Damn Good Red Grouper Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg

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Recently Booked Red Grouper Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

100% (4)
27 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St. Pete Offshore Experience

100% (7)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Fed Permitted American Red Snapper

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Fed Permitted American Red Snapper

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $400

Top Types of Red Grouper Trips in St. Petersburg

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Target Species in St. Petersburg

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • 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 Red Grouper Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Florida Sportfish On Light Tackle

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Grouper/Snapper Run- 35’ Contender

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Seasonal Species - 48’

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Federal American Red Snapper - 28’

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,250
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Florida Classics On Light Tackle

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
See All Red Grouper Trips in St. Petersburg

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Everything to Know About Booking a St. Petersburg red grouper fishing charter

What are the best red grouper fishing charters in St. Petersburg?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 56 red grouper trips in St. Petersburg, and the most popular trips in the area are Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn guided by Adam, St. Pete Offshore Experience guided by Greg, and Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species guided by Ron.

Our guides in St. Petersburg are rated a 4.86 out of 5 based on 3716 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 red grouper guides / fishing lessons in St. Petersburg? Check out our beginner and family friendly red grouper guides in St. Petersburg.

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

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for red grouper in St. Petersburg as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

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

How much do St. Petersburg red grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for red grouper in St. Petersburg can range anywhere from about $700 to $5,800, but the average price for a half day trip for red grouper in St. Petersburg is $2,056. The average price for a full day trip for red grouper in St. Petersburg is $3,913.

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 red grouper fishing in St. Petersburg?

The most popular season for red grouper fishing in St. Petersburg is summer, and most anglers book their trips 5 days in advance.

Do I need a St. Petersburg fishing license for red grouper and what are the bag limits for red grouper 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 fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in St. Petersburg.

What is red grouper fishing in St. Petersburg all about?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, red grouper fishing is a popular pursuit among anglers looking for both a rewarding challenge and a delicious meal. These bottom-dwelling predators inhabit the offshore reefs and ledges of the Gulf Coast, offering anglers ample opportunities for exciting battles and satisfying catches. Red grouper are prized not only for their impressive fighting abilities but also for their firm, flavorful flesh, making them a sought-after target for fishermen in St. Petersburg.

One effective technique for targeting red grouper in St. Petersburg is bottom fishing with live bait or artificial lures near offshore structures. Anglers commonly use live pinfish, squid, or cut bait to entice these voracious predators, presenting their offerings close to the ocean floor where red grouper are known to patrol. Additionally, jigging with metal jigs or soft plastics can also yield success when targeting red grouper, especially around rocky outcroppings or underwater ledges where these fish often congregate.

Furthermore, red grouper fishing in St. Petersburg often involves venturing offshore to explore the diverse underwater landscape of the Gulf Coast. Anglers may target specific areas such as reefs, wrecks, or hard-bottom habitats where red grouper are known to reside. By carefully studying charts, sonar readings, and other navigational tools, anglers can pinpoint productive fishing spots and increase their chances of encountering trophy-sized red grouper. With their impressive size, strength, and delectable flesh, red grouper offer anglers in St. Petersburg an exhilarating and rewarding fishing experience in the waters of the Gulf Coast.

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

In St. Petersburg, Florida, red grouper fishing is a cherished pastime among anglers seeking both excitement and a delicious culinary reward. These bottom-dwelling predators are abundant in the offshore reefs and ledges of the Gulf Coast, providing ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills and land impressive catches. Red grouper are prized not only for their robust fighting abilities but also for their succulent, flaky flesh, making them a highly sought-after target for fishermen in St. Petersburg.

Anglers employ a variety of techniques to pursue red grouper in St. Petersburg waters. Bottom fishing with live bait such as pinfish, squid, or cut bait is a common approach, with anglers presenting their offerings near the ocean floor where red grouper are known to lurk. Additionally, jigging with metal jigs or soft plastics can prove effective, especially around rocky outcroppings or submerged structures where these fish often congregate. By carefully selecting the right bait and technique, anglers can increase their chances of enticing a strike from these prized gamefish.

