best fishing spots in st petersburg fl
-best fishing spots in st petersburg fl
Crew will cut and filet fish for tips. Dont miss Frenchys Seafood restaurant a couple of hundred yards north of the pier on the beach. In short, it has everything you need. You can easily catch small pinfish for bait or buy bait at the bait shop on the pier. View Map. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for getting in touch and providing some local insight. "The sunshine skyway is not the best fishing spot in the Bay but it is a very popular one.The South." more. Fort De Soto is more than just a beach; its a praised county park with excellent boating opportunities and numerous adventures while onshore. Theres no charge to fish from Merry Pier, as long as you have your own fishing license. There are a few different aspects to keep in mind when targeting the so-called Sargeant Fish. They get spooked by the noise, so its important to stay quiet when your line is in the water. There are miles of roads and so many different nooks and crannies you can go explore to fish in. Ill update the article right away if that isnt the case. Skyway Piers: This is one of the biggest and most famous piers in town. Cost: $4 per vehicle, plus $4 per adult or $2 per child age 611 (kids aged 5 and under go free). The best fishing spots for tarpon include grass flats, underwater structures, and back bays. Florida Trout Laws >. Some of the renowned spots include Skyway Fishing Pier, which happens to be the longest fishing pier in the world. Florida anglers love sight fishing for snook during the day and finding snook at night as they come to the surface for dinner. During the low tide, you can wade for them in 12 feet of water, when they hide out in the deep sand holes. On March 31st, I met with a Salt Strong Plus member named Chris Edwards for an exploration trip to see if we could find some feeding fish in St. Petersburg, FL. Productive flats, mangrove-lined shores, canals, and barrier islands are all brimming with inshore species that also happen to be favorite catches of the area. There are 2 fishing piers. Another esteemed member of the inshore prized catches is Snook. Even though locals sometimes call it Weakfish, theres nothing weak about having a big Trout on your line. From its location alone, its easy to conclude that fishing in St. Petersburg, FL is simply magnificent. Not only that, but you can bring a pillow and sleep in your car or truck anytime you get sleepy. He always has a variety of worms for bait. What did you catch? I want to take my 12 year old son but dont want to look like an idiot. The other top and closest bass fishing destinations near St Petersburg are Winter Haven Chain, Lake Panasoffkee, Tsala Apopka Lake, and Lake Thonotosassa. What are some fishing with a large number of reviews in Saint Petersburg, FL? This 3-day tournament has existed for 30 years and has a nice $225,000 reserved for the winner. The pier is well-lit after dark, making it a productive spot for night fishing. This particular morning was a bit chilly, and the wind ended up being . 21 spots. I usually brought about 3 dozen night crawlers here from this guy, a bass pro, who may have passed on by now but Ill try to find his bait shop. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The most popular species fishermen come to target while on an inshore fishing charter are red drum, snook, tarpon, and trout. OK, its here and now he calls it Red Worms. is also one of the best places in St. Petersburg to . 4.5Atmosphere. Best Fishing Practices (Short Guide To Fishing Practices) I first looked online for the best fishing spots to check out nearby and one of the top google searches was Saint-petersburg.com. Dont just say cell phones. This is a stunning park that seems like a deserted island during much of the week. People also searched for these in Saint Petersburg: What are people saying about fishing in Saint Petersburg, FL? Fort De Soto Park Pier: This pier has the best of both worlds. Fort de Soto Park is another haunt of kayakers, as well as Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands, and Anclote Key. This pier is so amazing to fish from because your vehicle is right there and you have all of the necessities that you could want within easy reach. The water was shallow here as you walk out ten or twenty yards. So, let's go to see the top list. Snook! "more room on the boat, few passengers, and he even took us to some of his favorite fishing spots ." more. The most commonly sought after species in St. Petersburg are: 1. snook, 2. redfish, 3. gag grouper, 4. speckled trout, and 5. mangrove snapper. There were times Id go and see like 10 other cars in the entire park! You can reserve a spot on a party boat, where youll have a lot of company while hoping to catch something. Hit the water and get ready for aerial acrobatics like youve never seen before! Snook: Snook are brilliant and hard-fighting fish, making them one of the favorite inshore sport fish among anglers. I wrote a massive guide on fishing this pier. He had everything ready for us on arrival, including bait and tackle, ice . Considered the heart of the city, the downtown district is simply a one-square mile area packed with . . Redfish will bite most shrimp or crab baits. The park