Treasure Island Fishing
Treasure Island fishing charters give anglers access to both inshore action along Boca Ciega Bay and offshore runs into the Gulf for grouper, snapper, kingfish, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Treasure Island
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Treasure Island, FL Fishing Guide
Treasure Island sits in a prime spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with direct access to protected bay waters, passes, and a quick run into productive offshore territory. It’s a popular launch point for a wide range of charters—from easy half-day inshore trips to full-day deep sea outings. Most trips depart from ramps near John’s Pass, Blind Pass, or Gulf Boulevard, giving anglers a short idle to the fish.
Inshore fishing around Treasure Island centers on Boca Ciega Bay, a network of grass flats, spoil islands, and mangrove shorelines. You’ll find snook and redfish tight to cover, trout holding on edges and potholes, and mangrove snapper stacking up around docks and bridges. Light tackle and live bait are standard, with shrimp, pilchards, or soft plastics doing most of the work. During colder months, sheepshead and black drum offer steady bites around structure.
Head just a few miles out of the pass and you’re into nearshore reef territory. Artificial reefs, hard bottom, and natural ledges in 30–70 feet of water hold hogfish, lane snapper, porgies, grunts, and keeper-size grouper. These nearshore trips are ideal for anglers who want action without the long ride.
For full-day charters, captains run 20 to 40 miles offshore, targeting red grouper, gag grouper, amberjack, and red snapper during open season. Many offshore reefs and wrecks are well-known to locals but rarely marked, and local captains know exactly where to set up based on wind, tide, and thermocline. In the spring and fall, you’ll also find kingfish blitzing bait schools in nearshore waters—a thrilling bite when they’re on.
Summer brings another Treasure Island draw: tarpon. These fish move through the passes and patrol the beaches, and sight-fishing for silver kings in calm, clear water is a local tradition. Whether you’re sight-casting plugs at the jetties or bottom fishing 30 miles out, Treasure Island offers real variety—and experienced guides who can put you on the right fish for the season.
Fishing Seasons in Treasure Island
Spring
Spring is prime transition time. Inshore, snook and redfish push onto the flats, while trout school up along potholes and drop-offs. Nearshore waters warm up and bring in baitfish, followed by kingfish and Spanish mackerel. Offshore bottom fishing picks up fast—expect good grouper and snapper action once conditions stabilize.
Summer
Tarpon season hits its peak from May through early August, with schools rolling off the beach and through John’s Pass. Early mornings and outgoing tides are best for sight-fishing with live crabs or threadfins. Inshore, snook stack up near passes and docks, and trout hit topwater lures at first light. Offshore trips run longer this time of year, targeting red snapper, amberjack, and gag grouper on deeper wrecks.
Fall
Fall brings cooling water and another major kingfish run. Schools move down the coast, following pods of bait—live bait trolling nearshore can produce epic action. Inshore species like redfish and trout settle into consistent patterns, and flounder begin showing up near sandy bottom. Offshore bottom fishing stays productive, especially with less boat traffic.
Winter
Winter fishing in Treasure Island shifts focus to structure-oriented species. Sheepshead become a staple around docks, rock piles, and bridge pilings—fiddler crabs or shrimp on a jighead are the ticket. Trout and black drum hold in deeper channels and warm spots. Offshore, weather windows are key, but when it’s calm, you’ll find red grouper, snapper, and amberjack in fishable numbers.
Gamefish in Treasure Island
- Snook – 20–38” Found along mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings. Live pilchards, threadfins, or topwater plugs at dawn are effective
- Redfish – 18–30” Caught year-round on oyster bars and grassy flats using cut bait, shrimp, or soft plastics. Active on moving tides.
- Spotted Sea Trout – 15–25” Targeted in potholes and grass flats using popping cork rigs or soft plastics. Best in cooler months.
- Tarpon – 60–150+ lbs Seasonal from May to August. Fished with live crabs, threadfins, or swimbaits near the beaches and passes.
- Gag Grouper – 10–30 lbs Found over hard bottom and wrecks offshore. Heavy tackle and live pinfish or jigs work best.
- Red Grouper – 8–20 lbs Caught offshore in 60–120 feet. Typically hit cut squid or live baits fished on bottom rigs.
- Red Snapper – 3–20 lbs Seasonal catch on deeper reefs and ledges. Best on cut bait during federal season (usually summer).
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Nearshore bite in spring and fall. Free-lined threadfins or trolling spoons produce explosive hits.
- Spanish Mackerel – 2–6 lbs Plentiful around bait schools and reefs. Fast-paced action on spoons, small jigs, or glass minnows.
- Sheepshead – 2–6 lbs Common in winter around bridges and docks. Fiddler crabs or shrimp on light tackle.
- Hogfish – 2–8 lbs Caught nearshore using shrimp on light tackle. Best during cooler months over hard bottom.
Treasure Island Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are common in Treasure Island?
Treasure Island offers half-day inshore trips in Boca Ciega Bay and full-day offshore runs into the Gulf for snapper, grouper, amberjack, and more. Nearshore reef trips are a great middle-ground option too.
Where do most Treasure Island fishing trips depart from?
Most charters leave from ramps near John’s Pass or Blind Pass, which gives fast access to both the bay and Gulf without long idle times.
Do Treasure Island charters provide all the gear?
Yes, local captains typically include rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and fishing licenses in the trip cost. Just bring drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and a cooler to take home your catch.
What fish are biting near Treasure Island in the summer?
Tarpon are a major summer draw, especially near the passes and beaches. Offshore, red snapper and grouper are popular, while snook and trout provide consistent inshore action.
How far do offshore charters go from Treasure Island?
Offshore charters usually run 15 to 40 miles depending on the species. Deep drop trips and red snapper runs may go farther, while gag grouper and kingfish can be caught closer in.
Is fishing in Treasure Island good for beginners or families?
Definitely. Many captains here offer family-friendly trips with light tackle and high catch rates, especially inshore or nearshore around reefs and bridges.
When is the best time to fish in Treasure Island?
Spring and fall offer the best variety with strong inshore bites and nearshore migrations. Summer is peak for tarpon and offshore snapper, while winter brings reliable sheepshead and trout action.
Can we keep the fish we catch on a Treasure Island charter?
Yes, most species can be kept if they’re in season and within legal size limits. Your captain will help you follow Florida Fish and Wildlife regulations.
Are Treasure Island charters catch-and-release only?
Some species, like snook or tarpon, may be released depending on the season or angler preference. But many trips are geared toward bringing home a cooler full of fillets.
