Inshore Fishing Charters in St Pete Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing trips targeting snook, redfish, trout, and tarponCaptain Seth provides expert guidance in Saint Petersburg watersFlexible trip options from 2hour blitz to 8hour adventures
Captain Seth Hale knows these Tampa Bay waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard with Fish The Burg Charters, you're getting that local knowledge that makes all the difference. Whether you're looking for a quick 2-hour session to bend some rods or want to commit to a full 8-hour day chasing everything from snook to tarpon, this is your ticket to some of the best inshore action Florida has to offer. Saint Petersburg's grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and structure-rich waters hold some serious fish, and Captain Seth's got the keys to unlock it all.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter charter - it's Captain's Choice, which means Seth reads the conditions, checks the tides, and puts you on the fish that are biting best that day. Maybe it's working the mangrove edges for snook at dawn, or hitting the deeper grass flats when the trout are schooled up. Could be sight-fishing redfish in skinny water or dropping baits around structure for some hefty gag grouper. The beauty of fishing these Tampa Bay waters is the variety - you might be casting topwater plugs one minute and bouncing jigs off the bottom the next. With just three anglers max, everyone gets plenty of room to work and personal attention from the captain. No crowded boat, no fighting for space at the rail.
Captain Seth comes equipped with quality spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bulldogging cobia. You'll be working with live bait when the fish want it natural - pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp are local favorites that these inshore species can't resist. Artificial lures play a big role too, especially when the bite gets aggressive. Soft plastics fished around grass beds, topwater plugs worked over shallow flats at first light, and suspending jerkbaits for those pressured fish that have seen every bait in the book. The captain adjusts tactics based on what's working, and he's not shy about switching things up if the fish aren't cooperating. Expect to fish anywhere from 2 feet of water to 15 feet, depending on what species you're targeting and where they're holding.
Gag grouper are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene here, and these Tampa Bay gags are known for their aggressive strikes and bulldog fights. They love hanging around hard bottom, artificial reefs, and bridge pilings where they can ambush baitfish. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're staging for their spawn. Expect fish in the 15-25 pound range, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus. What makes them special is that crushing initial hit followed by their signature head-shaking run straight for the rocks.
Snook are the poster fish for Florida inshore fishing, and Saint Petersburg's waters serve up some beauties. These ambush predators love structure - dock lights, mangrove overhangs, bridge shadows, anywhere they can pin baitfish against cover. Summer and early fall are prime time when they're most active, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. A good Tampa Bay snook runs 24-28 inches, and when one crushes a topwater plug in shallow water, there's nothing quite like it. They're jumpers, head-shakers, and gill-rattlers that'll test your drag and your nerves.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as the locals call them, are the perfect species for anglers who love finesse fishing. These smart, spooky fish require light tackle and precise presentations, but they reward good technique with consistent action. They're year-round residents around structure, especially during warmer months when they school up in good numbers. Don't let their size fool you - a 3-pound mangrove snapper on light tackle is a scrappy adversary that'll make multiple runs and test your knots.
Tarpon season in Tampa Bay is legendary, and when these silver kings are rolling, everything else takes a backseat. Late spring through early fall brings the big migratory fish, while resident tarpon stick around year-round in smaller numbers. These are bucket-list fish - 100+ pounds of pure muscle that'll jump, run, and absolutely destroy your arms. Even a smaller 50-pound fish will give you a workout you won't forget. Captain Seth knows the migration routes, the feeding areas, and most importantly, when to make the call to target these apex predators.
Cobia are the wildcards of the inshore game - curious, aggressive fish that show up when you least expect them. Spring migration brings the best opportunities, but resident fish cruise these waters throughout the warmer months. They're sight-fishing targets that'll follow the boat, inspect your baits, and either crush them with authority or disappear into the depths. A good cobia runs 20-40 pounds and fights like a brown shark - long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment and your patience.
