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Tarpon Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg

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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters Near St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in St. Petersburg

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay Tarpon Roundup

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22 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in St. Petersburg

Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Florida Sportfish On Light Tackle

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22 ft 1 - 4 People $$
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Fishing in St. Petersburg

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Inshore Slam

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25 ft 1 - 4 People $
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Fishing in St. Petersburg

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species

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35 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in St. Petersburg

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Inshore Trip

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in St. Petersburg

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Inshore Fishing Excursion

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $

Most Popular Types of Tarpon Trips in St. Petersburg

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Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Tarpon Fishing Charters Near St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for Tampa Bay Tarpon Special in St. Petersburg

Are you ready for a fish that will test your strength, stamina, and fishing skill? If you can handle the challenge, the “Silver King” is the fish for you. The majestic Tarpon has become the most sought-after game fish in Florida—especially between May and July. During this short window, these huge saltwater predators migrate up and down the coast, hunting for food. Tides, weather, and the phases of the moon play essential roles in Tarpon behavior, but in the spring and early summer these kings of the inshore are always hungry, biting on both live and artificial bait. Get out there and test yourself against these prime gamefish with Captain Zach, an experienced Tarpon fisherman and one of our top guides in the Tampa area. Tarpon can get up to 200 pounds in this area, so bring your A-game! On the day of the trip, you'll set out aboard Captain Zach's 27' Sea Hunt center console—the perfect boat for fishing the Florida inshore. It's equipped with everything you could possibly need for a successful and comfortable trip, including GPS, Fishfinder, and a Live Bait Well. Captain Zach will provide everything you need, including top-of-the-line rods, reels, bait, and tackle, so that all you have to do is cast out, hook up, and then hold on for the fight of your life! To maximize your time on the water, make sure to bring proper clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera! Any trip with Captain Zach is sure to be picture-worthy, and Tarpon are a particularly photogenic fish. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay Tarpon Special

NEW
27 ft 1 - 5 People $$
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for Tarpon charters in St. Petersburg

During Tarpon season, we can catch 75–150 lb Tarpon. It's even possible to catch one weighing up to 200 lb! Catching a Tarpon that size offers a much different experience due to their exhilarating fights lasting up to 2 hours. Because predators migrate with Tarpons, hooking a Hammerhead or Bull Shark is also very common. If you like a challenge, Tarpon charters are the ones for you. These trips are available starting in April-July Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Tarpon Charters

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24 ft 1 - 3 People $$$
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for All-Day Inshore Action in St. Petersburg

Climb aboard with Joseph and enjoy a memorable day of fishing outside of St. Petersburg, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Joseph’s 25-foot C Hawk. She is a versatile vessel, capable of running through shallow inshore waters, as well as cruising offshore. As a 2019 custom rebuild, she is equipped with a toilet within the console, which has more than 6 feet of headroom. Don’t forget to bring a cooler with ice to take home your day’s catch, sunscreen, and a hat. Feel free to bring food and beverages of your choice as well. Captain Joseph will provide all rods, reels, tackle, lures, licenses, and live bait (free of charge). A first mate will also be on board. He’ll be assisting you throughout your trip. Come on down to St. Petersburg, Florida, and test your casting accuracy with Captain Joseph! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

All-Day Inshore Action

NEW
25 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
Fishing in St. Petersburg
trip description for Half Day Inshore Trip in St. Petersburg

Climb aboard with Joseph and enjoy a memorable day of fishing outside of St. Petersburg, Florida! On this 4-hour adventure, you’ll be fishing aboard Captain Joseph’s 25-foot C Hawk. She is a versatile vessel, capable of running through shallow inshore waters, as well as cruising offshore. As a 2019 custom rebuild, she is equipped with a toilet within the console, which has more than 6 feet of headroom. Don’t forget to bring a cooler with ice to take home your day’s catch, sunscreen, and a hat. Feel free to bring food and beverages of your choice as well. Captain Joseph will provide all rods, reels, tackle, lures, licenses, and live bait (free of charge). A first mate will also be on board. He’ll be assisting you throughout your trip. Come on down to St. Petersburg, Florida, and make some memories with Captain Joseph! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Half Day Inshore Trip

NEW
25 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in St. Pete Beach
Fishing in St. Pete Beach
Fishing in St. Pete Beach
trip description for Non-Stop Inshore Action in St. Pete Beach

