%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F30152%2Fimages%2F1745282061648chatgpt_image_apr_22__2025__08_33_30_am-removebg-preview.png&w=1200&q=100)
St. Pete's Premier 3-Hour Flats Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- St. Petersburg
- $200 - $350 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F01c4292a-a655-40a6-8794-b13d6bb699ef%2Fratecard%2F13.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Inshore Action Shots
Calm Gulf waters, big catches
Inshore action near the mangroves
St. Pete fish tales begin here
St. Pete charters, happy crew - Snook
Inshore action near the mangroves
St. Pete's first catch moment
St. Petersburg fishing views
St. Pete kids' first catch moment
Snook season in full swing
St. Pete redfish on the line
Calm Gulf waters, big catches
Inshore action near the mangroves
St. Pete fish tales begin here
St. Pete charters, happy crew - Snook
Inshore action near the mangroves
St. Pete's first catch moment
St. Petersburg fishing views
St. Pete kids' first catch moment
Snook season in full swing
St. Pete redfish on the line
Calm Gulf waters, big catches
Inshore action near the mangroves
St. Pete fish tales begin here
St. Pete charters, happy crew - Snook
Reel in the Action: St. Pete's Inshore Hotspots
Get ready to hit the flats and backwaters of St. Petersburg for some of the best light tackle action around. This 3-hour trip is perfect for anglers looking to sample the incredible inshore fishing scene without committing to a full day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Robert knows exactly where to find the bite and how to put you on fish.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off bright and early at 8 AM, giving us prime time to target the morning bite. The shallow coastal waters around St. Pete are a playground for gamefish, and we'll be working light spinning tackle to entice everything from tailing redfish to cruising snook. With room for up to three anglers, this trip is ideal for small groups or families looking to share the thrill of hooking into some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species. At $275 for the whole boat, it's a steal for a private charter experience.
Flats Fishing 101
If you've never fished the flats before, you're in for a treat. We'll be sight-casting in crystal clear waters, often in depths of just a few feet. It's a visual game out here – we're not just blindly casting and hoping for the best. You'll learn to spot the signs of feeding fish, from subtle changes in water color to the unmistakable "push" of a redfish tailing in skinny water. We'll use a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what's working best that day. The key is stealth and accuracy – these fish can be spooky in shallow water, so we'll work on your casting technique to make sure you're putting the bait right where it needs to be.
What Anglers Are Saying
"We had an amazing day on the water with Captain Robert! He's professional, friendly, and made everyone feel right at home—including our younger kids and a couple of us who were new to fishing. He was incredibly patient and took the time to make sure we were all comfortable and catching fish. One of the highlights was how flexible he was—he even slowed down so we could watch a pod of dolphins on the way to our fishing spot. Captain Robert is not only a skilled angler but also puts safety first and knows these waters inside and out. We'll definitely be booking with him again next time we're in the area. Highly recommend!" - Sean
"We had an awesome day on the water with Captain Robert, landing an Inshore Slam—snook, redfish, trout, and even a bonus fluke! From the very start, he was professional and accommodating, confirming all the details before our trip and making sure we were comfortable with both the boat and the fishing setup. As experienced boaters and anglers, we appreciated how attentive he was to the weather, tides, and our target species. Captain Robert had multiple rigs ready so we never missed a beat. We caught over a dozen fish and four different species, but even without the bites, his knowledge and friendly personality would have made it a great outing. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quality inshore fishing trip!" - Sean
"Captain Rob went above and beyond—couldn't have asked for a better experience! Communication before the trip was excellent, and he was incredibly accommodating to some special needs we had. Most importantly, he put us on multiple species of fish and made sure we had a fun, productive day on the water. He even topped it off with a great local dinner recommendation, which made the entire experience even more memorable. We're already looking forward to booking another trip with Captain Rob in the future!" - Kyle
Top Catches This Season
St. Petersburg's inshore waters are home to a diverse array of gamefish, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. Here's a rundown of what you might tangle with on your trip:
Redfish: These copper-colored brutes are the crown jewels of flats fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish love to cruise in shallow water, often revealing their location with a tell-tale "tail" sticking out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. In the fall, big schools of bull reds move into the area, offering the chance at trophy-sized fish.
Snook: The wily snook is a Florida favorite, known for its acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting spirit. These ambush predators love to hang around structure – mangrove roots, dock pilings, and oyster bars are all prime snook territory. They're most active in the warmer months, making summer an ideal time to target these linesiders.
Spotted Seatrout: Often called "speckled trout" by locals, these speckled beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They're not the biggest fish in the bay, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and willingness to bite. Trout are great for beginners and experts alike, often providing fast action and tasty fillets for the dinner table.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are as unique in appearance as they are challenging to catch. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, making them a true test of an angler's skill. They hang around structure and are most active in the cooler months, offering great action when other species slow down.
Flounder: While they might not look like much at first glance, don't underestimate the southern flounder. These flatfish are ambush predators, burying themselves in the sand and waiting for prey to pass by. They're excellent eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Look for them around sandy bottoms and drop-offs.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
St. Petersburg isn't just a fishing destination – it's a angler's paradise. The combination of diverse habitats, year-round fishing opportunities, and the sheer quality of the inshore bite keeps fishermen coming back season after season. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in gin-clear water, working a topwater lure for explosive snook strikes, or jigging deep cuts for monster trout, there's always something biting in these waters.
