Full Day St. Pete Fishing Trip - Premium Inshore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing charter targeting grouper and cobiaAll fishing gear and licenses provided by experienced crewSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
Welcome to Deep Color Fishing, where we've been putting anglers on fish in St. Petersburg's most productive waters. This full-day charter is designed for serious fishing - no tourist traps, just pure angling action targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species. You'll fish alongside an experienced captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with our small group size of just 2 anglers, you get personalized attention that bigger boats can't offer. We handle all the details - licenses, tackle, and gear - so you can focus on what matters most: catching fish.
Your day starts early when we meet at the dock in St. Petersburg, coffee in hand and tackle boxes loaded. We'll head out to some of the most productive inshore spots where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay, areas that consistently produce quality fish year-round. The beauty of fishing St. Pete is the variety - one minute you're working structure for grouper, the next you're sight-fishing for cobia cruising the flats. Our captain reads the conditions daily, adjusting tactics based on tide, weather, and recent fish activity. You'll experience different fishing styles throughout the day, from bottom fishing over rocky ledges to casting live bait around bridge pilings. The intimate 2-person capacity means no crowded rails or waiting your turn - when fish are biting, you're fishing.
We fish a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are demanding. For grouper, we'll anchor over structure and drop live pinfish or grunts to the bottom, using heavy tackle to pull these bulldogs away from their rocky homes. Cobia fishing is a different game entirely - we'll cruise shallow waters looking for these bronze giants, then pitch live crabs or jigs when we spot them. Permit are the technical challenge of the day, requiring precise presentations with small crabs near structure. Our tackle selection includes everything from light spinning gear for trout to heavy conventional setups for big grouper. The boat is rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels, and we stock plenty of terminal tackle because losing rigs to structure is part of the game. St. Petersburg's inshore waters offer incredible diversity - grass flats, rocky bottom, bridge structure, and mangrove shorelines all within easy reach.
Goliath Grouper are the heavyweight champions of these waters, and catching one is a bucket-list experience for most anglers. These gentle giants can exceed 300 pounds and provide an arm-burning fight that'll test your mettle. Peak season runs from July through September when they gather near wrecks and structure to spawn. We practice strict catch-and-release with these protected fish, but the photo opportunities are worth every penny. The fight is pure power - imagine trying to winch a refrigerator off the bottom while it fights back.
King Mackerel patrol the edges of Tampa Bay and offer some of the most exciting fishing you'll find. These speed demons hit live bait like freight trains, peeling drag and making blistering runs. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized "snake kings" to trophy-class smokers pushing 40 pounds. Kings are perfect for anglers who love fast action and screaming drags. We'll troll live sardines or freelined baits along depth changes where these predators ambush baitfish.
Sea Trout are the bread-and-butter species that keep rods bent throughout the day. These spotted beauties love grass flats and provide consistent action on light tackle. The best bite happens during moving water, especially dawn and dusk. Trout average 2-4 pounds but don't let their size fool you - they're scrappy fighters with excellent table fare. We target them with live shrimp under popping corks or soft plastics worked over sandy bottom adjacent to grass beds.
Permit represent the ultimate inshore challenge - they're spooky, selective, and absolutely gorgeous. These silver ghosts cruise shallow flats and around structure, feeding on crabs and small baits. A permit on the line is special because they're notoriously difficult to hook, combining the wariness of a redfish with the fighting ability of a jack crevalle. We sight-fish for them with live crabs, and landing one is a real accomplishment that seasoned anglers respect.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the inshore world, curious fish that often approach the boat for a closer look. Spring brings the best cobia fishing when they cruise shallow waters during their spawning migration. These bronze beauties average 20-40 pounds and fight with surprising power, making long runs and testing your drag system. They're excellent eating and relatively easy to spot, making them a favorite target for sight-fishing enthusiasts. We look for them around crab trap buoys, rays, and other floating objects.
This isn't just another fishing trip - it's your chance to experience St. Petersburg fishing the right way, with a captain who's dedicated to putting you on fish. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and our commitment to providing top-quality gear means you'll fish with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or someone new to saltwater fishing, we'll tailor the day to match your skill level and interests. The variety of species available means every trip is different, and the action stays consistent throughout the year. Don't wait - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your full-day adventure with Deep Color Fishing and discover why St. Petersburg is one of Florida's premier fishing destinations. Remember, you can cancel free of charge up to one day before your trip, so there's no risk in securing your spot today.
Your fishing machine for St. Pete waters is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious angling action. This boat comes loaded with everything you need to track down Grouper, Cobia, and whatever else is biting in Florida's productive inshore waters. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure while GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. When you need to sneak up on spooky fish, the wireless trolling motor lets you move silently without spooking your targets. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh throughout the day. Perfect for up to 2 anglers, this boat gives you the mobility to hit multiple fishing zones and chase the action wherever it leads. Whether you're working the flats for Permit or targeting structure for Grouper, this setup puts you in prime position to make the most of St. Petersburg's outstanding fishing opportunities.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are bulldogs that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds, though most fish run 30-60 pounds. They're loners that cruise around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March to May is prime time, when they move through in big numbers heading north. What makes cobia so popular is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's hard to beat. The fight is powerful and stubborn. Best technique is sight fishing - look for that dark brown shadow just under the surface. When you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of them. Color doesn't matter much, but that presentation has to be perfect.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese giants can hit 8 feet and 800 pounds, making them the largest grouper in the Atlantic. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and structures in shallow waters - sometimes just 30-150 feet deep. They're curious fish that aren't shy about checking out divers and boats. The fight is intense but short-lived, so be ready for that first massive pull. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. Keep in mind these fish are protected, so it's strictly catch and release. They make for amazing photo ops and bragging rights. One tip: use a stinger rig with your bait since they love to grab prey from behind. Heavy tackle is a must - these fish will test every piece of gear you've got.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll give you a rush when they hit. Most run 20-30 pounds, but we see plenty over 50 pounds during peak season. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall is prime time here in the Gulf, with cooler months bringing the bigger fish closer to shore. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and aerial shows - they'll peel drag like nothing else. The meat is great eating too, with rich, flaky flesh perfect for the grill. Best tip I can share: rig your bait with a stinger hook about 6 inches back from the nose hook. Kings love to bite the tail end of baitfish, and that stinger will nail them every time.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - they're smart, spooky, and incredibly challenging to hook. Most fish run 20-40 pounds with their signature tall, flat profile. You'll spot them cruising shallow flats, wrecks, and structures, often in just 2-6 feet of water despite their size. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially April to October during spawning season. Those golf ball-sized eyes can rotate almost 360 degrees, so they see everything. What makes permit special is their reputation as one of the toughest fish to fool - landing one is a real achievement. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait. My advice: stay quiet, make long casts, and be patient. These fish will test your skills like no other.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most consistent inshore targets, running 14-24 inches with occasional fish pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. The bite picks up at dawn and dusk, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite and the gentle fight that's perfect for kids and beginners. The meat is sweet and flaky - just don't overcook it. They'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Pro tip: work your bait slowly along the bottom in the grass. Trout are lazy feeders, so a wounded baitfish presentation dragging through the grass gets their attention every time.
St. Petersburg, FL