Get out there and get after some of Florida's top inshore gamefish species on this trip with Captain Kevin! He's an expert when it comes to fishing the Florida inshore, and he'll make sure to put you on tons of fish. Target species here include Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Snook, Trout, and even Tarpon—in the right season. These species have something for everyone, from great eating to fantastic fighting. In addition to the diverse array of fish species, the inshore waters of St. Petersburg are also perfect for a variety of fishing techniques, from live bait fishing and jigging to casting and trolling. This makes it an ideal destination for anglers of all skill levels and experience, from beginners to seasoned pros. Whether you're looking to target a specific species or just want to spend a day out on the water reeling in a variety of catches, St. Petersburg is an excellent destination for inshore fishing, and a trip with Captain Kevin is the best way to get out there and make the most of it! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Pete Beach

Non-Stop Inshore Action

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Clearwater
Fishing in Clearwater
Fishing in Clearwater
trip description for Coastal Clearwater Charter in Clearwater

Join Captain Cameron for an amazing day out on the water, tailored to your skill level and goals. Captain Cameron's expertise lies in his ability to customize your trip to exceed your expectations, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to catch your next trophy or just starting out. Off the coast of Clearwater, FL, you'll find a diverse range of inshore species, including Snook, Redfish, Black Drum, and Sea Trout. If you want to explore deeper waters, Captain Cameron can take you to check out reefs for amberjack and grouper. In the summer months, Tarpon also migrate through the waters off of Clearwater. You just need to let Captain Cameron know which species you want to target, and he'll make it happen! Captain Cameron's boat comes fully equipped with everything you need for a successful day of fishing, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses. All you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, sun protection, and camera, and Captain Cameron will take care of the rest! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Coastal Clearwater Charter

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 5 People $$
See All Tarpon Trips in St. Petersburg

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

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 50 tarpon trips in St. Petersburg, and the most popular trips in the area are Tampa Bay Tarpon Roundup guided by Thomas, Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle guided by Chris, and St. Petersburg Inshore Slam guided by Andy.

Our guides in St. Petersburg are rated a 4.94 out of 5 based on 2545 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a Tarpon charter include Clearwater, Holmes Beach and Ruskin.

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

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

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for tarpon in St. Petersburg as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing.

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

How much do St. Petersburg tarpon fishing charters cost?

for tarpon in St. Petersburg prices can range anywhere from about $450 to $1,068, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon in St. Petersburg is $572. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon in St. Petersburg is $943.

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

The most popular season for tarpon fishing in St. Petersburg is spring, and most anglers book their trips 10 days in advance.

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

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in St. Petersburg don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in St. Petersburg.

What is tarpon fishing in St. Petersburg all about?

St. Petersburg, Florida, offers anglers a prime location for targeting the iconic and highly sought-after tarpon. These majestic silver kings, known for their impressive size, acrobatic leaps, and powerful runs, attract fishermen from all over the world to the waters surrounding St. Petersburg. One of the most popular and exhilarating ways to pursue tarpon in this area is through sight fishing in the shallow flats and along the beaches during the annual migration season, typically occurring from late spring to early summer. Anglers often spot tarpon rolling on the surface or cruising in schools, presenting thrilling opportunities for well-placed casts with live bait, such as threadfin herring, mullet, or crabs, or with artificial lures like swimbaits or topwater plugs.

Another productive method for targeting tarpon in St. Petersburg is by anchoring near bridges, passes, or inlets where these silver giants congregate to feed on baitfish swept by the current. Setting up with live bait or drift fishing with crabs or mullet can entice tarpon lurking in these high-traffic areas. Patience and precise presentation are key as anglers wait for the unmistakable bite and explosive runs characteristic of tarpon fishing.

Additionally, anglers can pursue tarpon in St. Petersburg by trolling along the coastline or in deeper channels where tarpon often roam in search of food. Trolling with large diving plugs, spoons, or artificial baits resembling mullet or sardines can attract tarpon cruising at various depths. This method allows anglers to cover a wide area while exploring different depths and contours, increasing the chances of encountering tarpon actively feeding or migrating through the area. Whether sight fishing in shallow flats, anchoring near bridges and passes, or trolling along the coastline, St. Petersburg offers anglers diverse opportunities to pursue tarpon and create unforgettable memories on the water.

