St. Pete's Top-Rated 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Get ready for a fantastic day of fishing in St. Petersburg! This 4-hour trip takes you along the stunning Gulf Coast, where you'll have a shot at landing some of the area's most prized catches. We're talking Cobia, Flounder, Grouper, Sheepshead, and Kingfish – all fair game on this inshore adventure. Don't sweat the gear; we've got you covered with top-notch equipment so you can focus on the fun part. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, our experienced guides will make sure you have a great time out on the water. The trip is perfect for small groups, with space for up to 2 guests. And hey, if plans change, no worries – you can cancel up to a day before at no cost. So grab a friend, pack some sunscreen, and let's hit the water for some serious fishing action with Deep Color Fishing!

St. Pete's Top-Rated 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Trip

Gulf Coast 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.

Reel in the Action: St. Pete's Half-Day Inshore Adventure

Get ready to wet a line on the stunning Gulf Coast of St. Petersburg, FL! Our 4-hour inshore fishing trip is perfect for anglers of all levels looking to hook into some of Florida's most prized catches. We'll cruise the rich inshore waters, targeting monster cobia, tasty flounder, hard-fighting grouper, and more. With top-notch gear provided and our local know-how, you're in for a fish-filled morning or afternoon you won't forget. So grab a buddy and let's hit the water – the fish are waiting!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the fish. We'll zigzag through St. Pete's maze of mangrove islands, grass flats, and oyster bars – prime hunting grounds for our target species. You'll learn to read the water, spot telltale signs of fish activity, and perfect your casting technique. And when that rod bends and the drag starts screaming? Well, that's when the real fun begins! Whether you're battling a bulldogging grouper or finessing a crafty flounder, every catch is a thrill.

Fishing Tactics & Gear Breakdown

On this trip, we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures to entice the fish. Depending on the species we're after, we might be drifting live shrimp along seagrass edges for trout, or slow-trolling pinfish for those big cobia. For structure-loving fish like grouper and sheepshead, we'll anchor up and drop baits right into their hidey-holes. We provide all the gear you'll need – from light spinning tackle for finesse fishing to heavier conventional setups for when the big boys come to play. Our rods and reels are always well-maintained and ready for action, so you can focus on the important part: catching fish!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. But don't let their looks fool you – they put up a great fight and make for some mighty fine eating. Spring and fall are prime times to target flounder as they move in and out of the bays. When you feel that distinctive "thump" on your line, get ready for some fun!

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of inshore waters. Found around rocky bottoms and artificial reefs, gag grouper will test your strength and your gear. They're most active in cooler months, and landing a big one is always cause for celebration. Just be ready to muscle them away from their rocky lairs!

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are often called "convict fish." They're notorious bait stealers, thanks to their human-like teeth, but they're also delicious. Winter is the best time to target them around bridge pilings and oyster bars. Catching sheepshead requires finesse and patience, but the reward is well worth it.

King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters can make your reel sing. We often find them in deeper inshore waters, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Trolling with live bait is the ticket here. When a king hits, hold on tight – their blistering runs are the stuff of fishing legend!

Sea Trout: A staple of inshore fishing, sea trout (or spotted seatrout) are abundant year-round in St. Pete's waters. They love to hang around seagrass beds and can often be caught on topwater lures at dawn and dusk. Their speckled pattern is beautiful, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle.

Cobia: These curious fish are often mistaken for sharks when they first appear near the boat. Cobia are strong swimmers and put up an incredible fight. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast, but we can find them year-round near structure. Landing a big cobia is always a highlight of any trip!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

St. Petersburg's inshore waters are a fisherman's paradise, and our half-day trips are the perfect way to experience it. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a newbie eager to learn the ropes, our trips offer something for everyone. The variety of fish we target means every trip is different, and there's always a chance for that surprise catch of a lifetime. Plus, with our expert guides handling all the details, you can focus on what matters most – having a great time on the water and hopefully landing some trophy fish!

