Tarpon Fishing Adventures in St. Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday and fullday tarpon fishing adventures availableCaptain Seth Hale guides up to 4 guests inshoreTarget silver king tarpon in St. Petersburg waters
Picture this: you're out on the crystal-clear waters of Saint Petersburg, Florida, with Captain Seth Hale at the helm, scanning the horizon for that telltale silver flash that gets every angler's heart racing. Fish The Burg Charters specializes in targeting the legendary tarpon, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the moment one of these silver kings takes your bait. Whether you're planning a quick half-day trip or want to go all-in with a full-day adventure, Captain Seth knows exactly where to find these monsters in the productive waters surrounding St. Pete.
Your day starts early with Captain Seth, a local legend who's been putting anglers on tarpon for years in these waters. He keeps his boat rigged and ready for up to four guests, making this a perfect trip for families or small groups of fishing buddies. The beauty of fishing with Fish The Burg Charters is that Captain Seth tailors each trip to your experience level – whether you've never held a fishing rod or you're a seasoned tarpon veteran, he'll make sure you're set up for success. The waters around Saint Petersburg offer some of the most consistent tarpon fishing in Florida, with structure, grass flats, and channels that hold these fish year-round. You'll be fishing in relatively shallow water most of the time, which means you can actually see these massive fish rolling and crashing on the surface – it's a sight that never gets old.
Captain Seth runs a clean operation with top-quality gear specifically chosen for tarpon fishing. We're talking heavy-action rods paired with high-capacity reels loaded with 30-50 pound test line – because when a 100+ pound tarpon decides to make a run, you need equipment that can handle the pressure. The primary techniques you'll use depend on conditions and season, but expect to do a mix of live bait fishing with crabs, shrimp, and pinfish, along with some artificial lure work when the fish are actively feeding. Circle hooks are the standard here – they're required for tarpon conservation and they significantly increase your chances of a solid hookup. Captain Seth will position the boat over productive structure like bridges, channels, and grass flats where tarpon love to hunt. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. The captain handles all the technical stuff like reading the tides, finding the fish, and setting up your rig, so you can focus on the fun part: fighting these incredible fish.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of inshore fishing in Saint Petersburg, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach lengths of 6-8 feet and weigh anywhere from 80 to over 200 pounds, making them one of the most challenging game fish in Florida waters. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their fighting ability. When hooked, tarpon are famous for their spectacular aerial displays, launching themselves completely out of the water in desperate attempts to throw the hook. The experience of seeing a massive silver tarpon cartwheeling through the air just yards from your boat is something that will stick with you forever. In St. Pete waters, tarpon are present year-round, but the peak season runs from April through July when large schools migrate through the area. During this time, you might encounter pods of dozens of fish rolling on the surface, creating opportunities for multiple hookups. These fish are primarily catch-and-release, which means you're participating in conservation while experiencing some of the best sport fishing Florida has to offer. The fight from a big tarpon can last anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour, testing your endurance and technique. Captain Seth will coach you through the entire process, from setting the hook to landing and releasing the fish properly.
If you're ready to experience what many consider the pinnacle of inshore fishing, Fish The Burg Charters with Captain Seth Hale is your ticket to tarpon paradise. Saint Petersburg's waters offer some of the most reliable tarpon fishing in the world, and with a top-rated local captain who knows these fish inside and out, you're setting yourself up for the fishing trip of a lifetime. Whether you choose a half-day adventure to get a taste of tarpon fishing or commit to a full-day quest to maximize your time on the water, you'll leave with stories that'll last forever and probably plans to book your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Remember, tarpon fishing is addictive – once you feel that first powerful run and see that silver missile launch into the air, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to fish these waters. Captain Seth's expertise, combined with St. Pete's world-class tarpon fishery, creates the perfect recipe for an amazing day on the water. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak tarpon season – spots fill up fast when the fishing is this good.
Hit the waters around St. Pete aboard this sharp 2017 Canyon Bay 24-footer that's perfectly rigged for serious tarpon hunting. The Suzuki 300HP outboard delivers plenty of punch to get you to the fish fast, while the wireless trolling motor lets you ghost into position without spooking those silver kings. Captain Seth keeps groups small at just 4 anglers, so everyone gets prime fishing time and plenty of room to battle these acrobatic giants. The center console layout gives you 360-degree fishing access, and with top-shelf electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder, you'll stay on the schools even when conditions get tricky. The built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. Whether you're chasing tarpon around the flats or working the deeper channels, this boat handles St. Pete's inshore waters like a dream and gives you the best shot at hooking into some real monsters.
Clearwater