With extensive bays, beautiful sandy beaches, and diverse deep-sea waters, the Gulf of Mexico is one of the top fishing spots not just in the US, but in the whole world. Much of the fishing fun happens around St. Petersburg Beach and Tampa Bay, a region with a profound connection to fishing traditions that go back generations.
With so much to keep any angler happy, whether they are pros or aspiring beginners, there’s no mistake: fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a thrilling activity that you will remember for years to come.
However, with so many fishing opportunities, it can be hard to know where to start and figure out the local regulations. That’s where we come in. This blog will act as your basic guide for fishing in St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay, FL.
Grab your gear, it’s fishing time!
Inshore and Offshore Fishing in St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay, FL
Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, St. Pete Beach is in a geographically ideal spot for fishing, both inshore and offshore.
Tampa Bay itself is a large and diverse estuary with a variety of fishing environments, including inshore and nearshore areas. The presence of mangroves in the area creates ideal habitats for various fish species and serves as nurseries for juvenile fish, attracting larger predators as a happy consequence.
Want to set into the sea? St. Pete Beach also gives you direct access to the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which boasts incredibly rich marine diversity, abundant reefs, and underwater structures.
This unique combination of various ecosystems and proximity to deeper waters means anglers in St. Pete Beach can target a wide range of fish species, including snook, redfish, trout, grouper, snapper, kingfish, tarpon, and more.
Finally, Florida’s climate means great weather all year round. You can enjoy sunshine almost every day, making fishing in St. Pete Beach productive throughout the seasons.
The area is suitable for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned anglers. You can opt for deep-sea offshore adventures or more tranquil inshore and nearshore fishing – St. Petersburg has it all.
Inshore and Bay Fishing in St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay
Inshore fishing is very prominent in the Tampa Bay area. It involves fishing in waters roughly 30 meters deep or less, typically near the shore, in shallow bays, estuaries, and marshes — much of which you will find when fishing in Tampa Bay itself.
Among the inshore species you’ll find around St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay, are snook, redfish (red drum), sheepshead, spotted seatrout, flounder, mangrove snapper, black drum, tarpon, jack crevalle, and cobia.
Here are some favorite spots by locals:
Among many spots to fish in the bay, Fort De Soto Park stands as a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The park offers easy access, good facilities, clean water, and lots of fish.
Fort De Soto has two structures; one of them is the Gulf Pier, closer to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where you can catch everything from sheepshead to sharks. As a bonus, you can also spot dolphins from there. The Bay Pier is also an attractive spot for anglers located closer to the sheltered waters. Both fall and spring are the best times to fish. Around the park, you can also jump on a kayak and explore the waters. They have rentals available in the area.
For some amazing pier fishing, head to Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier, along the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, aka “the longest fishing pier in the world.” You’ll be able to park your car very close to your fishing spot.
From the pier, common catches include snook, tarpon, grouper, black sea bass, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, sheepshead, red snapper, pompano, and many more. You’ll also find conveniences like bathrooms, a place to buy snacks and drinks for yourself, as well as fishing supplies. The pier is open 24 hours a day, and you’re in for some stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Beach and pier fishing
If you’re into beach and pier fishing, you don’t need to charter a boat to catch fish; just grab a rod, reel, and some bait. Depending on the time of year, piers and jetties are a great bet.
In many spots along St. Pete Beach, you can head to piers and beaches or maybe hop on a kayak. But if you’re doing it all yourself, pay attention to regulations and local rules.
Offshore Fishing near St Pete Beach, FL
The entire Gulf area near St. Pete Beach is a great location for offshore fishing, a category of fishing that takes place in deeper waters.
In offshore fishing, you’ll travel miles away from the shore on a larger boat in the direction of reefs in the deep sea, including man-made structures like oil rigs and wrecks, all of which provide excellent habitat for fish found 60 to 200 feet deep offshore. That’s where you can capture kingfish, mackerel, tuna, and sharks, among others.
This category also requires heavier equipment and various bait and lure options to attract and catch larger species, so keep that in mind.
The Best Seasons for Inshore and Offshore Fishing in St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay, FL
The best seasons for inshore and offshore fishing in St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay, FL can vary based on the target species and local conditions, but below you can find a general overview:
Inshore Fishing
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a great time for inshore fishing as the waters warm up, and species like speckled trout, redfish, and flounder become more active.
