Sunset Cruise with Captain Matt Rogers
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour sunset cruise along St. Petersburg's Gulf watersCaptain Matt Rogers guides groups up to ten guestsInshore fishing combined with scenic sunset viewing experience
Picture this: you're out on the calm waters around St. Petersburg as the sun starts its slow descent toward the Gulf of Mexico, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. Captain Matt Rogers knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this two-hour sunset cruise has become a customer favorite among locals and visitors alike. While this isn't your typical fishing charter, it's the perfect way to experience the same waters where world-class angling happens daily, giving you a chance to scout future fishing spots or simply unwind after a day on the water.
Captain Matt keeps things relaxed and personal with groups of up to 10 people, which means you're not packed in like sardines on some massive tour boat. The Triple Threat Outfitters vessel is set up for comfort, giving everyone plenty of space to move around, snap photos, or just lean back and take in the scenery. You'll cruise along the inshore waters where tarpon roll during summer months and where snook hunt in the shallows year-round. Matt's been guiding these waters for years, so he's got stories about the big fish that come through here and the best spots to target them. The whole vibe is laid-back – no pressure, no rushing around, just good conversation and some of the best views you'll find anywhere along Florida's Gulf Coast.
The route takes you through some of St. Petersburg's most productive fishing grounds, though on this trip you're trading your rod for relaxation. Captain Matt navigates the same channels and flats where he guides morning and afternoon fishing charters, so you'll get insider knowledge about the area's hotspots. The boat stays in protected waters near the mangrove shorelines and grass flats, areas that stay calm even when there's a bit of chop further out in the Gulf. These are the same waters where redfish cruise the edges looking for bait, and where spotted seatrout hold in the deeper pockets. Matt points out structure and cover that holds fish, giving you a master class in reading the water without even wetting a line. The shallow draft allows access to areas bigger boats can't reach, offering views of undisturbed coastline and wildlife that most tourists never see.
While you won't be fishing on this sunset cruise, the waters you'll be cruising through are home to some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. Redfish are the bread and butter of these flats, especially around the mangrove edges you'll be passing. These copper-colored fighters average 18 to 27 inches in the slot and are most active during the cooler parts of the day – which makes early morning and late afternoon the prime times to target them. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their habit of cruising shallow water where you can sight-fish them. Fall and winter months are particularly hot for bull reds over the slot limit, with fish pushing 30-plus pounds not uncommon in the deeper channels.
Spotted seatrout are another staple in these waters, and they love the grass flats you'll be floating over during your sunset cruise. These fish are most active when water temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, making spring and fall the top-rated seasons for consistent action. Trout average 14 to 18 inches but can push well over 20 inches during the cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. They're known for their soft mouths and acrobatic fights, plus they make excellent table fare when kept within regulations. The best trout fishing happens around dawn and dusk, which is exactly when you'll be out there watching the sunset and learning the water.
Snook are the crown jewel of St. Petersburg's inshore fishing scene, and these waters hold some true giants. The area's bridges, docks, and mangrove shorelines provide perfect ambush points for these line-siders. Snook are highly seasonal due to temperature sensitivity, with the best action happening from late spring through early fall when water temps stay above 70 degrees. These fish are renowned for their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights, often jumping clear of the water when hooked. What makes snook fishing so addictive is their finicky nature – they can be incredibly selective about lures and presentation, making each fish you land feel like a real achievement. The slot limit protects breeding stock, and they're currently catch-and-release only, which keeps the population healthy for future seasons.
Whether you're scouting for your next fishing adventure or just want to experience St. Petersburg from the water, this sunset cruise with Captain Matt Rogers delivers exactly what you're looking for. The intimate group size means you get personal attention and insider knowledge that you won't find on crowded tour boats. Matt's passion for these waters comes through in everything he shares, from pointing out productive fishing spots to explaining how tides and weather affect fish behavior. It's the kind of trip that leaves you planning your return before you even make it back to the dock. Ready to see why these waters have earned their reputation as some of the Gulf Coast's finest? Give Triple Threat Outfitters a call and secure your spot for an evening you'll be talking about long after the sun goes down.
Get ready to fish the inshore waters of St. Petersburg aboard the stunning 2022 323 Calcutta! This luxurious 33-foot catamaran packs serious power with twin 300 HP Mercury engines that'll have you cruising to the hottest fishing spots at up to 60 knots. The spacious deck gives you and up to 5 fellow anglers plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Captain Matt Rogers knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish using the onboard GPS navigation and fish finder to locate where they're biting. The stable catamaran design keeps things smooth even when the bite gets hot, so you can focus on landing that trophy catch. Whether you're targeting snook in the mangroves or redfish on the flats, this boat has everything you need for a productive day on the water around St. Pete's legendary inshore fishing grounds.
St. Petersburg