Trout & Redfish Charter – Saint Petersburg, FL
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Twohour morning charter targets trout and redfish on coastal flatsAll fishing gear and licenses included for up to two guestsFlexible departure times accommodate beginners and experienced anglers
Looking for a quick fishing fix that actually produces fish? This 2-hour morning charter with Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters gets you on the water early when the fish are biting and back to shore before the day heats up. Perfect for anyone wanting to squeeze in some solid fishing without burning the whole day, whether you're a total beginner or just short on time. We'll have you targeting speckled trout and redfish on Saint Petersburg's productive flats, and everything you need is included – rods, reels, tackle, and your fishing license.
We launch early to beat the boat traffic and catch that prime morning bite when trout and reds are actively feeding. Saint Petersburg's inshore waters offer some of Florida's most consistent fishing, with grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structure that hold fish year-round. The boat stays in protected waters, so you won't deal with rough seas or long runs to the fishing grounds. This trip works perfectly for first-timers who want to learn the basics or experienced anglers who know that sometimes the best fishing happens in those first couple hours of daylight. With flexible departure times, we can work around your schedule while still hitting that sweet spot when fish are most active. The intimate 2-person max keeps things relaxed and gives everyone plenty of room to fish comfortably.
We fish these flats using light spinning gear that's perfect for the shallow water and spooky fish we're targeting. Live shrimp under popping corks is the bread and butter method here – it covers water effectively and draws strikes from both trout and redfish. When fish are holding tight to structure, we'll switch to free-lining baits or working soft plastics around oyster bars and grass edges. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts to visible fish or likely holding spots. Water depths range from 2 to 6 feet most of the time, so you can actually see the fish you're casting to when conditions are right. All tackle is rigged and ready, but if you have preferences or want to learn specific techniques, just speak up. The beauty of these flats is that fish often cruise in predictable patterns, so once you dial in the presentation, you can have consistent action.
Speckled trout are the workhorses of Saint Petersburg's flats, and they're what most anglers cut their teeth on around here. These fish love the grass beds and drop-offs, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets. Trout hit aggressively and fight with surprising strength for their size, making them perfect for beginners. Most fish run 14 to 18 inches, with occasional specimens pushing over 20 inches and 3 pounds. They're most active during fall through spring when water temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s. What makes trout fishing addictive is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on.
Redfish are the other star of this show, and they bring a completely different energy to the trip. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in small groups, often with their backs out of water in skinny areas. Reds average 18 to 24 inches in these waters, with fish over the 27-inch slot limit fairly common. They fight harder than trout, using their broad tails to make powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall offer peak redfish action, but Saint Pete's year-round fishery means you've got shots at them any time of year. The visual aspect of sight-fishing to reds in shallow water adds an extra thrill – watching a fish eat your bait in 3 feet of clear water never gets old.
This top-rated morning charter delivers exactly what it promises – quality fishing without the time commitment of longer trips. With all gear and licenses included, you just show up ready to fish. The early departure times mean you'll experience Saint Petersburg's flats at their best, when fish are feeding and the water is calm. Whether you're testing the waters before booking a longer trip or just want a quick fishing fix, this 2-hour adventure consistently produces fish and good times. Spots fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing months, so don't wait too long to secure your date. Book now and get ready to see why Saint Petersburg's inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Hit the flats aboard this well-equipped 24' Carolina Skiff, your ticket to some serious trout and redfish action around Saint Petersburg's productive inshore waters. This 2015 center console runs smooth with a reliable 175HP Suzuki, getting you to the fishing spots quickly while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the shallows. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish while GPS keeps you on the productive areas. With radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy, you'll fish with confidence. The spacious layout gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Built for the flats but capable of handling chop when needed, this boat puts you right where the reds cruise the grass beds and trout ambush shrimp in the shallows.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze bulldogs of the flats, and they're what dreams are made of here in St. Pete. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches and love cruising our shallow grass flats in just 1-4 feet of water. You can spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail and that telltale red coloring. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall. What guests love most is their power - once hooked, they'll make long runs and really test your drag. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. My go-to tip is to look for nervous water or "tailing" fish where you can see their tails sticking up as they root around for crabs and shrimp in the grass.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most reliable targets here on Tampa Bay's grass flats. These speckled beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love shallow waters around 2-6 feet deep, especially over seagrass beds. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats watching one explode on a surface plug. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. The key trick I share with guests is to work your lure slowly and listen for their distinctive croaking sound when they're feeding nearby. That's your cue to cast right into the commotion.
St. Petersburg, FL