Nearshore Fishing Trip in St Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target snapper, grouper, kingfish and tarpon nearshoreFour-hour guided trip with tackle and bait includedSmall group experience for up to two guests
Captain Garrett McFall knows where the fish bite in these Gulf waters. His 4-hour nearshore trips take you to the sweet spots within 9 miles of St. Pete's coastline, where snapper, grouper, and kingfish are waiting. You'll fish the productive structure and drop-offs that hold fish year-round, with all tackle and bait handled for you. Just bring yourself and get ready to put some quality fish in the cooler while taking in those classic Florida Gulf Coast views.
This isn't your typical pier fishing setup. Captain Garrett runs you out to the nearshore grounds where the bottom structure creates perfect ambush points for feeding fish. You're looking at water depths between 20-60 feet, working over ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs that concentrate baitfish and attract the predators you want to catch. The boat stays within that comfortable 9-mile range, so you're not burning half your trip running to spots. Instead, you're fishing productive water where snapper stack up on structure, grouper hold tight to bottom cover, and pelagic species like kingfish cruise the edges looking for an easy meal. With a maximum of 2 anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without tangling up with a crowd.
Captain Garrett has the gear dialed in for these nearshore species. You'll be working with medium to medium-heavy conventional rods paired with reels spooled with 20-30 pound test line. Bottom fishing for snapper and grouper means dropping down with circle hooks, sinkers matched to the current, and fresh cut bait or live pinfish when available. For the kingfish, expect to see wire leaders and trolled baits or live bait slow-drifted along structure edges. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics - some days the fish want bait presented right on the bottom, other days they're suspended and more aggressive on moving presentations. All terminal tackle, weights, and bait come with the trip, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or guessing what's working. Just focus on feeling that bite and setting the hook when it happens.
Grey Snapper are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing around St. Pete. These feisty fighters hang around structure in schools, and once you find them, the action can be steady. They average 12-16 inches in these waters, with bigger fish mixed in during summer months when they move in to spawn. Snapper have sharp eyes and can be line-shy, but they're also aggressive feeders when conditions are right. What makes them exciting is their hard initial run and the way they try to cut you off on structure. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill or fryer.
Tarpon bring the real excitement to these trips, especially during their seasonal migrations. St. Pete's nearshore waters see juvenile tarpon year-round, with fish ranging from 20-80 pounds, while the giants show up during spring and early summer. These silver kings are pure adrenaline - they jump, they run, and they test every part of your tackle setup. Even a 30-pound tarpon will give you a workout, and the bigger fish can take 45 minutes to land. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon, but the fight and the photos make for memories that last forever.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the nearshore scene. These fish cruise the edges of structure looking for schools of baitfish, and when they find them, the bite can be explosive. Kings around St. Pete average 15-25 pounds, with bigger fish common during their fall and winter runs. They're fast, they're strong, and they have razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leaders in a heartbeat. That's why Captain Garrett uses wire when targeting them. The fight is different from bottom fish - kings make long, powerful runs and often jump clear of the water. They're also excellent eating when handled properly, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for smoking or grilling.
Hogfish are one of the more unique catches you might encounter on these nearshore trips. These colorful reef fish use their pig-like snouts to root around in the sand for crabs and small shellfish. They're not huge fighters, but they're prized for their incredible eating quality - many consider hogfish the best-tasting fish in the Gulf. They're also beautiful fish with their pink and orange coloration, making them great for photos. Hogfish can be finicky biters, often requiring lighter tackle and natural baits like shrimp or small crabs, but Captain Garrett knows the spots where they concentrate.
St. Petersburg's nearshore fishing delivers consistent action with quality species that fight hard and taste great. Captain Garrett's local knowledge puts you on fish while his provided tackle and bait keep things simple. Whether you're after a cooler full of snapper for dinner, the rush of a tarpon jumping behind the boat, or the smoking runs of a big kingfish, this 4-hour trip covers the bases. The intimate 2-person capacity means you get the guide's full attention and room to fish without crowding. Book your nearshore adventure and get ready to experience some of the Gulf Coast's best fishing action just minutes from St. Pete's coastline.
This fully customized 24' Avenger is built for serious fishing in St. Pete waters. Captain Garrett has rigged her with everything you need to target snapper, grouper, and kingfish up to 9 miles offshore. The large 50-gallon livewell keeps your bait frisky, while double 10' Power-Poles anchor you silently over productive structure. A Minn Kota trolling motor lets you work the shallows without spooking fish. High gunnels keep you dry when seas pick up, but the shallow draft gets you into those hidden honey holes. The custom tower provides shade and a perfect spotting platform for tarpon rolling on the surface. Garmin fish finder and chart plotter mark the hot spots, while JL audio keeps the mood right between hookups. An icebox handles your drinks and lunch, plus there's plenty of room for your catch. GPS and VHF radio ensure safe navigation around Tampa Bay's busy waters. This boat handles nearshore conditions with ease while giving you the fishability of a flats skiff when you need it.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are one of the most reliable table fare fish we target around St. Pete. They typically run 1-3 pounds nearshore, with their copper-red coloration and that distinctive dark stripe through the eye. These guys are opportunistic feeders that hang around structure - docks, rocks, ledges, anywhere they can ambush prey. They're most active at night, but we catch plenty during the day around our nearshore spots. What makes them great for guests is the sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also pretty scrappy for their size. My tip: once your bait hits bottom, reel up just a turn or two to keep it off the structure. Grey snapper are smart - too much movement spooks them, so let that shrimp or pinfish sit still and wait for the strike.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of our premium eating fish with that pig-like snout that gives them their name. These colorful wrasse typically run 2-8 pounds and are absolute table fare gold - sweet, mild meat that rivals grouper. They hang around hard bottom, coral heads, and rocky structure in 15-60 feet of water, using that snout to root out crabs and shrimp. Males have brighter colors and a black spot behind the pectoral fin. What makes them tricky is they're fast strikers with small mouths, so you need quick reflexes on the hookset. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, but landing them takes finesse. Live shrimp or small crabs work best, and here's my trick: make some noise by tapping the hull or dropping anchor chain. Hogfish are attracted to vibrations, thinking it's feeding activity, and they'll come investigate.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds out here, though we occasionally see 40+ pounders. They cruise open water from 30-80 feet deep, usually following baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall are prime times, especially when the water hits 70+ degrees. What guests love about Kings is the initial screaming run - they'll peel 100+ yards of line in seconds. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. The downside is their razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through regular line in a heartbeat. My go-to rig uses a wire leader with two hooks - one in the bait's nose, one trailing behind. Kings often hit the back half of live bait, so that stinger hook is crucial for hookups.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters and easily the most athletic fish you'll hook around Tampa Bay. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can push 200+ pounds. When hooked, they'll launch 6-8 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart racing. We find them in 10-40 feet of water around bridges, channels, and flats from May through September. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat is bony and not great eating - but trust me, the fight is what you're after. Tarpon are tough to land because they use those jumps to throw the hook. Best conditions are moving water on the tides, especially around dawn and dusk. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It gives slack so they can't snap your line on the way down.
Clearwater