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

St. Petersburg, Florida, is renowned among anglers as a premier destination for tarpon fishing. These majestic silver kings, famed for their size, acrobatic displays, and formidable fighting abilities, lure fishermen from far and wide to the waters surrounding this vibrant city. Tarpon season typically peaks from late spring to early summer, drawing enthusiasts eager to test their skills against these iconic gamefish. One of the most popular methods for targeting tarpon in St. Petersburg is sight fishing along the shallow flats and beaches. During migration, tarpon can be spotted rolling at the surface or cruising in schools, offering thrilling opportunities for anglers to present live bait such as threadfin herring, mullet, or crabs, or to entice them with artificial lures like swimbaits or topwater plugs.

Another effective approach favored by anglers in St. Petersburg is anchoring near bridges, passes, or inlets where tarpon congregate to feed on baitfish swept by the current. Setting up with live bait or drift fishing with crabs or mullet can prove fruitful in these high-traffic areas. However, success requires patience and precise presentation as anglers wait for the unmistakable bite and the exhilarating battles that ensue.

Additionally, trolling along the coastline or in deeper channels is a popular tactic for targeting tarpon in St. Petersburg. Using large diving plugs, spoons, or artificial baits resembling mullet or sardines, anglers can cover vast stretches of water, increasing their chances of encountering tarpon at different depths. This versatile method allows fishermen to explore various underwater landscapes and adapt to the movement patterns of tarpon, whether they're actively feeding or migrating through the area. With its diverse fishing opportunities, St. Petersburg offers anglers an unforgettable tarpon fishing experience amidst the scenic backdrop of Florida's Gulf Coast.

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

Tarpon fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida, requires a combination of skill, patience, and understanding of the fish's behavior. One effective technique utilized by anglers is sight fishing, particularly during the annual migration season when tarpon are plentiful along the shallow flats and coastal beaches. Anglers keen on this approach keep a watchful eye for tarpon rolling on the surface or cruising in schools. Precise casting with live bait such as threadfin herring, mullet, or crabs, or with artificial lures like swimbaits or topwater plugs, is crucial to enticing these majestic silver kings to strike.

Another productive method for tarpon fishing in St. Petersburg involves targeting strategic locations such as bridges, passes, or inlets where tarpon gather to feed on baitfish swept by the current. Anchoring near these areas and presenting live bait or drift fishing with offerings like crabs or mullet can attract tarpon seeking an easy meal. Anglers must exercise patience and maintain a keen sense of timing to capitalize on the unmistakable bite and thrilling battles synonymous with tarpon fishing.

In addition to sight fishing and targeting strategic structures, trolling along the coastline or in deeper channels is a favored technique among St. Petersburg anglers. By deploying large diving plugs, spoons, or artificial baits mimicking mullet or sardines, fishermen can cover a wide expanse of water, increasing their chances of encountering tarpon at various depths. This versatile approach allows anglers to adapt to changing conditions and explore different areas where tarpon may be actively feeding or migrating through the region. With a combination of these effective techniques, anglers can maximize their chances of success and enjoy an exhilarating tarpon fishing experience in the waters of St. Petersburg.

What other species are popular in St. Petersburg?

While tarpon fishing undoubtedly steals the spotlight in St. Petersburg, Florida, the area boasts a rich diversity of other species that offer exciting angling opportunities. One notable target for fishermen is the snook, known for its aggressive strikes and formidable fighting abilities. These elusive predators inhabit the mangrove-lined shorelines, bridges, and flats around St. Petersburg, making them a challenging yet rewarding catch. Using live bait such as pilchards or shrimp, as well as artificial lures like jerkbaits or topwater plugs, can entice snook to strike, particularly during dawn or dusk when they are most active.

Another prized species in St. Petersburg is the redfish, renowned for its strength and resilience. Redfish can be found in shallow flats, grass beds, and around oyster bars, providing anglers with a variety of fishing environments to explore. Targeting these copper-colored bruisers often involves casting live bait like mullet or pinfish, as well as artificial lures such as soft plastics or spoons, near structure and along the edges of channels. With their voracious appetites and willingness to take a variety of offerings, redfish offer anglers of all skill levels an enjoyable and rewarding fishing experience in St. Petersburg.

