St. Pete Inshore Fishing with Captain Dan
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charters targeting snook, redfish, and mangrove snapperAllinclusive packages with rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licensesFlexible trip durations from 3 to 6 hours available
When you're looking for top-rated inshore fishing in St. Petersburg, Captain Dan Iso and Beachside Charters deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers talking. These waters are loaded with species year-round, and Dan knows exactly where to find them. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who just wants to wet a line, this charter puts you right in the sweet spots where snook, redfish, and trout are feeding. St. Pete's grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and sandy potholes create the perfect storm for consistent action, and with trips ranging from 3 to 6 hours, you can pick the timeframe that works for your schedule.
Captain Dan runs a tight ship that focuses on putting fish in the boat while keeping things relaxed and fun. You'll launch from one of St. Pete's premier marinas and head straight to the productive waters that make this area a customer favorite. The boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for elbow room or dealing with crowded conditions. Dan provides all the gear you'll need - quality rods, reels, tackle, and even takes care of your fishing license. The approach here is all about adapting to conditions and fish behavior. Some days that means working the grass flats for trout and redfish, other days you might be sight-fishing around mangroves for snook. Dan reads the water, tide, and weather to put you on fish consistently.
Inshore fishing in St. Pete waters calls for finesse and local knowledge, and Dan's got both dialed in. You'll be using light to medium tackle that's perfectly matched to the species you're targeting. Live bait is king here - pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are the go-to offerings that these fish can't resist. Dan also knows when to switch to artificials like soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that trigger aggressive strikes. The techniques vary based on what's biting. You might be free-lining live bait over grass beds, working jigs around structure, or throwing topwater baits at first light when the bite is hot. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - no two trips are exactly the same. Dan's equipped with fish finders and GPS to locate structure and bait schools, but his local knowledge of seasonal patterns and daily movements is what really sets these trips apart.
Lane Snapper are one of the most cooperative species you'll encounter on these trips. These colorful fighters typically run 8-14 inches and are perfect for anglers who want steady action. They school up around structure and grass patches, especially during warmer months. Lane snapper hit live shrimp and cut bait eagerly, making them great confidence builders for newer anglers. Their pink and yellow stripes make them beautiful fish to photograph, and they're excellent table fare when you want to take a few home for dinner.
Snook are the crown jewel of St. Pete inshore fishing and the species that keeps serious anglers coming back. These ambush predators love mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and bridge structures where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag and make multiple runs toward structure. They're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods, and the best action typically happens from late spring through early fall. A slot-size snook between 28-33 inches is a trophy that many anglers chase for years, and Dan knows the spots where these fish consistently feed.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for anglers who want to test their skills. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait thieves. They hang around structure like bridge pilings, docks, and rock piles where they feed on barnacles, oysters, and crabs. Sheepshead fishing requires patience and quick hook sets, but when you connect, you'll be fighting a powerful fish that can weigh up to 8 pounds or more. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead, making them a world-class target when other species slow down.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of St. Pete grass flats fishing. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that respond well to both live and artificial baits. Trout typically range from 12-20 inches, with larger "gator trout" over 20 inches being the prize catches that anglers dream about. They're most active during cooler months and early morning or late evening periods. Trout are excellent eating and fight harder than their size suggests, making them a customer favorite for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the bruisers of the shallow water game and one of the most sought-after species in Florida waters. These copper-colored fighters can weigh anywhere from 18-27 inches in the slot, with oversized "bull reds" providing arm-burning battles. Redfish patrol grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges where they root around for crabs and baitfish. They're incredibly strong and will make long, powerful runs that test your equipment. The sight-fishing opportunities for reds in shallow water create some of the most exciting moments you'll experience on the flats.
St. Petersburg's inshore waters fish well year-round, but the best days book up fast with Captain Dan. His reputation for finding fish and creating great experiences keeps his calendar full, especially during peak season. The flexibility of 3, 4, 5, or 6-hour trips means you can plan around your schedule and budget. Whether you're visiting St. Pete for a weekend getaway or you're a local looking to get on some fish, this charter delivers the kind of action and professionalism that makes for memorable days on the water. The all-inclusive approach means you just show up ready
Captain Dan's 2018 Sea Hunt center console is built for serious fishing in St. Petersburg's productive inshore waters. This 22-footer handles up to 4 anglers comfortably while the Yamaha 200HP pushes you to fishing spots at a quick 45 knots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats for snook and redfish, while the fish finder helps locate schools of mangrove snapper and sea trout. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those longer trips. With GPS navigation, Captain Dan can put you on the best bite whether you're targeting sheepshead around structure or chasing Spanish mackerel in the grass flats. This boat's designed to get you fishing fast and keep you comfortable all day on Tampa Bay's diverse inshore waters.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are pretty little fish with pink bodies and yellow stripes that run like lanes down their sides. Most run 10-14 inches and make great table fare with sweet, white meat. You'll find them around coral reefs and structure in 70-230 feet of water, though we catch plenty in shallower spots too. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, cut bait, or small jigs all work well. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What guests love about lanes is they're scrappy fighters for their size and often show up as a bonus when we're targeting other snappers. They're also one of the easier snappers to catch since they're less line-shy than their cousins. Pro tip: keep your bait tight to the hook - they're notorious bait stealers who'll nibble it clean off if you're not paying attention.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the workhorses of our shallow water fishing - copper-colored bruisers with that signature black spot near the tail. Most of our slot fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, perfect for the dinner table. They love cruising the shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. You can literally see their backs out of the water sometimes. Fall through spring is prime time when they school up and feed heavily. What guests love about reds is their bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make long runs in skinny water. They're also forgiving fish that eat just about anything. The meat is firm and mild, great on the grill. My go-to technique is sight fishing with gold spoons or live shrimp. When you see that red back cruising the flat, cast ahead of them and let the bait settle. They can't resist.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are a staple of our inshore fishing here in St. Pete. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 12-16 inches, though we regularly catch "gator trout" over 20 inches on the grass flats. They love shallow water over seagrass beds, especially during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Fall and spring offer the best action when water temps are in the 70s. What makes trout fishing fun is they'll hit everything - live shrimp, soft plastics, topwater plugs, you name it. They're also excellent table fare with tender, flaky meat. The fight isn't their strong suit, but they make up for it in numbers and eating quality. Best tip I can share: fish the grass flats at first light with a popping cork and live shrimp. Keep that bait about 18 inches under the cork and work it slow over the grass beds.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Tampa Bay with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These bottom dwellers typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we've caught some monsters pushing 8+ pounds around local structure. You'll find them year-round around any barnacle-covered pilings, bridges, and docks where they scrape off their favorite foods. February through April is prime time when they're spawning and schooled up thick. What guests love about sheepshead is they're some of the best eating fish in the bay - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also notorious bait thieves, which makes them a fun challenge. The key is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs and keeping that bait pinned right against the structure. Feel that subtle tap? Set the hook hard - their bony mouths require some muscle to get a good hookset.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized inshore targets here in St. Pete waters. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. You'll find them in everything from pure saltwater to brackish creeks - they're not picky about salinity. Best fishing is during their spawning season from May to September when their fins turn bright yellow and they get more aggressive. What makes snook special is their powerful runs and aerial jumps when hooked. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The trick with snook is getting your bait right up against cover - they won't chase far. Use live shrimp or pinfish near structure, and don't be afraid to cast tight to those mangrove roots.
Clearwater