Damn Good Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg

Check real-time availability and compare rates on St. Petersburg mahi mahi fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date
4.96/5 Average Rating

Recently Booked Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in St. Petersburg

Deep Sea Offshore Fishing

100% (1)
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,250
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in St. Petersburg

St. Pete Offshore Experience

100% (37)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Treasure Island

10-12 Extreme Hours - Best In FL!

100% (2)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,000
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Offshore

100% (65)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Offshore Fishing Frenzy

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Palmetto

10 Hour Trip – American Red Snapper

100% (1)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,400

Top Types of Mahi Mahi Trips in St. Petersburg

What makes Captain Experiences Damn Good?

Damn Good Guides

You will only find quality, vetted guides on Captain Experiences, and we know them all on a first-name basis.

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

Our US-based team is available 24/7 to help you with any questions or concerns.

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

We want to keep everyone safe, so if the weather is bad we'll work with you to reschedule at no cost.

100% Weather Guarantee

4.9 / 5 Average Rating

We hand pick our Damn Good Guides, and our network spans across North America and beyond.

4.9 / 5 Average Rating

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we've handpicked every single one. We're passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

All Target Species in St. Petersburg

  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

All Day Red Snapper

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Bradenton

Nearshore/offshore

100% (13)
22 ft 1 - 10 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Bradenton

Nearshore/offshore

100% (13)
22 ft 1 - 10 People From $800
Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Palmetto

8-12 Hour Offshore Trip

100% (1)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater

100% (15)
39 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

8 Hour Trip – Predator Pursuit

100% (7)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,499

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

Everything to Know About Booking a St. Petersburg mahi mahi fishing charter

What are the best mahi mahi fishing charters in St. Petersburg?

The best mahi mahi fishing charters in St. Petersburg are:

Why should I book a mahi mahi fishing charter in St. Petersburg with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 16 mahi mahi trips in St. Petersburg, and the most popular trips in the area are Deep Sea Offshore Fishing guided by Ryan, St. Pete Offshore Experience guided by Greg, and 10-12 Extreme Hours - Best In FL! guided by Frank.

Our guides in St. Petersburg are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 9504 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly mahi mahi guides / fishing lessons in St. Petersburg? Check out our beginner and family friendly mahi mahi guides in St. Petersburg.

What types of mahi mahi fishing charters are common in St. Petersburg?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg as well as nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in St. Petersburg are artificial lure fishing, bottom fishing, and live bait fishing but cut bait fishing and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do St. Petersburg mahi mahi fishing charters cost?

Prices for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg can range anywhere from about $1,025 to $2,650, but the average price for a half day trip for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg is $950. The average price for a full day trip for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg is $1,897.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for mahi mahi fishing in St. Petersburg?

The most popular season for mahi mahi fishing in St. Petersburg is summer, and most anglers book their trips 22 days in advance.

Do I need a St. Petersburg fishing license for mahi mahi and what are the bag limits for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in St. Petersburg, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in St. Petersburg. When in doubt, your guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in St. Petersburg.

What is mahi mahi fishing in St. Petersburg all about?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, anglers have the opportunity to target a variety of species aside from tarpon, including the vibrant and highly sought-after mahi-mahi, also known as dolphinfish. Mahi-mahi are renowned for their dazzling colors, spirited fights, and delicious flesh, making them a prized catch for fishermen of all skill levels. During the warmer months, mahi-mahi can be found in abundance in the offshore waters of St. Petersburg, particularly around floating debris, weed lines, and offshore structures where they congregate to feed on baitfish and crustaceans.

One effective technique for targeting mahi-mahi in St. Petersburg is trolling offshore with a spread of colorful lures and rigged baits. Anglers commonly use small to medium-sized trolling lures, such as skirted baits, diving plugs, or squid imitations, to mimic the prey items favored by mahi-mahi. Additionally, deploying rigged ballyhoo or small baitfish as natural baits can entice these pelagic predators. By covering a wide area of water at varying depths and speeds, fishermen increase their chances of encountering schools of mahi-mahi actively feeding near the surface or in deeper waters.

