St. Pete Late Morning Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

St. Petersburg
$200 - $350 price range

Summary

Kick off your day with this laid-back 4-hour fishing trip in St. Petersburg's backwaters. Starting at 10 AM, you'll cruise through shallow mangrove islands, targeting some of Florida's most popular inshore species. Whether you're into bottom fishing or prefer spinning techniques, there's action for everyone. Snook, redfish, mangrove snapper, and spotted seatrout are all on the menu. The calm estuaries offer steady fishing and a peaceful vibe - perfect for anglers who want a productive morning without the early wake-up call. With room for three guests and your fishing license included, all you need to bring is your gear and a good attitude. This trip with Simply Reel Inshore Fishing is a great way to experience St. Pete's rich fishing grounds without taking up your whole day.

St. Pete Late Morning Inshore Fishing Trip

Backwater Bounty

Inshore action near the mangroves

One fisherman catching a big 27 inch fish in FL

St. Pete's first catch moment

St. Petersburg fishing views

Snook fish caught by person in St. Petersburg

St. Pete kids' first catch moment

St. Pete's Late Morning Inshore Fishing Adventure

Ready for a laid-back fishing trip that still delivers the goods? Our 4-hour late morning charter in St. Petersburg, Florida is perfect for anglers who want to sleep in a bit but still get their lines wet. We'll cruise through the shallow mangrove islands and estuaries, targeting some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. With light tackle and spinning gear, you'll be set up for non-stop action in some of the most picturesque backwaters around. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect blend of relaxation and rod-bending excitement.

What to Expect on the Water

Kicking off at 10 AM, we'll head out into the maze of mangroves that make St. Pete's inshore fishing so special. You'll be fishing with light tackle and spinning gear, perfect for the shallow waters we'll be exploring. We focus on bottom fishing and other techniques that are ideal for nabbing species like snook, redfish, and trout. The best part? The fishing license is included, so you can just show up ready to cast. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be hitting productive spots all morning long. And with a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching if you need it.

Techniques & Tactics

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of light tackle and spinning gear. If you're new to inshore fishing, don't sweat it – our guides will show you the ropes. We'll be doing a lot of bottom fishing, which is a great way to target species like snapper and redfish. You might also do some sight casting if conditions are right, especially for those tailing redfish in the shallows. We'll use live bait most of the time, but might switch to artificial lures if the fish are being picky. The key is staying flexible and reading the water, something our guides excel at. You'll learn how to work your bait around mangrove roots and oyster beds, prime hiding spots for the big ones.

What Anglers Are Saying

"I've been on plenty of fishing trips, but the day we spent with Captain Rob was easily one of the best. My girlfriend and I made a quick day trip from Orlando to Tampa, and even though we arrived about 30 minutes late, Captain Rob was incredibly accommodating and still gave us the full four-hour experience—something he didn't have to do, but we truly appreciated.

Captain Rob's knowledge and instincts on the water were top-notch. He knew exactly where to start, when to move, and kept the action going by chumming the water and guiding us to scenic, less-traveled fishing spots. We caught over 10 snook, along with a mix of redfish, trout, catfish, and more.

He's not only a skilled captain but also a genuinely friendly guy whose passion for fishing shines through in every part of the trip. This was hands down one of the most memorable fishing experiences I've had. 10/10 would recommend—thanks again, Captain Rob!" - Josh

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting fish are a staple of Florida inshore fishing. They love to hang around structure, especially mangrove roots and dock pilings. Snook can grow up to 40 inches long and put up a serious fight when hooked. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, making them a favorite among anglers. The best time to target snook is during the warmer months, from spring through fall. What makes them so exciting to catch here in St. Pete is the variety of environments you can find them in – from back bays to beach passes.

Grey (Mangrove) Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these fish punch above their weight class when it comes to both fighting ability and table fare. Mangrove snapper are typically found around – you guessed it – mangroves, as well as other structures like docks and reefs. They're known for their sharp teeth and quick strikes, so you'll need to be on your toes. These fish can be caught year-round in St. Pete, but the bite really heats up in the summer months. Anglers love targeting them because they're abundant, tasty, and provide consistent action throughout the trip.

Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout): These speckled beauties are a staple of inshore fishing in Florida. They're known for their distinctive spots and their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them a favorite for light tackle enthusiasts. Seatrout tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. They prefer grassy flats and deeper holes, especially during the cooler months. What makes them exciting to catch in St. Pete is the potential for size – while most are in the 15-20 inch range, gator trout pushing 30 inches are not unheard of in these waters.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored fish are prized for their strong fights and delicious flavor. In St. Pete, you can find them tailing in shallow flats or hanging around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. One of the most thrilling ways to catch them is sight fishing – spotting them in shallow water and making a precise cast. Redfish can be caught year-round here, but the fall months often see larger schools moving through. What makes them special in these waters is the variety of sizes you can encounter, from rat reds under 18 inches to bull reds over 40 inches long.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that combines relaxation with plenty of rod-bending action, our St. Pete Late Morning Inshore Trip is hard to beat. You'll get to explore some of Florida's most beautiful backwaters while targeting a variety of exciting species. Our experienced guides know these waters inside and out, maximizing your chances for a successful day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete novice, this trip offers something for everyone. With all the necessary gear provided and your fishing license included, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Don't miss out on this chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing St. Petersburg has to offer. Book your spot now and get ready for a morning of non-stop fishing action in paradise!

Customer Review

Fishing Bliss with Rob

I’ve been on plenty of fishing trips, but the day we spent with Captain Rob was easily one of the best. My girlfriend and I made a quick day trip from Orlando to Tampa, and even though we arrived about 30 minutes late, Captain Rob was incredibly accommodating and still gave us the full four-hour experience—something he didn’t have to do, but we truly appreciated. Captain Rob’s knowledge and instincts on the water were top-notch. He knew exactly where to start, when to move, and kept the action going by chumming the water and guiding us to scenic, less-traveled fishing spots. We caught over 10 snook, along with a mix of redfish, trout, catfish, and more. He’s not only a skilled captain but also a genuinely friendly guy whose passion for fishing shines through in every part of the trip. This was hands down one of the most memorable fishing experiences I’ve had. 10/10 would recommend—thanks again, Captain Rob! – Josh & Karine

Josh H

November 27, 2024

Learn more about the species

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are sneaky little fighters that hang around structure in 10-30 feet of water. They average 1-3 pounds but can get up to 10 in deeper water. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and reefs. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or small baitfish work great. The bite is best in summer and early fall. Anglers love targeting these guys because they put up a scrappy fight on light tackle and taste amazing. One local trick: use a light fluorocarbon leader since they have excellent eyesight. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Let them take it for a second or two, then reel down and sweep the rod to the side. Grey snapper make for some of the best eating around - flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most sought-after inshore species. They typically run 20-30 inches and 5-10 pounds, but bulls over 40 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them tailing in shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep. Look for them around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Reds are famous for their powerful runs - they'll test your drag for sure. They're not picky eaters, so live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures all work well. For a real thrill, try sight fishing for them in clear water. Move slowly and look for their copper-colored backs or waving tails. A well-placed cast with a gold spoon or soft plastic often does the trick. Just remember to release the big breeders to keep the population strong.

Sea Trout

Spotted seatrout, or speckled trout, are a staple in our waters. Most run 15-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders, hitting both live bait and artificial lures. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Trout are popular because they're plentiful and put up a good fight on light tackle. They've got soft mouths, so go easy on the hookset. For a fun topwater bite, try walking a plug across the surface at dawn or dusk. When you see a blow-up, pause for a second before setting the hook. These fish are excellent eating too - just don't overdo it on the grill, or they'll dry out fast.

Snook

Snook are a favorite around here, usually running 20-30 inches but can get up to 40 pounds. You'll find them tucked up against mangroves or around docks and seawalls. They love ambushing prey, so work your lure or bait near structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Snook put up an awesome fight - they'll make blistering runs and jump clear out of the water. The meat is delicious too, but we practice catch and release to keep populations healthy. If you're trying to land a big one, use a large live bait like a mullet or pinfish. Let it swim naturally and be patient. When a snook hits, give it a second to take the bait before setting the hook. These fish are wily, but that's what makes them so fun to chase.

About the Simply Reel

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 32

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for a laid-back morning on the water? This 4-hour St. Pete trip kicks off at 10 AM, taking you into the shallow mangrove estuaries around St. Petersburg. It's perfect for anglers who want a relaxed late-morning outing without the early wake-up call. You'll focus on bottom fishing, spinning, and light tackle techniques as you try to reel in local favorites like Snook, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, and Spotted Seatrout. The backwaters here offer steady action in a peaceful setting, giving you a chance to unwind while still catching plenty of fish. Your fishing license is included, so you can just bring your essentials and enjoy your half-day on the water without any extra hassle. With room for up to three guests, it's a great way to spend a morning with friends or family in the Florida sunshine.

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