I'm likely going to be there April 18th-ish for 2-3 days and would like to go fishing.   So what should I go after? I want to catch a lot of fish, rather then a few huge ones.  I don't care either way on bringing home meat or throwing all back.    Any recommendations on a good guide.   I once had a guide with no real social skill, but he could keep us into fish, that was awesome then.   I have also had a guide that was very entertaining but not very good at finding fish.  For this one want some social skill because my wife isn't much of a fishing enthusiast, but definitely want to be on fish.  Coming from Omaha NE area btw

anyone?

when you say "Tampa area," do you mean the entire Tampa Bay area, or just the Tampa side of the bay?

I have never been there, and don't know how big the area is.  But not afraid to drive a ways.   I'll be staying in palm harbor.

then you're up in the north end of Pinellas County, the Gulf side of Pinellas Bay.

OP, I try to vacation with my family in the Tampa area (clearwater-st.Pete ) yearly . We always fish w/o a guide and just rent some nice kayaks for 3-5 days .  I always contact Wyatt @ Florida Kayak Outfitters . This guy has delivered the kayaks right to the hotel,condo or house that we've rented. We mainly fish the inter-coastal waterways for anything that will bite (red fish,snook,snapper) . Hit a tackle shop and get some shrimp , also dont be afraid to try a 3" swim bait on a 1/4-1/2oz jig head . Med action 7' rod 8-10lb flouro . Fish near structure (bridges,docks,mangroves) .

Good luck!

If you're staying in Palm Harbor, you could just catch a party boat out of the sponge docks at Tarpon Springs.  Then it doesn't matter if you get a guide that's ADHD.  There is a good one that runs out of Port Ritchey called the Miss Virginia.  It's an older head boat and cramped but you will land many fish.

I don’t know if you’re looking for flats or offshore fishing but CA Richardson is a terrific inshore flats guide and a super nice guy. He’s pretty busy with his TV shows but I guarantee he will put you on fish. That should be a great time for a gator Trout. Here’s his contact info:

https://captcarichardson.com