5.0(2 Reviews)Premier Inshore Fishing Adventures in St Petersburg
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target trophy redfish and speckled trout on Tampa Bay flatsSnook fishing along mangrove shorelines with live bait actionWest Coast Inshore Slam opportunities with expert local guidance
Right now is hands down one of the best times to get out on the flats around Saint Petersburg and lower Tampa Bay. The fishing action is absolutely on fire, and I'm seeing some of the most consistent catches I've had all year. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet with inshore fishing, this charter puts you right in the middle of what makes West Coast Florida fishing legendary. We're talking about prime opportunities for that coveted West Coast Inshore Slam, and trust me, when everything lines up just right, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over to fish these waters.
This 2-person charter keeps things intimate and focused, which means more time with rods bent and less time waiting around. The flats are absolutely loaded with speckled trout right now, but what's really got me excited are these massive schools of breeder redfish that have moved into the shallows. When we find them in a feeding mood, you'll catch so many you might actually get tired of reeling them in. Here's the thing though - about 95% of these giants are over the 27-inch slot limit, so we'll be doing a lot of catch and release. That's actually a good problem to have when you're talking about bull reds that can stretch into the 30s and 40s. The snook are also starting to come out of their winter hideouts, cruising the mangrove edges and looking for easy meals. This is prime time for multiple species in a single trip, and the variety keeps every cast interesting.
We fish the shallow flats and mangrove shorelines where these fish feel comfortable feeding. For the snook, I like to toss a handful of scaled sardines right to the mangrove edge and wait for that telltale boil on the surface. Once you see that water explode, that's when you make your cast and hold on tight. The redfish require a bit more finesse - we'll sight fish when the water's clear, looking for those copper-colored backs and black spots moving across the flats. Live bait works great, but artificials like soft plastics and spoons can be deadly when worked properly. The key is reading the water and understanding how these fish move with the tide. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the most productive times, when the fish are actively feeding and the light is just right for spotting them in the shallows.
"It was one of the those days. Blue Norther blowing in, and no tide action. However Capt'n Kevin found redfish for us and we caught three. Two were over length and one was a keeper. Thanks!!!" - Randy
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here in Saint Petersburg, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around structure - docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings where they can dart out and crush baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters with that distinctive black lateral line, and they'll test your drag system with powerful runs toward cover. Spring through fall are prime snook seasons, though we catch them year-round. What makes them so exciting is their explosive strike and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, they'll run, and they'll do everything possible to throw that hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're lucky enough to land a keeper between 28 and 32 inches.
Tarpon are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 10-20 pound range all the way up to giants pushing 100+ pounds. What sets them apart is their incredible jumping ability - once hooked, they'll launch themselves completely out of the water multiple times, shaking their heads violently to throw the hook. The best tarpon fishing typically runs from late spring through summer, when they migrate through these waters in large numbers. Even the smaller ones will give you a fight you won't forget, and landing your first tarpon is a milestone every angler remembers forever.
Redfish, or red drum, are probably the most reliable target species we have right now. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots are perfectly designed for shallow water hunting. They're incredibly strong fish that will make long, powerful runs once hooked, using their broad tails to generate serious pulling power. The slot fish between 18-27 inches are fantastic eating, but honestly, the oversized breeders we're seeing right now provide the most exciting fights. They cruise the flats in schools, and when you find them feeding, you can literally catch one after another. They're not picky eaters either - they'll hit live bait, cut bait, and a variety of artificial lures.
Cobia are the wild cards of inshore fishing - you never know when one might show up, but when they do, get ready for a battle. These brown sharks look-alikes can grow massive, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving you a perfect sight-fishing opportunity. Cobia are spring and summer visitors to Tampa Bay, following the warming water and abundant baitfish. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your tackle to its limits, and they're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. When one shows up, everything else takes a backseat.
