Captain Jim Lemke
Light Tackle & Back Bay Adventures
Captain Jim Lemke has over 15 years fishing experience in the waters of Tampa Bay and World Famous Boca Grande (during Tarpon season).Make every trip the best Florida Fishing trip you've ever experienced. Just picture your self Snook fishing along the beautiful Mangrove Shoreline of Tampa Bay or jumping a giant Tarpon along the Tampa Bay Skyline as the sun is coming up or fly fishing the pristine grass flats for Redfish in the afternoon or fishing the docks lights at night for big Snook, Redfish and Trout.
Captain Jim Lemke is a member of the Florida Conservation Association (FCA). He is very experienced in backbay fishing, particularly Tarpon and Snook.He has several techniques for fishing for big Tarpon. He uses his knowledge of flats to determine the best technique for the situation.
Based in Tampa, Florida, Capt. Jim offers Flats & Backbay charters aboard his Hewes Flats Skiff.
Amazed that more people are not aware of the unique Tarpon opportunities in Tampa Bay, Capt. Jim says:
My favorite way to fish Tarpon at night is to use a custom bridge gaff that goes up into the water drain holes in the bridge itself. Then you watch the Tarpon swim down the light line, and pitch the bait to them. When they hit your bait, you only have out 5 to 7 feet of line. The average Tarpon at the bridge is about 85 to 100 pounds, but I've caught them in the 140 to 150 pound class, too. The biggest one I put up in the air last year was about 180 pounds, so there are some big boys in Tampa Bay. You see an average of 75 fish at night, although I've seen as many as 200 or 300 fish in one night! If you'll once try night fishing in Tampa Bay, you're hooked!
For daytime fishing, Capt. Jim says the best time to go is early morning or late
afternoon. Imagine the thrill of chasing 75 to 100 rolling Tarpon on the flats, at 85 to
100 pounds each, with the trolling motor! Now that will get the ol' heart pumping!
To book your charter, contact Capt. Jim!
Young anglers are welcome (minimum age 7), and Captain Jim is happy to catch and release at the anglers' request.
Vessel Available
Flats 16' Hewes Flats Skiff Fully rigged.
Flats 22' Hewes Pathfinder Flats Skiff Fully rigged.
Sponsors of Capt. Jim
- Pro Staffed By Hewes Light Tackle Skiffs
- Pro Staffed By Pathfinder Bay Boats
- Pro Staffed By Yamaha Outboards
- Pro Staffed By Gloomis
- Pro Staffed By Shimano
- Pro Staffed By Power Pro Fishing Line
- Pro Staffed By D.O.A Lures
Flats & Backbay Fishing
Captain Jim offers flats and backbay fishing in and around the waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. Fish for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Trout, Tripletail, Cobia, and Shark. The Tarpon run strong in Tampa Bay through the first part of June to the first part of September. He is experienced in many different angling methods, including flyfishing, plug, and spin, and uses live bait, plugs, or artificials, as required. To book a most unique fishing experience, contact Capt. Jim Lemke!
All standard fishing charters include fishing license, bait, tackle, rods/reels and instruction if necessary.
11408 Waveland Way Tampa, Florida 33624
Email Capt. Jim Lemke
Phone: 813-968-4285
Phone: 813-917-4989
Please mention the Florida Captains' Page when calling or e-mailing!
