5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Beginner-Friendly St. Pete Fishing
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targets Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon.Captain Andy provides all gear, licenses, and bait included.Beginnerfriendly inshore fishing in calm Tampa Bay waters.
Looking for a perfect introduction to Tampa Bay's legendary inshore fishing scene? Captain Andy's 4-hour morning charter is exactly what you need to get hooked on saltwater fishing. Starting early when the fish are most active and the Florida sun isn't beating down on you yet, this trip targets some of the bay's most sought-after species in the shallow, protected waters around St. Petersburg. With all gear, licenses, and bait provided, you'll focus on what matters most – learning the ropes and landing fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first saltwater experience or just want a relaxed morning on the water without the pressure of a full-day commitment, this charter delivers consistent action with personalized instruction from a local pro who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Captain Andy runs a tight ship but keeps things fun and educational, especially for first-timers and families. You'll launch early to beat both the crowds and the heat, heading out into Tampa Bay's maze of grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars where gamefish love to hang out. The morning bite is typically the most productive time, when baitfish are active and predators are feeding aggressively in the cooler water. Don't worry about being inexperienced – Andy specializes in teaching newcomers everything from proper casting technique to reading the water for signs of fish. The intimate 2-person capacity means you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction and won't be competing with a boatload of other anglers for attention. Expect to cover different types of structure throughout the trip, from shallow grass beds where redfish cruise to deeper edges where snook ambush prey.
All your tackle is provided and specifically chosen for Tampa Bay's inshore conditions. You'll be fishing with medium-action spinning rods paired with quality reels spooled with braided line – perfect for feeling those subtle bites and having enough backbone to turn fish away from structure. Captain Andy keeps a variety of baits on board, from live shrimp and pinfish to artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, depending on conditions and what the fish are eating that day. You'll learn proven inshore techniques like sight fishing the flats, working DOA shrimp along grass edges, and pitching jigs to mangrove roots. The beauty of inshore fishing is its versatility – one minute you might be making long casts to cruising redfish in 2 feet of water, the next you could be vertical jigging for trout in deeper holes. Andy will teach you to read the water, understand tidal movements, and recognize the subtle signs that indicate where fish are holding.
"andy was great. put us on fish. it was my 9 year daughter first time saltwater fishing and captain Andy was awesome with her made it such a good experience she wants to do it again. we only did 2 hours because i didnt know how my daughter would do. after the fact i wish i would of done four. my daughter alone caught 9 fish not counting what my dad and i caught. all and all great trip. would definitely used this booking again. thanks you captain Andy" - Jason
Snook are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing and a major reason why anglers travel here from around the world. These ambush predators love structure – you'll find them lurking under mangrove overhangs, around docks, and along oyster bars waiting to slam unsuspecting baitfish. Snook are incredibly aggressive when they strike, often jumping and making powerful runs that will test your drag system. They're most active during warmer months from spring through fall, with the best action typically in the early morning hours. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability – they might ignore your bait for 10 casts, then absolutely crush it on the next one. The slot limit keeps the fishery healthy, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing your first snook and seeing that distinctive black lateral line.
Redfish, or "reds" as locals call them, are probably the most reliable species in Tampa Bay and perfect for beginners. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow grass flats and can often be spotted by their distinctive black tail spots or by "tailing" behavior when they're feeding head-down in skinny water. Reds are available year-round but are especially active during cooler months when they school up in larger numbers. They're not the fastest fish in the bay, but they make up for it with pure bulldogging power – once hooked, they'll make determined runs and use their broad sides to fight you every inch of the way. The great thing about redfish is they're not particularly line-shy or leader-shy, making them ideal targets for new anglers still working on their casting accuracy.
Spotted seatrout, or "specks," are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay fishing and probably what you'll catch most of during your trip. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted pattern and yellow mouths are found throughout the bay system, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. They're active feeders and will hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for learning different techniques. Seatrout are most active during the warmer months but can be caught year-round, with the larger "gator trout" typically showing up during cooler weather. They have relatively soft mouths, so you'll learn the importance of keeping steady pressure without horsing them to the boat. Many anglers cut their teeth on seatrout fishing, and they provide consistent action when other species might be finicky.
Tarpon are the holy grail of Tampa Bay fishing and the reason this area is famous worldwide among serious anglers. While they're seasonal visitors typically showing up from late spring through early fall, when they're here, they provide some of the most spectacular fishing action you'll find anywhere. These "silver kings" can reach over 100
Captain Andy's 2006 Scout Bay 240 is your ticket to Tampa Bay's best inshore fishing action. This reliable 24-foot bay boat cuts through the shallows with ease, powered by a smooth 250 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the honey holes fast. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout hiding in the grass flats and mangrove shorelines. GPS keeps you on course to the most productive spots while the live bait tank ensures your offerings stay fresh and lively. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The shallow draft design lets Captain Andy navigate tight spots where the big fish like to hang out. Whether you're working the docks for snook or sight-fishing redfish in skinny water, this boat handles St. Petersburg's inshore waters like a dream.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down my favorite species to target with families. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches and are famous for that black eyespot near their tail. They cruise the shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat just about anything. They're year-round residents but really shine in fall and winter when they school up. Guests love the visual aspect - you can often spot them tailing or cruising in clear water. They're also fantastic on the table with sweet, firm meat. My local trick: look for nervous water or slight wakes in the shallows on calm days. When you find feeding redfish, approach quietly and cast beyond them, then work your bait back into their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect for beginners and make up a good portion of our catches. They typically run 14-20 inches and have those beautiful black spots scattered across their silver sides. You'll find them over grass flats, around docks, and in shallow bays - usually 2-6 feet deep. They bite year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes. What guests love about trout is they're willing biters and fight well for their size with quick runs and head shakes. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. Here's a local secret: look for diving birds working over grass flats. That activity usually means bait is getting pushed up, and specks are often right underneath feeding.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Tampa Bay's premier gamefish, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They love structure - mangroves, docks, bridge pilings, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. These ambush predators hit hard and make blistering runs when hooked. Spring through fall are prime months, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their explosive strike and stubborn fight - they'll jump, roll, and try every trick to throw the hook. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: cast your bait upcurrent from structure and let it drift naturally past where they're hiding. Don't horse them - snook have soft mouths, so steady pressure works better than trying to muscle them in.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate seasonal thrill here in Tampa Bay, showing up late spring through summer. These silver giants average 80-150 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Look for them rolling on the surface in channels, around bridges, and near passes in 10-30 feet of water. They're not great eating due to their bony flesh, but that's not why people chase them - it's all about the fight and those wild jumps. When a tarpon goes airborne, it's pure magic. Best fishing happens on moving water during warmer months, especially early morning. These fish have been around for millions of years and can live 50+ years, so we always practice catch and release. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it prevents the line from snapping tight and breaking.
5.0 out of 5.0andy was great. put us on fish. it was my 9 year daughter first time saltwater fishing and captain Andy was awesome with her made ...
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