- Summer (June to August): Summer offers great conditions with warmer waters. Snapper, tarpon, and Spanish mackerel are popular inshore catches during this season.
- Fall (September to November): Fall brings slightly cooler temperatures but still offers good inshore fishing opportunities for species like redfish, trout, and flounder.
- Winter (December to February): Winter inshore fishing in St. Pete Beach can still be rewarding, although the fishing dynamics may change due to cooler temperatures.
Offshore Fishing
- Spring and Summer: These seasons are excellent for offshore fishing, with opportunities to catch species like kingfish, mackerel, tuna, and sharks in deeper waters.
- Fall: Fall continues to be productive for offshore fishing, with chances to target species such as king mackerel and snapper.
- Winter: While winter is generally cooler, offshore fishing can still be rewarding for species like amberjack and snapper.
The best way to know what the waters are like in each season and what fish you can catch is by chatting with local fishing charters and guides. They will always provide up-to-date information based on current conditions in the region.
Wondering How to Explore the Waters of St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay?
From exploring inshore waters to heading deep offshore, charter services will take you where you want to go. Their service often comes with extra perks:
- Most fishing charters provide fishing licenses for everyone onboard, gear, and often bait and lures.
- When you charter a boat, you can typically bring up to six passengers in your fishing party.
- Charter services include a captain or guide who navigates the boat in the right direction, where the fish are, and provides excellent local knowledge to enhance your experience.
Alternatively, you can also consider party boat fishing, commonly known as headboat fishing. This option involves a larger group of people sharing a boat for a fishing excursion. It’s an accessible choice open to the public with similar perks where each individual pays separately. This is particularly convenient if you’re traveling solo or with only a friend or two.
St. Pete Beach has a variety of charter and other rental companies. Let’s explore some of our favorites below:
When looking for charter companies, be sure to check their experience and expertise and inquire about the necessary licenses for fishing in the waters they operate.
Also, it’s always a good idea to take the time to read online reviews from other people who used their services in the past.
You might also want to check some local fishing shops like Reef & Real and St. Pete Outfitters.
Licenses & Permits for Fishing in Florida
Whether you prefer inshore or offshore fishing, you have no shortage of options in St Pete Beach and Tampa Bay. But just a reminder: before heading out for your fishing adventures in Florida, as anywhere else, you should check the licenses, permits, and regulations for fishing.
Most charter companies will double-check that for you when you hire their services. But it’s still worth checking it out yourself to avoid hefty fines. These procedures are in place to guarantee your safety and ensure the conservation of wildlife habitats and fish populations.
Here are some things to have in mind:
- In Florida, fishing licenses are mandatory for residents aged 16 to 64.
- Individuals aged 65 and above are required to carry a Senior Citizen Hunting and Fishing Certificate, available at no cost from the county tax collector.
- Totally and permanently disabled Florida residents are also entitled to a complimentary license.
- Residents who are active members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside Florida but on leave for 30 days or less are exempt from this requirement, provided they submit their orders.
To know more about licenses and permits in Florida, check the website of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This link will provide the latest information and ensure a legal hunting and fishing experience for you. As we mentioned above, always ask locals within the fishing business; they will know the requirements better than anyone else.
Extra Tips for Fishing in St. Pete Beach and Tampa Bay Area FL
Apart from familiarizing yourself with and following the guidelines, you should also prioritize your personal safety when fishing. This involves packing essentials such as sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat.
Besides, it’s always a good idea to bring along some snacks and refreshments, especially for offshore excursions. Many charter choices typically supply a cooler for your convenience.
Once you have the above covered, all that’s left to do is focus on the exciting task at hand — catching that fish!
Where to stay when visiting St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area?
While visiting St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area, why not stay like a local? With over 250 vacation rental choices, mostly on the beach or on the bay, Resort Rentals is your best bet for booking a great stay.
With us, your family will enjoy top-notch vacation rentals with all the quality and comfort you can expect. All you have to do is pick a fantastic family getaway spot on the Gulf of Mexico: St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Indian Shores, and Indian Rocks Beach. Let us take care of the rest.
Browse through our waterfront properties and see what awaits you in this beautiful coastal paradise.
