Quick Fishing Trip in St Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
2hour inshore fishing charter with experienced Captain Garrett McFallSmall group experience accommodating maximum 2 guests per tripTarget various fish species in St. Petersburg's productive waters
Sometimes you need to scratch that fishing itch but don't have all day to spend on the water. Captain Garrett McFall gets it – that's why his 2-hour inshore fishing charter in St. Petersburg hits the sweet spot for busy anglers. This isn't some rushed trip where you barely wet a line. We're talking about a focused, action-packed adventure that puts you right where the fish are biting. St. Pete's inshore waters are legendary for good reason, and with an experienced captain who knows every productive flat, mangrove creek, and grass bed in Tampa Bay, you'll maximize every minute on the water.
Captain Garrett runs a tight ship with space for just two anglers, which means you get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space. The smaller group size lets him adapt quickly to what's working – if the snook are crushing topwater plugs around the docks, that's where you'll be. If the redfish are tailing in the shallows, he'll pole you into position for sight casting. The beauty of a 2-hour window is the intensity – there's no downtime, no long runs between spots. You'll launch from one of St. Pete's convenient ramps and be fishing productive water within minutes. The captain provides all tackle and knows which baits and lures are producing, whether that's live shrimp under popping corks, soft plastics worked through the grass, or topwater action when conditions are right.
This is classic Florida inshore fishing at its finest. We're talking about working the shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds that make Tampa Bay famous among saltwater anglers. Captain Garrett uses light spinning tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run – typically 7-foot medium-light rods paired with 2500-3000 series reels spooled with 10-15 pound braid. The technique varies with conditions and target species, but expect to throw everything from suspending twitch baits around structure to soft plastics bounced along sandy bottoms. When the tide's moving through the passes, you might drift with live or cut bait. During low light periods, topwater plugs can produce explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. The shallow water fishing here means you'll see fish working, watch your bait get crushed, and experience the visual excitement that makes inshore fishing so addictive.
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators lurk around docks, mangrove overhangs, and bridge pilings, waiting to crush whatever swims by. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and powerful runs toward structure. Snook are most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, though they'll feed throughout the day in cooler months. What makes them special is their intelligence and pickiness. They'll follow a lure for 50 feet before deciding whether to eat, making every hookup feel earned. The slot size runs from 28 to 32 inches, but catch-and-release keeps the population healthy while giving you bragging rights.
Sea trout might be the most cooperative fish in the bay, which doesn't make them any less fun to catch. These spotted beauties school up over grass flats and sandy potholes, often in water so shallow you can see them feeding. They're suckers for a well-presented soft plastic or live shrimp, and once you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on. Trout fight with sharp head shakes rather than long runs, but their willingness to bite makes them perfect for building confidence. They're most active during cooler months and can be targeted year-round. The 15-20 inch fish are perfect eating size, though many anglers release them to keep the fishery strong.
Redfish are what dreams are made of – copper-colored bulldogs that can turn a routine fishing trip into an epic battle. Tampa Bay's reds range from slot-sized fish around 20-27 inches to massive bull reds pushing 40+ inches. The smaller ones school up in shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Sight fishing for tailing reds is pure addiction – watching a fish eat your bait in 18 inches of crystal-clear water never gets old. Bull reds are different animals entirely, capable of stripping 100 yards of line on their initial run. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round. What makes reds special is their power and their willingness to eat a variety of baits, from live shrimp to cut mullet to artificial lures.
A 2-hour fishing charter might sound short, but it's perfectly designed for maximum action with minimal time commitment. Captain Garrett's local knowledge and focused approach means you'll spend more time with bent rods than most full-day trips with inexperienced guides. Whether you're squeezing in some fishing before work, introducing someone to the sport, or just need a quick fish fix, this charter delivers. The intimate 2-person capacity ensures you get the attention and coaching that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one. St. Petersburg's inshore waters are productive year-round, with each season offering different opportunities and techniques. Don't let a busy schedule keep you off the water – sometimes the best fishing trips are the ones that leave you wanting more.
This fully customized 24' Avenger is built for serious St. Pete fishing action. The spacious 50-gallon livewell keeps your catch fresh while double 10' Power-Poles lock you in position over productive spots. When the fish go shallow, the Minn Kota trolling motor lets you move silently without spooking targets. The custom tower with second station gives you that extra height advantage for spotting reds and snook in skinny water. High gunnels keep you dry when crossing choppy water but won't interfere when fighting fish. The Garmin fish finder and chart plotter help locate structure and bait schools, while the JL sound system adds some tunes between bites. An icebox keeps drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work lures and land fish without crowding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here in St. Pete. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches, with slot fish being the sweetest eating. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They bite year-round, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. What guests love most is their powerful, steady fight and that distinctive black spot near the tail. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters with firm, mild meat. My go-to trick is sight fishing with gold spoons or topwater plugs early morning. When you spot a red's back or tail, cast well ahead and work your lure past them slowly - they'll crush it.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are perfect fish for our quick trips. Most run 14-18 inches with some reaching 24+ inches and 5 pounds. These speckled beauties love grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around Tampa Bay's shallow areas. They're most active during cooler months and at dawn or dusk when they move up to feed. Guests love trout fishing because they bite readily, fight well for their size, and make fantastic table fare - the meat is flaky and mild. During winter, they school up in deeper channels, making for fast action. The key trick here is using a popping cork with live shrimp or soft plastics. Keep the bait just off the grass tops and give it gentle pops - trout can't resist that wounded baitfish sound.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are hands down one of the most exciting fish you'll target in St. Pete waters. These sleek fighters typically run 15-24 inches, but the big girls can stretch over 3 feet. You'll find them hugging mangrove shorelines, around docks, and in deeper channels - they love structure and ambush points. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and try every trick to shake the hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: work your lure slowly past structure, then speed it up when a snook follows - that change in pace triggers the strike almost every time.
Clearwater