Inshore Fishing: St. Petersburg, Fl

Inshore fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida, offers exciting opportunities to target a variety of species in the bays, flats, and nearshore waters. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your inshore fishing experience.

Target Species to Catch in St. Petersburg

Redfish

Redfish are a popular target in St. Petersburg. Known for their hard-fighting nature, they can be caught year-round. Redfish are found in various habitats, including grassy flats, mangroves, and nearshore waters.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout trout are prized for their delicious flavor and challenging fight. They are most commonly caught in spring, summer, and fall. These fish inhabit grassy flats, channels, and deeper holes.

Snook

Snook are a favorite among local anglers due to their acrobatic fights and excellent taste. They can be targeted year-round but are most active during the warmer months. Snook are typically found around mangroves, docks, and bridges.

Flounder

Flounder are flatfish that camouflage themselves on sandy or muddy bottoms. They can be targeted near the mouths of bays, along jetties, and in channels. Fall is an excellent time to pursue flounder

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are known for their strong teeth and the challenge they present to anglers. They can be found around structures such as jetties, pilings, and docks. Sheepshead primarily feed on crustaceans.

Inshore Fishing Spots in St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay

Fishing at Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is a premier fishing destination known for its diverse ecosystem. It offers access to flats, mangroves, and deeper channels, providing opportunities to target redfish, speckled trout, snook, and more.

Fort De Soto Park

The waters around Fort De Soto Park attract numerous inshore species. This area provides opportunities for wade fishing, kayak fishing, and boat fishing.

Weedon Island Preserve

Weedon Island Preserve is known for its productive fishing grounds. Anglers can target a variety of species, including redfish, speckled trout, and snook in the mangroves and flats.

Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

The Skyway Fishing Pier, located near the mouth of Tampa Bay, offers excellent fishing for species like redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and more. These structures provide habitat for various inshore fish.

License Information

Anglers aged 16 and older are required to have a valid Florida fishing license to fish inshore waters in St. Petersburg. Licenses can be obtained online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website or from authorized retailers. To learn more about the laws regarding angling, visit our St. Petersburg rules and regulations blog.

Book Your Next St. Petersburg Inshore Fishing Trip

St. Petersburg offers outstanding inshore fishing with a variety of fish to target and diverse locations and methods. If you’re looking to get out on the water, check out our St. Petersburg fishing charters to book a trip with one of our professional guides.