface, including the Blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus), Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo), Hammerhead (Sphyrnidae Sphyrna), Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum), Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris), and Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas). If you’re ever unsure about the species you’ve hooked, Captain Jarrod is always happy to share his expert knowledge.
In Florida, anglers can fish for non-prohibited shark species year-round, though the prime season typically runs from May through August. When you book your trip, Captain Jarrod will guide you on the best species to target based on the time of year and conditions.
Your fishing journey begins by launching from the boat ramp adjacent to Hook's Waterfront Bar and Grill. If needed, Captain Jarrod offers flexibility with alternative launch points to best suit your needs—just let him know your preferences in advance.
You’ll be fishing from Captain Jarrod’s 25-foot Sportsman 234 bay boat, powered by a 250 Yamaha SHO engine that offers both speed and maneuverability. This vessel is fully equipped with features to enhance your experience, such as a multimedia system, PowerPoles for navigating shallow flats, a trolling motor, multiple live wells for bait, Yeti coolers for refreshments, and much more. It’s an ideal setup for families or group outings.
Captain Jarrod provides everything necessary for a successful trip, including fishing gear, tackle, bait, and ice to keep your food, drinks, and catches fresh. Additionally, he offers artificial lures, shares secrets and techniques for fishing with artificial bait, captures photos of your catches, and will clean and bag your fish at the end of the day.
All you need to bring along are essentials such as sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and any food or beverages you’d like to enjoy aboard. Beer is welcome, but please refrain from bringing hard liquor, wine, or glass containers. With Captain Jarrod at the helm, your shark fishing outing will be one to cherish forever.
While gratuity is never expected, it’s always appreciated. If you’re pleased with your Captain’s service and the overall experience, consider tipping 15-20% as a token of thanks.
