5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Half Day Fishing in St. Petersburg
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing trip targeting cobia, grouper, and kingfishAll tackle, rods, and gear included with experienced local guidesSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximum
St. Petersburg's inshore waters offer some of the best fishing in Florida, and this 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of the action. Captain Hank runs a tight ship with all the gear you need - quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait included. You'll target a solid mix of species including Cobia, Grouper, Flounder, Sheepshead, King Mackerel, and Sea Trout across multiple productive spots. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines. This isn't a cattle boat operation - it's focused fishing for serious anglers who want results.
Your day starts early with a rundown of the game plan and safety briefing. Captain Hank knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts tactics based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. You'll move between different structures - grass flats for trout and flounder, hard bottom for grouper and sheepshead, and open water edges for cobia and kings. The boat stays mobile, so if one spot isn't producing, you're quickly repositioned to find active fish. Expect to use live bait, cut bait, and artificials depending on the target species and conditions. The captain provides all terminal tackle and will re-rig as needed throughout the day.
This charter covers multiple fishing techniques to maximize your success across different species. For grouper, you'll drop live pinfish or grunt on heavy tackle to rocky bottom structure. Sheepshead require finesse with small hooks and fiddler crabs around pilings and bridges. Cobia fishing involves sight casting or presenting baits near markers and structure where these bronze torpedoes cruise. King mackerel action happens with live sardines or threadfins on wire leaders, either slow trolled or drifted. Flounder and trout work best with bucktails, soft plastics, or live shrimp over grass flats and sandy holes. All rods are matched to the technique - from light spinning gear for trout to stout conventional outfits for grouper.
"Captain Hank did a great job and is very knowledgeable. He put us on the fish and fish several different areas. I will definitely be back to fish with him again. Can't recommend him enough." - Thomas Huffington
Southern Flounder are ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for prey to swim by. These flatfish average 2-4 pounds but can reach 8+ pounds in St. Pete waters. Fall and winter months produce the best flounder action as they move toward passes and deeper water. They're excellent table fare and put up a surprising fight for their size. Look for them around sandy edges, creek mouths, and anywhere current creates a feeding opportunity.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of the reef, reaching weights over 400 pounds. While harvest is prohibited, catching and releasing these massive fish creates memories that last a lifetime. They're curious and often approach the boat, making for great photo opportunities. Summer months offer the best goliath action around wrecks, bridges, and deep holes. The fight is more about power than speed - imagine trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom.
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth. They average 2-5 pounds and are notorious bait stealers with incredible finesse. Winter months bring the best sheepshead fishing around structure like docks, bridges, and oyster bars. They're picky eaters that require patience and skill to hook consistently. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
King Mackerel are speed demons that can reach 30+ pounds and strip line like crazy. These silver bullets are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs. Spring through fall offers peak king fishing, especially around temperature breaks and bait schools. They're aggressive predators that will test your drag system and fighting skills. The initial run is explosive, and they often jump during the fight.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in St. Pete. These spotted beauties range from keeper-sized 15-inchers to trophy gator trout over 6 pounds. They're active year-round but peak in spring and fall over grass flats. Trout are aggressive feeders that hit artificials and live bait with equal enthusiasm. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Cobia are bronze-colored bruisers that average 20-40 pounds and fight like freight trains. They're curious fish that often follow rays and sharks, making sight fishing opportunities common. Spring migration brings the best cobia action as they move along the coast. These fish are prized for their white, flaky meat and challenging fights that combine power with endurance. They're also known to follow hooked fish to the boat, creating multiple hookup opportunities.
This extended half-day trip delivers serious fishing action with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. Six hours gives you time to target multiple species and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. The small group size means personalized service and room to fish comfortably. With all gear included and free cancellation up to one day prior, there's no reason to wait. St. Petersburg's inshore waters are productive year-round, but the best days book quickly. Captain Hank's local knowledge and commitment to finding fish makes this a top-rated choice for both visiting and local anglers looking to experience world-class inshore fishing.