But it's not just about the fish. The natural beauty of the area is something to behold. As we cruise the flats, keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and a variety of shorebirds. It's not uncommon to see ospreys diving for fish or pelicans gliding just above the water's surface. And let's not forget those famous Florida sunrises – there's nothing quite like watching the sky light up as you make your first cast of the day.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. These 3-hour charters are perfect for fitting some quality fishing time into even the busiest vacation schedule. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or a complete novice eager to learn the ropes, Captain Robert has the skills and local knowledge to make your trip a success.
Remember, while we can't guarantee the fish will always cooperate, we can promise a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience on the water. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the flats for some real Florida fishing action. Book now and get ready to make some memories (and hopefully land some lunkers) on the beautiful waters of St. Petersburg!
Customer Reviews
Fishing Magic Afloat
Sean T
March 25, 2025
Inshore Slam Success
We had an awesome day on the water with Captain Robert, landing an Inshore Slam—snook, redfish, trout, and even a bonus fluke! From the very start, he was professional and accommodating, confirming all the details before our trip and making sure we were comfortable with both the boat and the fishing setup. As experienced boaters and anglers, we appreciated how attentive he was to the weather, tides, and our target species. Captain Robert had multiple rigs ready so we never missed a beat. We caught over a dozen fish and four different species, but even without the bites, his knowledge and friendly personality would have made it a great outing. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a quality inshore fishing trip!
Sean C
March 14, 2025
Captain Robs Rave
Captain Rob went above and beyond—couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Communication before the trip was excellent, and he was incredibly accommodating to some special needs we had. Most importantly, he put us on multiple species of fish and made sure we had a fun, productive day on the water. He even topped it off with a great local dinner recommendation, which made the entire experience even more memorable. We’re already looking forward to booking another trip with Captain Rob in the future!
Kyle F
March 31, 2025
Rookie Reels Riches
I can’t say enough great things about Captain Robert! My son and I had never fished in Florida waters before, but he put us right on redfish and snook. Beyond helping us catch fish, he was incredibly friendly, approachable, and made the entire trip feel relaxed and enjoyable. Next time we’re in town, there’s no question—we’ll be booking with Captain Robert again. We wouldn’t fish with anyone else!
Michael C
April 23, 2025
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and 6-8 pounds, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in mangrove areas. They're bottom feeders, often tailing in water so shallow their backs break the surface. Fall is prime time as reds school up for spawning, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their strong fights and their versatility as table fare. To target redfish, look for them cruising the flats on high tides. Use live bait like shrimp or cut mullet, or try gold spoons and soft plastics. Here's a local tip: when you see a school of reds, cast well ahead of them and slowly retrieve your lure into their path. And keep an eye out for that distinctive tail – often you'll see them before you cast to them. With their copper color and black spot near the tail, landing a nice red is always a memorable experience.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a staple of our inshore waters. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them over grass flats and in deeper channels, often in schools. They're aggressive predators, feeding on shrimp and small fish. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their willingness to strike lures and their delicate, flaky meat. To target sea trout, try drift fishing over grass flats with live shrimp or soft plastics. Early mornings and evenings are often most productive. Here's a local tip: look for "slicks" on the water's surface – these oily patches are often signs of feeding trout. When you find them, cast beyond the school and work your lure through it. Sea trout have soft mouths, so use a medium-light rod and don't set the hook too hard. With a little patience, you'll be reeling in these tasty fighters in no time.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of the sea, with distinctive black and white stripes. These tough fighters usually run 1-8 pounds, but can reach 20 pounds. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles or oysters – pilings, jetties, and reefs are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers, using their human-like teeth to crush crustaceans. Winter and early spring are best, as sheepshead gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these crafty fish, plus they're excellent eating. For best results, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are pros at stealing bait, so give them time to really take it. Fish as close to the structure as you can without getting snagged. And bring plenty of bait – you might go through a lot before landing one of these tasty fighters.
Snook
Snook are one of the most sought-after gamefish in Florida. These sleek, powerful fish average 1-2 feet but can grow over 4 feet long. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in our inshore waters. They're ambush predators, using their broad tail for explosive bursts of speed. Spring and fall are prime seasons as snook move between inshore and nearshore waters. Anglers love the challenge – snook are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting nature. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, white meat. To target snook, focus on tide changes and use live bait like pilchards or pinfish. Artificial lures work well too – try walk-the-dog topwaters at dawn or dusk. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, turn its head quickly to keep it from running into structure. And remember, snook are temperature sensitive, so they'll move to deeper water when it gets cold.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild-flavored meat. They can be tricky to hook, so patience is key. When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a moment to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily. For best results, use live bait like bull minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig. Drift fishing or still fishing near structure are effective techniques. Remember, flounder have both eyes on one side of their head, so they strike from below – keep your bait close to the bottom for best results.
About the Simply Reel
%2F%2Fusers%2F01c4292a-a655-40a6-8794-b13d6bb699ef%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fcaptain.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
We had an amazing day on the water with Captain Robert! He’s professional, friendly, and made everyone feel right at home—including our younger kids and a couple of us who were new to fishing. He was incredibly patient and took the time to make sure we were all comfortable and catching fish. One of the highlights was how flexible he was—he even slowed down so we could watch a pod of dolphins on the way to our fishing spot. Captain Robert is not only a skilled angler but also puts safety first and knows these waters inside and out. We’ll definitely be booking with him again next time we’re in the area. Highly recommend!