has a bait and snack shop and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Theres also a filleting board for cleaning your catch. I had a kayak and sometimes a girlfriend. Thats quite a thrill when standing in chest-deep water! St. Pete/Clearwater's offshore waters offer great eating fish such as grouper and snapper, while inland waters yield species such as spotted sea trout, sheepshead and redfish. It is also known as the worlds longest fishing pier. No one under 2 allowed. Captain was taking his daughter out for her birthday that day and wasn't planning on doing a charter that day, but we ended up with more room on the boat, few passengers, and he even took us to some of his favorite fishing spots. The gem of Pinellas County, this 1,136-acre park comprises Madelaine, St. Jean, St. Christopher, Bonne Fortune . Were always on the lookout for new fishing spots! St Petersburg Rating - Read customer reviews, click to read. GPS Coordinates: 28.140475549105272 N, -82.22733480400075 W. (entrance). . Fort Desoto. GPS Coordinates: 27.643204859284538 N, -82.6720778273788 W. (North Pier entrance), and 27.592050498921246 N, -82.62980696746627 W. (South Pier entrance). The islands and the peninsula are bathed by the tides of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east. I fish mostly from a Kayak and pier along with wade-fishing and shore fishing but I occasionally will go out on a boat with one of my friends. Sardines and Shrimp tend to be effective lure choices. This is their spawning time, when they congregate in schools and you can find dozens of fish in one place. Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, FL 33715, Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to Sunset (exact work hours displayed at the entrance). This is the BEST PLACE TO FISH IN Tampa and St. Petersburg if you want to go to a fishing pier. To help you discover which part of the city is the right fit for you, here are the five best neighborhoods to live in St. Petersburg for 2019. document.getElementById( "ak_js_11" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_12" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You can usually rent fishing poles from local tackle shops. Fort DeSoto Park has the best of both worlds: a long pier stretching out into the Gulf and a shorter one for fishing the Bay. Almost any baitfish or crustacean can effectively catch tarpon, including pinfish, threadfins, and live crab. Honeymoon Island State Park Beach Dunedin. You may see alligators eating a bass or other fish because occasionally theyll grab one. Well, lets start with 15 different Snapper species, Grouper galore, and a King Mackerel extravaganza twice a year. Hawaii. One of the best restaurants in downtown St Pete! The west coast of Florida offers bottom fishing, flats fishing, and offshore trips. If youre after a relaxed, loved by locals vibe, you cant go wrong with Merry Pier. If youre an honest and fair man, and not the putz that I saw this morning youll private message me and Ill tell you where to return our portion of the funds. Tampa is one amazing destination to visit on the west coast of Florida. Some are much bigger. I booked 5 people (4 adults". So if youd like a mixed bag to take home, there are plenty of species swimming around, ready to bite. Theyre always hungry and will strike your setup with no abandon, and because theyre so aggressive, you can take your pick of lures and bait. And all different types of fish!! Seeing that the Sunshine City is a smorgasbord of angling possibilities, its hardly a surprise that fishing tournaments are a big part of the social agenda. Yep, there are plenty of places you can rent a pole from in St. Petes! Looking to try some fishing at local spots. This is the best time to go yourself and enjoy the place! Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Good and clean facilities. Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, Florida 33715, GPS Coordinates: 27.63644414294677 N, -82.71699111264857 W. (entrance to park). Ha! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Anna Maria; Apollo Beach; Belleair Beach; . This relaxed public pier extends over 500 feet into Boca Ciega Bay, putting you on Trout, Flounder, Sharks, Grunts, and more. How we rank things to do. Fishing in St Petersburg is excellent year-round for all types of trips. As with the Gulf Pier, spring and fall are the best times to fish. Excellent area to go fishing. But I been fishing land around Tampa Bay area about 26 years. 1. Almost any baitfish or crustacean can effectively catch tarpon, including pinfish, threadfins, and live crab. Hmm. St. Petersburg, FL; St. Petersburg, FL fishing spots ; Where can I go fishing in St. Petersburg, FL? Well, you can target [], Its no secret that Floridas Gold Coast has great fishing. However, there are hundreds of places to fish from that are very good. Good for avoiding crowds. Fish You Can Catch at the Hillsborough River State Park, Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767, GPS Coordinates: 27.977404797546946 N, -82.83010177472153 W. (beginning of pier). Bella Bravo is an Italian restaurant with delicious wine and American options.Their menu consists of items such as chicken pesto melt and hot Sicilian pizza. Catch and release, cook it yourself, or take your fish to a local restaurant that will create a delicious meal for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on September 21, 2020 Book your trip today. We're a 16 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. There are numerous productive spots to fish, but some of the top locations while you visit st Pete are Fred Howard Park, Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas Point, Honeymoon Island, and Skyway Fishing Pier. When it gets cool like November, or December, the snook will pack it in close to shore in the mangroves here. $200 is the lowest price for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip in St. Petersburg found on our platform. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Where do we even start with Tampa? 4. Others are a place to fish completely for free. Anglers catch loads of 2- and 3-pound peacock bass here. On a trip to St Petersburg, some of the top attractions include The Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, Sunken Gardens, Downtown St Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park, and the Duncan McClellan Gallery. The Best Best Fishing Spots St Petersburg Fl Ideas. Tampa Florida Offshore and Tampa Elbow Fishing SpotsOnly $99.99. Tarpon is often referred to as the jewel of Pinellas County because it consistently produces high-quality Florida bass for decades. I fished a LOT in Tampa and St. Pete. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looking for a place to fish where you can rent a fishing pole. For us and thousands of Florida anglers, the best place to catch speckled trout in Florida is at Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg near the Sunshine Skyway bridge. Florida offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the world. St Petersburg does provide excellent bass fishing if you know where to go. Luckily theres plenty of other fish to go for. There are 2 massive piers here. GPS Coordinates: 27.888272 N, -82.637145 W. This is the exact spot where you can catch speckled trout in seagrass. Depth: 77 ft. Fishing is a fantastic pastime, enjoy 5 Tampa FL Fishing Hot Spots. On top of that, you have shops on both sides selling fishing supplies, bait, snacks, and drinks. These are some highly rated fishing in Saint Petersburg, FL: Fishing Charters Captain Billy Miller (5/5). Did you see my story about how I almost. Snook prefer warm brackish water and are very easily spooked. Fish with big live worms or 7.5 plastic worms for the best action. There are many unique fishing piers in St. Petersburg, Florida. Wade fish in there and youll find heaps of speckled trout. We compiled a list of Florida's fishing piers that are worth visiting. Florida environmentalists want feds to intervene in Skyway Fishing Pier bird snags Dec. 15, 2022 Environment 1,500 pounds of dead fish cleared from St. Pete Beach over weekend as Red Tide . Tampa Bay is home to redfish of all sizes, ranging from 10 to over 40 pounds. west coast of Florida offers bottom fishing, Winter is an excellent season to fish the canals of St Pete, lake for bass fishing in St Petersburg is Lake Tarpon, bass fishing destinations near St Petersburg are Winter Haven Chain, Guided Bass Fishing in Florida: All You Need to Know, March Lake Tarpon Fishing Forecast for Florida Largemouth Bass, December Lake Tarpon Fishing Trips Near Tampa, Florida. You drag your stuff hundreds of yards up to are you going to fish. Make a right. The Best Beaches in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. To say Tarpon are the bruisers of this area is an understatement these fellas will change your fishing career forever! Waves were very smooth and only one person on the ship got seasick- not me though lol)". 2. Many anglers on board a Tampa Bay charter have the goal of seeing a tailing redfish in the grass flats, making for the ultimate redfish experience. This is like the ultimate fishing, camping, picnic, or beach spot youve ever seen in your life. Its hard to get reservations here even a year in advance. Going in the morning is the best time to fish here, of course. Inshore guides will usually show you to an array of fishing grounds, where youll target a variety of species. Saint Petersburg is also known as: Saint Petersburg,St. I must have lived in 15 different places over more than ten years there. Theyll hit just about any lure as well. Between the famous shallows of Tampa Bay and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, youre never far from a productive fishing spot. I wrote an in-depth guide on the Gulf Fishing Pier here. There were plenty of baitfish to be easily caught. Everybody likes to fish a little differently. We have a complete guide on this pier you can see here. Fishing with a local captain will provide the best chance at a West Coast Slam, hooking Snook, Trout, Red drum, and the silver king all in a single trip. Book A Fishing Charter In St Pete Beach For Best Results. Show your sweetie they're a catch on an unforgettable St. Pete fishing charter. There are numerous productive spots to fish, but some of the top. St Petersburg, Fl offers easy access to Clearwater, Tampa, and other nearby areas. 