The Ultimate Fishing Adventure Awaits You in St. Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing trips targeting snapper, snook, redfish, and mackerelExpert guides provide equipment and techniques for all skill levelsMultiple trip durations available with 2person maximum capacity
When you're looking for world-class inshore fishing action, St. Petersburg delivers like nowhere else in Florida. Our waters here are absolutely loaded with gamefish year-round, and I've been guiding these flats and grass beds long enough to know exactly where they're biting. With Westward Fishing Charters, you're getting a top-rated experience that's perfect for two anglers who want to focus on quality fishing without the crowds. Whether you choose our 4-hour, 5-hour, or 6-hour trips, you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Gulf Coast - and trust me, these fish fight hard in our shallow waters.
St. Petersburg's inshore fishing scene is something special, and you'll feel it the moment we push off from the dock. We're talking about pristine grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and crystal-clear backcountry waters that hold serious fish. The beauty of our location is the variety - one minute you might be working a snook under the mangroves, the next you're sight-casting to a school of reds cruising the flats. Our boat is rigged specifically for inshore work, meaning we can get into those skinny water spots where the big fish hide. You'll be fishing with quality tackle that's perfectly matched to our target species, and I'll be right there coaching you through every cast, every hookup, and every fight. The intimate setting with just two anglers means you get personalized attention and plenty of shots at the fish we're marking.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be using light to medium spinning gear loaded with braided line - perfect for feeling those subtle bites and getting fish out of structure quickly. Depending on conditions and what we're targeting, we might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along the grass edges, or pitching jigs into the mangroves. I keep the boat stocked with everything from DOA shrimp to paddle tails, plus a good selection of live bait when the fish are being picky. The key to success in these waters is staying mobile and adjusting your presentation. Sometimes the fish want it slow and subtle, other times they'll crush a fast-moving bait. That's where experience comes in - I've spent thousands of hours on these flats and know how to put you on fish when others are struggling.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of our inshore fishery, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are abundant from spring through fall, with the best action happening over grass beds in 3-8 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Most of our trout run 14-20 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and the occasional gator trout pushing 24-plus inches. What makes them so fun is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, shake their heads, and give you a real battle on light tackle.
Crevalle Jack are the powerhouses of our inshore waters, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These silver torpedoes show up in schools and feed aggressively, especially during the warmer months. They average 10-25 pounds around here, with some real bruisers pushing 30-plus. Jack crevalle are phenomenal fighters that'll test your drag and your endurance - they make long, powerful runs and don't give up easily. You'll find them busting bait on the surface or cruising the flats, and they're not picky about what they eat. A well-presented jig or live bait in the right spot will get crushed.
Cobia are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, and spotting one cruising the flats gets every angler's heart pumping. These brown sharks lookalikes are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you shot after shot if you're patient. Spring and fall are prime time for cobia, when they're moving through our area in good numbers. Most run 20-40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. They're sight-fishing at its finest - you'll see them swimming just under the surface, and the key is making a perfect presentation without spooking them. Hook a cobia and you're in for a serious fight with multiple long runs.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish, and St. Petersburg's mangrove shorelines and dock lights hold some real beauties. These ambush predators love structure and current, making them a fun puzzle to figure out. During the warmer months, they're active in the backcountry, while winter finds them congregating around warm water discharges. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to cut you off in the mangroves if you're not careful. They're also incredibly line-shy, so finesse is often the key. Land a slot snook and you've accomplished something special - they're as beautiful as they are challenging.
Grey Snapper round out our target list and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These bottom-dwelling fighters are found around structure, grass beds, and rocky areas throughout our fishing zones. They're excellent table fare and put up a respectable fight on appropriate tackle. Grey snapper are opportunistic feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials. They're perfect for filling out your catch when the glamour species aren't cooperating, and they're great for less experienced anglers to build confidence.
St. Petersburg's inshore fishing is world-class, and there's no better way to experience it than with a dedicated guide who knows these waters inside and out. With just two spots available per
Meet our restored 22' Skeeter, your perfect fishing companion for St. Petersburg's productive inshore waters. This classic 2000 model got a complete makeover in 2022 and runs smooth with a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the hotspots fast - hitting 50 knots when you need to cover water quickly. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for snook and redfish, while the fish finder helps locate schools of mackerel and trout. GPS keeps you on your productive spots, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. Built for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to fight those jack crevalle and work the flats for sea trout without feeling cramped. Whether you're targeting grey snapper around the bridges or hunting cobia in the deeper channels, this boat handles St. Pete's diverse fishing grounds with ease.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the sharks that aren't sharks - dark brown, single dorsal fin, and that unmistakable cruising style near the surface. These bruisers average around 20-40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds, making them one of our most sought-after species. You'll spot them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, though they cruise shallower during spring migration. May through August is prime time when they're spawning and moving through our area. What makes cobia special is they're curious - they'll actually come check out the boat, giving you sight-casting opportunities you won't forget. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat. The fight is strong and steady, not flashy but determined. My go-to trick: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of where it's swimming and work it back slowly - cobia hate being surprised but love an easy target.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle and attitude packed into a brassy, torpedo-shaped package. Most run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can hit 60+ pounds and will test your drag system. Look for diving birds - that's usually jacks pushing baitfish to the surface in shallow water. They love structure like reefs and wrecks but also cruise seagrass beds hunting for an easy meal. Year-round fishing is solid here, but summer brings the most consistent action. What guests love about jacks is the fight - they pull hard and never give up. Fair warning though: they're not great eating, so most folks release them. Here's the key - when you see a school, cast past them and retrieve fast. Jacks can't resist a fleeing baitfish, and silver spoons or white bucktails work magic on these aggressive predators.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as most locals call them, are some of the smartest fish in the bay. These copper-colored fighters typically run 10-14 inches inshore, though offshore specimens can hit 20 pounds. They love structure - docks, bridges, mangroves, rock piles, anywhere they can ambush prey. You'll find them year-round, but summer offers the most consistent action in 10-40 feet of water. What guests love about mangroves is they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, plus they put up a solid fight for their size. The challenge is outsmarting them - they're incredibly bait-shy and will inspect your offering before committing. Light tackle and small hooks are essential. Here's the secret: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. No fancy jigging needed - these opportunistic feeders prefer a natural presentation that looks like an easy meal.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are some of the most reliable fish in Tampa Bay. These silvery beauties with their distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk. They love structure like oyster bars and drop-offs near seagrass beds. Spring through fall offers the best action, with cooler months pushing them into deeper channels. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're great for beginners but still challenge experienced anglers. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. Pro tip: work your bait slowly over grass flats during moving water - specks are ambush feeders and prefer a subtle presentation to an aggressive retrieve.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature gamefish - that black lateral line and golden color make them unmistakable. Most range 18-28 inches, but the big females can stretch over 40 inches and really bend a rod. They're structure addicts, hanging around docks, mangroves, bridges, and oyster bars in shallow water. Spring through fall is peak season, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn. What makes snook fishing special is the challenge - they're spooky, have razor-sharp gill plates that cut line, and fight like they're angry about being hooked. The meat is outstanding too, sweet and flaky when prepared right. They're catch-and-release only during closed seasons, so check regulations. Pro tip: snook are ambush predators, so work your bait or lure close to cover but don't bang it against the structure - a subtle presentation just off the edge usually triggers the strike.
St. Petersburg, FL