Full Day Fishing Trip in St. Petersburg, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trips targeting redfish, snook, and tarponCaptain Michael Ayersman provides safe, experienced guidance for all skill levelsAccommodates up to four guests for intimate family and friend outings
Looking for a fishing adventure that'll have you talking about it for months? Captain Michael Ayersman and Down Range Charters deliver exactly what serious anglers and weekend warriors are after in St. Petersburg's world-class inshore waters. This isn't your typical charter boat experience—it's six hours of pure fishing focused on putting you on the fish you actually want to catch. Whether you're chasing trophy snook in the mangroves or battling tarpon in the flats, Captain Michael knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put that knowledge to work for you.
Your full day with Down Range Charters kicks off early, giving you the best shot at prime feeding times when fish are most active. Captain Michael tailors each trip around what's biting and what you're most excited to target. Maybe you've been dreaming about that first tarpon, or you want to fill the cooler with some quality snapper—either way, you're covered. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, so you won't be fighting for elbow room or competing with a crowd for the captain's attention. This setup creates the perfect environment for both seasoned pros looking to dial in their technique and newcomers who want to learn the ropes without feeling rushed. St. Petersburg's inshore waters offer year-round action, from the grass flats loaded with redfish and trout to the structure where snapper and mackerel hang out. You'll spend your day moving between productive spots, adjusting tactics as conditions change, and getting hands-on instruction from someone who's been putting clients on fish in these waters for years.
Inshore fishing around St. Petersburg demands versatility, and that's exactly what you'll experience on this charter. Captain Michael switches up techniques based on conditions, target species, and what's working that day. Live bait fishing with pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp produces consistent results, especially when you're working structure for snapper or drifting the flats for redfish. Artificial lures come into play when fish are aggressive—soft plastics for trout and redfish, topwater plugs during dawn and dusk feeding frenzies, and jigs when you need to get down to where the fish are holding. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels suited for everything from finesse fishing to handling larger species like tarpon and king mackerel. You'll learn to read the water, identify productive areas, and understand how tides, weather, and time of day affect fish behavior. Captain Michael breaks down the why behind each decision, so you're not just catching fish—you're becoming a better angler. The shallow waters around St. Pete require precise boat positioning and an understanding of structure, grass beds, and current breaks that concentrate baitfish and predators.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around St. Petersburg, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk around docks, mangrove shorelines, and structure, waiting to crush whatever swims by. They're most active during dawn and dusk, though you can find them feeding throughout the day in the right conditions. A good snook will test your drag system and your nerves—they're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to find the nearest piling or mangrove root to wrap you around. Fall and spring offer the best action, when cooler water temperatures get them fired up and feeding aggressively.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are the perfect target species for anglers who want consistent action and excellent table fare. These fish school up around structure—bridges, docks, artificial reefs, and natural hard bottom areas. They're smart, cautious fish that require finesse and the right presentation, but once you dial in the bite, you can load the cooler. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures are optimal and bait is abundant. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is the combination of technique and timing—getting your bait to the right depth, in the right spot, at the right time.
Tarpon fishing in St. Petersburg is legendary, and summer brings these silver giants into the area in impressive numbers. Known as the "silver king," tarpon can exceed 100 pounds and provide fights that last 30 minutes or more. They're acrobatic fighters, launching themselves completely out of the water in spectacular displays that'll get your adrenaline pumping. May through July offers peak tarpon action, when migratory fish move through the area following baitfish. Even smaller tarpon in the 30-60 pound range provide world-class sport, and they're more manageable for anglers who haven't battled these fish before.
King mackerel show up when you're working deeper water and structure, and they're built for speed. These fish make blistering runs that'll test your equipment and your ability to keep up with the action. They're excellent eating when handled properly, and they provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience in the area. Summer months bring the best king mackerel action, when schools move through following baitfish migrations. The key to consistent king fishing is finding the bait schools and understanding how these predators relate to structure and current.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and St. Petersburg's grass flats and oyster bars hold some real quality fish. These copper-colored fighters are found year-round, though fall and spring offer peak action when they school up and feed aggressively. Redfish fight hard and dirty, using their broad tails and body to put maximum pressure on your tackle. They're also excellent on the table, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both sport and sustenance. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures, making them perfect for anglers who want to experiment with different techniques.
Meet Mako, your fishing platform for targeting St. Petersburg's best inshore species. This classic 24-foot center console from 1987 runs on a reliable 225HP Johnson Evinrude that'll get you to the fishing grounds at 35 knots and back home with your catch. Built for up to 4 anglers, she's got everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate schools, and an icebox to keep your drinks cold and fish fresh. Captain Michael knows these waters inside and out, putting you on redfish, snook, tarpon, and whatever else is biting. The boat's center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're after that slot red in the grass flats or hoping to hook into a silver king, Mako will get you there and back safely.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snappers, or Mangrove Snappers as most folks call them, are some of the smartest fish we target. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-3 pounds around our local waters, though you'll occasionally find bigger ones offshore. They love hanging around docks, bridges, rock piles, and mangrove shorelines in 5-30 feet of water. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What guests love most is the challenge - they're incredibly cautious and will inspect your bait thoroughly before biting. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white, flaky meat. They feed best at night or in low light, so early morning and evening trips produce the most action. Here's the key: use small hooks with fresh shrimp, let it sit on bottom without moving it much, and when you feel that tap, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling steadily.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 15-30 pounds around St. Pete, with bigger fish showing up during cooler months from October through March. We find them in 40-100 feet of water, usually over structure, reefs, or around bait schools. What makes kings so exciting is their blistering runs - they can hit 40 mph and strip 200 yards of line in seconds. The meat is excellent too, though it's oily and best when fresh. They're also great for feeding a crowd since they're good-sized fish. We typically troll with live bait, spoons, or diving plugs to cover water and locate schools. Here's a key tip: use a wire leader and rig your live bait with two hooks - one through the nose and a treble in the back. Kings often attack from behind and that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the best fish for families and new anglers to target. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spots near their tail typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in water so shallow you can sometimes see their backs. They're year-round residents but really fire up during spring and fall when they school up. What guests love is how willing they are to bite and the strong, steady fight they put up without jumping. The meat is fantastic - mild, sweet, and perfect for the dinner table. They'll eat live shrimp, cut bait, or artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. My go-to technique is using a 1/4 oz jig head with a paddle tail soft plastic, working it slowly along the bottom near grass edges. Keep your eyes open for tailing fish or nervous water - that's usually redfish feeding.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most prized gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around St. Pete, though you might hook into a real trophy pushing 35+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in both salt and brackish water, usually in 2-10 feet. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and baitfish. What makes snook so popular is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. The meat is outstanding too, sweet and flaky when prepared right. My tip: use live shrimp and let it drift naturally near structure. Don't horse them - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you're too aggressive.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish that'll test every bit of your tackle and technique. These silver giants typically run 80-150 pounds around Tampa Bay, though we see plenty pushing 200+ pounds during peak season. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in 5-60 feet, migrating through our waters mainly May through October. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's watching a 6-foot fish launch itself completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. Most folks practice catch-and-release since the meat isn't great, but the photos and memories last forever. The fight can go 30 minutes to over an hour on medium tackle. Best fishing happens on moving tides with live bait like crabs, pinfish, or mullet. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip at them - it takes pressure off and prevents them from throwing the hook on those aerial shows.
Cleveland