Half Day Mackerel And Tripletail Fishing In St Pete
Captain Michael knows exactly where the fish hang out in St. Petersburg's prime offshore waters. This 4-hour charter puts you right in the action, targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species including Tripletail, King Mackerel, and Spanish Mackerel. You'll be fishing the productive waters just off Tampa Bay where the structure and baitfish create perfect conditions for consistent hookups. The coastal breeze keeps things comfortable while you work the water, and Mike's local knowledge means you're not wasting time searching - you're fishing where the fish are feeding. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some quality catches to your logbook, this trip delivers the goods without the long run times of deeper offshore charters.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet Captain Michael at the dock bright and early, ready to hit some of his favorite honey holes along the St. Petersburg coastline. The boat's rigged and ready with everything you need - quality rods, reels, tackle, and plenty of live and cut bait to keep the fish interested. Mike runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed and fun, especially when he's working with families or first-time saltwater anglers. The fishing grounds are close enough that you're not burning half your charter time getting there, which means more time with lines in the water. Expect to work different techniques throughout the day as conditions and fish activity dictate. The scenery's pretty spectacular too - you'll be fishing with the St. Pete skyline in the background and plenty of marine life activity to keep things interesting between bites. This isn't a cattle boat operation - with just 3 anglers max, everyone gets plenty of personal attention and coaching when needed.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
Captain Michael switches up the approach based on what the fish are doing and where they're holding. For Tripletail, you'll often find yourself sight fishing around floating debris, crab trap markers, and channel markers where these unique fish like to hang suspended in the shade. It's visual fishing at its best - Mike will position the boat so you can cast live shrimp or small pinfish right to fish you can actually see. King Mackerel fishing typically involves trolling with live baits or pulling spoons and plugs through areas where the baitfish are thick. When the kings are fired up, the strikes are vicious and the runs are impressive. Spanish Mackerel often show up while you're targeting other species, and they're absolute blast on lighter tackle - fast, aggressive, and great table fare. All the gear is provided and properly rigged for each technique. Mike uses circle hooks for live bait fishing and makes sure everyone understands how to fight fish effectively without losing them at the boat. The tackle is sized appropriately for the target species, so you'll feel every head shake and run without being over-gunned.
Customer Stories
"This was my daughter's first time ocean fishing. We had the best time. Terry was super cool and knowledgeable about the fish we were catching and he put us on the fish from first cast .. literally. Defintly going to book him again in future" - William. "Our trip was fantastic! Mike was great. He was so patient and good with our kids. We caught a lot of fish and had a great time! We hope to book with Mike again on our next annual trip!" - Tricia
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tripletail are one of the most unique fish you'll encounter in these waters. They're ambush predators that hover motionless near floating objects, looking exactly like a floating leaf until they explode on your bait. These fish can reach 20-30 pounds, though most catches run 5-15 pounds. The best action typically happens during warmer months when they're more active near the surface. What makes Tripletail special is the sight fishing aspect - when Mike spots one floating near a marker or debris, he'll quietly position you for a perfect presentation. They're incredibly strong fighters with an unusual sideways fighting style that keeps you guessing. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any premium fish.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, capable of blistering runs that will test your drag system and your arms. These fish commonly range from 15-40 pounds in local waters, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus pounds during peak season. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with summer being prime time when schools of kings patrol the edges and structure lines. When a king hits your bait, there's no mistaking it - they'll take line off the reel in a hurry and jump clear of the water. The fight is all about endurance, as these fish don't give up easily. They're also excellent eating when handled properly, with firm steaks that grill beautifully. Captain Michael knows how to find the schools and present baits that trigger aggressive strikes from these apex predators.
Time to Book Your Spot
This charter hits the sweet spot for families, couples, or small groups looking for quality fishing without the commitment of a full day offshore. Captain Michael's local expertise and patient teaching style make this perfect for mixed-skill groups, while experienced anglers appreciate his ability to consistently put them on fish. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of fishing action while leaving time for other vacation activities. St. Petersburg's year-round fishing opportunities mean there's rarely a bad time to get out on the water, though spring and fall typically offer the most comfortable conditions and active fish. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. With only 3 spots available per trip, these charters fill up quickly during peak season. Book early to secure your dates and get ready for some of the best fishing the Tampa Bay area has to offer.
5.0(2 Reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
St. Petersburg
Four