Another productive method for pursuing mahi-mahi in St. Petersburg is by live bait fishing near offshore structures such as buoys, oil rigs, or weed lines. Using live baitfish like pilchards, threadfin herring, or squid can attract mahi-mahi lurking beneath the surface. Anglers often employ a combination of live bait rigs, such as free-lining or using weighted rigs, to present the bait at different depths and entice strikes from these voracious predators. With their vibrant colors and exhilarating fights, mahi-mahi provide anglers in St. Petersburg with an exciting offshore fishing experience and the opportunity to reel in prized catches for the dinner table.

What are the most popular months to fish for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg?

In the waters off St. Petersburg, Florida, anglers are treated to thrilling opportunities to target mahi-mahi, a species known for its vibrant appearance, acrobatic displays, and delectable meat. During the warmer months, these pelagic fish migrate through the offshore waters near St. Petersburg, often congregating around floating debris, weed lines, and offshore structures. Anglers eagerly anticipate encountering schools of mahi-mahi, attracted to these areas where they feed voraciously on baitfish and crustaceans.

One effective technique for pursuing mahi-mahi in St. Petersburg is trolling offshore with a variety of colorful lures and rigged baits. Anglers commonly deploy small to medium-sized trolling lures such as skirted baits, diving plugs, or squid imitations to mimic the prey favored by mahi-mahi. Additionally, using rigged ballyhoo or live baitfish like pilchards and threadfin herring can entice these pelagic predators. By covering expansive stretches of water at different depths and speeds, fishermen increase their chances of encountering active schools of mahi-mahi near the surface or in deeper waters.

Another successful method for targeting mahi-mahi in St. Petersburg is live bait fishing near offshore structures such as buoys, oil rigs, or weed lines. Anglers deploy live baitfish like pilchards, threadfin herring, or squid to attract mahi-mahi lurking beneath the surface. Employing a variety of live bait rigs, including free-lining or using weighted rigs, allows fishermen to present the bait at various depths to entice strikes from these agile and opportunistic predators. With their dazzling colors and spirited fights, mahi-mahi offer anglers in St. Petersburg an exhilarating offshore fishing experience and the chance to reel in prized catches for the table.

What techniques are popular for catching mahi mahi in St. Petersburg?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, mahi-mahi fishing presents anglers with a thrilling challenge and the opportunity to reel in these vibrant pelagic species. One effective technique for targeting mahi-mahi in St. Petersburg is trolling offshore waters with an array of colorful lures and rigged baits. Anglers commonly utilize small to medium-sized trolling lures such as skirted baits, diving plugs, or squid imitations to mimic the natural prey of mahi-mahi. Additionally, deploying rigged ballyhoo or live baitfish like pilchards and threadfin herring can prove irresistible to these predators. By varying trolling speeds and depths while covering a wide area, fishermen increase their chances of encountering active schools of mahi-mahi near the surface or in deeper waters.

Another successful method employed by anglers in St. Petersburg is live bait fishing near offshore structures like buoys, oil rigs, or weed lines where mahi-mahi tend to congregate. Using live baitfish such as pilchards, threadfin herring, or squid can attract mahi-mahi lurking beneath the surface. Anglers often employ different live bait rigs, such as free-lining or using weighted rigs, to present the bait at various depths and entice strikes from these agile predators. Patience and attention to detail are crucial as anglers wait for the telltale signs of mahi-mahi presence and the exhilarating moment when the fish strikes.

Furthermore, staying alert to environmental cues such as floating debris, weed lines, or bird activity can significantly enhance mahi-mahi fishing success in St. Petersburg. Mahi-mahi are often found around these structures and features where baitfish and other prey items congregate. By keeping a keen eye on the water and adjusting fishing strategies accordingly, anglers can maximize their chances of encountering mahi-mahi and enjoying the thrill of landing these prized gamefish. With a combination of trolling, live bait fishing, and strategic observation, St. Petersburg offers anglers an exciting and rewarding mahi-mahi fishing experience on Florida's Gulf Coast.

What other species are popular in St. Petersburg?

In addition to targeting mahi-mahi, anglers in St. Petersburg, Florida, have a diverse array of other species to pursue in the rich waters of the Gulf Coast. One popular catch is the mighty grouper, which inhabits the rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks scattered throughout the offshore waters near St. Petersburg. Anglers often employ bottom fishing techniques using live bait such as pinfish, squid, or cut bait to entice these formidable predators. Grouper are known for their powerful strikes and tenacious fights, providing anglers with thrilling battles as they work to land these prized fish.

