5.0(5 Reviews)Half Day Or Full Day Fishing Trip In St. Petersburg
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target redfish, snook, trout, and snapper in shallow flatsCaptain Michael provides expert guidance for all skill levelsHalf or full day options with maximum 3 guests
Captain Michael has been working these St. Petersburg waters for years, and it shows in every trip. You'll spend your day exploring Florida's inshore flats and quiet backwater streams, targeting some of the area's most sought-after species like redfish, snook, sea trout, and tarpon. This isn't your typical crowded fishing charter – we keep groups small at just 3 anglers max, so you get plenty of personal attention whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The pace is relaxed, the scenery is prime, and the fishing is consistently good thanks to Captain Michael's deep knowledge of local hotspots.
Your day starts in the shallow flats and backcountry areas around St. Petersburg, where crystal-clear water lets you sight-fish for redfish and snook cruising the grass beds. Captain Michael reads these waters like a book – he knows exactly where to position the boat based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The atmosphere stays laid-back and educational, with plenty of instruction for beginners and advanced tips for experienced anglers looking to up their game. Half-day trips give you a solid taste of inshore action, while full-day adventures let you explore multiple spots and target different species as conditions change throughout the day. You'll move between shallow flats for reds and trout, then maybe hit some structure for snapper and sheepshead when the bite is right.
Inshore fishing here means versatility – we'll switch between live bait, artificial lures, and topwater plugs depending on what the fish are hitting. Captain Michael provides all the gear, from light spinning tackle perfect for trout and redfish to heavier setups when tarpon show up. Sight fishing is huge in these shallow waters, so you'll learn to spot fish movement, read water color changes, and present baits quietly to spooky fish. We use everything from DOA shrimp and gulp baits to topwater poppers that create explosive strikes. The boat stays positioned upwind or up-current, letting you cast into likely spots without spooking fish. Drift fishing works great over grass flats, while anchoring up near structure produces steady action on snapper and sheepshead.
"Had an awesome time! Caught 8 different species of fishing, including 9 mackerel!" - Trent
"We had an awesome day on the water with Captain Mike! Caught over 30 fish throughout the trip and even hit the inshore slam redfish, trout, and snook, plus plenty more including Spanish mackerel, jack, and grouper. Captain Mike was super knowledgeable, knew exactly where to go, and kept us on the fish all day long. He made the entire experience fun and seamless. We'll absolutely be booking again any time we're in town. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top-notch inshore charter!" - Dean
"If you're looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, Captain Mike is your guy. From the moment we boarded his boat, it was clear we were in expert hands. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and had us on fish in no time—we caught lots of them! Captain Mike's energy, patience, and deep knowledge of the area made the day not just productive, but incredibly fun. Whether you're an experienced angler or just dipping your toes into backcountry fishing, he customizes the trip to match your skill level and goals. Precision Backcountry Charters lives up to its name. The boat, the gear, and the vibe absolutely perfect for a day on the water. Can't wait for the next trip!" - Alex
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and St. Petersburg's backcountry holds some beauties. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where they can dart out to nail unsuspecting baitfish. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding but also notoriously finicky, which makes landing one so rewarding. Best action happens during moving water on the incoming or outgoing tide. Snook hit hard and fight harder, with acrobatic jumps and powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're catch-and-release only during certain seasons, but that just adds to their mystique.
Tarpon earn their nickname "silver king" through sheer power and aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. These prehistoric fish can exceed 100 pounds in local waters, though the 20-40 pound juveniles provide the most consistent action. They roll on the surface when feeding, giving away their location to sharp-eyed anglers. Tarpon fishing requires patience – they're notorious for following baits without committing, then suddenly erupting in a shower of spray and gill-rattling jumps. The fights are legendary, often lasting 20-30 minutes as these fish use their size and stamina to test every knot and connection.
Sea trout might not win beauty contests, but they're willing biters that keep action steady throughout the day. These spotted beauties cruise grass flats in schools, feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. They're perfect for beginners since they're less picky about presentation, but big "gator" trout over 20 inches require more finesse and skill. Trout bite year-round in St. Petersburg waters, with peak action during cooler months when they school up in deeper grass beds and creek mouths. Their soft mouths mean light drag settings and careful handling, but they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Redfish are the backbone of Florida inshore fishing, combining visual excitement with reliable action. These copper-colored bruisers patrol shallow flats in small schools, their backs and tails often visible as they root around for crabs and shri
Captain Michael's 26-foot 2022 Barker Boatworks cuts through St. Petersburg's inshore waters with authority. The 400 HP Mercury engine pushes this fishing machine up to 50 mph, getting you to the productive flats and backwater spots quickly. Built for serious anglers, this motorboat handles Florida's shallow waters perfectly while chasing redfish, snook, and trout. The stable platform gives you and two other guests plenty of room to cast and fight fish comfortably. Whether you're working the grass flats for tailing reds or drifting deeper structure for snapper, this boat's performance and reliability keep you focused on what matters most - putting fish in the cooler.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the most fun fish to target on our flats. These copper-colored bulldogs with the signature black spots near their tail typically run 18-27 inches in our shallow waters, making them perfect for sight fishing. They love cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter are peak times when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is their powerful, stubborn fight and excellent eating quality - firm, mild flesh that's fantastic blackened or grilled. Plus, watching them cruise the shallows and getting them to eat a topwater plug is pure adrenaline. My go-to technique is using a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp worked slowly along the bottom. When sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle before they get close - spook one and you'll likely spook the whole school.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing here in St. Pete. These spotted beauties usually run 12-20 inches and are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great table fare. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around potholes and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Fall through spring offers the most consistent fishing, with winter being particularly good when they school up in deeper holes. Trout are popular because they're aggressive biters, put up a decent scrap for their size, and taste fantastic - sweet, white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and bite a variety of baits. The key to consistent trout fishing is working your lure slowly - whether it's a soft plastic or live shrimp, keep it just off the bottom and use a gentle twitching motion. They have soft mouths, so don't horse them in.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. These sleek, golden-sided fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-28 inches around St. Pete, though we occasionally hook into those trophy 30+ inchers that really get your heart pumping. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where the current brings them easy meals. Spring through fall are prime months, especially during the warmer water periods from May to September when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make several strong runs and try to wrap you around any structure they can find. The meat is absolutely top-notch too, white and flaky with a clean taste. Here's a local tip: when fishing around docks at dawn or dusk, cast your live shrimp or pinfish right up against the pilings and let it drift naturally with the current.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants typically range from 80-150 pounds in our local waters, though we see some real monsters pushing 200+ during peak season. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats in 6-20 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time, especially May through July when they're migrating through Tampa Bay. What hooks anglers is watching a 6-foot fish explode out of the water multiple times - their acrobatics are something you'll never forget. While most folks release them (the meat's pretty bony anyway), it's all about that bucket-list fight. These fish can jump 10 feet high and peel line like nothing else. Pro tip: when you hook one, immediately bow to the fish during those jumps by pointing your rod tip toward them - it gives slack and prevents them from throwing the hook on those spectacular leaps.
5.0 out of 5.0Had an awesome time! Caught 8 different species of fishing, including 9 mackerel!
We had an awesome day on the water with Captain Mike! Caught over 30 fish throughout the trip and even hit the inshore slam redfis...
If you’re looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, Captain Mike is your guy. From the moment we boarded his boat, it was c...
Mike is a great captain! He knows the best spots and keeps you entertained throughout the entire day. Highly recommended the half ...
St. Petersburg