Meet Captain Tom Bailas

Meet Captain Tom Bailas

Captain Tom Bailas has spent much of his life fishing and on the water. Growing up in South Florida, he developed a deep passion for fishing and boating that eventually led him to start TNT Fishing Charters more than 20 years ago. Today, that same passion drives every trip he takes from Venice, Florida. Captain Tom enjoys sharing his knowledge with families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike, helping guests learn new techniques while making the most of their time on the water. He has also raised his three children around fishing, giving him a natural understanding of how to make a fishing trip comfortable and engaging for younger anglers.

With more than 40 years of personal fishing experience and over 20 years operating his charter business, Captain Tom brings extensive knowledge of the waters around Venice and the Gulf of Mexico. He offers offshore, nearshore, inshore, and deep sea fishing trips, adapting the experience to the group's goals and current conditions. Offshore trips can venture up to 40 miles from shore, while inshore trips explore productive waters around Venice. Weather and sea conditions are always considered when planning the day, with calmer inshore or bay waters providing an alternative when offshore conditions are not suitable. TNT Fishing Charters also holds a Federal Reef Permit that allows qualifying trips to target a range of Gulf reef species in federal waters.

Captain Tom's work extends beyond regular charter fishing. For nine years, he has donated fishing trips through Catch A Dream, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor experiences for children facing life-threatening illnesses. These trips have given Captain Tom the opportunity to introduce children and their families to fishing and create meaningful memories on the water. He also specializes in family-friendly fishing and has experience working with young and first-time anglers, providing patient instruction and assistance throughout the trip. His commitment to helping others is an important part of what makes TNT Fishing Charters more than a typical fishing charter.

Guests aboard TNT Fishing Charters fish from a 29-foot Pro-Line Super Sport powered by twin Suzuki 250 HP outboards, producing 500 HP total and reaching approximately 50 mph. The boat accommodates up to four passengers, making it well suited for private fishing trips and family groups. Onboard equipment includes GPS, comfortable seating, a cooler, stereo system, and an EPIRB, along with the required fishing gear and safety equipment. Bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are provided, and catches are cleaned and bagged after the trip. Whether you're planning deep sea fishing in Venice, a private offshore trip, or family-friendly fishing charters in Venice, Captain Tom Bailas combines decades of experience with local knowledge to help you make the most of your day on the Gulf Coast.