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Reeled In a 31inch Redfish in St Petersburg
Redfish in St. Petersburg, FL
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The redfish (Sciaenidae optatus) is an iconic game species throughout Florida's inshore waters. These bronze-colored battlers are prized for their strong fights and table quality. When hooked, redfish make powerful runs that test both angler and tackle. - Can live up to 60 years in the wild. - Often identified by the distinctive black spot on their tail. - Florida's slot size for harvest is typically 18-27 inches.
Fishing Charter by Captain Andy Kouris in December
Meet your Captain Andy Kouris
- Best Charter Fishing in Tampa to St. Petersburg
Summary
Experience the thrill of targeting trophy redfish on a fishing charter in St. Petersburg, FL with Wicked Salty Fishing Charters. Captain Andy Kouris specializes in putting clients on these powerful inshore gamefish that are known for their copper-red coloration and distinctive tail spot. Redfish in the 31-inch range provide exciting battles on light tackle in the shallow waters of Tampa Bay. The inshore fishing around St. Petersburg offers year-round opportunities for anglers of all skill levels, with peak redfish action typically occurring during the fall months when these fish school up in larger numbers. All necessary fishing gear, licenses, and bait are provided to ensure you have everything needed for a successful day on the water.
Fishing Charter with Andy Kouris – Rates & Booking
Captain Andy Kouris of Wicked Salty Fishing Charters offers professional guided fishing trips in St. Petersburg. His charters include all necessary fishing tackle, licenses, bait, and fish cleaning services. With extensive local knowledge of Tampa Bay's productive fishing grounds, Captain Andy specializes in targeting redfish, snook, trout, and other popular inshore species. Half-day trips (4 hours) and full-day excursions (8 hours) are available to accommodate different schedules and fishing goals. Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak fishing seasons when dates fill quickly.
Highlights of This St. Petersburg Fishing Trip
This particular fishing charter showcases the excellent redfish opportunities available in St. Petersburg waters. The impressive 31-inch redfish landed during this trip demonstrates the quality of gamefish that can be caught in this area. Tampa Bay's extensive flats, mangrove shorelines, and channel edges provide ideal habitat for redfish throughout the year.
Captain Andy employs various techniques to target these powerful fighters, including sight fishing in shallow water, working artificial lures along structure, and setting up strategic bait presentations. The charter is suitable for anglers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned pros looking to battle one of Florida's most iconic gamefish species.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish (also known as red drum) are prized for their strong fighting ability and are one of the most sought-after inshore species in Florida. In the St. Petersburg area, these fish can be found year-round but are particularly active during fall and winter months. They prefer shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels during extreme temperatures.
A 31-inch redfish like the one caught on this trip is considered a trophy specimen. When targeting these larger redfish, Captain Andy often uses live bait such as pinfish, whitebait (scaled sardines), or cut mullet. Artificial lures like weedless spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and topwater plugs can also be highly effective when worked around structure and along dropoffs. The fight of a big redfish often includes powerful runs and dogged resistance, making them an exciting target for light tackle anglers.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
When booking with Wicked Salty Fishing Charters, plan to arrive at the designated meeting point 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather, non-marking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and bring any personal snacks or beverages you might want during the trip. The boat is well-equipped with modern electronics, comfortable seating, and shade structures to ensure a pleasant experience on the water. Captain Andy welcomes anglers of all skill levels and provides patient instruction for beginners while also offering advanced techniques for experienced fishermen looking to improve their skills.
