Inshore Fishing Trip in St Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4 or 6 hour inshore fishing trips with Captain Garrett McFallTarget snook, redfish, snapper, trout, mackerel, sharks and tarponMorning and afternoon sessions available for up to 2 guests
Looking for some solid inshore action around St Petersburg? Captain Garrett McFall with Imperial Sport Fishing has you covered with half-day trips that'll put you right where the fish are biting. Whether you're an old salt or just getting your feet wet, these 4 or 6-hour charters are designed to get you hooked up with some of Tampa Bay's best inshore species. With morning and afternoon slots available, you can pick the time that works best for your schedule and still come home with stories worth telling.
Captain Garrett keeps it real simple - he knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's going to put you on fish. You'll be working the mangrove shorelines where snook and redfish love to hang out, then moving to the grass flats where trout and snapper cruise around looking for an easy meal. The boat holds up to 2 anglers, so you're not dealing with a crowd - just you, your fishing buddy, and plenty of elbow room to work your lines properly. Don't be surprised if a tarpon rolls near the boat or a shark decides to check out what you're up to. That's just part of the deal when you're fishing these productive Tampa Bay waters. The captain provides all the tackle and bait you'll need, so you can focus on what matters - catching fish and having a good time doing it.
You'll be fishing with medium-action spinning rods paired with quality reels that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait. Captain Garrett switches up the approach based on conditions and what's biting - live shrimp under popping corks when the trout are active, cut bait on the bottom for snapper, and live pinfish or pilchards when targeting the bigger predators like snook and redfish. Around the mangroves, you'll be pitching baits right up to the structure where these fish like to ambush their prey. On the flats, it's more about covering water and reading the signs - bird activity, bait movement, and those subtle color changes that tell you where fish are likely to be holding. The captain handles the boat positioning and net work, but he'll teach you the finer points of reading water and presenting baits if you're interested in upping your game.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around St Petersburg, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around docks, mangrove overhangs, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, with the best bite often happening around dawn and dusk. When you hook into a slot snook, you're in for a fight - they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to wrap your line around structure. The reward is worth it though, as snook have some of the best eating meat you'll find in these waters.
Redfish are another customer favorite, and Tampa Bay holds some real bruisers. These copper-colored fighters prefer shallow water where they can tail and cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but you can catch reds year-round if you know where to look. They're not as acrobatic as snook, but they make up for it with pure bulldogging power that'll test your drag system. Watch for that distinctive bronze flash and the black spot near their tail - once you see it, you'll know you've got a red on the line.
Spotted sea trout are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These speckled beauties school up over grass beds and sandy potholes, making them a reliable target when other species are being finicky. They bite year-round, with the bigger "gator trout" showing up more frequently during the cooler months. Trout are perfect for anglers who like steady action - when you find a school, you can often catch several before they move off. They're also excellent table fare, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat.
Grey snapper add some variety to the mix, especially around structure and deeper grass edges. These bottom dwellers have sharp eyes and sharper teeth, so you need to stay on your toes when targeting them. They're most active during the warmer months and provide excellent sport on light tackle. Snapper are curious fish that will often follow your bait before committing, making for some exciting visual fishing when the water's clear.
King mackerel might seem like an offshore species, but the smaller "smoker kings" regularly cruise the deeper flats and channel edges around Tampa Bay. These speed demons hit trolled baits with authority and can strip line off your reel in a hurry. Summer and fall are prime time for kings, and catching one on inshore tackle is always a highlight of any trip. Their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs make them a favorite among anglers who like their fish with some attitude.
Tampa Bay's inshore fishery is world-class, and Captain Garrett McFall knows how to make the most of every trip. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes or add some new species to your catch list, these half-day charters deliver the goods. The combination of diverse habitat, abundant baitfish, and year-round fishing opportunities makes St Petersburg a top-rated destination for inshore anglers. With both morning and afternoon trips available, you can work around your schedule and still get in some quality time on the water. Don't wait too long to book - the best captains fill their calendars fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and everyone wants to get in on the action.
This fully customized 24' Avenger is built for serious inshore fishing around St Petersburg's waters. The boat features a massive 50-gallon livewell to keep your catch fresh, plus dual 10' PowerPoles that lock you in position over productive spots without spooking fish. A Minn Kota trolling motor lets you move silently through shallow flats where snook and redfish hide. The custom tower provides shade and gives you a perfect vantage point to spot fish cruising the grass beds. High gunnels keep you dry when crossing choppy water but still allow easy access for landing fish in skinny water. Garmin electronics help locate structure and baitfish, while the JL sound system keeps things lively between bites. An icebox keeps drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons on the water.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers as we call them locally, are some of the smartest fish you'll encounter. These copper-red beauties typically run 12-16 inches inshore, though deeper water can produce 3-4 pounders. They love hanging around structure - docks, mangrove roots, oyster bars, and any cover they can find in 2-20 feet of water. They're most active during moving tides, especially dawn and dusk when they come up to feed. What guests love about them is the challenge - they're incredibly cautious and provide steady action once you figure them out. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's my go-to trick: use a light fluorocarbon leader and let your live shrimp sit still on the bottom near structure. Too much movement spooks these guys, so patience pays off big time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets typically weigh 15-30 pounds around here, with occasional fish pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise the flats and nearshore waters in 15-60 feet, often following bait schools and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when water temps hit 70-80°F and baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like few other fish. They're also excellent on the table with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a key tip: when trolling or using live bait, always use a wire leader and stinger hook setup. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and typically attack prey from behind, so that trailing hook back near the tail often makes the difference between landing fish and telling stories.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what inshore dreams are made of. These bronze beauties with distinctive black spots typically run 18-27 inches in the shallows, though bull reds over 30 inches cruise deeper waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges - often in water so thin their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and fall offer peak action. What guests love most is sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water and that bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also prime table fare with firm, sweet meat. Here's my best local tip: during low tide, look for nervous water or wakes moving across the flats. When you spot feeding redfish, approach quietly and cast well ahead of them. They're not easily spooked but they're focused feeders, so precise presentations pay off.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These speckled beauties typically run 14-18 inches, with solid fish hitting 2-3 pounds. They love grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around points and drop-offs where baitfish concentrate. Spring and fall provide the most consistent action, though they bite year-round when you find the right depth. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit artificials and their gentle fight that's perfect for kids and new anglers. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters - mild, flaky, and versatile. Here's my local secret: during cooler months, look for them in deeper holes and channels where they school up. A slow-sinking soft plastic worked just off the bottom in these spots can produce non-stop action when you locate a winter school.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the holy grail of inshore fishing around here. These sleek, silver fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches, though trophy fish can push 40+ inches. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, around docks, and in deeper channels where they ambush baitfish. They're super structure-oriented and love current breaks. Best fishing is dawn and dusk, especially during warmer months when water temps stay above 70°F. What makes them special? They fight hard with explosive runs and jumps, plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when fishing live shrimp or pinfish around mangroves, let your bait drift naturally with the current rather than forcing it - snook are ambush predators and prefer an easy meal that looks natural.
Clearwater