Furthermore, successful red grouper fishing often involves venturing offshore to explore the expansive underwater terrain of the Gulf Coast. Anglers may target specific areas such as reefs, wrecks, or hard-bottom habitats where red grouper are known to congregate in abundance. By employing navigational tools, studying charts, and utilizing local knowledge, anglers can pinpoint productive fishing spots and optimize their chances of landing trophy-sized red grouper. With their impressive size, strength, and delectable flavor, red grouper provide anglers in St. Petersburg with an exhilarating fishing experience and the opportunity to create lasting memories on the water.

What techniques are popular for catching red grouper in St. Petersburg?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, anglers employ various effective techniques to target red grouper, a prized species found in the offshore waters of the Gulf Coast. One popular method for red grouper fishing in St. Petersburg involves bottom fishing near rocky structures, reefs, and ledges where these fish typically inhabit. Anglers use live bait such as pinfish, squid, or cut bait, presenting it close to the ocean floor where red grouper are known to lurk. Patience and persistence are key as anglers wait for the telltale signs of a strike, often indicated by a subtle nibble or sudden tension on the line.

Another successful technique for red grouper fishing in St. Petersburg is jigging with metal jigs or soft plastics. Anglers target areas with rocky outcroppings or submerged structures where red grouper congregate, dropping their jigs to the desired depth and employing an enticing jigging motion to mimic injured prey. This method can be particularly effective in enticing strikes from red grouper, especially when other baitfish are present in the area. By varying the speed and depth of the jigging motion, anglers can increase their chances of enticing these bottom-dwelling predators to bite.

Furthermore, successful red grouper fishing often involves venturing offshore to explore the diverse underwater landscape of the Gulf Coast. Anglers may target specific areas such as reefs, wrecks, or hard-bottom habitats where red grouper are known to reside. By carefully studying charts, utilizing sonar readings, and seeking out local knowledge, anglers can pinpoint productive fishing spots and optimize their chances of landing trophy-sized red grouper. With their impressive size, strength, and delectable flesh, red grouper offer anglers in St. Petersburg an exhilarating and rewarding fishing experience offshore.

What other species are popular in St. Petersburg?

Besides targeting red grouper, anglers in St. Petersburg, Florida, have a diverse array of species to pursue in the rich offshore waters of the Gulf Coast. One sought-after catch is the mighty amberjack, known for its powerful fights and impressive size. These aggressive predators are commonly found near offshore structures such as wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs, where they patrol in search of prey. Anglers often use live baitfish like blue runners or large jigs to entice amberjack, providing thrilling battles and memorable catches.

Another popular species to target in St. Petersburg is the prized king mackerel, also known as kingfish. These fast-swimming pelagic predators are abundant along the Gulf Coast, particularly during the warmer months. Anglers often troll with live baitfish or artificial lures near bait schools, ledges, and offshore structures to attract king mackerel. With their blistering runs and aggressive strikes, king mackerel provide anglers with exhilarating battles and the chance to reel in trophy-sized catches.

Additionally, St. Petersburg offers opportunities to pursue a variety of offshore species such as snapper, grouper, and mahi-mahi. Anglers can bottom fish near reefs and ledges for species like mangrove snapper and gag grouper, using live bait or jigging with artificial lures. Mahi-mahi, with their vibrant colors and acrobatic displays, are often found near floating debris and weed lines offshore, providing exciting opportunities for trolling with lures or live bait. With its diverse range of species and fishing opportunities, St. Petersburg promises anglers an unforgettable experience on the Gulf Coast waters.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience, great fishing! Captain Mikey took us right to where the fish were. Started catching fish within a minute of the first bait hitting the water. Steady action for a while, when things slowed Capt. Mikey moved us to a spot where we quickly started catching again. Fished in about four different spots not far from each other, all but the last produced multiple fish. Fun trip!

    Howard D. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water. Chris and Kaden are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend

    Brian P. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip with Adam! Highly recommend!!

    Brionne J. | July 26, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    The fish hawk was an outstanding charter and Captain Brian and mate were very professional and worked hard to fill the fish box. As soon as the bite slowed on a spot, we packed up and headed to another spot. We caught fish all day long. We had 6 people fishing on the boat and I know that takes a lot of effort from the crew and they both helped all day long baiting hooks, taking fish off, and tying lines,,,,I highly recommend them and wil no doubt book again with these guys

    Tim H. | July 22, 2024

    Trip: Federal American Red Snapper - 28’

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Heather sent my wife and I and our two granddaughters out for a 6 hour combination trolling and bottom fishing trip with Captain DJ and Tyler. We can't say enough about how enjoyable it was. Both DJ and Tyler were fantastic guys to be around and put us on plenty of fish, both trolling and bottom fishing. It was very impressive to watch them as a team work to keep our granddaughters busy reeling in fish. They made every aspect of the trip friendly, comfortable and fun. It was all we had hoped to experience. Many thanks to Heather, DJ, Tyler and Captain Experiences.