Saint Petersburg's inshore waters don't give up their secrets to just anyone, but with Captain Seth's expertise and Fish The Burg Charters' top-rated reputation, you're getting access to the kind of local knowledge that turns good fishing days into great ones. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to get your fix or a serious angler chasing that fish of a lifetime, this captain's choice format means you're always fishing the best bite available. The variety of species, the quality of the fishery, and the personalized attention make this one of the most sought-after charters in the Tampa Bay area. Don't wait for the perfect conditions - book your trip and let Captain Seth show you why these waters have built such a solid reputation among anglers in the know.
Get ready to chase Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon aboard our 2017 Canyon Bay 24-footer in Saint Pete's prime fishing waters. This center console beauty runs on a powerful Suzuki 300HP engine that'll get you to the hottest inshore spots fast. Captain Seth knows exactly where the fish are biting, whether you're targeting Mangrove Snapper in the channels or stalking monster Tarpon in the shallows. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need – fish finder to locate schools, GPS to mark productive spots, and radar for those foggy mornings when the bite is hot. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on spooky fish. Plus, there's an icebox for your drinks and catch, and a multimedia system for those calm moments between strikes. Perfect for small groups of up to 3 anglers, this rig handles everything from quick 2-hour trips to full-day adventures chasing Cobia, Gag Grouper, and Sheepshead around Tampa Bay's legendary fishing grounds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the golden retrievers of the fishing world - curious, aggressive, and always ready to eat. These brown torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 60+ pounds and 5 feet long. They're loners, usually swimming solo near buoys, channel markers, and structure in 15-50 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawning runs. What makes cobia special is their willingness to bite and incredible table fare - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. They're also fun because they'll often swim right up to the boat to investigate. The trick is sight fishing - we look for their dark shadows just under the surface. When you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live crab ahead of them and work it slowly. They're not spooky, so take your time and make a good presentation.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of Tampa Bay - averaging 20 inches but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These bottom dwellers love rocky structure, reefs, and ledges in 20-80 feet of water. You'll find them year-round here, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're more active. What makes gag fishing special is the fight - once hooked, they'll try dragging your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and flaky. Here's the key: when you feel that initial thump, lock your reel down tight and don't give them an inch. Let them run and they'll wrap you around structure every time. We use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait, but the real trick is keeping steady pressure from the moment you set the hook.
Lutjanus GriseusMangrove snapper are some of the smartest fish in these waters - and some of the tastiest. These copper-colored fighters typically run 12-16 inches but can reach 4-5 pounds around structure. You'll find them near docks, mangroves, and rocky bottom in 10-40 feet of water year-round, though they bite best during warmer months. What guests love is the challenge - they're picky eaters and will test your patience, but the reward is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they're abundant and cooperative once you figure them out. The secret is letting your bait sit still. Use a 4/0 circle hook with live shrimp, hook it through the tail, and let it sink to the bottom. Don't jig it around - these fish are opportunistic and prefer an easy meal that looks natural.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black lateral line average 18-24 inches but can push over 40 inches and 30+ pounds. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in shallow water - they love structure and ambush points. The best action happens during warmer months, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The catch is they're temperature sensitive and regulated, so we practice catch and release. My tip: use live shrimp or pinfish near structure, but keep your drag loose. They'll make long runs and jump repeatedly, so let them tire themselves out before bringing them to the boat.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate game fish - pure adrenaline on a silver platter. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can hit 200+ and jump 10 feet out of the water when hooked. We find them in shallow flats, channels, and around bridges from April through October, with peak season May-July. What makes tarpon fishing legendary isn't the eating (they're catch and release) - it's watching a 6-foot fish launch itself skyward repeatedly. The fight can last an hour, and their aerial show is something you'll never forget. They're also incredibly old - that 100-pounder could be 15+ years old. The key is keeping your rod tip down when they jump. Bow to the fish, giving them slack, or they'll throw the hook every time. We use live crabs or large shrimp on circle hooks with just enough weight to get down.
Clearwater