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St. Pete's Custom Inshore Charters | Deep Color
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- St. Petersburg, FL
- $325 - $700 price range
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
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Reel in the Action: St. Pete's Inshore Fishing
Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Deep Color Fishing's got you covered with our customizable charters right here in St. Petersburg. We're talking about a day on the water that's all about you – whether you're looking to bend a rod on some bruiser grouper or finesse your way into a trophy trout. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're itching to put you on the fish. No need to sweat the small stuff – we've got all the gear, licenses, and local know-how to make your day on the water a breeze. So grab a buddy and let's make some fishing memories!
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard with Deep Color Fishing, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out from St. Pete, navigating the rich waterways that make this area a fisherman's paradise. Our inshore trips are perfect for anglers of all stripes – from seasoned pros to folks who've never held a rod before. We'll hit up some of our favorite honey holes, targeting a mix of species that'll keep you on your toes. Expect to cast around mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and maybe even some nearshore reefs. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish, the next you could be battling a hard-pulling cobia. And don't worry if you're new to this – our crew's always ready to lend a hand with everything from baiting hooks to landing your catch.
Techniques That Get Results
We're all about matching our tactics to what's biting and where. Some days, we might be slinging soft plastics for trout on the grass flats, working them with a slow retrieve that drives the fish wild. Other times, we'll chunk live bait near structure for grouper or cobia. If the mackerel are running, we might do some light trolling or cast spoons to schooling fish. For those sneaky sheepshead, we'll often use light tackle and fiddler crabs around pilings or rocky areas. It's this mix of techniques that keeps things interesting and ups your chances of a cooler full of fish. Don't sweat it if you're not familiar with these methods – we're here to show you the ropes and have you fishing like a local in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's talk about some of the stars of the show here in St. Pete's inshore waters. First up, the goliath grouper – these monsters can top 400 pounds and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your gear. They love structure and tend to hang around wrecks and reefs. While they're catch-and-release only, the thrill of battling one of these giants is unforgettable.
Sheepshead are another local favorite. These striped beauties are known for their human-like teeth and their ability to steal bait like nobody's business. They're most active in cooler months and make for some fantastic eating. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-stealers, and the satisfaction when you finally hook one is tough to beat.
King mackerel, or "kingfish" as we call 'em, are speed demons of the sea. They'll make your reel scream and your heart race. Spring and fall are prime times for kings, and they're a blast whether you're trolling or sight-casting to surface-feeding schools.
Sea trout might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're a staple of inshore fishing here. These spotted predators are a year-round target and love to ambush bait in grass flats. They're great on light tackle and even better on the dinner plate.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These wary fish are tough to fool and even tougher to land. They've got a knack for testing both your patience and your skill. Spring and summer are your best bet for hooking into one of these silver discs.
Last but not least, cobia are like the bulldogs of the ocean. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat, but don't let that fool you – once hooked, they fight like crazy. Spring is prime time for cobia, and they're a favorite for both their fight and their firm, white meat.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves – on the experience, that is. It's not just about the fish (though that's a big part of it). It's about the whole package. You're out there on the water, soaking in the Florida sun, watching dolphins play in our wake, and maybe even spotting a manatee or two. Our trips are laid-back but focused – we're serious about putting you on fish, but we're also here to have a good time. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, try for a personal best, or just enjoy a day away from the grind, we've got you covered. Plus, with our customizable charters, you can tailor the experience to exactly what you're after. Want to focus on a specific species? No problem. Looking to mix it up with a variety of catches? We can do that too. It's your day, and we're here to make it great.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's wrap this up and get you on the water. If you're itching to feel that rod bend and that drag sing, Deep Color Fishing's got your ticket to some of the best inshore action St. Petersburg has to offer. We provide everything you need – rods, reels, bait, and a boatload of local knowledge. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Remember, our trips are customizable, so whether you're after a specific fish or just want to see what's biting, we'll make it happen. And hey, if plans change, no sweat – you can cancel up to a day before without any hassle. So what are you waiting for? The fish are calling, and the time to book is now. Let's make some waves and some memories – see you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Cobia
Cobia are hard-fighting fish that look a bit like sharks with their dark coloring and single dorsal fin. They average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around structures like buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 30-70 foot depths. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love cobia for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, sight fish near the surface or work jigs around structure. Live eels are like candy to them. My local tip: when you spot one, don't cast right on its head. That'll spook it for sure. Instead, lead it by 10-15 feet and slowly work the bait into its path. When a cobia commits, it'll inhale the bait and take off on a strong run. Be ready with a smooth, steady hookset to drive that hook home.
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper are the biggest grouper in the western Atlantic, growing up to 8 feet and 800 pounds. These massive fish hang out near structures like reefs, wrecks, and bridges in depths from 16 to 160 feet. They're most active spring through fall when water temps are warmer. Anglers love targeting them for the sheer challenge - hooking into one feels like you're battling a Volkswagen. Use heavy tackle with 600-pound test line and a 20/0 circle hook. For bait, go big with whole fish like ladyfish or jacks. When you feel that first pull, hold on tight! These giants put up an intense fight, so be ready. My tip: anchor close enough to the structure to draw them out, but far enough that you can pull them away before they break you off. It's a tricky balance, but that's what makes landing a Goliath so rewarding.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or "kingfish," are speedy predators that'll test your drag. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in 40-150 foot depths, often near reefs, wrecks, or other structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Anglers love targeting kings for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - hook one and hold on tight! They're also great eating, with rich, oily meat perfect for smoking. To catch 'em, troll with planers and big spoons or live bait like blue runners. My local tip: keep an eye out for birds diving on bait schools. That's a good sign kings are feeding nearby. When you see that, slow-troll live baits through the area and hang on - when a king hits, it'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands!
Permit
Permit are one of the trickiest fish to catch, which is exactly why anglers love targeting them. They're flat and silvery, shaped like a giant pompano, and usually run 10-30 pounds. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around offshore wrecks and reefs. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they're spawning. Permit have incredible eyesight and are super spooky, so stealth is key. Use light tackle and natural baits like small crabs. My local tip: when you spot one, make a long cast well ahead of its path. Let the bait sit motionless until the permit gets close, then give it the slightest twitch. Be ready - when they commit, it's an explosive take followed by a blistering run. Landing a permit on fly or light tackle is a true badge of honor for any angler.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in grass flats, channels, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. They're here year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch specks, work soft plastics or live shrimp around grass edges, especially early morning or evening. My local tip: on cooler days, look for them in deeper holes and channels where water temps are more stable. A slow-rolled jig is deadly in those spots. When you feel that telltale thump, don't set the hook too hard - trout have soft mouths and can tear free easily. Just reel down and lean into them for a better hookup.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are weird-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds, but they can get up to 20 pounds. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, jetties. They're here year-round but really stack up from fall through early spring. Folks love catching sheepshead because they're crafty bait-stealers and put up a good fight for their size. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. To catch 'em, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp. Fish as close to the pilings as you can without snagging. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - their tough mouths make them masters at stealing bait. My go-to trick is scraping some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up before I start fishing.
About the
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175
