St Pete Half Day Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore charter targets redfish, snook, and troutPrivate trip accommodates up to six guests with included gearDaily departures at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM available
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip around St Petersburg? Captain Gills has you covered with daily charters targeting the best inshore species Florida's Gulf Coast has to offer. We're talking about hitting the grass flats and backcountry waters where Redfish, Snook, and Trout love to hang out. Whether you're bringing the family or getting a group of buddies together, this trip keeps things straightforward – good fishing spots, quality gear, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. You're getting a private charter for up to six people, which means more room to fish and no fighting crowds for the best spots. Captain Gills runs two trips daily – a 9:00 AM departure that catches the morning bite and a 1:30 PM trip that takes advantage of the afternoon action. The boat stays close to shore, working the productive grass flats and backcountry areas around St Petersburg, Indian Shores, and Redington Shores. These waters are known for holding good numbers of fish year-round, and the captain adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. You'll spend your time casting to structure, working the flats, and hitting spots where the fish actually are – not just where they're supposed to be. The whole setup is designed for anglers of any skill level, so don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing or bringing kids along.
All the tackle comes with your trip, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own gear or figuring out what works in these waters. Captain Gills stocks light tackle setups that are perfect for inshore species – sensitive enough to feel the bite but with enough backbone to handle a good-sized Redfish or Snook. Live bait is included, and that's often the key to success on these flats. Shrimp, pinfish, and other local baits get presented around grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs where fish feed. The fishing style varies throughout the day – sometimes you're sight fishing to cruising Reds, other times you're working structure for Snook or covering water for Trout. Artificial lures come into play when the bite calls for it, and the captain will show you techniques that work consistently in these areas. Your fishing licenses are covered too, which is one less thing to think about before you head out. The boat is set up specifically for this type of fishing, with a shallow draft that gets into the skinny water where big fish often hide.
The target species list for this charter reads like a who's who of Florida inshore fishing. Redfish are the backbone of most trips – these copper-colored fighters love the grass flats and provide consistent action throughout the year. They're particularly active during moving tides and will absolutely test your drag when hooked. Snook fishing is seasonal but worth the wait, with these ambush predators hiding around structure and putting up some of the best fights you'll find inshore. Sea Trout round out the main targets and are often the most cooperative species, making them perfect for newer anglers or kids who want steady action. Southern Flounder add variety to the mix, especially during cooler months when they move into the shallows. Florida Pompano are a bonus catch that shows up seasonally – they're not huge fish, but they're considered some of the best eating you'll find. The variety keeps things interesting, and Captain Gills adjusts the game plan based on what's been producing. Some days you might focus entirely on one species, other days you'll target several depending on conditions and what the group wants to catch.
Redfish are the stars of Tampa Bay's inshore scene, and for good reason. These bronze-backed bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in these waters, with the occasional oversized bull showing up to test your tackle. They're most active during moving tides, especially around grass beds and oyster bars where they root for crabs and shrimp. Redfish fight hard and dirty, making multiple runs and using their broad sides to leverage against the current. They're catchable year-round but really turn on during fall and spring when water temperatures are ideal.
Snook are the prize catch when they're in season, offering some of the most explosive strikes you'll experience inshore. These silver-sided predators ambush prey around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings, often crushing baits in shallow water. They're notorious for their acrobatic fights, jumping clear of the water and making powerful runs toward structure. Snook fishing is best during warmer months, particularly around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Landing one requires patience and skill, as they're masters at throwing hooks and cutting lines on barnacles.
Sea Trout provide consistent action throughout the year and are perfect for anglers wanting steady bites. These spotted fighters typically range from 14-20 inches, with larger "gator" trout occasionally showing up over grass flats. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them ideal for learning different techniques. Trout bite best during low-light periods and moving water, and they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the flats, perfectly camouflaged against sandy bottoms near grass edges and channels. These flatfish become more active during cooler months and provide a different type of fishing experience. They typically run 14-18 inches and are prized for their delicate, flaky meat. Flounder fishing requires patience and the ability to detect subtle bites, as they often pick up baits gently before committing to the hook.
Florida Pompano are considered a delicacy among local anglers, though they're more of a seasonal bonus than a primary target. These silver,
Our 17ft Carolina Skiff is built specifically for working the shallow flats around St Petersburg and Indian Shores. This stable fishing platform handles six anglers comfortably while the reliable 115HP Suzuki gets you to prime redfish and snook spots quickly. The skiff's shallow draft design lets us access those productive backwater areas where the fish hide. Keep your drinks cold in the built-in icebox during those hot Florida afternoons, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the best grass flats and oyster bars. Whether you're casting to tailing reds in knee-deep water or working docks for snook, this boat puts you right where the action is. Perfect setup for families or groups wanting to experience quality inshore fishing in the Pinellas area waters.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are the crown jewel of our inshore species - silvery, fast, and absolutely delicious. These members of the jack family typically run 1-3 pounds and 8-12 inches, but don't let their size fool you. They fight way above their weight class with blistering runs that'll test your drag. You'll find them cruising sandy bottoms and grass flats in 2-10 feet of water, especially around areas with good current flow. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on small crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. What guests love most is the fantastic eating - their buttery, flaky meat commands top dollar in restaurants. Here's a local tip: use small hooks and bright jigs in orange or yellow. Pompano have tiny mouths, so downsize your tackle and let the bait do the work.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters, often cruising so shallow their backs break the surface. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches and are famous for their black spots near the tail and bulldogging fights that'll wear you out. They patrol oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines year-round, but summer and fall offer the best shallow-water opportunities. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat almost anything - from topwater plugs to live shrimp - and their incredible stamina once hooked. They're also excellent eating when kept within slot limits. My go-to technique is sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics ahead of cruising fish. The key is leading them by 3-4 feet and letting the lure sink naturally into their feeding zone.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are our most reliable inshore target, hanging over grass flats and sandy potholes throughout the year. These speckled beauties typically run 12-18 inches with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 20+ inches and 3-4 pounds. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, late evening, and overcast days when they cruise shallow flats hunting shrimp and small baitfish. Trout are perfect for families because they bite readily and provide steady action on light tackle. Their mild, flaky white meat makes them excellent table fare too. The secret to finding trout is looking for subtle color changes on grass flats where the bottom drops from 2 to 4 feet. Work soft plastics or live shrimp slowly through these transition zones - that's where they ambush prey.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish and the reason many anglers fall in love with our waters. These ambush predators hang around mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and grass flat edges, using their large mouths to inhale unsuspecting baitfish. Most snook we catch run 18-28 inches, with bigger fish lurking in deeper holes and passes. They're most active during warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they push shallow to feed. What makes snook fishing addictive is their explosive strikes and gill-rattling jumps - they'll test every knot and your reflexes too. The key to consistent success is working your lure right along structure. Cast tight to mangroves and let your bait fall naturally - snook rarely chase far from cover, so accuracy beats speed every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that ambush prey from sandy and muddy bottoms around our grass flats and backcountry waters. These masters of camouflage can change color to match their surroundings, making them tough to spot but rewarding to catch. Most run 15-18 inches, though we see some pushing 25+ inches on good days. They're most active during cooler months from fall through early spring when they move into shallower waters to feed. What makes flounder special is their excellent table fare - firm, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. The key to landing more flounder is fishing slow along the bottom with live shrimp or small baitfish. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to fully take the bait.
St. Petersburg