St. Petersburg Fishing Charters
St. Petersburg fishing charters deliver quick access to Tampa Bay’s grass flats, nearby passes, and Gulf wrecks for everything from tailing redfish to offshore grouper and kingfish runs.
Top Rated Charters in St. Petersburg
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St. Petersburg Fishing Guide
St. Petersburg sits between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, giving local fishing charters an edge when it comes to variety. Most guides here run half-day and 6-hour trips, with full-day options for those heading deeper into the Gulf or chasing pelagics in season. Inshore trips usually launch from marinas around Tierra Verde, Bayway Isles, or downtown near the Pier, with quick runs to flats, channels, and docks that hold fish year-round.
St. Petersburg inshore fishing centers around shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges. Redfish, snook, sea trout, and juvenile tarpon are key targets. Most guides here rely on live shrimp, whitebait, or cut pinfish under a popping cork, and often sight-fish the shallows with soft plastics or topwaters on light tackle. Moving tides around Bunces Pass and the Skyway Bridge fire up bites during peak times.
Nearshore, it’s a short run to reefs and wrecks in 30–70 feet of water. These hold mangrove snapper, gag grouper, cobia, and kingfish depending on season. Most captains fish knocker rigs, flatlines, or vertical jigs here. For true deep sea fishing out of St. Petersburg, it’s typically a 25–40 mile run west to target red grouper, amberjack, and mahi along ledges or offshore wrecks.
Tarpon season brings big silver kings through the passes and along the beaches from May to July. Live crabs and threadfins drifted under floats are the go-to baits. Whether it’s a quiet day stalking the backcountry or a full throttle run offshore, fishing in St. Petersburg offers seasoned tactics for every angler.
Fishing Seasons in St. Petersburg
Spring
Spring brings warming water and some of the best action of the year. Snook move out of the creeks, redfish push onto the flats, and sea trout stack up along drop-offs. Kingfish and Spanish mackerel also run strong just offshore. Inshore charters stay busy with light tackle trips, while nearshore boats start checking wrecks for cobia.
Summer
Summer means tarpon. Beachside and pass fishing heats up for silver kings, with early morning and dusk bites best. Mangrove snapper are steady inshore and around structure. Offshore trips run deeper to target red grouper, amberjack, and mahi. Early starts are key to beat the heat and afternoon storms.
Fall
Fall offers a second wind for inshore anglers. Big bull reds school up, snook stage around points, and trout fire back up in the deeper cuts. Nearshore, kingfish and Spanish mackerel migrate again, offering fast-paced action. It’s a great time for mixed-bag trips in calm weather.
Winter
Cooler months push fish into deeper channels and warmwater discharges. Sheepshead, black drum, and spotted sea trout are top inshore targets. Live shrimp becomes the bait of choice. Offshore charters still run for gag grouper and snapper when conditions allow, especially on mild winter days.
Gamefish in Homer
- Redfish – 18–30" Found tailing on shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges. Sight-cast with soft plastics or fish cut bait on circle hooks.
- Snook – 20–40" Targeted around mangroves, bridges, and sandy troughs using live whitebait, pinfish, or artificial lures during moving tides.ingcod – Aggressive bottomfish found around rocky structures. Typically 20–40 lbs, season opens July 1.
- Spotted Sea Trout – 15–25" Caught drifting grass flats or potholes. Use popping cork rigs with live shrimp or soft plastics.
- Tarpon – 60–150+ lbs Hooked off beaches and in passes May through July. Fish live crabs, threadfins, or big swimbaits under floats.
- Gag Grouper – 10–30 lbs Caught on nearshore reefs and offshore ledges using live pinfish, sardines, or trolling diving plugs.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 lbs Fast-moving predators caught on slow-trolled live bait or flatlines near wrecks and bait schools.
- Mangrove Snapper – 12–20" Hold tight to structure. Best on knocker rigs or free-lined baits near docks and reefs.
- Cobia – 20–60 lbs Sight-fished near rays or caught on wrecks. Use live pinfish, crabs, or big jigs.
- Sheepshead – 2–6 lbs Target around pilings and rocky structure using fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks.
St. Petersburg Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg offers inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charters. Inshore trips typically target redfish, snook, and trout, while offshore charters head into the Gulf for grouper, snapper, and pelagics.
Where do most charters launch from in St. Petersburg?
Common launch points include Tierra Verde Marina, Maximo Park, and downtown St. Pete near the Pier. Many captains also use ramps near the Skyway Bridge and Bayway Isles.
What’s the best time to fish in St. Petersburg?
Spring and early summer offer peak action, especially for snook, kingfish, and tarpon. Fall is another strong season, particularly for redfish and Spanish mackerel.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter in this area?
No, Florida fishing licenses are covered by the charter captain’s license when you book a guided trip.
What should I bring on my charter?
Bring sun protection, polarized sunglasses, drinks/snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Gear, bait, and tackle are usually included in the trip.
How far offshore do deep sea charters go from St. Petersburg?
Offshore trips often run 25 to 40 miles into the Gulf depending on the target species and sea conditions.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, most captains allow you to keep legal-sized fish. They’ll usually clean and bag your catch at the dock.
Are kids allowed on fishing charters?
Yes, many charters are family-friendly and welcome kids. Let the captain know in advance so they can tailor the trip.
What’s the typical bait and tackle setup for inshore fishing?
Live shrimp or whitebait on popping corks, soft plastics, or light jigs are the go-to rigs for redfish, trout, and snook in the area.