    Ricky M. | July 18, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Greg put us on the fish all day and we had a great time!

    Adrian W. | July 17, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Please send our photos.

    William J. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Greatest experience we could ask for. Caught a good amount and captain Adam was very knowledgeable on where to go for best fishing and Is very respectful. Would highly recommend captain Adam to anyone looking for a fun fishing trip.

    Landan L. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    Definitely a very fun trip! Will definitely recommend to friends/families. Caught almost 50 fish and was a blast! Two takeaways for myself: Red Snapper fishing can only happen with the 10-12 hour trips, not the 4 hour trips.

    Luis M. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Mikey and Josh were great. Brought us out the fish quickly and were knowledgeable friendly and enthusiastic. Look forward to going out with them again

    Theo M. | July 2, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome!!!!!!

    John L. | June 30, 2024

    Trip: 4 hours Fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fun trip,caught a variety of fish plus a 34” snook.

    Gene S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with David. He arrived at the dock on time ready to go. He's got a nice, open, boat with a center console so it was easy to move around. We moved around the inter coastal area between Anna Maria and Long Boat fishing for snook, red fish, and trout. Anytime we weren't getting bites we'd move. David worked very hard to keep all of us in fresh bait, and good locations. He knew a ton about the local fish, currents, depths, and regulations. We also got to see several manatees which was such a lovely bonus! When my son hooked a big red fish David gave him great guidance to help him bring it in. He was easy to talk to and we are already recommending him to our friends. We will definitely book again next time we're in the area.

    Rey S. | June 28, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    great day!!

    Marissa L. | June 16, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    I was fishing with Captain Vasiliy on June 4th, he made the experience as enjoyable as possible for me and my daughter, he really understands fishing and knows good fishing spots, we caught a lot of fish with him! Thanks again Captain Vasiliy -Ruslan and Karolina

    Ruslan P. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: 6 Hours Fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Smooth trip. Greg and Ollie were great teachers. It was impossible to not catch a fish. They clean your fish for you and the restaurant cooks it. Highly recommend!

    Brandi B. | June 13, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely amazing fishing experience! From catching a variety of big fish to catching sharks and seeing dolphins, it was the complete package. Highly recommend. The guides answered all our questions and talked to us like we’ve been friends for years. 100% would go on this trip again.

    Karlee G. | May 4, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip! DJ and Milan did a great job getting us into the fish! Caught a really nice blue fish. Great experience! Thank you!

    Rex G. | April 30, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great half day out on the water with Hank. Very friendly and done a good job of keeping us on the fish.

