St. Pete's Expert-Guided Half-Day Inshore Fishing

Published Date: September 6, 2025
Fishing

St. Petersburg, FL
$325 - $700 price range

Summary

Ready for some Florida fishing action? Join Deep Color Fishing for a half-day trip out of St. Petersburg. We'll hit the inshore waters targeting a variety of fish like grouper, cobia, permit, sheepshead, and trout. No need to worry about gear or licenses – we've got you covered with everything you need for a great day on the water. Our experienced crew is here to help, whether you're a seasoned angler or trying fishing for the first time. With room for two guests, it's perfect for a fun outing with a friend or family member. The fishing grounds are productive, so get ready to reel 'em in! Book your spot and let's get out there. Remember, if plans change, you can cancel up to a day before at no cost. See you on the boat for some quality fishing in the Sunshine State!

St. Pete's Expert-Guided Half-Day Inshore Fishing

Inshore Catches

Redfish of St. Petersburg, Florida, average size

Permit fish caught fishing in St. Petersburg

Even with that zoom you can see the big fish

Two anglers caught three Great Barracuda and African Pompano fish in Florida.

Assorted catches today with seasoned guest.

Ultimate Grouper Catch in St Petersburg, FL.

Hook Your Dream Catch in St. Pete's Waters

Ready for some real Florida fishing action? Deep Color Fishing's got you covered with our half-day trip right here in St. Petersburg. We're talking prime inshore waters where the big ones lurk – Grouper, Cobia, Permit, you name it. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our crew's here to make sure you have a blast and hopefully land that fish story you'll be telling for years.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of St. Pete, the skyline fading behind you as we hit the sweet spots where the fish are biting. Our half-day trip is the perfect slice of Florida fishing without eating up your whole vacation. We've got room for you and a buddy, so bring your fishing partner or make it a solo adventure. No need to sweat the details – we've got all the gear, bait, and licenses covered. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack to keep you going. The best part? If plans change, you can cancel up to a day before without any fuss.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

On this trip, we're not messing around with one-trick fishing. We'll mix it up depending on what's biting and where. Might be bottom fishing for those tasty Grouper, or sight casting for Cobia cruising near the surface. We could be working the flats for Trout or battling Permit on the reefs. Our crew's always got their finger on the pulse of what's working, so we'll switch up techniques faster than a Spanish Mackerel can hit a lure. We're talking live bait, artificials, maybe even fly if that's your thing. It's all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's talk about the stars of the show – the fish you might be reeling in. First up, the Goliath Grouper. These giants can grow bigger than you, no joke. They love structure and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your gear. Best time to target them? Late summer to fall when they're spawning near shore.

King Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call 'em, are the speedsters of the sea. They'll make your reel scream as they tear off on blistering runs. Spring and fall are prime time for Kings, and they're a blast on light tackle.

Sea Trout might not be the biggest, but they're a St. Pete staple. These spotted beauties are perfect for light tackle and great eating. You can catch them year-round, but winter's when they really school up.

Permit are the holy grail for many anglers. They're spooky, smart, and strong – landing one is a real achievement. Spring and summer are your best bet, and if you hook one, hold on tight!

Last but not least, Cobia. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, but don't let that fool you. They fight like crazy and can grow to over 100 pounds. Late spring to early summer is prime Cobia time in our waters.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks choose Deep Color Fishing because we know these waters like the back of our hand. We're not just about catching fish – though we're pretty darn good at that. We're about giving you a real taste of Florida fishing, complete with local knowledge, laughs, and maybe a fish tale or two. Our half-day trip is perfect for fitting some serious angling into a busy vacation schedule or for locals looking to scratch that fishing itch without taking a whole day off work.

Time to Book Your Spot

So, what do you say? Ready to see what St. Petersburg fishing is all about? With Deep Color Fishing, you're in for a top-notch experience that might just have you hooked for life. We've got the know-how, the spots, and the gear – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Don't let that big one get away – book your trip with us today and let's make some waves!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are like the freight trains of the Gulf - long, powerful, and they'll take you for a ride. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and even following large rays or sharks. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are curious fish, often coming right up to the boat. Sight fishing for them is a rush - when you spot that bronze back, get ready for action. They'll hit just about anything that looks like food, from live bait to big jigs. The fight is impressive, with strong runs and some acrobatics near the boat. Cobia make excellent table fare too, with firm, white meat. Here's a local secret: keep a heavy rod rigged with a bright jig ready at all times. You never know when one might show up, and you'll want to be ready to cast quickly.

Goliath Grouper

These monsters are the largest grouper in the western Atlantic, growing up to 8 feet long and 800 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures in shallow tropical waters, sometimes as shallow as 15 feet. Goliaths are loners, so when you spot one, it's a big deal. They're protected, so it's catch-and-release only, but the fight is unforgettable. These fish can break gear easily, so go heavy - we're talking 50-80 wide reels and 600-pound test line. Best time to target them is summer when they gather to spawn. Use live bait like blue runners or lady fish, and bounce it off the bottom to get their attention. Remember, they've got no predators and aren't shy. Just be ready for that first pull - it's enough to yank you right off the boat if you're not careful!

King Mackerel

Kings are speed demons of the Gulf, known for blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. They typically weigh 20-30 pounds, but can hit 90 in rare cases. Look for them in 40-150 foot depths, with bigger ones sometimes coming inshore. Kings love structure, so target wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs. Spring and fall migrations are prime time, as they follow bait schools. Trolling is the go-to method - we'll run planers with live bait or big spoons. These fish are a blast to catch, putting up an acrobatic fight with impressive jumps. Flesh is good eating too, just watch the mercury if you're keeping them. Pro tip: when a king hits, don't set the hook right away. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds, then engage the reel. You'll hook up more consistently that way.

Permit

Permit are the holy grail for many anglers - they're smart, spooky, and put up one heck of a fight. These silvery, disc-shaped fish usually run 15-25 pounds inshore, but can top 40 pounds around reefs. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around structure offshore. Spring and summer are prime, especially during their spawn. Permit are notoriously picky eaters, so presentation is key. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but fly fishermen love the challenge of fooling them with crab patterns. The thrill is in the hunt - spotting them, making the perfect cast, and hoping they don't spook. When they do eat, hold on tight. These fish make blistering runs and will test your gear. Local tip: if you see a permit refuse your bait, wait a few minutes before recasting. Sometimes they'll circle back for a second look.

Sea Trout

Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple in St. Pete's inshore waters. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see gators over 20 pounds. They love grass flats and deeper holes, especially around dawn and dusk. Winter's great for finding big schools in deeper channels. These fish put up a nice fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare. We usually target them with live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures work too. Try topwater plugs early morning for some exciting strikes. One local trick: when you find a good spot, don't move around too much. Sea trout often hold in one area, so if you're patient, you can catch a bunch without spooking the school.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Ready for some sun and fishing action in St. Petersburg? Join Deep Color Fishing for a half-day trip that'll have you reeling in the good times. We've got all the gear and know-how to help you land some impressive catches like grouper, cobia, permit, and more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our crew will make sure you're set up for success on the water. No need to worry about licenses or equipment - we've got it all covered. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack, and we'll take care of the rest. With room for two, it's perfect for a buddy fishing day or a cozy couple's outing. The inshore waters around St. Pete are teeming with fish, and we know just where to find them. Book your spot now and get ready for a fun-filled morning or afternoon on the Gulf. And hey, if plans change, no sweat - you can cancel up to a day before without any fuss.

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