The Ultimate Fishing Adventure Awaits You in St. Petersburg
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques & Tackle
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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