Your fishing platform for this St. Petersburg adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into productive spots without spooking the fish, while the GPS navigation system guides you to the best inshore waters where Cobia, Grouper, and other targets are waiting. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools and structure below. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the 6-hour trip. Built for up to 2 anglers, this boat gives you plenty of room to work the waters around St. Pete without feeling crowded. Whether you're casting for Permit in the shallows or dropping lines for Kingfish, you'll have the right setup to make the most of these productive Florida waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most prized catches - these brown, shark-looking fish average 30-50 pounds and fight like bulldogs. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and crab traps from spring through fall, often cruising just under the surface. They're usually solitary fish, so when you spot one, it's game time. What makes cobia special is their curiosity - they'll often follow the boat and investigate lures, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. We typically sight-fish them with bucktail jigs or live bait, casting ahead of cruising fish. The key is staying calm when you see one and making accurate casts - spook them and they're gone. Once hooked, they'll make powerful runs and try to wrap you around structure. Use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure. They're smart fish, so if your first cast doesn't work, try a different lure or approach.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - these protected monsters can reach 6-8 feet and several hundred pounds. We target them strictly catch-and-release around wrecks, ledges, and structure in 40-150 feet. They're ambush predators that'll inhale anything that gets close, from crabs to whole fish. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. What guests love most is that first incredible pull - it's like hooking into a freight train that can easily drag you to the rail if you're not ready. The fight is intense but usually short-lived. Since harvest is prohibited, we focus on the experience and getting great photos. My best tip: use heavy tackle with at least 80-pound test and circle hooks. When you feel that thump, don't set the hook - just start cranking. These fish have no fear and will come right up to investigate the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish," are pure speed demons that'll test your tackle and reflexes. These 20-40 pound missiles cruise our offshore waters from spring through fall, typically in 40-150 feet around structure, ledges, and temperature breaks. They're voracious feeders that'll slam live bait or fast-moving lures without hesitation. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and aerial shows - they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else. Plus, smaller kings make great eating when prepared fresh. We typically troll with planers and live bait or cast jigs when we mark them on the finder. The key is using wire leaders because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. When one hits, hold on tight and let your drag do the work. These fish don't give up easy and will make multiple scorching runs before coming to the boat.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are Tampa Bay's bread-and-butter inshore fish. These 14-24 inch beauties with distinctive black spots are found year-round in grass flats, around oyster bars, and shallow bay waters. Spring and fall offer the hottest action, especially during moving tides around dawn and dusk. Trout are popular because they're scrappy fighters, cooperative biters, and make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. The real fun comes during summer evenings when they'll blow up on topwater lures in skinny water. My go-to technique is working a shrimp under a popping cork around grass edges during incoming tide. Keep your presentations subtle - trout have soft mouths, so don't horse them in. A steady, smooth retrieve usually triggers more strikes than erratic action.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Tampa Bay with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. These 1-5 pound scramblers love hanging around any structure - bridges, docks, pilings, and reefs where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is peak season when they school up for spawning around passes and channels. Guests enjoy sheepshead because they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, plus they're notorious bait thieves that keep you on your toes. They'll nibble and pick at your bait trying to steal it without getting hooked. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Don't wait or they'll clean you out. Fish tight to structure and be ready - once hooked, they'll try to wrap you around the nearest piling.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are one of our favorite flatfish to target around St. Pete. These masters of camouflage typically run 15-18 inches and make for excellent table fare. You'll find them buried in sandy bottoms of our bays, around docks, and shallow flats where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall through early spring are prime times when they're most active in cooler water. What makes flounder fishing fun is the challenge - they're sneaky biters that'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention. The key trick I always share is to let them run with the bait for a few seconds before setting the hook. They grab prey sideways first, then turn to swallow it head-first. Use live shrimp or small mullet on a Carolina rig and work it slowly along the bottom. Once you get the timing down, you'll be hooked on flounder fishing.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Hank did a great job and is very knowledgeable. He put us on the fish and fish several different areas. I will definitely ...
St. Petersburg, FL