Full Day Near Shore Fishing - St Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day near shore fishing targeting multiple speciesAll equipment and catch cleaning service includedSmall group charter accommodating up to four guests
When you're craving a full day on the water chasing some of Tampa Bay's most sought-after species, this near shore charter with Catch On Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. St Petersburg's waters are legendary for holding consistent populations of King Mackerel, Cobia, Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, and Southern Flounder - and this full day trip puts you right in the heart of the action. You'll be fishing productive waters just off the coast where structure meets open water, creating the perfect hunting grounds for aggressive predators.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job - you're getting a legitimate full day to work the water properly. The captain knows these near shore waters like the back of his hand, targeting everything from grass flats to hard bottom structure where fish congregate. You'll be covering a lot of water, which means more opportunities to get on different species throughout the day. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you're not fighting for space or dealing with overcrowded conditions. Every angler gets quality time with their lines in the water, and the smaller group size means the captain can focus on putting everyone on fish. The pace is relaxed but productive - you'll have time to really work an area when the bite is hot, or move quickly when you need to find more active fish.
Everything you need is provided - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures are all covered, so you can show up ready to fish without hauling a bunch of gear. The captain runs quality tackle suited for the species you're targeting, from medium-heavy spinning setups for trout and flounder to heavier conventional gear when the kings and cobia show up. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's working - live bait fishing with pinfish and sardines, trolling spoons and diving plugs, and working artificial lures around structure. The near shore environment means you're fishing depths from 15 to 40 feet most of the day, perfect for sight fishing cobia when conditions are right or working the bottom for flounder. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all the techniques - the captain will get you dialed in quickly and help you understand what each species wants.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of near shore fishing here, and St Petersburg's waters consistently produce quality fish from spring through fall. These speedsters typically range from 20 to 40 pounds in local waters, with occasional monsters pushing 50-plus. Kings are most active during the warmer months, especially from May through October, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. You'll find them around bait schools, structure, and temperature breaks, and they'll test your drag system and your arms. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back - pure speed and power that'll have you questioning your tackle choices.
Sea Trout are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These spotted beauties love grass flats and sandy bottom areas, typically running 14 to 20 inches with occasional gator trout pushing 5 pounds or more. They're perfect for anglers who enjoy finesse fishing, responding well to soft plastics, live shrimp, and topwater lures during low-light periods. Trout are also excellent eating, making them a favorite target for families looking to take home a quality dinner.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire day when they show up. These brown sharks, as locals call them, are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight fishing. They typically range from 25 to 50 pounds in these waters, and they're bulldogs that dive hard and fight dirty. Peak season runs from March through June, but they can show up any time water temperatures are favorable. Cobia are also phenomenal table fare, making them a top target for anglers who appreciate quality meat fish.
Spanish Mackerel are the fun-sized cousins of the kings, providing fast action on lighter tackle. These 2 to 5-pound speedsters are perfect for getting kids involved or keeping the action going between bigger fish. They're most abundant during spring and fall migrations, often traveling in large schools that create feeding frenzies when you find them. Spanish mackerel are also excellent bait for bigger predators, so catching a few can set you up for trophy opportunities later in the day.
Southern Flounder are the bottom-dwelling specialists that require a completely different approach. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in wait on sandy bottom areas and around structure. They typically range from 15 to 20 inches, with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 5 pounds. Flounder fishing is about patience and presentation - slow-moving baits worked along the bottom where they can ambush prey. They're also some of the best eating fish in local waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
A full day near shore charter gives you the time and opportunity to really experience what St Petersburg fishing is all about. You're not rushed, you're fishing prime water, and you've got a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The included catch cleaning service means you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about processing your catch, and with all gear provided, it's as turnkey as fishing gets. Whether you're a local angler looking to get on some quality fish or visiting from out of town and wanting to experience world-class near shore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Book your date now and get ready to see why St Petersburg has earned its reputation as one of Florida's top fishing destinations.
Jump aboard our well-equipped motorboat for a productive day targeting the fertile waters around St Petersburg. This reliable fishing platform comes loaded with everything you need to locate and land quality fish - a sharp fish finder to spot schools below, GPS to hit the best spots, and VHF radio for safety on the water. The spacious deck accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, while the onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the day. We'll cruise the near shore waters where Cobia, Mackerel, Trout, and Flounder are actively feeding. All your fishing gear is provided, from rods and reels to the right tackle and fresh bait. After a successful day on the water, we'll clean your catch so you can head home with a cooler full of fillets ready for the dinner table.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of near shore fishing, averaging 20-50 pounds with fish over 60 pounds not uncommon. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise solo around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 15-60 feet. Spring migration (March-May) is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. What makes cobia fishing special is sight fishing - we spot them cruising near the surface and cast right to them. They're curious fish that often follow the boat. The meat's outstanding - white, firm fillets that taste like a cross between shark and grouper. My trick: use a bucktail jig in any color and work it slowly near structure. They're not picky about lure color but they want that slow, steady retrieve.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter out here, typically running 15-40 pounds with occasional monsters hitting 60+. We find them in 40-150 feet around structure, wrecks, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll take 200 yards of line in seconds and jump like tarpon. The meat's excellent grilled or smoked, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. My go-to trick: use a two-hook rig with wire leader since they love to bite the tail end of live bait. Keep your drag loose on the initial run or they'll snap you off every time.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see 6+ pounders. They love shallow grass flats, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths in 3-8 feet of water. Best fishing happens early morning, late evening, or at night when they move shallow to feed. What guests love is how they hit topwater lures with explosive strikes, plus they're some of the best eating fish around - white, flaky meat that's perfect fried or blackened. Winter months they school up in deeper holes. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in and the shrimp seals the deal.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of camouflage, laying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms in 5-20 feet waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, though doormat-sized fish over 8 pounds show up regularly. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes flounder fishing addictive is the challenge - you're hunting invisible fish that hit subtly. They're also premium table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The trick is fishing slowly along the bottom with live mud minnows or finger mullet on a Carolina rig. Feel for that subtle "tick" - don't set the hook immediately, let them run with it a few seconds first.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are smaller cousins to kings, usually 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, but they make up for size with speed and numbers. These silver speedsters with yellow spots school up near the surface around structure, grass flats, and bait pods. They're most active spring through fall when water warms up. Guests love them because they're constant action - when you find a school, you can catch dozens. They're also fantastic eating with mild, flaky white meat perfect for the grill. The key is light tackle since they have soft mouths that tear easily. Small spoons, gotcha plugs, or live shrimp work best. Keep your rod tip up and don't horse them - let the drag do the work.
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