St. Petersburg 8 Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour inshore fishing adventure in St. Petersburg watersSight casting and live bait techniques for prized speciesAccommodates up to 4 guests of all experience levels
When you're looking for serious inshore action around Tampa Bay, Big Daddy Sportfishing knows exactly where the fish are biting. This 8-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive waters, where Spanish mackerel school up in massive numbers and king mackerel prowl the edges waiting for an easy meal. With Captain Big Daddy at the helm, you'll hit the spots that consistently produce fish – from the grass flats where tripletail hang under debris to the structure where yellowtail amberjack patrol. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing these species for years, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Big Daddy at the dock in St. Petersburg. The boat's rigged and ready with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and a livewell full of fresh bait. This isn't some cookie-cutter charter where everyone gets the same experience. Big Daddy reads the water, checks the conditions, and adjusts the game plan based on what's happening that day. Maybe the Spanish mackerel are thick on the flats near the Skyway, or perhaps the kings are staging off the nearshore structure. With 8 full hours, there's plenty of time to hit multiple spots and target different species as conditions change. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowded lines. It's the perfect setup whether you're bringing the family, a couple buddies, or planning a corporate outing that actually delivers results.
Big Daddy Sportfishing specializes in two proven methods that consistently put fish in the boat. Sight casting is where the real excitement happens – you'll spot rolling fish or see them working bait on the surface, then cast plugs right into the action. There's nothing quite like watching a king mackerel explode on a topwater plug or seeing a tripletail come up from under floating grass to smash your lure. When the bite gets finicky or you want to target specific structure, live bait takes over. Fresh shrimp, pinfish, and sardines from local bait shops give you that edge when the fish are being selective. Captain Big Daddy knows when to switch tactics, whether that means working the tide changes with live bait around bridge pilings or running and gunning with artificial lures when the mackerel are schooled up and feeding aggressively. The gear is top-notch – medium to heavy spinning setups that can handle everything from scrappy Spanish mackerel to bruiser yellowtail amberjack that'll test your drag system.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These silver rockets show up in huge schools from spring through fall, with peak action happening during the cooler months when baitfish are thick. They typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let the size fool you – Spanish mackerel fight way above their weight class and they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Look for them around structure, grass beds, and anywhere baitfish are schooling. They'll hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to massive 40-pound bulls that'll drag you around the boat. These bruisers love structure – bridge pilings, oyster bars, and rocky bottom where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter months are prime time when they stack up in deeper holes and channels. Black drum are notorious for their bulldogging fight – they won't jump or run like other species, but they'll use that broad body and thick shoulders to wear you down. Fresh shrimp and cut bait work best, and you'll need stout tackle to turn these fish away from structure.
King Mackerel bring the real excitement to Tampa Bay waters. These toothy predators can reach 30-50 pounds and they fight like fish twice their size. Kings patrol the edges of flats, around structure, and wherever baitfish congregate. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest numbers, but resident fish provide action year-round. They're notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps – a hooked king mackerel will test every knot and connection on your rig. Live bait like blue runners and sardines work great, but they'll also crush topwater plugs and spoons when they're feeding aggressively.
Yellowtail Amberjack are the ultimate test for serious anglers. These golden bulldogs average 15-30 pounds around Tampa Bay, with larger fish pushing 40+ pounds. They hang around structure like wrecks, reefs, and bridge pilings where they ambush baitfish. Yellowtails are known for their incredibly strong initial run – they'll head straight for the bottom and do everything possible to break you off on structure. The fight is relentless from hookup to boat, with powerful runs and stubborn battles at boatside. Live bait works best, especially pinfish and sardines fished near the bottom around structure.
Tripletail are the oddball of Tampa Bay fishing, but they're absolutely addictive once you get hooked on targeting them. These laterally compressed fish float on their sides under debris, buoys, and floating grass, looking exactly like dead leaves. They typically run 5-15 pounds and they're incredible table fare – many consider them the best-eating fish in the Gulf. Tripletail fishing is all about sight casting – you cruise around looking for floating objects, then carefully present live shrimp or small jigs to any tripletail hanging underneath. The bite is subtle but the fight is surprisingly strong for such an odd-looking
This well-equipped motorboat is your ticket to productive inshore fishing around St. Petersburg's rich waters. The 22-foot vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting snook, redfish, and trout. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow flats without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate the hottest spots and structure. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long Florida sun sessions. Whether you're sight casting to cruising reds in skinny water or working live bait around mangrove edges, this boat gets you there safely and quietly. The shallow draft design opens up backcountry areas that bigger boats can't reach, giving you access to those secret honey holes where the big fish hide. Perfect for both rookie anglers learning the ropes and seasoned fishermen who know exactly what they want to chase.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of shallow water fishing, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths in depths from super shallow to about 100 feet. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those famous drumming sounds. What makes them special is the powerful fight they put up - they'll test your drag and patience. Younger fish under 15 pounds are excellent eating, but the big ones get tough. They're adaptable to different salinities, so we find them everywhere from brackish creeks to deeper channels. Pro tip: fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait. It stays on the hook longer and catfish won't steal it like they do with shrimp.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of the Gulf, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These olive-colored torpedoes patrol depths of 40-150 feet, with bigger fish often found inshore around harbors and inlets. They're most active in warmer months when water temps hit 68-84°F, making spring through fall prime time here. What draws anglers is their blistering runs and aerial displays - they're matched only by wahoo for pure speed. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled fresh. We typically troll with large spoons or use live bait on downriggers. Here's a key tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks when live baiting - kings love to grab prey from behind, so that trailing treble hook is your insurance policy for a solid hookup.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh around 8-11 pounds. You'll spot them in schools near the surface, especially around structures and flats during warmer months. They're one of the speediest fish out there, which makes for exciting fights on light tackle. We find them year-round here in St. Pete waters, but spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on sardines and mullet. What guests love most is their acrobatic fights and excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. My go-to tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast. Spanish mackerel school up under the baitfish, and you can have non-stop action with small spoons or live shrimp.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletails are quirky fish that average 2-13 pounds and grow up to 3 feet long. They're masters of disguise, floating on their sides near weed lines and debris to mimic drifting vegetation. These solitary hunters prefer water temps above 70°F and can be found from the surface down to 200 feet. Summer is peak season, especially July-August when they spawn. What makes them fun to target is their acrobatic fight despite their bulky build, plus they taste similar to snapper or grouper. The key is sight fishing - once you spot one near floating weeds or structure, approach quietly and cast past them, then work your bait back slowly. Don't cast directly at them or they'll spook. Live shrimp or small crabs work best, and remember those gill covers are razor sharp when handling your catch.
Seriola LalandiYellowtails are powerful fighters that average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds on a good day. These fast swimmers hang around kelp beds, rocky reefs, and underwater structures, usually feeding near the bottom but willing to chase bait to the surface. Summer months bring the best action when warm coastal waters draw them in closer. What anglers love is the raw power - they'll test your tackle and endurance with long, hard runs. The oily meat is prized for sushi and grills up nicely too. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit most baits, but live sardines or squid work best. My trick: use chum to bring them up from the depths, then be ready with heavy tackle because once hooked, they'll try to dive straight back to the structure to break you off.
St. Petersburg, FL