5.0(4 Reviews)3 Hour St. Pete Inshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing charter targeting Cobia and GrouperProfessional guide provides expertise for beginners and experienced anglersIntimate twoguest capacity ensures personalized Gulf Coast experience
St. Petersburg's inshore waters are calling your name, and this 3-hour charter with Deep Color Fishing is your ticket to some of the Gulf Coast's best action. Captain Hank knows these flats, channels, and structure spots like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet in the saltwater game, this trip packs serious punch into a perfect half-day window. The Tampa Bay area serves up year-round fishing opportunities, and you'll be targeting everything from aggressive cobia to tasty grouper while soaking up Florida's legendary sunshine.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – with just 2 anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and prime positioning at every spot. Captain Hank runs a tight ship and knows exactly when and where to find the bite. You'll start early to beat the afternoon heat and boat traffic, cruising out to productive inshore structure where the fish stack up. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to battle whatever comes up from the depths. Expect to work different techniques throughout the trip – maybe some bottom fishing for grouper around structure, then switching gears to target cruising cobia with live bait or jigs. The beauty of St. Pete's inshore scene is the variety, and Captain Hank adjusts the game plan based on conditions, season, and what's biting that day.
Captain Hank comes prepared with medium to heavy spinning and conventional setups perfectly matched for inshore predators. You'll be working with circle hooks and quality terminal tackle when bottom fishing for grouper around ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs. For cobia, expect to use live pinfish, crabs, or even chunked bait depending on what they're keyed in on. When the bite's hot, you might switch to jigs or even sight-casting to cruising fish – cobia love to follow rays and other structure, making for visual fishing that gets your heart pumping. The captain provides everything you need, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Fluorocarbon leaders are standard here since these fish have seen plenty of lures, and Captain Hank knows the right pound test for each target species. Live bait wells keep your offerings fresh and lively, which makes all the difference when finicky fish are being selective.
"Great experience for my four teenage sons. Captain Hank checked in the day before, warming of less than ideal conditions and offered a full refund. I declined knowing they'd still love the experience. They caught some sheepshead and Hank cleaned and bagged them up for them. They had a great time and enjoyed the whole 3-hour trip amd said it went too fast. We will be back. Thanks!" - Kellee
Cobia are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around St. Petersburg, and for good reason. These bronze rockets grow fast and fight harder, with fish ranging from 20 to 50 pounds common in these waters. Spring through fall offers the best cobia action as they cruise the flats looking for crabs and baitfish. What makes cobia special is their curiosity – they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you shot after shot at a trophy fish. They're also table fare champions, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Captain Hank knows their seasonal patterns and the structure they frequent, putting you in prime position when these bruisers are feeding.
Grouper fishing around St. Pete is legendary, and gag grouper are the main target in these inshore waters. These bottom dwellers hang around structure, ledges, and rocky areas where they ambush prey. Gags typically run 15 to 30 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish are always possible. They're notorious for their initial bulldogging run toward structure when hooked, making the first few seconds critical. The season runs year-round with some closures, but Captain Hank stays on top of regulations to keep you legal and successful. Grouper are prized for their flaky white meat and mild flavor – there's a reason they're a staple on every Florida seafood menu.
Sheepshead might not be the flashiest fish, but they're absolute masters of inshore structure and fantastic eating. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around pilings, rocks, and oyster bars where they use their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. They're notorious bait stealers, requiring finesse and quick reflexes to hook consistently. Sheepshead fishing peaks in winter and spring when they school up for spawning, but you'll find them year-round in St. Pete waters. Don't let their size fool you – a 3 to 5 pound sheepshead will give you a solid account on light tackle, and their sweet, flaky meat rivals any premium fish.
Three hours flies by when the fish are biting, and St. Petersburg's inshore waters deliver consistency that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. Captain Hank's attention to detail, from pre-trip weather updates to cleaning your catch, shows the kind of service that separates the best charters from the rest. With space for just 2 anglers, spots fill up fast during peak season, especially on weekends. This trip hits the sweet spot for anyone wanting quality fishing without burning a whole day, leaving you time to explore St. Pete's restaurants, breweries, and attractions. Whether you're targeting dinner or just looking to bend some rods, this charter delivers the goods. Don't sleep on this one – book your spot now and get ready to see why St. Petersburg's inshore fishing scene keeps anglers hooked.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for St. Petersburg's inshore waters. This nimble vessel cuts through the Gulf Coast shallows with ease, getting you to prime Cobia and Grouper spots without the crowds. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working structure or sneaking up on feeding fish - no spooking your targets before you get your line wet. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools and bottom dwellers, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the productive honey holes around Tampa Bay. Fresh ice keeps your catch pristine in the built-in cooler, so your Grouper fillets stay tournament-fresh for the ride back to dock. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your rods and won't be fighting for rail space when the bite gets hot.
5.0 out of 5.0Hank was amazing. It was our son's 15th birthday. It was a windy but he knew exactly where to park us to get the action. I definit...
EHank was amazing. It was our son's 15th birthday. It was a windy but he knew exactly where to park us to get the action. I defini...
Great experience for my four teenage sons. Captain Hank checked in the day before, warming of less than ideal conditions and offer...
St. Petersburg, FL