Additionally, St. Petersburg offers opportunities to target other popular species such as spotted sea trout, mangrove snapper, and sheepshead. Spotted sea trout, commonly found in grassy flats and sandy bottoms, can be targeted using live bait like shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures such as soft plastics or suspending twitch baits. Mangrove snapper, known for their delicious flavor and cunning nature, inhabit mangrove shorelines, bridges, and rocky structures, where they can be caught using live bait like pilchards or shrimp, as well as small jigs or cut bait. Sheepshead, with their strong teeth and knack for stealing bait, are commonly found around pilings, docks, and oyster beds. Offering them a bait of choice like shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles on a small hook can result in a rewarding catch. With a diverse range of species to pursue, St. Petersburg promises anglers endless opportunities for adventure and excitement on the water.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Nick tried his best but the fish just weren't biting. Nick was very nice and knowledgeable we just wish we caught more fish.

    Andy G. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Did a nice job trying to get us on fish. Hustled his rear off. Seemed a bit overwhelming having 4 on the boat who had never fished the flats before and several being relative novices for just 1 crew member. As a result about 1/3 the time 1-2 of our party weren’t fishing as we could have been. He was working hard though … much appreciated! Would highly recommend a 2nd crew member when there are inexperienced people it will be a tight fit though but think it would improve the experience. Tyson was nice, polite, knowledgeable and very patient thanks for the experience. Would highly recommend especially if you’ve done this type of fishing before. Thanks Tyson!

    Mike D. with Tyson W. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide, great guy, knows his stuff! We will 120% be back.

    Timothy W. with Tyson W. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great experience with Captain Nick! He was very accommodating to me and my 8 and 4 year old. He put us on fish right away, and most important of all he was safe! Great experience.

    Joel A. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip with captain nick. Despite the tough conditions we were able to find some fish, will book again.

    Max S. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had Captain Brett for our day of fishing. What an amazing day we had. We caught multiple fish we could keep and multiple fish we couldn’t keep. We had the experience of seeing multiple species that we didn’t catch. We saw a bull shark, a Goliath Grouper, a loggerhead turtle, and a manatee. We hooked in to a giant. Watching Brett and my brother work together to get this fish in was spectacular. The team work that it took as well as the skill. He was also great for those of us that were less experienced. He was so pleasant and kind while helping me change my techniques so I caught fish verses continuously just feeding the fish. He did great with my teenage son. Brett is a great communicator. We will go with Brett again.

    Shellie K. with Cameron F. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Captain Nick Hughs! Trip started on time with nearly perfect weather. Boat was ready to go with all the bait and tackle we needed. Although the fish were hard to find, we did land a nice Snook. Nick worked his fanny off trying to get us on the fish. He’s a great Capt. and great host!

    Jan G. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Cameron was personal and knew what he was doing! We would recommend!

    Justin M. with Cameron F. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a super great time with Tony! He was friendly and very helpful, Made the adventure extra special. I would give Tony a 5 Star rating!!

    Steve T. with Tony F. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Nick is a pro!!! We had so much fun and he put us on a variety of fish. Can't wait to eat our trout for lunch now.

    Ken P. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain James was AWESOME! He was easy going, confident and a pleasure. One person in our party had never fished and Captain James was patient and instructional. He got us on fish immediately and we caught Jacks, Trout, Reds, and Snooks. I cannot recommend Captain James highly enough. I will definitely be using him in the future!

    James R. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris was a awesome guide 5 star

    Robert L. with Christopher T. of Ruskin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great Fishing Trip. Patience required to catch fush

    Todd G. with Tyson W. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My family fished with Alex today and everyone had a blast. Great guide and wonderful trip and experience with him and Taylor. Would highly recommend them and we plan to book them again in the future.

    Bill Z. with Alex K. of Bradenton, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an awesome morning with our terrific guide. Could not have been better. Thanks.

    Chip B. with Andrew C. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Capt Tyler did a great job on finding fish for us to catch. Would definitely go with him again.

    Craig B. with Tyler B. of Belleair Bluffs, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Darius was very informative and always helpful during out inshore fishing trip. He was always considering when it was best to move to a new location to provide the best fishing experience. He was also great to talk to and share thoughts about the area.

    Todd W. with Darius K. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great first experience with Captain Tyler. We had great fishing with tough conditions !!

    Scott O. with Tyler B. of Belleair Bluffs, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, he put me on fish the whole trip. Caught redfish, snook, Jack crevalle, trout and a 4 ft 60 lb bull shark

    Matt D. with Matt Y. of Riverview, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast with James, it made our vacation!

    Theresa M. with James G. of Sarasota, Florida

What's biting in St. Petersburg?

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