    Brian W. | April 22, 2024

    Trip: 4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Experience of a Lifetime! You know when you book an Air&BnB or an excursion and you have a slight apprehension due to the uncertainty of what the host guarantees? I will tell you this upfront, book with confidence. Let me explain… I’m going to do my best, but to capture the essence of what we experienced, in simple written word, is nearly an impossible task. Our guided fishing trip really started out like any other excursion. We met early morning, dockside at the “Bait House”. The host gave very clear and concise directions to our link up, what to expect and recommendations on what to bring along. The day before our trip, the staff reached out directly to ensure everyone was on the same page. We had (6) in our party. (3) adults and (3) kids. We packed our own lunches, drinks, adult beverages and snacks. This kept the guides fully engaged on fishing and not preoccupied preparing some spoiled kids’ lunch on the water. We also packed along warming layers and rain/wind gear. Our cadre of guides consisted of a captain/primary guide (Luke) and deckhand/assistant guide (Ben). Both were very cordial, professional and entertaining with their banter and dialogue. The boat was a 33’, fiberglass, Suzuki twin-engine, center console workhorse that appeared to be specifically designed for guided fishing. The live-well was fully packed with ice to preserve our harvested fish. (3) large bean bags were provided to lounge on while underway. The boat had been fitted with modern electronics for navigation, communication and fishing. Very nice, reliable, comfortable and safe vessel. Upon boarding we got a quick brief and were given ample storage space for all the gear we brought. This was key as everything must be stowed while underway. Our initial boat ride was 24 miles off the shore of Clearwater, FL. The ride was teeming with wildlife. As the sun came up, the city skyline disappeared into the horizon until you couldn’t see anything but ocean in every direction. It was magnificent. From start to finish, our guides were very organized on the boat. Gear, tackle, cabin, live bait, ect. all well organized and serviceable. As situations changed, they communicated clearly what they needed from us. Personnel management to balance the vessel and alleviate excessive listing, along with keeping the deck open to allow freedom of movement was well executed. The equipment provided was better than adequate. All of the gear was well maintained and prepped for use. From rigging and baiting to removing the fish and cleaning/prep, the guides handled every aspect of the equipment very well. My wife wanted to accomplish (2) things. She wanted to harvest fish for our family dinner that night, and catch the biggest fish. Both were achieved. We caught A LOT of fish. We began fishing for large Amber Jack, however the guide identified that the bite was slow so we shifted gears to catch our daily harvest. We slammed a bunch of amazing fish. Porgy, Hogfish, Red Snapper, Grunt and others. We also caught some fun interesting fish like: Lizard fish, Remora (suction cup fish) and blow fish. Some were even reused as bait for the huge Amber Jack we caught later in the day. After catching plenty of fish for dinner, we moved back to our original location for another run at the large Amber Jack (AJ); an artificial reef of an intentionally sunken ship. Fishing in about 80’ of water, we quickly hooked into our first AJ. After locating the targeted species, the guides quickly switched gears in an epic display of professionalism and mastery of their craft in order to draw out the largest AJs. The communication between the guides and their actions was impeccable. One man on the rod, the other in full support. As the guide asked for a certain type/color of bait fish, the other pulled it from the livewell and began to toss the same baitfish overboard. When that particular bait was unsuccessful, they moved onto another type. This was system repeated several times until they found the right bait. It was really cool to see. Very fast, deliberate and accurate fishing. Once we had the right bait, it was like the AJs were “switched on”. Shortly we were pulling monster AJs in the boat. Huge fish the size of both of a grown man’s legs. After an exciting run of pulling in several huge AJs, we were down to our last baitfish. What I’m about to tell you just can’t really capture how awesome this last cast truly was. Now, earlier in the day we had an AJ get bit by a shark. We got it in the boat and it had some teeth marks and a gushing blood. It was crazy cool. However, this last cast set into motion a series of events that we’ll certainly remember for the rest of our lives. The line was cast and immediately hooked up. My wife was fighting this monster AJ (Yes, the biggest fish of the day) for several minutes. As the AJ was retrieved and became closer to the boat (so close we could see it) two HUGE sharks swam right to it taking a gigantic bite out of the AJ. When I say “bite” I mean a literal shark-head-shaped-bite. A cartoonish bite. Like, imagine what you would see on a Saturday morning cartoon. The bite was so clean and the exact round shape of the jaws of a shark. It was remarkable. As it got up to the boat, guide Ben (in an epic display of reluctant courage mind you) reached down and pulled up this AJ. Even the pictures just don’t do this experience justice. My wife, grabbed this fish holding it right in the bitten area like a savage. She was so excited! We were all excited. As we unhooked the AJ, the guides tossed it back out and a full-on shark feeding frenzy erupted. Multiple sharks attacking this AJ in just the most amazingly violent display. This was straight up, no BS, some National Geographic sh!t. When the AJ was pulled in, nothing remained but a huge sardine head. The Gulf gave us a show we’ll never forget and it was all due to the expertise, fast thinking and relentless efforts of our guides. As if our experience wasn’t enough, our ride back was filled with dolphins, sea turtles and a host of other incredible wildlife. The guides cleaned and prepared all of our harvested fish. They even labeled them by name so we knew what types they were. Our family loves the outdoors, and we have a saying when we venture out, “Don’t expect anything”. The fishing trip that day took everyone by surprise as to how incredible it unfolded. If you are looking for an amazing experience on the water, book with confidence because we had the experience of a lifetime.

    Yuliya H. | April 10, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

What's biting in St. Petersburg?

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