This is genuinely one of those times when everything comes together for world-class inshore fishing. The water temperatures are perfect, the bait is thick, and the fish are aggressive and hungry. With only 2 spots available per trip, you get personalized attention and the flexibility to adapt to whatever the fish are doing that day. Whether you're chasing that West Coast Inshore Slam or just want to bend some rods on quality fish, this Saint Petersburg charter delivers the goods.
Our 2-person motorboat is perfectly rigged for Saint Pete's productive inshore waters. The GPS keeps us locked onto those sweet spots where the big breeder reds are schooling up in lower Tampa Bay, while the fish finder helps locate baitfish that draw in hungry snook along the mangrove edges. When morning fog rolls in off the Gulf, our radar ensures safe navigation to the flats where trout are stacked up. The VHF radio keeps us connected with other boats and marine patrol - essential when you're working the backcountry for that West Coast Inshore Slam. This shallow-draft setup gets you right into the skinny water where the action happens, whether we're sight-casting to tailing reds or working the mangrove cuts for snook. Built for serious anglers who want to get after it in Tampa Bay's legendary inshore fishery.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our inshore waters - big, brown, and built like underwater missiles. These fish average 30-50 pounds and can push 6 feet long, often mistaken for sharks when cruising near the surface. You'll spot them around structure like channel markers, wrecks, and bridge pilings in 15-50 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving through our area heading north. What makes cobia fishing special is it's pure sight fishing - you see the fish, make your cast, and watch it happen. They're curious by nature and will often follow a lure for a long look before deciding. The payoff is worth it - they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Plus, they fight with surprising power for their size. The key with cobia is patience. When you see one, don't immediately cast right at its head. Lead it by about 10 feet with a bucktail jig or live eel, then work it slowly back toward the fish. Let their curiosity do the work.
Sciaenops OcellatusRight now we're seeing massive schools of breeder redfish pushing onto the flats of lower Tampa Bay, and it's some of the best fishing of the year. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, but the big breeders we're targeting now are often 30+ inches. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove edges in 1-4 feet. They're year-round residents but really gang up during their spawning runs in fall and spring. What makes redfish special is they eat everything and fight dirty, using their broad tails to bulldoze toward structure. The slot-sized ones make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. These big schools can be spooky though. Here's what works: when you find a feeding school, don't get greedy and motor right into them. Stay on the outside edge and cast ahead of the school's direction. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp worked slowly is deadly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular inshore targets, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches around Tampa Bay, though the occasional 40-incher will make your day. You'll find them cruising mangrove shorelines, around docks, and near any structure in 2-6 feet of water. They're ambush predators with serious attitude - when they hit, they hit hard and make blistering runs toward cover. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is that combination of power and finesse - they fight like bass on steroids but require precise presentations. The meat is fantastic too, firm and flaky with a clean taste. Here's the trick: when you see that telltale swirl near the mangroves, wait a few seconds before casting. Let them settle back into hunting mode, then drop your bait right on the edge. Too quick and you'll spook them every time.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of - these prehistoric giants averaging 80-150 pounds will test everything you've got. Tarpon frequent the deeper channels and current breaks around Tampa Bay, usually in 10-30 feet of water near bridges and passes. May through August is peak season when they're rolling on the surface, making them easier to spot and target. What sets them apart is pure athleticism - once hooked, they'll launch 6 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll have you shaking. Most anglers don't keep them since they're bony and not great table fare, but landing one is a lifetime achievement. These fish can live 50+ years, so the big ones have seen every trick in the book. They're incredibly smart and spook easily. When you spot a rolling tarpon, resist the urge to motor right up to them. Instead, position yourself upcurrent and let them come to you. A perfectly presented live crab or mullet drifted into their path beats flashy lures every time.
5.0 out of 5.0Kevin was awesome and our trip was a lot of fun. Would definitely book with Kevin again.
It was one of the those days. Blue Norther blowing in, and no tide action. However Capt'n Kevin found redfish for us and we...
Saint Petersburg, FL