10-Hour Near Shore Fishing - St Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Tenhour nearshore fishing adventure targeting multiple speciesAll equipment and fishing licenses included in tripSmall group experience with maximum four guests
Want to get serious about fishing the waters around St Petersburg? This 10-hour near shore charter with Catch On Charters is built for anglers who know that more time on the water equals better fishing. You'll spend the day working everything from shallow flats to productive wrecks and reefs, targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. With a small group of just 4 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. Ten hours gives you the chance to really dial in the bite and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. You'll start early, hitting the prime morning bite when the fish are most active, then transition to different spots and techniques as the day progresses. The St Petersburg area offers incredible variety - from grass flats loaded with trout to deeper structure holding cobia and mackerel. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish whether they're shallow or deep, feeding aggressively or being finicky. All your tackle, bait, and licensing is handled, so you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat. The longer trip format means you're not rushed, giving everyone time to get comfortable with the gear and really enjoy the experience.
Near shore fishing around St Pete means versatility is key, and your captain comes prepared with everything needed to match the conditions. You'll likely start with live bait fishing over structure - think sardines, pinfish, or shrimp worked around wrecks and reefs where cobia and mackerel hang out. For the flats fishing, expect to use lighter tackle with jigs, soft plastics, and topwater plugs to target trout and flounder in the grass. The beauty of a 10-hour trip is switching techniques as you move spots. One hour you might be drift fishing with live bait in 40 feet of water, the next you're sight casting to cruising fish in 8 feet. The boat carries everything from spinning gear for finesse work to conventional tackle for the bigger fish. Trolling often comes into play for covering water and finding active schools of mackerel. Your captain will teach you the local tricks - like how to work a jig through the grass without getting hung up, or the right retrieve speed for Spanish mackerel on a spoon.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of near shore fishing here, and St Petersburg's waters hold some real giants. These speed demons prefer the 20-60 foot range around structure and are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall. Kings are pure adrenaline - they'll smoke your drag on the initial run and test your endurance with their power. The average fish runs 15-30 pounds, but 40+ pounders are always possible. They love live bait like sardines and blue runners, especially when slow trolled around wrecks or drift fished in the current.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and the grass flats around St Pete hold some of the state's best populations. These spotted beauties are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, feeding in 2-8 feet of water over seagrass beds. They're year-round residents, though the bigger "gator" trout over 5 pounds are more common in cooler months. Trout are perfect for light tackle fishing - they'll hit everything from live shrimp under a popping cork to soft plastic jigs worked slowly through the grass. The fight isn't overwhelming, but their willingness to bite makes them perfect for keeping the action steady.
Cobia are the bulldogs of near shore waters, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These brown torpedoes cruise around structure, wrecks, and even shallow flats, especially during their spring and fall migrations. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat or approach anglers, making for some exciting sight fishing opportunities. Cobia average 20-40 pounds with bigger fish always possible. They're strong, determined fighters that will test your tackle and technique. Live bait like crabs or eels work great, but they'll also crush large jigs and plugs worked near structure.
Spanish Mackerel bring non-stop action when they're around, typically showing up in big schools during the warmer months. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel are speed merchants that love small spoons, jigs, and live bait. They average 1-3 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. When you find a school of Spanish, it's not uncommon to catch them on every drop. They're perfect for anglers who love constant action and are great eating fish too.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand near structure, channels, and grass flats. These flatfish are ambush predators that require a different approach - slow presentations with live bait or soft plastics bounced along the bottom. Fall and winter are prime flounder times in the area, when they move toward deeper water and feed heavily before spawning. A good flounder runs 2-8 pounds, and they're among the best eating fish in the Gulf. The challenge is in reading the bottom structure and presenting baits where these fish are likely hiding.
A 10-hour near shore charter isn't just fishing - it's a full day adventure that lets you experience everything St Petersburg's waters have to offer. You'll come away with a deeper understanding of the local fishery, improved skills, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. The combination of variety, expert guidance, and extended time on the water makes this a top-rated choice for serious anglers. Whether you're looking to target a specific species or just want to maximize your chances for a
Your ride for this epic 10-hour fishing adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious angling around St. Pete's productive nearshore waters. This reliable vessel comes loaded with everything you need to make the most of your extended day on the water - a quality fish finder to locate those honey holes where Flounder, Trout, and Mackerel are hanging out, plus GPS navigation to hit the best wrecks and reefs efficiently. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh during those long hours targeting Cobia and whatever else decides to bite. VHF radio keeps you connected for safety and fishing intel from other boats. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different techniques without getting tangled up. The boat's design handles the Gulf's conditions well, letting you focus on fishing instead of fighting choppy water. Perfect platform for maximizing your time in some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most exciting nearshore targets - these brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds and can hit 100+. They're loners, not schoolers, so we hunt them by sight around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet. Spring migration (March-May) is peak season when they're moving through our waters to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll come right up to the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. They fight hard with powerful runs and their white, firm meat rivals any offshore fish. The eating quality is why they're so sought after. Pro tip: when you spot a cobia, don't cast right at it. Lead them by 10 feet with a bucktail jig or live bait - they spook easily but their curiosity usually wins out if you're patient.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are aggressive, fast predators that typically run 10-30 pounds, though we catch some real bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise nearshore waters from 40-150 feet, especially around wrecks and structure where baitfish concentrate. Spring through fall is prime time here in St. Pete waters when they're actively feeding. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and give you a real workout. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. Here's a local tip: when trolling for kings, use a wire leader and keep your baits about 20-30 feet behind the boat. They're curious but spooky, so that distance lets them commit to the bite without seeing the boat.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are one of our most reliable inshore targets. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing into double digits. You'll find them over grass flats, around structure, and in 3-15 feet of water. They love cooler months when they school up in deeper channels, but we catch them year-round. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite and they make excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for beginners since they fight well without being too overwhelming. My go-to tip for specks: fish the grass edges at dawn or dusk with live shrimp under a popping cork. Keep it quiet and let the cork do the work - trout are easily spooked by boat noise.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval-shaped fish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, with doormat-sized fish reaching 8+ pounds. We target them on sandy bottoms, around structure, and in shallow bays year-round, though fall and winter fishing is best when they're fattening up. What makes flounder fishing special is the challenge - they're subtle biters and excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The unique appearance and fighting style keeps things interesting. My best flounder tip: use a slow drift with live bull minnows or shrimp on a 1/4-ounce jig head. Keep it on bottom and watch your line - flounder bites feel like picking up a wet towel, not a sharp strike.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that make nearshore trips exciting for anglers of all skill levels. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches, perfect for light tackle action. We find them in schools near the surface around structure, reefs, and baitfish from spring through fall. What guests love is their willingness to bite almost anything and their lightning-fast strikes - they'll bend your rod in half before you know what hit. They're also excellent table fare with mild, white meat that's great grilled or smoked. The key with Spanish mackerel is speed - use small spoons, jigs, or live bait and retrieve it fast. When you hook into a school, work quickly because they'll move on. Keep your drag light since their mouths are soft and tear easily.
Clearwater