Snook, Redfish & Trout Morning Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Snook, Redfish, and Trout on guided morning charterAll fishing gear and license included for convenienceFlexible departure times accommodate guest schedules perfectly
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip without burning the whole day? This 3-hour morning charter with Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters hits the sweet spot for anglers wanting quality time on Saint Petersburg's productive inshore waters. Captain knows these flats and grass beds like the back of his hand, and you'll be targeting three of Florida's most sought-after species - snook, redfish, and trout. Perfect for couples or small groups who want personalized attention and flexible departure times that work around your schedule.
Your morning starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still cool from the night. Saint Petersburg's inshore waters offer some of Florida's best shallow-water fishing, with endless grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines holding hungry fish. The captain will pick your departure time based on tides and conditions - sometimes that means a 6 AM start, other times 7:30 works better. You'll fish productive spots around Tampa Bay's eastern shoreline, working areas like Weedon Island, the Skyway flats, or the grass beds near Fort De Soto depending on what's biting. The boat stays in protected waters, so even if it's breezy offshore, you'll have comfortable fishing conditions. All gear and licenses come included, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and maybe a cooler with drinks. The captain provides everything else - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one.
This is classic Florida inshore fishing at its finest. You'll primarily use light spinning tackle with 15-20 pound braided line and fluorocarbon leaders to handle these structure-loving fish. Live bait is the name of the game here - expect to fish with live shrimp, pinfish, or sardines depending on what's available and what the fish want that day. The captain might also mix in some artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs when the bite calls for it. Techniques vary based on the target - you might be sight-fishing for cruising redfish on shallow flats, working live bait around mangrove roots for snook, or drifting grass beds for trout. The beauty of this trip is the variety - one cast you're flipping shrimp under docks, the next you're watching your drag scream as a snook takes off for the mangroves. Water depths range from 2-8 feet mostly, so you're always in that sweet spot where you can see the bottom and spot fish moving. The captain handles the boat positioning and tide timing, while you focus on making good casts and fighting fish.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Saint Petersburg's waters hold some beauties. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangrove roots, bridge pilings, anywhere they can hide and attack baitfish. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn when you'll be fishing. Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and can range from slot-sized 15-inchers up to trophy fish over 30 inches. What makes them special is their fight - they'll jump, run for cover, and test every knot you've got. Plus, they're just beautiful fish with that silver-and-green coloration. Best months are typically May through September, though you can catch them year-round in these waters. The thrill comes from that explosive strike when a big snook crushes your bait near a dock piling.
Redfish bring a different kind of excitement to your morning. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power rather than acrobatics - when a good red takes off, it's like hooking a freight train. Saint Pete's grass flats are perfect redfish habitat, and you'll often spot them tailing in shallow water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. They range from smaller school fish around 18-22 inches up to bull reds over 30 inches that'll straighten hooks if you're not careful. The spotted tail gives them away, and their bronze coloration makes them stunning fish to photograph. Redfish bite year-round here, but fall months often produce the biggest fish as they school up for spawning. There's nothing quite like watching a red's dorsal fin and tail break the surface as it feeds in 18 inches of water.
Speckled trout round out your target list and shouldn't be overlooked. These spotted beauties are abundant in Tampa Bay's grass beds and provide consistent action when snook and reds are finicky. Trout average 14-18 inches but can reach 20-plus inches in these productive waters. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for keeping the action going throughout your trip. Spring and fall typically offer the best trout fishing, though you'll find them year-round. They school up over grass flats and sand holes, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Trout also make excellent table fare if you're planning a fish dinner.
This top-rated morning charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want - quality fishing time with an experienced captain who knows where the fish live. The flexible scheduling means you can work this trip into your vacation plans or weekend getaway without the all-day commitment of longer charters. With all gear and licenses included, you're looking at a hassle-free fishing experience that lets you focus on what matters - catching fish and having a good time on the water. Saint Petersburg's inshore waters are world-class, and this 3-hour window hits the prime feeding periods when these species are most active. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting into inshore fishing, this charter offers the perfect introduction to what makes Florida's west coast such a renowned fishing destination. Book your morning slot an
Step aboard this well-equipped 24' Carolina Skiff center console that'll get you to the prime inshore fishing spots around Saint Petersburg's productive waters. Powered by a reliable 175HP Suzuki engine, this 2015 boat cruises comfortably at speeds up to 45 knots, cutting your travel time to the flats where snook, redfish, and trout are feeding. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, while the wireless trolling motor lets you approach shallow water targets without spooking fish. Modern electronics including GPS navigation, radar, and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish where game species congregate. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast without crowding your fishing partners. The boat's shallow draft design is perfect for navigating Saint Pete's grass flats and oyster bars where big redfish cruise and snook ambush prey along the mangrove edges.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of my favorite species to target in these shallow Tampa Bay waters. These copper-colored fish with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 18-28 inches around here, though we occasionally hook into some real bruisers over 30. They love cruising the grass flats in 2-4 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their powerful runs - they'll strip drag and put up a serious fight. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. My local tip: watch for their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for crabs. When you spot that "tailing" behavior, cast your bait just ahead of where they're headed and get ready for some action.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing here in St. Pete. These silver-sided predators with that distinctive black lateral line usually range from 18-30 inches, and they pack serious attitude. You'll find them lurking around mangrove roots, docks, and bridge pilings where they ambush baitfish. They're temperature sensitive, so the warmer months from late spring through early fall give you the best shots. What draws anglers to snook is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to throw your hook. The bigger ones are typically female and put up the strongest battles. Here's a local secret: target the shadow lines along docks and mangroves during moving water. Snook love to sit in that shade waiting to pounce, and a well-placed live shrimp or soft plastic right along that edge often triggers aggressive strikes.
St. Petersburg, FL