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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters Near St. Petersburg, Fl
Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg
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Most Popular Types of Tarpon Trips in St. Petersburg
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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.
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Other Fishing Species in St. Petersburg
- Amberjack
- Barracuda
- Black Drum
- Black Grouper
- Black Seabass
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cobia
- False Albacore
- Florida Pompano
- Flounder
- Gag Grouper
- Goliath Grouper
- Grunt
- Hogfish
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Lane Snapper
- Lemon Shark
- Mahi Mahi
- Mangrove Snapper
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Sheepshead
- Snook
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Stingray
- Tiger Shark
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Yellowtail Amberjack
- Yellowtail Snapper
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What's biting in St. Petersburg?
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