Near Shore Fishing Adventure - St Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour nearshore fishing targeting cobia, mackerel, and troutAll equipment, bait, fishing license, and cleaning services includedSmall group charter accommodating up to four guests maximum
Picture this: you're cruising just beyond the surf line where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, tackle box loaded and cooler packed with ice. This 6-hour near shore charter puts you right in the sweet spot where the big fish hunt - close enough to see the coastline but far enough out to hit the productive reefs and structure that hold serious game fish. Captain and crew from Catch On Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish that'll make your arms burn and your reel scream.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the marina, coffee in hand and excitement building. The boat's already rigged and ready - no need to stress about tackle or licenses since everything's included. We'll cruise out to the productive near shore waters and reefs within a few miles of St Pete, where the Gulf's structure creates perfect ambush points for predator fish. The water clarity here is typically excellent, and on calm days you can actually see the fish cruising below. With only 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for prime real estate at the rail. The crew handles everything from rigging baits to netting fish, so you can focus on what matters - setting the hook and fighting fish.
Near shore fishing around St Petersburg means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. We'll start by reading the water - looking for bait schools, working birds, and temperature breaks that signal feeding activity. Depending on conditions, you might be trolling spoons and diving plugs for kings and cobia, or anchoring up over structure to bottom fish for trout and flounder. Live bait is king out here - nothing beats a frisky sardine or pinfish when the bite gets tough. The crew carries a full spread of tackle from light spinning gear for trout to heavy conventional setups for big cobia. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing - the captain will walk you through proper techniques like setting the drag, working a jig, or fighting fish without losing them at the boat.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of near shore fishing around St Pete, and these silver bullets can show up any time of year. During peak season from fall through spring, schools of kings prowl the 20-40 foot depths, hunting bait along the reef edges. A good king will peel line like you wouldn't believe - 15 to 30-pound fish are common, with occasional monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. The fight is pure adrenaline as they make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps.
Sea trout might not have the flash of a king mackerel, but they're incredibly fun to catch and fantastic on the dinner table. These spotted beauties love grass flats and rocky bottom in 8-25 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. A good gator trout over 20 inches will give you a solid fight on light tackle, with that distinctive mouth full of vampire teeth. They hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers who like to mix up their techniques.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the near shore waters - powerful, aggressive, and absolutely delicious. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) cruise reefs, wrecks, and crab traps from spring through fall. A decent cobia runs 20-40 pounds, and they fight dirty - diving for structure and using every ounce of that thick body to test your tackle. The crew keeps heavy gear ready because when you hook a big cobia, there's no time to mess around. They're also one of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Spanish mackerel are the perfect confidence builder for new saltwater anglers. These colorful speedsters travel in schools and hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with enthusiasm. While they're smaller than their king mackerel cousins, Spanish macs are incredibly fun on light tackle and make excellent bait for bigger fish. They're most active during warmer months and often provide non-stop action when you find a feeding school.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottom waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish prefer cooler months and can be found around structure, drop-offs, and channel edges. Flounder fishing requires patience and finesse - you'll be bouncing jigs or drifting live bait along the bottom. When a flounder hits, it feels like you're snagged on the bottom until suddenly your "snag" starts swimming away. They're prized for their delicate, flaky meat and provide a nice change of pace from the high-speed action of the mackerels.
Six hours on the water gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques without feeling rushed. The crew handles all the details - from quality tackle and fresh bait to cleaning your catch at the end of the day. You'll head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets, some great photos, and stories that'll last a lifetime. Near shore fishing around St Petersburg offers some of the most consistent action on the Gulf Coast, and this charter gives you access to the best spots with experienced guides who know how to put fish in the boat. Don't wait until peak season books up - reserve your spot now and get ready to bend some rods in the productive waters off St Pete.
Our well-equipped motorboat is your perfect fishing platform for exploring St Petersburg's productive inshore waters. This reliable vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The GPS keeps us on top of the best fishing spots, while our fish finder helps locate schools of Cobia, Mackerel, Trout, and Flounder hiding near the reefs. Stay connected with marine VHF radio for safety and weather updates. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the 6-hour adventure. With rods, reels, tackle, bait, and lures all provided, plus fishing license and catch cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to fish these rich Gulf waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the heavyweight bruisers of our nearshore trips, averaging 20-40 pounds with some pushing 60+. These dark brown fish cruise alone around reefs, wrecks, and any structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time, but we catch them all summer around our artificial reefs. What guests love is the pure power - cobia fight like freight trains and never give up easy. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat that tastes like shark. We often spot them on the surface, so sight fishing adds excitement. Pro tip: when you see one, don't cast directly at it. Lead the fish by 10 feet with a bucktail jig and let it sink naturally. They're curious and will come investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish we target out here, typically running 20-40 pounds with the occasional bruiser pushing 60+. These silver bullets cruise our nearshore waters from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on baitfish. What makes them special is that lightning-fast run when hooked - they'll strip line like crazy and make multiple smoking runs. The meat is excellent too, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. My go-to tip: use a wire leader with two hooks on live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baitfish, so that stinger hook back there will save you from a lot of cutoffs.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect for anglers wanting steady action. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see some real slabs. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. Best fishing happens early morning, late evening, and through winter when they school up in deeper channels. Trout have great table fare with white, flaky meat that's tender and mild. The fight isn't overpowering, making them ideal for kids and beginners. Here's a local trick: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it slow over the grass flats, especially on moving water. That popping sound drives them crazy.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms, typically running 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds. These flatfish bury themselves in soft bottom areas around inlets, bays, and nearshore structure in 5-30 feet of water. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're moving offshore to spawn. What guests enjoy is the unique challenge - they're ambush predators that require patience and finesse. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, white meat that's perfect for any recipe. Both eyes being on one side always gets people talking too. Here's my best tip: use a Carolina rig with live mud minnows or shrimp, and drag it slowly along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, fun, and perfect for keeping kids busy on the boat. These streamlined silver fish with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-20 inches. You'll find schools near the surface around structure, beaches, and anywhere baitfish are active. They're here spring through fall, with summer being peak season. What makes them popular is the non-stop action - where there's one, there's usually a hundred more. They're also excellent table fare with mild, white meat that grills perfectly. The speed of these fish is impressive, clocking over 18 mph when feeding. My local trick: use small silver spoons or white bucktails and retrieve them fast near the surface. Don't overthink it - if you see birds diving, get your lures in there quickly.
Clearwater