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Top-Rated St. Petersburg Inshore Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Tampa
- $500 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: October 29, 2025
Summary
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Tampa Bay's Finest Catches
Tampa Bay catch & release
. Tampa’s trophy moment
Victory pose, Tampa style
Another Tampa catch landed
Foggy start, fire catch
Tampa views, hooked moods
Sunrise bites, Tampa light
Redfish rising in Tampa
Tampa snook strike success
Tampa trout on the line
Tampa Bay catch & release
. Tampa’s trophy moment
Victory pose, Tampa style
Another Tampa catch landed
Foggy start, fire catch
Tampa views, hooked moods
Sunrise bites, Tampa light
Redfish rising in Tampa
Tampa snook strike success
Tampa trout on the line
Tampa Bay catch & release
. Tampa’s trophy moment
Victory pose, Tampa style
Another Tampa catch landed
Tampa Bay's Top Inshore Slam: Snook, Reds & Tarpon
Ready to step up your inshore game? This St. Pete charter's got your name on it. We're talking prime-time fishing for the Tampa Bay grand slam: snook, redfish, and tarpon. Captain Andy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting experienced anglers on the fish. No beginners' luck needed here – this trip is tailor-made for folks who can already sling a line with the best of 'em. We'll hit the water early, when the bite is hot and the bay is alive. Gear up for four solid hours of targeted fishing, with all the tools and local know-how you need to land the big ones.
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't no leisurely cruise – we're here to fish, and fish hard. We'll be up with the sun, hitting prime spots while most folks are still hitting the snooze button. Captain Andy's got a sixth sense for where the fish are holding, whether it's snook lurking under mangroves, reds tailing on the flats, or tarpon rolling in the channels. Expect a mix of sight-fishing, live bait presentations, and maybe even some topwater action if conditions are right. You'll need to be on your A-game – quick casts, proper hook-sets, and smart fish-fighting techniques are all part of the deal. But don't worry, the captain's always there with pointers to help you dial in your approach.
Tactics for Tampa Bay's Finest
We're talking finesse fishing here, folks. Light tackle is the name of the game for most of our targets. For snook and reds, we might be working soft plastics on jigheads, twitching topwater plugs, or freelining live bait. When the tarpon are in town, we'll step it up to heavier gear – think 7-foot rods paired with robust reels that can handle the Silver King's acrobatics. Depending on the tide and conditions, we might be poling the flats, drifting the passes, or anchored up on a honey hole. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod you just can't leave behind, feel free to bring it along. Just remember, in these waters, it's all about presentation and stealth – no need for heavy offshore setups here.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Snook: The crown jewel of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. These wily predators love to hang tight to structure – mangroves, docks, you name it. They've got a knack for making blistering runs right back to their hidey-holes, so you'll need quick reflexes and a deft touch on the drag. Spring and fall are prime time, but a good captain can put you on snook year-round. There's nothing quite like the explosion of a big snook crushing a topwater lure at first light.
Redfish: AKA red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats. They'll test your drag and your patience, especially when they decide to make a power run across a shallow flat. Look for their distinctive tail waving above the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is the golden season for big bulls, but slot-sized reds are around all year. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is an adrenaline rush like no other.
Tarpon: The Silver King. The fish of 10,000 casts. Whatever you call 'em, tarpon are the ultimate gamefish. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds, and when they go airborne, it's a spectacle you'll never forget. We target them primarily in late spring and summer when they migrate through the area. Hooking one is hard enough – landing one is a true feat of angling skill. Be ready for a battle that could last well over an hour.
Spotted Seatrout: Often overlooked but never underappreciated, speckled trout are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay inshore fishing. They're abundant, eager to bite, and delicious on the plate. We'll often find them over grass flats or around deeper holes. While they might not have the brute strength of their inshore cousins, a big gator trout can still put up one heck of a fight on light tackle.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, there's a reason St. Pete is a mecca for inshore fishing. Where else can you target four world-class gamefish species all in the same trip? And we're not talking about long runs offshore – this is all happening right in Tampa Bay's backyard. The diversity of habitats – from skinny water flats to deep channels and everything in between – means there's always somewhere holding fish, no matter the conditions. Plus, with a seasoned pro like Captain Andy at the helm, you're not just fishing – you're getting a master class in inshore tactics. Whether you're looking to cross a species off your bucket list or just hone your skills, this trip delivers the goods time and time again.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, anglers – you've heard the pitch, now it's time to wet a line. This St. Pete inshore charter is the real deal for those looking to level up their game. Four hours of targeted fishing with a top-notch guide, all the gear you need, and some of the best inshore action Florida has to offer. Whether you're after that slot redfish, your first tarpon, or just want to bend a rod on some quality fish, Captain Andy's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't sleep on this one. Get your crew together (remember, we can take up to four anglers), pick a date, and let's make it happen. The fish are waiting – are you ready to answer the call?
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically run 18-27 inches in the bay, but bull reds over 40 inches show up in deeper water. Look for them tailing on shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near mangroves. Reds feed by smell, so scented baits and live bait work wonders. These copper-colored bruisers put up a great fight, often making several strong runs. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Sight fishing for tailing reds in gin-clear water is a rush. They're also excellent table fare. My go-to redfish trick is to fish cut pinfish on the bottom near oyster bars on an incoming tide. The scent draws them in, and they can't resist an easy meal. Just be ready when that rod doubles over - reds hit hard and don't give up easily!
Sea Trout
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple of inshore fishing here. Most run 15-20 inches, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths. They love moving water, so fishing the tide changes is key. Trout are active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. These fish put up a decent fight and are known for their soft mouths, so a steady retrieve is important. Anglers love targeting trout because they're abundant and great eating. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificial lures work great too. My favorite trick is to work a soft plastic jerk bait with a slow, twitching retrieve over grass beds. Let it flutter down occasionally - that often triggers strikes from bigger trout lurking below.
Snook
Snook are a prized catch here in St. Pete, known for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty fillets. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches and hang out around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. They love ambushing bait, so look for them in current rips and along dropoffs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps change. Snook put up an awesome fight - they'll make blistering runs and try to wrap you around every piling in sight. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. My go-to trick is working a soft plastic jerk bait with erratic twitches right up next to structure. Let it sink, then pop it a few times. That often triggers a reaction strike from a big linesider. Just remember to keep constant pressure once hooked - snook have sandpaper-like mouths that can wear through your line in a hurry.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the kings of inshore fishing around here. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and put on one heck of an acrobatic show. You'll find them rolling in deeper channels and along beaches from late spring through summer. Tarpon migrate through our waters, so timing is key. They feed on crabs, mullet, and other baitfish. The fight is what it's all about - jaw-dropping leaps and powerful runs that'll test your stamina. Patience is crucial when targeting these silver giants. We often sight-fish for them, looking for "laid up" fish in clear shallows. My top tip: use circle hooks with live bait to improve hookups and make releases easier. Speaking of releases, we always handle tarpon carefully to ensure they swim off strong. While they're not known as table fare, the thrill of battling "the silver king" keeps anglers coming back year after year.
About the Robalo (Center console)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
