St. Pete's Best Half-Day Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Florida
$400 - $1,000 price range
Updated Date: July 26, 2025

Summary

Ready for a fun half-day of fishing in St. Petersburg? Join Slot Boys Charters for a 4-hour trip that's perfect for anglers of all levels. We'll head out to the calm coastal flats, where our expert captains know just where to find the action. You'll be targeting popular inshore species while taking in the beautiful views of Florida's Gulf Coast. Don't worry about gear – we provide everything you need to start reeling them in. Whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years, our crew is here to help you make the most of every cast. We keep things relaxed and focused on the catch, giving you plenty of chances to land some nice fish. It's a great way to spend time on the water with family or friends, creating memories and hopefully some fish stories to tell. Just remember, this is an active trip, so come prepared for some real fishing fun. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from the crew. Note that deposits are non-refundable, so be sure you're ready to commit to your fishing adventure!

St. Pete's Best Half-Day Inshore Fishing Trip

Inshore Catches & Views

Clean and classic gag grouper

Bright and fiery hogfish

Double and dense black grouper

Night fishing Heavy and earned black grouper

St. Pete's Half-Day Inshore Fishing Adventure

Get ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Florida has to offer. Our half-day trip out of St. Petersburg puts you right in the action, targeting the area's most sought-after species. With our seasoned captains at the helm, you'll be fishing productive spots that have been dialed in through years of experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need for a successful day on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

Our four-hour trips are the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. We'll cruise out from St. Pete, taking in the stunning coastal scenery before settling into some prime fishing grounds. The calm, protected waters make for comfortable fishing, even if you're prone to seasickness. You'll be targeting a mix of inshore species, from the hard-fighting snook to the tasty grouper. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be in the right spots at the right times to maximize your chances of a great catch. And don't worry about bringing anything - we provide all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle you'll need. Just show up ready to have a good time!

Top Catches This Season

Fishing the flats and inshore waters of St. Petersburg is all about variety. We use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, working a popping cork for trout over grass flats, or dropping live bait near structure for snapper and grouper. Our captains are always adapting to conditions and fish behavior, so you'll learn some real-world fishing skills along the way. We're happy to teach you the ropes if you're new, or let you take the lead if you're an experienced angler. Either way, you're in for some serious rod-bending action.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are a blast to catch and abundant in our waters. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish mackerel put up a great fight on light tackle. We often find them in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for more action. They're most active in the cooler months, making them a perfect target for winter visitors.

Gag Grouper: The bruisers of the inshore scene, gag grouper are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These structure-loving fish require some finesse to coax out of their rocky hideouts. Once hooked, be prepared for a battle as they try to dive back to cover. Gags are most accessible inshore during the cooler months before they move offshore for the summer.

Snook: If there's a rock star of inshore fishing in Florida, it's the snook. These wily predators are known for their powerful runs and jumping ability. Snook love to hang around mangroves, docks, and other structure, making them a fun target for accurate casters. They're catch-and-release most of the year, but even without taking one home, landing a big snook is a memory you won't forget.

Sheepshead: Don't let their striped appearance fool you - sheepshead are no pushovers. These structure-dwelling fish have powerful jaws designed for crushing crabs and barnacles, which makes them tricky to hook. But once you get the hang of it, sheepshead fishing is addictive. They're most active in the cooler months and make for excellent table fare.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. Redfish can be found year-round in our waters, but they're especially fun to target in the fall when they school up. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in shallow water is an exciting visual experience that even novice anglers can enjoy. Their strong pulls and delicious meat make them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of St. Petersburg. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the calm water as you cast to a tailing redfish. Or perhaps it's the sudden jolt of a snook striking your lure under a mangrove. Whatever it is, our half-day trips offer a perfect slice of Florida fishing paradise. You'll leave with new skills, great memories, and probably a few fish stories to tell. Plus, our convenient four-hour format means you can fit in a morning of fishing and still have time for other activities in the afternoon. It's no wonder we see so many repeat customers year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing St. Petersburg has to offer? Our half-day trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to join in on the action. With a max of three guests per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention from our expert captains. Remember, while we provide all the gear you need, you'll want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light jacket for cooler mornings. Don't forget to grab your Florida fishing license before the trip - we can help point you in the right direction if you need one. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online to secure your spot on one of St. Pete's top-rated fishing charters. We can't wait to show you what makes fishing these waters so special!

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are ambush predators that hang around structure in deeper water. Most are 2-3 feet long and 10-20 pounds, but they can grow over 50 pounds. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 60-250 feet of water. Late fall through winter is prime time as they move closer to shore to spawn. Gags are known for their powerful first run – they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs if you let them. The fight and delicious white meat make them a popular target. Live bait like pinfish works great, but large jigs tipped with cut bait can be effective too. When you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from structure. Keep your drag tight and be ready for a battle. Just watch out for their teeth when you land one!

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target around here, known for their distinctive black tail spot and copper color. You'll find them in shallow flats and estuaries, often tailing in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. They typically run 20-30 inches, but bigger ones over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Fall and spring are prime seasons when they school up. Reds put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. They'll hit everything from live bait to lures, but I like throwing gold spoons or topwater plugs early in the morning. Look for them cruising near oyster bars or pushing wakes in skinny water. When you see one, make a quiet cast ahead of its path and twitch the lure – they can't resist an easy meal. Just be ready to hold on when they take off on that first run.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are unique-looking fish with black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds, but they can reach over 15 pounds. You'll find them around docks, pilings, and oyster bars in 5-15 feet of water. Late winter through early spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, using those teeth to pick crabs and barnacles off structure. They put up a good fight for their size and make great table fare. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are top baits. Fish as close to structure as you can – they rarely venture far from cover. Use a sensitive rod to detect their light bites. When you feel that tell-tale nibble, set the hook hard. Their tough mouths make them challenging to hook, but that's part of the fun. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!

Snook

Snook are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish here. They average 24-34 inches but can reach over 4 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and in coastal rivers. They're ambush predators that love structure. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move between inshore and nearshore waters. Snook are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also excellent eating when in season. Live bait like pilchards works great, but artificial lures like swim baits and topwater plugs can be very effective. Look for them laid up in shadows or cruising along mangrove shorelines. Make accurate casts – they won't chase far. When you hook one, keep it away from structure and be ready for those jumps. Just remember, they're catch-and-release most of the year to protect the fishery.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are fast-moving predators that show up in big schools. They typically run 2-4 pounds but can reach over 10 pounds. You'll find them in open water from just off the beach out to several miles offshore. Spring and fall are best as they migrate along the coast.

Macks

are known for their blistering runs and tendency to jump when hooked. They're also excellent eating when fresh. Small shiny lures like Clark spoons work great. Look for birds diving or bait getting chopped up on the surface. Once you find a school, cast into the frenzy and retrieve fast. A wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. When you hook one, let it run

– trying to horse them in often results in pulled hooks. Just be ready with the net, as they tend to go crazy at the boat.

About the Dusky (Center console)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Hop aboard for a laid-back half-day of fishing in St. Petersburg's calm coastal waters. Our seasoned captains know just where to find the best inshore spots, making this 4-hour trip ideal for anglers of all levels. You'll have a shot at hooking popular local species while taking in the beautiful Gulf Coast scenery. We provide all the gear you need, so you can focus on enjoying the experience and maybe landing that impressive catch. Whether you're a total newcomer or have been fishing for years, our crew will help you make the most of your time on the water. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, with a relaxed vibe that's perfect for creating some fun memories with family or friends. Come see why St. Pete is a top destination for inshore fishing - the fish are biting, and the views can't be beat!

Sitemap