Half Day Afternoon Fishing In St. Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish, snook, and grouper.Captain Andy provides all equipment aboard Hell's Bay Marquesa skiff.Convenient departure from Maximo or Gandy ramps with free parking.
Captain Andy Austin knows the inshore waters around St. Petersburg like the back of his hand, and this 4-hour afternoon trip puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best shallow-water fishing action. You'll launch from either Maximo or Gandy Boat Ramp – both spots offer free parking and easy access to prime fishing grounds where Redfish, Snook, Sea Trout, Tarpon, and Grouper call home. The golden afternoon hours create perfect conditions for sight fishing and working the grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and sandy potholes that make this area a top-rated destination for serious anglers.
This isn't your typical party boat experience – you're looking at a maximum of 3 anglers aboard Captain Andy's Hell's Bay Marquesa, a purpose-built shallow-water skiff that can slip into skinny water where the big fish hide. The afternoon timing works perfectly because you'll hit the water when many species are most active, especially during those magic hour transitions. Captain Andy brings all the tackle, ice, and local knowledge you need, so your job is simple: bring your hat, sunglasses, some snacks and drinks, and get ready to work some serious fish. The boat's design lets you get into areas that bigger vessels can't reach, putting you on fish that haven't seen much pressure.
Inshore fishing in St. Pete means adapting your approach based on tides, wind, and what the fish are telling you. Captain Andy runs light to medium tackle setups perfect for the species you'll target – think spinning reels with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders when the fish get picky. You'll work live bait like shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish around structure, but don't be surprised if he breaks out some artificial lures when the fish are aggressive. Techniques range from popping cork rigs over grass beds to free-lining baits along mangrove edges and working topwater plugs during feeding periods. The Hell's Bay's shallow draft means you can work water that's barely knee-deep, where big Redfish and Snook love to ambush prey.
Redfish are the bread and butter of St. Petersburg inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are built for shallow-water battles. They typically run 18-27 inches in these waters, with occasional bulls pushing over the slot limit. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster fish when cold fronts push them into deeper pockets. What makes Reds so special is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight – they'll peel drag and make long runs that test your skills and equipment.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Captain Andy knows exactly where these ambush predators set up along mangrove shorelines and dock structures. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented and notoriously line-shy, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment. They're most active during warmer months and around the new and full moon phases. A good Snook will run 24-30 inches and fight with explosive power, making blistering runs toward cover the moment they feel the hook.
Sea Trout might not be the flashiest fish in the bay, but they're consistent biters that make great table fare and provide steady action when other species are finicky. They school up over grass beds and sandy areas, typically running 14-20 inches with occasional gator trout pushing over 24 inches. These spotted beauties are active year-round in St. Pete waters and respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Tarpon fishing in St. Petersburg is legendary, and even though you're targeting them inshore, these silver kings can exceed 100 pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime. Late spring through early fall brings the best Tarpon action, with fish ranging from juvenile 20-pounders to massive adults that can reach 6 feet long. The aerial displays and powerful runs make Tarpon one of the most sought-after species in Florida waters – landing one is a bucket-list experience that never gets old.
Gag Grouper round out the target species list and represent some of the best eating fish you'll encounter. These bottom-dwellers typically hang around structure in 15-40 feet of water and can range from keeper-sized fish at 24 inches up to genuine trophy specimens over 30 inches. Grouper season runs from July through December, and these fish are notorious for making powerful runs straight back to their holes the moment they're hooked, making the first few seconds of the fight absolutely critical.
Captain Andy's afternoon trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing months when conditions are prime and the bite is hot. This world-class inshore fishing experience gives you access to some of Florida's best shallow-water action without the crowds and pressure of more popular spots. With all tackle provided and a maximum of 3 anglers, you get the personalized attention and local expertise that separates a good day from a great one. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your inshore techniques or someone new to Florida fishing who wants to experience what makes these waters special, this customer favorite trip delivers the goods when it counts.
Get ready to fish the shallow waters of St. Petersburg aboard Captain Andy's Hells Bay Marquesa, a top-tier flats boat built for serious anglers. This shallow-draft skiff floats in just 7 inches of water, getting you into those hard-to-reach redfish honey holes where the big fish hang out. The 115HP Yamaha pushes us smoothly at 40mph between fishing spots, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're stalking spooky fish in skinny water. Everything's onboard for a productive afternoon – GPS and fish finder to locate structure, a livewell to keep your catch fresh, and an icebox for your drinks and snacks. Whether we're sight-fishing for redfish on the flats or targeting grouper around structure, this comfortable boat handles St. Pete's choppy waters with ease. Perfect for up to 3 anglers looking to make the most of those golden afternoon hours on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that love hanging around structure in 15-40 feet of water. Most run 16-24 inches, but we catch some real bruisers up to 30+ pounds. They're ambush predators that sit tight to reefs, ledges, and rocky bottom waiting to grab whatever swims by. Fall through spring are prime months when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is that powerful first run when hooked - they'll try to dive straight back to their hole. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to cover. If you feel them heading for structure, tighten that drag and horse them up quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target, cruising shallow flats with their copper backs and that signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-28 inches, perfect eating size. They love 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What hooks anglers is watching them cruise in skinny water and that bulldogging fight once hooked. The meat is sweet and mild - excellent table fare. They're not picky eaters but can be spooky in shallow water. Key trick: approach quietly and cast well ahead of cruising fish, then work your bait into their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, usually 14-20 inches with beautiful spotted sides. They cruise grass flats and drop-offs in 3-12 feet, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. Cooler months see them schooling in deeper holes, while summer finds them scattered across the flats. Guests love them because they bite consistently and taste fantastic - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're not the hardest fighters, but they make up for it in numbers and eating quality. Best tip I can share: fish the edges where grass meets sand early morning or late afternoon. That's prime feeding time and where the bigger ones hang out.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the perfect inshore challenge, running 18-28 inches on average with that distinctive black lateral line and gold coloring. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-8 feet of water. Warmer months are best, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What gets anglers hooked is their explosive strike and aerial acrobatics - they'll jump and gill-rattle like crazy. The meat is outstanding, sweet and white. They're ambush feeders that hit fast, so you need quick reflexes. Here's what I always tell folks: when working structure, cast past it and work your bait back along the edges. That's where they sit waiting.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of - these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-120 pounds in our waters. They roam shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in 6-20 feet during their spring through fall migration. Nothing beats watching a 100+ pounder launch itself 8 feet in the air. Most folks practice catch and release since the meat isn't great - too bony and strong tasting. Peak season runs May through August when they're moving through in big schools. The fight can last an hour on bigger fish. My advice: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip. Keeps them from throwing the hook on those wild aerial displays.
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