Damn Good Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg

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

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in St. Petersburg

St. Pete Offshore Experience

100% (36)
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% (1)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,000
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Offshore

100% (62)
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
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
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

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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

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

12 Hour Trip – Wrath Of The Deep

100% (7)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,799
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% (10)
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% (10)
22 ft 1 - 10 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Palmetto

8-12 Hour Offshore Trip

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,400
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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

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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 15 mahi mahi trips in St. Petersburg, and the most popular trips in the area are St. Pete Offshore Experience guided by Greg, 10-12 Extreme Hours - Best In FL! guided by Frank, and Clearwater Mixed Bag Offshore guided by Gage.

Our guides in St. Petersburg are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 8293 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 heavy tackle fishing but light tackle fishing and live bait 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 $1,000 to $2,794, but the average price for a half day trip for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg is $865. The average price for a full day trip for mahi mahi in St. Petersburg is $1,913.

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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    We had such a wonderful trip, my two grandsons loved it. They talked all the way home about doing a 10 hr trip next time. We loved the fishing. Capt. Mike guided to the right places to catch fish. His assistant the best, she kept us informed and ready to bring in fish. She was on top of everything. The filleting was perfect, and we enjoyed the lunch right there at the marina with our fish. Best day ever.

    Barry G. | July 5, 2026

    Trip: Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater

  • ★★★★★
    Mike and Emily gave us a great time out on the water! Most of us already fish on our own, but it was great to not have to worry about equipment/location etc. We're already thinking about doing it again later in the year. I would definitely recommend booking for the longer time options - time flies especially if you're trying multiple different styles of fishing.

    Jonathan W. | July 1, 2026

    Trip: Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater

  • ★★★★★
    Michael was a great captain! Made sure we were comfortable and catching at all times! Couldn’t recommend a better charter!

    Logan W. | June 30, 2026

    Trip: Sarasota Offshore W/ Capt Mike

  • ★★★★★
    Great 30 foot boat into 40ft deeper water! Michael was the best! Had a group of 3 and caught our limit of grouper! Did great about switching spots and keeping us on fish the entire time. Would highly recommend Michael for any fishing trip and will be using him again!!!

    Thomas C. | June 25, 2026

    Trip: Sarasota Offshore W/ Capt Mike

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Last updated: July 15, 2026

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