Welcome aboard! We’re thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable day on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or brand new to fishing, your Aquatic Escape promises excitement, relaxation, and plenty of great catches. Get ready for a fun-filled adventure — we’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and packed with memories. Let’s make this fishing experience one to remember!
The weather is constantly changing in Florida and could impact your trip. This is the case with every fishing trip. Every time we leave the dock, Captain Jarrod is closely monitoring the winds, tides, clouds, water temperature, rain and lightning… Do not be alarmed by any weather report or news report you see on TV. If you are seeing 50% chance of rain or 70% chance of storms or High Winds. This is a cumulative percentage for all of Tampa Bay. Many times, we have fished on the water, watching it rain on land. Make sure you have the correct weather appropriate clothing. Light colored clothes are suggested for the summer months. Warm clothes are suggested in the winter months. Remember that it is always colder on the water when traveling at 35mph on an open boat. During winter months, you might need a jacket while driving, but take it off while fishing.
The Pearl, has all of the Coast Guard approved safety equipment on board. There are life jackets for adults and kids, flares, throwable, flotation devices, sound devices, radio and more… At Aquatic Escapes you will always remain safe and having fun.
Your Aquatic Escape will almost always include a first mate. It might be a family member, a close friend, or a young angler learning the ropes, and the person changes from trip to trip. The mate baits hooks, ties lines, nets your fish, talks you through the fight and makes sure everyone is looked after.
The only trips Captain Jarrod usually runs on his own are full boats, such as a family of six, where staying at seven people keeps everyone comfortable.
The mate is compensated SOLELY on tips (cash). Think of it the way you would at a restaurant, based on how good your day was. Most guests land between 20% and 30% of the non-discounted trip price, and we work hard to earn the top of that range.
The one crew member with a permanent title is Jack Sparrow. He is a dog, and in his old age he only comes aboard on smaller trips when guests ask for him ahead of time.
Aquatic Escapes requires a $150 deposit to hold your trip day. Preparation begins several days ahead and includes rigging tackle, fueling, setting live bait traps and netting bait, which is why the cancellation window matters.
Cancel 7 or more days before your trip and your full deposit comes back to you, no questions asked.
Cancel during the week of your trip, or no-show, and the deposit is forfeited.
Weather, boat or trailer trouble, or the captain’s health are never your problem. If a trip is called off for any of those reasons, Captain Jarrod will reschedule you or refund the deposit in full – your choice.
Gratuities are never expected, but greatly appreciated! If the captain did a good job, made the trip enjoyable and you had a good time, you might consider rewarding those hard-working efforts.
~~15%-25% of the non-discounted trip price, is industry standard.
bait, ice, tackle, rod/reel, fish cleaning, fishing instruction and email digital photos of your trip are all included.
No, all passengers are covered under Captain Jarrod inshore charter boat license.
Please do not bring:
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Yes, you are welcome to bring beer or wine coolers (No Glass) and consume in moderation. No Hard Liquor or Red Wine of any type is permitted.
Yes, you can bring up to 1 rods/reels per person; however, it is not necessary as we provide them for you on board.
No, you can bring your food/drink in bags and transfer onto ice in the boat coolers when you arrive. There is limited space on a bay boat, so we ask you leave coolers in your vehicle. Having a cooler can be useful! After the Captain filets your keeper fish, you can use your cooler to transport the meat to your home.
Departure times may be flexible, depending on the type of trip you are booking and the season. Captain Jarrod can assist you in deciding your departure time while you're planning your trip.
Once you've decided on the date(s) and type(s) of trip you’d like, you can call Captain Jarrod at 656.242.7172 for availability. Please text or leave a message, if the Captain doesn’t answer. He might be on the water and will respond when back on land. A $150 deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your date/trip
Please note, your trip must be paid in full prior to departure. If balance is due on the day of your trip, please pay Captain Jarrod in cash when you arrive at the dock.
Our preparation for your trip begins several days prior and includes rigging tackle, fueling, setting live bait traps and netting bait, which is why we ask for at least 4 days cancellation notice, inclement weather being the exception.
In the event you need to cancel your charter, our policy is:
If for some reason the Captain must cancel or there is inclement weather, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund of deposit.
Yes, you can keep your catch as long as you stay within legal size and bag limits on all species, deemed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
There are several local restaurants, including Hooks Bar & Grill, that will cook your fresh fish as a family-style meal. Hooks will cook your fish Blackened, Fried or Grilled with two sides per person, for $11/person. (Hooks prices are they own, please don’t quote us!)
Kids are welcome from age 6 and up on every trip.
The Kids Trip is a discounted family rate and must include at least one child aged 6 to 13.
Inshore trips carry a maximum of 6, and that is a family capacity – roughly 3 to 4 adults plus 2 to 3 kids. Six grown adults will not fish comfortably on a 25 ft boat. Boat tours, sunset cruises, booze cruises and sandbar trips seat 6 and all six can be adults.
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Questions or dates? Call or text 656.242.7172.
Inshore, offshore and scalloping charters, plus boat tours and sunset cruises across Tampa Bay, St. Pete, Bradenton, Clearwater, Crystal River and the Gulf of America.
Running Aquatic Escapes 7 days a week and most holidays
Pickup Locations: Tampa · Ruskin · St. Pete · Bradenton · Clearwater · Crystal River
USCG licensed & insured
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