Damn Good River Fishing Charters In St. Pete Beach

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Recently Booked River Fishing Charters In St. Pete Beach

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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St Petersburg Inshore Fishing!!!

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $425
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Tampa

Tampa Bowfishing

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, River, Flats Fishing Charter in Ruskin

Grouper And Snapper Trips

NEW
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Bradenton

Exploring Manatee County

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $500

Top Species for River Fishing in St. Pete Beach

“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

Other Trips in St. Pete Beach

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Treasure Island

St. Pete Full Day Offshore

NEW
30 ft 1 - 5 People From $1,850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Pete Beach

Non-Stop Inshore Action

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Madeira Beach

Targeting Trophies - 31' Pursuit

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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Madeira Beach

Madeira Beach Quick Getaway

100% (2)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Madeira Beach

Grunt Hunt Family Fun - 31’ Pursuit

100% (2)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Hogfish Trip - 28'

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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Nearshore - 28’ Center Console

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Shark Encounter - 28'

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,899
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Overnight Adventure - 35’ Contender

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Holiday

6hr Coral Bottom Trip

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach "Silver King" Slam

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $775

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Everything to Know About Booking a St. Pete Beach river fishing charter

What are the best river fishing charters in St. Pete Beach?

Why should I book a river fishing charter in St. Pete Beach with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 river trips in St. Pete Beach, and the most popular trips in the area are Exploring Manatee County guided by Noel, Grouper and Snapper trips guided by Frankie, and Tampa Bowfishing guided by Ike.

Our guides in St. Pete Beach are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3692 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 river guides / fishing lessons in St. Pete Beach? Check out our beginner and family friendly river guides in St. Pete Beach.

What types of river fishing charters are common in St. Pete Beach?

The most commonly sought after species for river fishing are: 1. redfish, 2. snook, 3. speckled trout, 4. cobia, and 5. sheepshead.

The most common fishing techniques in St. Pete Beach are sight casting, live bait fishing, and cut bait fishing but bottom fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do St. Pete Beach river fishing charters cost?

Prices for river fishing in St. Pete Beach can range anywhere from about $500 to $800, but the average price for a half day trip for river fishing in St. Pete Beach is $601. The average price for a full day trip for river fishing in St. Pete Beach is $763.

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 river fishing in St. Pete Beach?

The most popular season for river fishing in St. Pete Beach is summer, and most anglers book their trips 18 days in advance.

Do I need a St. Pete Beach fishing license and what are the bag limits in St. Pete Beach?

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

What is river fishing in St. Pete Beach all about?

River fishing near St. Pete Beach, Florida, offers anglers a mix of freshwater and brackish water opportunities amidst the scenic beauty of the Gulf Coast. The area boasts several productive fishing spots along rivers and estuaries where anglers can target a variety of species year-round. Common catches include snook, redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead, each offering unique challenges and rewards depending on the season and fishing techniques employed.

One popular method for river fishing near St. Pete Beach is kayak fishing, which allows anglers to navigate shallow waters, mangrove-lined channels, and backwater flats that larger boats cannot reach. Kayaks provide stealth and maneuverability, making them ideal for targeting species like snook and redfish that frequent these quieter, less accessible areas. Anglers often use light tackle and live bait such as shrimp or mullet, or artificial lures that mimic the movements of small baitfish, to entice strikes from these prized catches.

Shoreline fishing is also a favored technique, offering convenient access to productive fishing spots along the banks of rivers and estuaries. Anglers can cast from docks, piers, and sandy beaches into deeper channels or near structures where fish congregate. Techniques such as baitcasting, spinning, or fly fishing are commonly used to target species like trout, flounder, and sheepshead. Live bait such as shrimp or finger mullet, as well as artificial lures such as jigs and spoons, are effective in attracting bites from these popular catches. River fishing near St. Pete Beach provides anglers with a diverse and rewarding fishing experience amidst the tranquil coastal landscapes of Florida's Gulf Coast.

What are the most popular months to go river fishing in St. Pete Beach?

River fishing seasons near St. Pete Beach, Florida, follow a distinct pattern influenced by the local climate and the migratory behaviors of fish species in the region. Spring marks the start of an active fishing season as water temperatures rise, triggering fish like snook, redfish, and trout to move into shallower waters for spawning and feeding. Anglers often find success using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures that mimic the movements of small baitfish. Spring is also an excellent time for kayak fishing in the area, allowing anglers to explore mangrove-lined channels and backwater flats where these species congregate.

Summer in St. Pete Beach brings warmer temperatures and longer days, influencing fish behavior and angling strategies. Early mornings and late evenings are typically the best times to fish during this season when temperatures are cooler and fish are more active. Species like snook and redfish are popular catches in the summer months, with anglers targeting them near mangrove islands, oyster bars, and grass flats. Using live bait such as pinfish or mullet, or artificial lures like topwater plugs and jerkbaits, can yield successful results when fishing for these prized catches in the area's estuarine waters.

Fall is highly anticipated by anglers near St. Pete Beach for its excellent fishing conditions and the return of cooler temperatures. Redfish and trout become more active again as they feed voraciously before winter sets in. This season offers opportunities for both shore and kayak fishing, with anglers using a variety of baits and lures to attract bites from these popular catches. Migratory species such as tarpon may also pass through the area, providing exciting challenges for anglers targeting larger game fish. Overall, each season near St. Pete Beach presents unique fishing conditions and species to pursue, ensuring that anglers can enjoy year-round fishing excitement along Florida's Gulf Coast rivers and estuaries.