Another sought-after species in St. Petersburg is the snapper, including the popular red snapper and mangrove snapper. These fish can be found around artificial reefs, wrecks, and rocky structures, as well as inshore areas such as bridges and piers. Anglers target snapper using a variety of methods, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait, jigging with soft plastics or metal jigs, and even sight fishing in shallower waters. Red snapper, in particular, are prized for their delicious taste and challenging fights, making them a favorite among anglers seeking a rewarding catch.

Additionally, St. Petersburg offers opportunities to target a variety of pelagic species such as king mackerel, tuna, and sailfish. Anglers often troll offshore waters with artificial lures or rigged baits to entice these fast-moving predators. King mackerel, known for their blistering runs and aggressive strikes, are commonly found near bait schools, while tuna and sailfish frequent deeper waters and can be targeted using specialized trolling techniques. Whether fishing inshore or offshore, St. Petersburg provides anglers with a wealth of options for chasing a diverse range of species and creating unforgettable fishing experiences on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    I brought my son down for a weekend of cast and bkast. We soent all day Sunday with Captain Vasiliy aka The Russian Redneck. He runs a very nice wellcraft center consolw. Boat is in great shape with lots if room. We met at the boat launch around 0745 and after quick introductions we shoved off. A quixk stop at a marina baitshop on our way and the day began. We hit an area on tge way out fir maybe 30 min to catch some live baitfish and puahed offshore around 8-9 miles. Over our 8 hour charter we moved to several locations. If a spot got slow, pulled anchor and off to another. I didnt count total fish caught, but several dozen grunts, at least 15 grouper, a hog fish, some others im nor familiar with. We lost a couple big fish. Guessing they were goliaths. I will absolutely go fish with him again. If youre looking fir a friendlt captain who keeps you on the fish this is the one.

    Kurt V. | September 29, 2026

    Trip: 8 Hours Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time fishing with Capt. Mike today!! Pulled in some nice grouper and red snapper!! Recommend at least a 6 hour trip to pull in big fish! On the way back to shore we had the most comfortable ride sitting in beanbags! Would 100% recommend. Shawn and Christine

    Christine D. | August 26, 2026

    Trip: Sarasota Offshore W/ Capt Mike

  • ★★★★★
    If anyone on this website is looking for a charter offshore in Sarasota, use Captain Mike! He is extremely professional, knows what he's doing and got us on the fish. Traveled out 50+ miles into the Gulf of America for a 3/4 day charter with my friends from Long Island and we started pulling grouper over the gunwales within minutes of dropping lines. No red snapper but had at least 20 grouper and a few nice mango snappers. Oh and a Goliath Grouper that found his way back in the rocks and broke off! That one hurt! If we got him up, I'd have been in the water for a pic. We had a killer time with fish, belly laughs and phenomenal weather. One of the best captains I have ever chartered by far! Seriously, this is your guy! While he still has his accent from Southie, he's a Floridian for sure! Had a great time with tight lines and fair winds!

    Andrew M. | August 23, 2026

    Trip: Sarasota Offshore W/ Capt Mike

  • ★★★★★
    Justin worked hard to put us on fish just after tropical storm blew out Excellent job and great personality His boat and gear were in like new condition The four of us were so glad we chose the Cat style boat over traditional hull design I highly recommend

    Chris M. | July 27, 2026

    Trip: 8-12 Hour Offshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captian Nick and 1st mate Trey were amazing...! The bite was a challenge but our guys never gave up or stopped. A few moves and we caught plenty of fish for dinner with some decent groupers to top it off. Nice variety of fish from one of the biggest White Grunt I've ever seen, big Laine Snappers, Vermillion Snappers and a bunch a almost keeper Red Snapper mixed in. (Stubborn snappers...) Its called fishing, not catching... Loved their personalities from the start, conversation came easy and made for a very comfortable trip out. Thanks to both for a great day out on the beautiful Florida waters. WE WILL BE BACK from Philly, PA next year...! 🫡🎣💪

    Sean P. | July 5, 2026

    Trip: 8 Hour Trip – Predator Pursuit

Narrow Down Your Search

Last updated: October 9, 2026

Enter to Win a

$500 DAMN GOOD GIFT CARD

Gift Card

Sign up to win $500 towards ANY trip. Winners drawn monthly.

By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing communications from Captain Experiences. To opt-out, click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of our emails. Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions

See All Mahi Mahi Trips in St. Petersburg