Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Eric

St. Petersburg, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, has become a popular destination for experienced and novice anglers looking to bring in their next big catch! St. Pete is ideal for all-level inshore fishing enthusiasts with its temperate climate and coastal waters teeming with fish. Whether you’re already well-versed in tarpon flipping or want to get out there for a first-time redfish hunt, the warm sandy beaches here offer something for everyone – from swift jetties that break into deep channels full of grouper to calm shallow flats bursting with snook.

What To Expect

St. Petersburg is known for its exciting inshore fishing opportunities. Throughout the year, we target various species, such as redfish, trout, snook, and tarpon, that inhabit the shallow waters close to shore. We can use different techniques to find and land each type of fish, which changes depending on what time of year we’re fishing. For instance, tarpon are usually quite active during the warmer months, while redfish and trout can be caught throughout the year.

Inshore fishing here can offer a wide variety of species, from Redfish, Trout, and Snook to Tarpon, Ladyfish, and Crevalle Jack. In addition to these favorites, you might reel in Mackerel, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Pompano, and Flounder! Of course, seasonal variations can play a part in what is under the sea on any given day, so Sharks, Barracuda, Mangrove Snapper, and Cobia can also sometimes be part of the catch. With inshore waters so full of life, each trip could bring something different.

Best Time of Year

When it comes to fishing in St. Pete, there is no perfect time. All year is fantastic, with different species appearing at different times. Springtime in St. Petersburg is an angler’s paradise! Warmer water temperatures bring myriad species into the shallow coastal waters, ranging from redfish and trout to snapper and mackerel. Then, as summer approaches, the waters will heat up–attracting an even larger variety of inshore fish. Trolling offshore can be incredibly prolific during this time of year, as you can reel in ladyfish, snook, tarpon, and much more.

Fall is another great time to do inshore fishing in St. Petersburg! As the water temperatures cool down in the fall, you may be able to find various types of fish that you haven’t seen before. Species like redfish, trout, and tarpon can become more active around this time. While some tarpon may leave the area for warmer waters, winter fishing could bring even more species into the shallows! During this season, redfish and trout can become more active, and you will find plenty of sheepshead and black drum ready for the catch.

Fish With Us

If you’re ready to step up your fishing game, look no further than Rock Bottom Charters in Saint Petersburg! With over 20 years of guide experience, Capt. Brett Norris will take you to the best spots and show you all the tips and tricks he’s learned on his journey. On your charter trip with us, you can fish for kingfish, snapper, grouper, cobia, sharks, and more!

We guarantee this adventure will be full of excitement and reward that’ll only keep growing as each catch gets bigger and bigger. And when you inevitably come back again for another hunt on the open seas, you’ll have plenty of experience to give yourself a great chance at success. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity – book a trip with Rock Bottom Charters today!