7. Sep 16, 2020. . Fishing for snook is best on a solid outgoing tide with sardines and pilchards. This game fish thrives in St. Pete Beachs warm water since they prefer water temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Thanks for sharing your experience. A flats trip includes trout, red drum, flounder, and tarpon, while an offshore trip includes mackerel, cobia, billfish, grouper, mahi-mahi. This was always my favorite place to fish in the area because it was so simple. He blows a fuse, accuses my friend of trying to get this GPS coordinates. Fishing is a very subpar activity in St Pete, just too built up to really enjoy it. There is a campground with bungalows and a place for Recreational Vehicles (RVs) to park and camp. The giant King Mackerel arrives close to the St Pete beaches, and gag grouper are in shallower waters come September. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"8aeb4":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"8aeb4":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)","hsl":{"h":52,"s":0.99,"l":0.5941,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"8aeb4":{"val":"rgb(55, 179, 233)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.8,"l":0.56,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. This area was protected from most of the waves and harshness of the open water and the small fry were there by the hundreds of thousands. If a child between the ages of 6-12 accompanies you, $2 needs to be paid. Experience all sides of Florida fishing without having to travel around the state cast your line in stunning St. Petersburg! Anglers love going night fishing for Snook because thats when the fish come closer to the surface to find dinner. Set in the stunning Weedon Island Preserve, this secluded spot is surrounded by mangroves and shallow backwaters. St Petersburg is also close to some of the top trophy bass fishing lakes on the Florida peninsula, including Lake Tarpon, Winter Haven Chain, Lake Panasoffkee, Tsala Apopka Lake, and Lake Thonotosassa. Its a known fact that inshore fishing in Tampa is easily some of the best youll find in the Sunshine State. Highly recommended! I recommend visiting a tackle shop and getting a basic rod and reel combo first. Best Fishing Spots in St. Petersburg & Tampa Surf/Shore Fishing. Im going back!!! For thousands of years, the mainspring at Homosassa has lured both people and animals. Tell us where you pay this $5 at. It also has shaded picnic areas and restrooms to let you make a day of it. This easy-going city is a fantastic angling destination, nestled right on the prolific Tampa Bay. Sometimes when you pay a pier fee you dont need a fishing license, but regulations change on a place-to-place basis. Everything there is to say about Tarpon fishing in St. Petersburg, FL requires a lot of superlatives. As always, purchase with confidence from The Cosatal Fishing Group! Ive never entered by car but had been told that there was a fee for vehicles. Going north on 4th St. North (Highway 687 on some maps) from anywhere in St. Pete will bring you up to the bridges across Tampa Bay to reach Tampa. Thanks for your comment. One of the country's largest Holocaust museums is in St Petersburg. Fishermen can catch Cobia, grouper, and snapper during charters throughout the year. Follow the road to the Historic Fort De Soto Museum. The Gulf of Mexico, off the west coast of St Petersburg or Clearwater beach, is one of the best places for large shark fishing. I always brought my cast net to throw for some baitfish in the shallows. Florida is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States, bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico; Alabama to the northwest; Georgia to the north; the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean to the east; and the Straits of Florida and Cuba to the south. The piers are well-lit at night, letting you escape the heat on hot summer days. I am bringing a bicycle to get around and a tent for camping.am bringing two rods and reels, one medium and one heavy for those fish there.. The rates are very reasonable and you can fish 24 hours a day for days on end. Sunken Gardens. There are as many types of fishing to try out in St. Pete as there are species. An inshore fishing charter is often top on the list for anglers who visit St Pete with its incredibly scenic views and various fish species available in abundance throughout the year. Address: 801 Pass-A-Grille Way, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MondayFriday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SaturdaySunday, License required? Merry Pier: If you are looking for a spot where you can be loved by the locals and relax, Merry Piers is the perfect spot. Fish Junkie Charters. 