What techniques are popular for river fishing in St. Pete Beach?

River fishing near St. Pete Beach, Florida, offers anglers a variety of types and techniques suited to the diverse fish species inhabiting the area's rivers, estuaries, and backwater flats. One popular method is kayak fishing, which allows anglers to explore shallow, mangrove-lined channels and reach secluded spots inaccessible to larger boats. Kayaks provide stealth and maneuverability, making them ideal for targeting species like snook, redfish, and trout. Anglers often use light tackle and live bait such as shrimp or mullet, or artificial lures that mimic small baitfish, to entice strikes from these prized catches.

Shoreline fishing is another favored technique, providing anglers with access to productive fishing spots along the banks of rivers and estuaries near St. Pete Beach. Anglers can cast from docks, piers, and sandy beaches into deeper channels or near structures where fish congregate. Techniques such as baitcasting, spinning, or fly fishing are commonly used to target species like trout, flounder, and sheepshead. Live bait such as shrimp or finger mullet, as well as artificial lures such as jigs and spoons, are effective in attracting bites from these popular catches.

Boat fishing is essential for exploring deeper waters and offshore reefs around St. Pete Beach, offering opportunities for trolling, bottom fishing, and drift fishing. Trolling involves towing lines behind a moving boat to target pelagic species such as king mackerel and Spanish mackerel, as well as larger game fish that patrol the waters offshore. Bottom fishing is popular for targeting species like grouper, snapper, and amberjack using heavy tackle and baited hooks dropped to the seafloor near underwater structures. Drift fishing allows anglers to cover a wide area while targeting species like cobia and shark that roam the Gulf Coast waters near St. Pete Beach. Each type of fishing in this area provides a unique experience and opportunities to connect with the diverse marine life found along Florida's Gulf Coast.

What species are popular for river fishing in St. Pete Beach?

When river fishing near St. Pete Beach, Florida, anglers can target a diverse range of species that inhabit the area's rivers, estuaries, and nearby Gulf Coast waters. One of the most sought-after catches is the snook, known for its powerful fights and preference for warm, shallow waters. Snook are commonly found near mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridges where they ambush prey. Anglers often use live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like jerkbaits and topwater plugs, to entice strikes from these elusive and prized game fish.

Redfish are another popular species to target while river fishing in St. Pete Beach, particularly in the cooler months of fall through spring. These fish are known for their distinctive copper-colored tails and can be found in shallow flats, oyster bars, and along grassy shorelines. Anglers use a variety of baits and lures, including live shrimp, crabs, or soft plastic jigs, to attract redfish bites. Their aggressive strikes and strong fights make them a favorite among local anglers.

Trout are plentiful in the area's rivers and estuaries, providing year-round fishing opportunities. Speckled trout, in particular, are prized for their delicious meat and are often targeted using live bait such as shrimp or small fish, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons. These trout can be found near drop-offs, grassy areas, and deeper channels where they feed on smaller baitfish and crustaceans. Whether targeting snook, redfish, trout, or other species, river fishing near St. Pete Beach promises a rewarding and memorable experience for anglers of all skill levels amidst Florida's vibrant coastal ecosystem.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ike is a first class person very polite very nice guy me and my son had a great time will do it again when we come back.

    Chris H. | July 16, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bowfishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great morning on the water with Captain George. He put us over fish right away. First cast went into the cooler! He was very knowledgeable and courteous. We enjoyed our time on his boat!

    Lindy K. | July 9, 2024

    Trip: St Petersburg inshore Fishing!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip and great captain! Ike is the best!

    Justin C. | June 13, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bowfishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had an absolutely amazing time with Captain George! We had several other fishermen passing through that were going on about how it was a “tough day” but not with Captain George!! He put us right on the fish! He was always aware of his surroundings, watching the schools of bait fish, and making sure we were in the most optimal spot. He was very knowledgeable about all of the species we caught throughout the day. We were having such a blast that we added an extra hour to onto our trip, which is when he put us on to the BIGGEST Spanish Mackerel I’ve ever seen!! Just to top it off, he was also very kind and caring. He never lost patience with me when he kept having to cast my pole into difficult spots, and he made sure to remind us to drink plenty of water and reapply sunscreen. At the end of the trip, as he was cleaning our fish, I began to overheat and he knew EXACTLY what to do. He stayed calm, let us stay for a while as I regained my strength, and even checked on me later on in the day. What an amazing experience, captain, and day!! 10/10! We will be fishing with Captain George when we are back this way, and will be referring all of our friends and family!

    Lauren H. | June 6, 2024

    Trip: St Petersburg inshore Fishing!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Noel was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely fun to spend the day with. We caught a boat load of fish-snook, redfish and trout. Thanks

    Gerald G. | November 6, 2023

    Trip: Exploring Manatee County

  • ★★★★★
    My daught had an absolute blast. Noel let her help with the bait. It was the best trip we have ever been on. We will be going again next time we come here.

    Tanya S. | July 27, 2023

    Trip: Exploring Manatee County

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