Half Day Fishing Trip in St. Petersburg, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure in Tampa Bay watersTarget redfish, snook, tarpon, and six other speciesProfessional captain guides groups up to four guests
Tampa Bay's inshore waters are calling your name, and Captain Michael Ayersman knows exactly where the fish are biting. This half-day charter puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best fishing grounds, where redfish cruise the flats and snook ambush bait in the mangroves. Four hours on the water might not sound like much, but trust me – it's plenty of time to fill the cooler and make some memories. Down Range Charters keeps things simple: get you on fish, keep the lines tight, and send you home with stories worth telling.
You'll meet Captain Michael at the dock ready to hit Tampa Bay's productive inshore spots. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a few fishing buddies, there's room for everyone to get their lines wet. The captain's been working these waters for years and knows where to find the structure, grass beds, and drop-offs that hold fish year-round. Expect to move around a bit – that's the beauty of inshore fishing. One spot might be loaded with trout, while a quick run to the mangroves could put you on some feisty snook. The scenery doesn't hurt either, with Tampa Bay's skyline in the distance and plenty of wildlife to keep things interesting between bites.
Captain Michael runs a well-equipped boat with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for Tampa Bay's diverse inshore fishery. You'll be working with medium to medium-light spinning gear – perfect for the mix of species you'll encounter. Live bait is king out here, and the captain knows how to present it properly whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds or working the deeper channels for snapper. Artificial lures come into play too, especially when the fish are aggressive. Expect to throw everything from soft plastics to topwater plugs depending on conditions. The boat's shallow draft lets you get into those skinny water spots where the big fish feed, but don't worry if you're new to this – the captain will handle the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, bridge pilings – anywhere they can hide and attack unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during warmer months, but Tampa Bay's year-round mild climate keeps them feeding when northern waters shut down. When you hook one, get ready for a fight. Snook are known for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward cover. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are scrappy little fighters that punch way above their weight class. These fish are structure-oriented and can be found around docks, bridges, and artificial reefs throughout Tampa Bay. They're year-round residents, but fishing is best during warmer months when they're more aggressive. Don't let their size fool you – a big mangrove snapper will test your drag and make you work for every inch. They're also fantastic eating, with sweet, flaky meat that makes them a top target for anglers who like to keep their catch.
Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish experience in these waters. These silver giants can exceed 100 pounds and are famous for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. Tampa Bay sees tarpon from late spring through early fall, with peak action in summer months. Even smaller tarpon in the 20-40 pound range will give you a workout you won't forget. The key with tarpon is the bite – you need to bow to the king when they jump to avoid breaking them off. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, taking photos and memories instead of meat.
King mackerel are speed demons that patrol Tampa Bay's deeper waters and channel edges. These torpedo-shaped predators are built for speed and will test your equipment when they make their blistering runs. Kings are most active during cooler months, making them perfect targets for fall and winter charters. They're also excellent eating when properly handled – the key is getting them on ice quickly to preserve the meat quality. When the kings are running, it's not uncommon to boat several fish in a single trip.
Redfish are Tampa Bay legends, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are year-round residents that can be found in everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channel edges. They're particularly exciting to target because they often feed in very shallow water where you can sight-cast to individual fish. Reds are also known for their bulldogging fighting style – they don't jump much, but they'll pull hard and steady until your arms burn. The slot-size fish (18-27 inches) are excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls are typically released to continue breeding.
Tampa Bay's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and Captain Michael's local knowledge gives you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. This half-day trip packs serious fishing action into four hours, whether you're targeting your first snook or looking to add a Tampa Bay tarpon to your bucket list. The boat's limited to four anglers, which means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your spot with Down Range Charters and get ready to experience why Tampa Bay consistently ranks among Florida's top fishing destinations.
Meet Mako, your ticket to some serious fishing action in the waters around St. Petersburg! This classic 24-foot center console has been working these waters since 1987 and knows exactly where the fish are hiding. With a robust 225HP Johnson Evinrude pushing her along at up to 35 knots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. Built for serious anglers, Mako comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on Tampa Bay. The GPS keeps you on the hottest spots while the fish finder shows you exactly what's swimming below. There's an icebox onboard to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, this boat gives everyone plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around without getting tangled up. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows, working structure for snapper, or hoping to hook into a tarpon, Mako's shallow draft and maneuverability make her ideal for the varied inshore waters around St. Pete. Captain Michael knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with Mako as your platform, you're set up for some fantastic fishing.
Lutjanus GriseusMangrove snapper, as we call them locally, are scrappy little fighters that pack a lot of attitude into a 1-3 pound package. These copper-colored fish with the dark eye stripe are notorious for being picky eaters, which makes landing one pretty satisfying. You'll find them around any kind of structure - docks, mangroves, rocky areas, and grass flats in 5-20 feet of water. They're year-round residents here in Tampa Bay, but they bite best during warmer months and on moving tides. What guests love about mangrove snapper is the challenge - they're smart fish that require finesse. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find, with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: use the smallest hook you can get away with and let your live shrimp sit still on the bottom. Too much movement spooks them. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't jerk - just lift the rod tip and start reeling steady.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll give you one of the fastest fights in the Gulf. These streamlined predators usually run 15-30 pounds around St. Pete, with some reaching 40+ pounds during peak season. You'll find them offshore in 40-100 feet of water, especially around structure and temperature breaks. They show up best from spring through fall when baitfish are thick. What makes kings popular is their blistering runs and the challenge of getting them to the boat before sharks move in. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat - just watch the mercury if you eat a lot. We typically troll or slow-troll with live bait, focusing on areas with current and bait schools. Here's a pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig your live bait with two hooks - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail section first, and that back hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay favorites and perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These bronze-backed beauties with their signature black eyespots typically run 18-27 inches here - what we call "slot fish." They love super shallow water, often feeding in just 1-3 feet around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. You can target them year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat and their bulldogging fight - they'll make strong runs and use that broad tail to their advantage. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The real thrill is sight-fishing for them on shallow flats where you can actually see their backs out of the water. My go-to technique is a live shrimp under a popping cork, but here's a local secret: on calm mornings, throw a gold spoon right at the edge of those shallow oyster bars where they're tailing. The flash drives them crazy.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Tampa Bay's most popular targets, and for good reason. These sleek, golden-sided fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around here, though we occasionally hook into 30+ inch bruisers. They're ambush predators that love structure - mangrove shorelines, docks, bridges, and oyster bars are prime spots. You'll find them in both salt and fresh water, which makes them pretty unique. Spring through fall are your best months when water temps stay warm. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat is excellent too, firm and white. Here's a local tip: when fishing around docks at night, cast your live shrimp or pinfish right into the shadows where the dock lights create that light-to-dark edge. That's where they ambush baitfish.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish and Tampa Bay is one of the best places to find them. These silver giants typically run 80-120 pounds here, though we see some pushing 200. They show up in spring and stick around through summer, feeding in our shallow flats and around bridges. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive isn't just their size - it's watching a 6-foot fish launch itself completely out of the water multiple times during the fight. They're pure muscle and attitude. Most folks don't eat them due to the bony meat and high mercury, so it's all about the experience. You'll find them rolling on the surface in 4-15 feet of water, especially on calm mornings and evenings. The key with tarpon is patience and the right presentation. When we're sight-fishing, I tell my guests to cast well ahead of a rolling fish and let that live crab or pinfish settle naturally. Don't rush the hookset either - let them eat it first.
Cleveland