2023 FishingBooker.com. North St Pete MLK and Gandy area. Situated in Tampa Bay, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park is in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fishing in St Petersburg is excellent year-round for all types of trips. Fishing in Folly Beach is pretty diverse, allowing locals and visitors to fish the shallows and bluewater whenever they please. GPS Coordinates: 27.63644414294677 N, -82.71699111264857 W. (entrance to park) Open Hours: 7 am. All cut bait, tackle, stringer, hand towel, bottled water included.18 % gratuity is suggested. Madeira Beach, 14995 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, 727 391 9951 . They have excellent grouper sandwiches and she-crab soup to die for. We have the best St. Petersburg fishing spots. Sardines are always a safe choice, as well as live shrimp, but Trout wont say no to a well-selected fly either. It is part of the Tampa Bay area and less than an hour from Clearwater beach. If youre planning on fishing Fort Lauderdale, youre in for a treat especially if you know what to do. honestly permit is extremely hard to catch around Tampa Bay which is almost unheard of. document.getElementById( "ak_js_5" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You list Weedon as $5 fee, it is actually one of the few places that is free. The Gator trout are abundant in the flats, and reef fishing charters are full of action. We all live and learn, dont we? Top Catches in St. Petersburg, FL. You park your car and walk up toward the water. Other popular fish species roaming the flats and beaches that are common catches while onboard inshore fishing charters are jack crevalle, sheepshead, flounder, and sharks. In places like St. Pete Beach, local fisherman love finding a prime spot on . Still, here are some hubs that need to be mentioned. The giant tarpon are starting to show up on St Pete Beach in April. Your fishing map files for your purchased area will be emailed in Google Earth, Android, iPhone, PDF Printable Coordinates and GPS . In the bay, paddle anywhere and you're sure to find fish. Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock. Whether youre looking for an inshore connoisseur or an offshore mastermind, youll find them in one of the marinas. Here's Chris standing next to his kayak and my paddle board at the launch. -4. I was assured it was more than fine. A better choice is to bring along a weighted, gold-hook "Sabiki" rig, jig up your own bait while enjoying Fort De Soto fishing and "match the hatch.". Right here is where I almost killed my girlfriend with a stringer around her neck when a shark grabbed it. I have been on many fishing charters in the area, and this charter was by far the best I have ever been on. Starting in mid-march, the variety of fish is incredible in the Bay of Tampa. Talking about top spots for fishing in St. Petersburg, FL is like choosing your favorite child, there just cant be one. Meet the team of local St Petersburg fishing guides, we know the best spots, baits, and techniques to give you the greatest fishing experience in St Petersburg. St. Petersburg has endless sunny days, hundreds of professional guides, and prolific fishing grounds; its the Mecca for all the countrys enthusiastic anglers. Best Fishing In Florida Visit St Petersburg Clearwater. Aug 31, 2020. Awesome ( 720) $$$$. 813 471 7762. . Walk up past that on the left side and hit the open water. . St. Petersburg, Florida is known for its fishing opportunities. Premium Mapping. There are many shallow areas of sand covered with seagrass where speckled trout (spotted trout) can be easily be found. A little steep when youre renting a canoe too. We will go over some tips for finding the March Lake Tarpon Fishing https://youtu.be/6MSTs1hC23w Lake Tarpon, a fishing destination tucked away in West Florida just north of Tampa, FL. document.getElementById( "ak_js_6" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Replied on August 31, 2020 The Best Guided Bass Fishing in Florida Maybe you have done guided bass fishing in Florida, and perhaps you haven't. . Tired of fishing the same spots? Solo anglers, in particular, should be informed about what kind of fishing license they need and what species theyre allowed to keep. 1. Sunken Gardens made our list, as it is one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida. Average sized fish are often in the 5 lb range. With an abundance of rich backwaters, flats, and calm days on the bay, theyre bound to have a good time here. Snook are brilliant and hard-fighting fish, making them one of the favorite inshore sport fish among anglers. Address: 1859 Weedon Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Before I forget. This fishing spot is just north of the Gandy Bridge and south of the Highway 275 bridge. 1) Fort Desoto Park in south St. Petersburg leads the list on Florida's left coast. Its an excellent time for a fishing trip targeting pelagic giants such as Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Tuna, and Billfish. Cast your line around underwater structures, flats, and back bays to find the best bite, and dont forget to bring a choice of bait, because Tarpon can be picky eaters sometimes. Fort De Sotos water is part of the Tierra Verde community covering five islands and 1136 acres on the open ocean and the Bay, offering various activities, amenities, and entertainment. Honeymoon Island State Park Beach, spanning four miles, is one of the prettiest beaches in Florida. Brooker Creek Preserve is one of the favorite spots for kayak fishing. About a two and a half-hour drive are the famous Lake Toho, and Lake . Go past it as the road curves north. There is a very shallow area that I think must have been a boat launch in the past but now its filled with algae and gunk. document.getElementById( "ak_js_17" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Whats the best way to get started fishing.