%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F4962%2Fimages%2Fdclogo.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Premium 6-Hour Inshore Fishing in St. Petersburg
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Updated Date: January 9, 2026
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fe5291806-fcc2-46b1-a07f-5bcaaf552f78%2Fratecard%2Fimage-2026-01-08t062831.205-mk4llyl2.png&w=1200&q=75)
Fish On Action
Extended Half Day Fishing in St. Petersburg
Looking for a solid fishing adventure that won't eat up your entire day? This 6-hour inshore trip out of St. Petersburg is exactly what you need. We're talking about targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species - Cobia, Grouper, Permit, Flounder, Sheepshead, and even some Kingfish if they're cooperative. The waters around St. Pete are absolutely loaded with fish year-round, and our extended half-day format gives you plenty of time to get into the action without committing to a marathon day on the water. You'll have everything you need included - rods, reels, tackle, and all the gear to make this a productive outing. Perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want to experience why St. Petersburg is becoming a top-rated destination for inshore fishing.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical quick morning trip - we're giving you a full 6 hours to really get after it. We'll be working the flats, structure, and nearshore areas where these fish love to hang out. The beauty of St. Petersburg's location is that we've got incredible diversity within a short boat ride. One minute you might be sight-fishing for Cobia cruising the surface, the next you're dropping down for Grouper around some structure. The trip stays flexible based on what's biting and the conditions we're dealing with. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. No crowds, no waiting for your turn - just quality fishing time with someone who knows these waters inside and out. The all-inclusive setup means you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about whether you brought the right gear.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. For the Cobia and Kingfish, we might be sight-fishing with live bait or working with artificials around structure. Grouper fishing means getting down to the bottom with circle hooks and enough weight to stay put in the current. The Sheepshead require a bit more finesse - these guys are notorious bait stealers, so we'll be using smaller hooks and watching our rod tips like hawks. Flounder fishing is all about working the sandy bottom and grass flats with jigs and live bait. The tackle is set up to handle everything from the finicky Sheepshead bites to the drag-screaming runs of a good King Mackerel. We keep multiple rods rigged and ready so we can adapt quickly when the bite changes or when we move to different spots throughout the day.
Top Catches This Season
Southern Flounder are year-round residents here, but they really turn on during the cooler months from October through March. These flatfish love the grass flats and sandy bottoms around Tampa Bay, and they're masters of camouflage. What makes them so fun is the way they hit - sometimes it's just a subtle tap, other times they'll absolutely crush your bait. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a customer favorite for folks who want to take dinner home.
Goliath Grouper are the giants of our local waters, and while you can't keep them, the experience of hooking into one is something you'll never forget. These prehistoric-looking fish can weigh hundreds of pounds and will test every piece of tackle you've got. Summer months are prime time when they're most active around structure and wrecks. The adrenaline rush of feeling one of these monsters grab your bait is why so many anglers become obsessed with Goliath fishing.
Sheepshead are the year-round tricksters that keep everyone honest. They're incredibly smart and have human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs with ease. Winter months are peak season when they school up around structure for spawning. Landing a good Sheepshead requires skill and patience, and they're absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf.
King Mackerel show up in good numbers during the warmer months, typically from spring through fall. These speed demons can make blistering runs and put on an aerial show that gets everyone's heart pumping. They're perfect for anglers who love fast action and screaming drags. The kings around St. Pete range from schoolie size up to true trophy fish that can stretch the tape past 40 inches.
Sea Trout are one of the most reliable species in our local waters, with grass flats being their preferred habitat. They bite year-round but really shine during the spring and fall transitions. What makes them special is their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them perfect for anglers who love working topwater plugs and soft plastics. They're also forgiving for less experienced anglers while still providing plenty of fun on light tackle.
Cobia are the wanderers that can show up anytime during the warmer months, usually from March through October. These chocolate-colored bruisers are sight-fishing opportunities that get everyone excited. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat or check out any commotion in the water. When you spot one cruising the surface, it becomes a chess match to get them interested in your offering. They're strong fighters and excellent eating, making them a true prize catch.
Time to Book Your Spot
This extended half-day trip hits the sweet spot for anglers who want serious fishing time without the full-day commitment. The 6-hour format gives us enough time to work multiple spots and target different species as conditions change throughout the day. With world-class fishing literally minutes from the dock and an all-inclusive setup that takes the guesswork out of gear selection, you're set up for success from the moment we leave the marina. The 2-person limit ensures you get plenty of fishing time and personalized instruction. Plus, with free cancellation up to a day before your trip, there's no risk in securing your spot. St. Petersburg
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - powerful, curious fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. They're loners most of the year, cruising around buoys, wrecks, and other structure in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through our waters heading north. What makes them special is their incredible table quality - firm, white meat that's restaurant-grade - plus they put up a strong, bulldogging fight. They're also curious and will often approach the boat to investigate. We typically sight-fish for them, watching for that dark shadow just under the surface. My tip: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live crab well ahead of where they're swimming and work it slowly. They'll usually eat if you don't spook them.
Goliath Grouper
These are the giants of the reef - true monsters that can reach 6+ feet and several hundred pounds. They're strictly catch-and-release due to protection laws, but hooking one is a memory you'll never forget. We find them around wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs in 30-100 feet of water year-round, though summer brings better action. What guests love is that first run - it's like being hooked to a truck. They're curious fish that will come check out divers and often follow bait right to the boat. The fight is intense but usually short since they try to get back to structure fast. Here's the key: use really heavy tackle and keep steady pressure. Don't try to horse them up right away - let them tire a bit, then work them up slowly while staying clear of the structure.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your drag and your arms. These silver torpedoes typically run 15-40 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, and they're built for one thing - going fast. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks, especially during their spring and fall migrations. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll scream line off your reel like nothing else. Plus, they're excellent on the table when handled properly. The key is trolling with live bait or spoons at 6-8 knots, covering water until you find them. Here's my tip: when using live bait, always rig with two hooks on a wire leader - one in the nose, one near the tail. Kings hit the back half of baitfish, so that stinger hook is what gets them.
Sea Trout
Spotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They typically run 14-20 inches with some beautiful 3-5 pound fish mixed in. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during cold snaps. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late evening. Spring through fall offers the best action, though we catch them year-round. What guests love is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great fighters for their size. My go-to technique is working soft plastic shrimp or grubs slowly over the grass flats. Here's the secret: when the water gets cold, look for them in deeper channels where they school up heavy.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, and they're famous for having human-like teeth that crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-6 pounds, but we regularly see 8-12 pounders around docks, bridges, and jetties. They love structure - any barnacle-covered piling is prime real estate. Winter through early spring is peak season when they school up for spawning. Guests enjoy them because they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, plus they're a fun challenge since they're notorious bait thieves. They'll nibble your bait clean off if you're not paying attention. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to the structure, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are unique flatfish that live buried in sand and mud, using their crazy ability to change colors for camouflage. They're both-eyes-on-one-side fish that typically run 15-18 inches, but we catch some nice ones up to 25+ inches around here. You'll find them in shallow bays, grass flats, and around structure where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're moving through our inshore waters. What makes them special is that "doormat" fight - they pull sideways and make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: when drift fishing, let your bait hit bottom then lift it a foot or two. They like to see that bait moving just off the bottom, and when you feel that thump, set the hook quick.
About the
%2F%2Fusers%2Fe5291806-fcc2-46b1-a07f-5bcaaf552f78%2Fboat_picture%2Fboats.png&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175