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing St. Pete has to offer? Our half-day charters are perfect for fitting a fishing adventure into your busy schedule. With a max of 2 guests, you're guaranteed personalized attention from our experienced guides. We provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Remember, while we can't control the fish, we can promise you a fun, safe, and memorable time on the water. Don't miss out on this chance to create some lasting fishing memories – book your trip with Deep Color Fishing today! And hey, if you need to change plans, no sweat – you can cancel up to 24 hours before the trip at no cost. So what are you waiting for? Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your tackle and your arms. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are often mistaken for sharks due to their shape. They're curious fish and will sometimes follow your boat. These fighters are prized for both their strong runs and their excellent table fare. Sight fishing for cobia is a blast - keep an eye out for their distinctive shape near the surface. Live eels or large jigs work well. Here's a local secret: Cobia love to hang around big rays, so if you spot a ray, there might be a cobia nearby.

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are bruisers, averaging 20 inches but sometimes reaching over 4 feet. They love rocky bottoms and reefs in 40-150 foot depths. You'll find the big ones inshore in harbors and inlets. These fish are structure-huggers, so target wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs. Spring and fall are great times as they move between deep and shallow waters. Gags put up a heck of a fight - they'll try to dive back into their holes, so you need to be quick on the reel. The meat is excellent, with a mild, sweet flavor. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works well, but they'll also hit jigs and plugs. Pro tip: When you hook one, keep your rod tip low and reel fast to pull them away from structure before they can break you off.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speed demons of the Gulf. They typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in 40-150 foot depths, often around structures like reefs and wrecks. These guys are migratory, so spring and fall are prime times as they move through. Kings are known for their blistering runs - when they hit, hold on tight! They're popular for their fight and their tasty, oily flesh. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or mullet is a go-to technique. Here's a tip: Use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings often strike the tail of the bait, so that second hook increases your hookup ratio. Watch out for their razor-sharp teeth when you're handling them!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore target. They average 1-5 pounds but can reach 15 pounds or more. Look for them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during winter. These fish are ambush predators, so they love structure and moving water. Spring and fall are excellent times, especially around the full and new moons. Trout put up a good fight and are known for their delicate, white meat. They're fun on light tackle and will hit a variety of lures. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic setup. Pro tip: When you find one trout, there are usually more nearby. Fan cast the area thoroughly before moving on.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, aka convict fish, are a blast to catch. They're usually 1-8 pounds, but can hit 20 pounds in rare cases. Look for them around any barnacle-covered structure - docks, bridges, and jetties are prime spots. These guys have human-like teeth perfect for crunching crustaceans. Spring is spawning time when they gather in huge groups. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you need a sensitive touch to feel their nibbles. They're excellent eating, with sweet, white meat. Fiddler crabs are my go-to bait, but shrimp work well too. Here's a local trick: Use a small, sharp hook and wait for the second tap before setting it. That's when they've got the bait in their mouth, not just nibbling the shell.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for prey, making them a fun challenge to catch. Spring and fall are prime times as they move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love their firm, white meat - it's some of the best eating around. To land one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A light touch is key - flounder have soft mouths and can easily spit out a hook. My local tip: Look for them around structure like docks or jetties, especially on a falling tide when bait gets swept out.

About the

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Ready to reel in some action on the Gulf Coast? This 4-hour fishing trip out of St. Petersburg is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. You'll be casting lines for prized catches like cobia, flounder, grouper, sheepshead, and kingfish in the rich inshore waters. No need to lug your own gear - we've got you covered with top-notch equipment so you can focus on the fun. Whether you're aiming to land your personal best or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this trip delivers. With a cozy 2-person capacity, you'll get plenty of personalized attention from the captain. Book your spot and get ready for some quality time surrounded by Florida's natural beauty. And don't worry - if plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance at no cost. So grab a friend and come make some fishing memories in sunny St. Pete!

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