St. Petersburg Fishing Reports (December 2025)

St. Petersburg Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in St. Petersburg

Craig Lahr
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Craig Lahr St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Spotted sea trout are starting to push into the clearwater to St. Joseph Sound region. Mild temperatures have delayed their full migration, as it has in years past. Typically, multiple cold fronts that keep the water temperatures lower, will usher in more of the larger, female trout. However, there are a few small schools beginning to congregate. Several tactics are working especially this early in the season.
Redfish are plenty full. Although most are 22 to 25in. However, the larger fish are blending in with the mullet schools on most flats. Cut ladyfish, or pinfish cut or under a popping cork are working when casting directly into the mullet schools. Large shrimp have also produced results.
Since the water temperature has increased back into the mid 70’s, snook are still cooperating. They are responding to live sardines especially on the falling tides flowing out of the backwaters around the mouths of bays and canals. Targeting the main 3 species will change dramatically due to a cold front coming through tomorrow and cold fronts all the way through Christmas taking our temperatures from the high 70s to low 80s to mid-60s and as the days go on down to 50s as highs and 40s at night will make the fish move to completely different areas. tight lines

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Jim Vanderbeck
Clearwater, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Lots a red grouper and red snapper offshore in about 90 feet.

Jim Vanderbeck Clearwater, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Lots a red grouper and red snapper offshore in about 90 feet.

Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida

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Eric Topole
Ruskin, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Cold temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s have turned on the sheepshead bite. They can be caught all over the bay and near shore reefs.

Eric Topole Ruskin, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Cold temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s have turned on the sheepshead bite. They can be caught all over the bay and near shore reefs.

Sheepshead Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida

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Phil Pegley
Ruskin, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Phil Pegley Ruskin, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Well, two weeks ago, the water tem dropped 12 degrees in a day and a half due to a strong cold front that came over the state of Florida and shut down our inshore fishing bite one thing we deal with is acclamation, whether the water drop or rises, can shut the fish down for a few days so our focus is fishing around the hot water discharge at local power plants this actually opens up fishing opportunities for us what we only get when the temps plummet sharks, Pompano, Permit, and cobia are just part of the fish that take advantage of the warmer water, along with tarpon, manatees and rays.

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Father, son and nephew day on the water fishing Sarasota Bay

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Father, son and nephew day on the water fishing Sarasota Bay

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Father and son fishing trip with several studs to boat and safely released.

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Father and son fishing trip with several studs to boat and safely released.

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

Her first time fighting

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

Her first time fighting

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Todd Walker
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago

32"snook

Todd Walker Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 years ago

32"snook

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★★★★★
Zack and his deckhand was amazing we will be back to go with Zack
Donald C. | December 7, 2025

Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore
★★★★★
My son in law and 2 grandsons booked Captain Mike for a 6 hour trip. All of us had a great time. The Fishing was off but Mike found the fish and we came back with 3 big red grouper. Mike has good equipment and I would recommend him to anyone. Hopefully we can go with him again.
John W. | December 7, 2025

Trip: Sarasota Offshore W/ Capt Mike
★★★★★
Had the best fishing experience with Brad and Ben put us right on the fish
Justin V. | December 2, 2025

Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks
★★★★★
Fantastic experience with Ethan. Professional operation that got us in to a lot of fish!
Daniel M. | December 1, 2025

Trip: 4-6 Hr Inshore Trip
★★★★★
Had an amazing day on the water with Captain Joe! His deep knowledge of local fishing and boating made the trip so fun. Highly recommend his charter for a great day out!
Dan E. | November 27, 2025

Trip: 4 Hour Trip Inshore
★★★★★
Best trip ever, two of us are around 80 . He work well with us cought lost of fish.
Harry D. | November 26, 2025

Trip: Clearwater Nearshore - 22’ Dusky
★★★★★
Wonderful day on the water!! Very family friendly!!
Donna M. | November 26, 2025

Trip: Redington Shores Nearshore/Offshore
★★★★★
Fantastic day on the water with Captain Alex. I showed up to the dock a little early and everything was already dialed in—the boat was spotless, fully prepared, and stocked with fresh bait he’d caught that morning. Even on a quick half-day trip, we covered multiple areas and switched up tactics, starting with snook along mangroves and docks before moving on to speckled trout and mackerel. Captain Alex struck the perfect balance between being helpful and letting me fish how I wanted. He was always ready to assist, but also encouraged me to bait hooks, handle fish, and stay fully involved. The action stayed steady, and he offered great coaching and insight whenever I had questions. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’d absolutely book with him again and look forward to getting back out there soon!
Scott S. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore
★★★★★
Outstanding experience with Alex and his skills and knowledge. Great day of fishing with everyone in the group catching a ton and we have a great time. Highly recommend!
Mike H. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore
★★★★★
Booked a trip with Captain Cole and from the start there was good and timely communication. Brought my two younger boys who had a blast! Cole was patient, answered their 100 questions, and took us to nice spots where we pulled out some nice fish and the boys were thrilled! We had a blast!
Morgan H. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore