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Caught a Redfish in St Petersburg with Precision
Redfish Fishing in St. Petersburg
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Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) belong to the drum family and are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in Florida waters. These powerful fighters typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 and 45 pounds when fully mature. - Redfish have a distinctive copper-bronze coloration with a characteristic black spot near the tail. - They thrive in various habitats including flats, backcountry waterways, and nearshore areas around St. Petersburg. - Their strong pulling power and stubborn fighting style make them a favorite target for light tackle anglers.
Fishing Charter by Captain Michael Ikemeier in August
Meet your Captain Michael Ikemeier
- Top Charter Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Summary
Thursday July with Precision Backcountry Charters brought the perfect conditions for St. Petersburg fishing. Captain Michael guided this 4-hour coastal charter, focusing on productive nearshore waters where summer fishing was hitting its stride. Using a combination of trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques, this trip delivered quality catches including a hefty 25-inch Spotted Weakfish, an 18-inch Redfish, and a feisty Spanish Mackerel. St. Petersburg's waters offer excellent year-round fishing opportunities with species like Redfish providing consistent action. The partly cloudy weather created ideal fishing conditions, allowing access to various productive spots along the coast. This family-friendly charter accommodates up to 3 guests, making it perfect for small groups looking to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing.
Fishing Charter with Michael Ikemeier – Rates & Booking
Captain Michael Ikemeier of Precision Backcountry Charters on Thursday July offers this 4-hour "Beachside Bounty" coastal fishing trip starting at just $800. Each charter accommodates up to 3 guests, with all fishing equipment, licenses, and bait provided. Departing from St. Petersburg, Captain Michael focuses on Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Spotted Weakfish using proven techniques for these waters. Morning trips typically start early to catch the best bite, while afternoon trips offer spectacular sunset views. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer months.
Highlights of Half Day Guided Mackerel And Tripletail Fishing Trip In St. Petersburg, FL
This 4-hour coastal fishing trip with Captain Michael showcases St. Petersburg's premier fishing grounds. You'll experience a mix of fishing techniques including trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait fishing – perfectly suited for both beginners and experienced anglers. Captain Michael's local knowledge ensures you'll visit productive spots where Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and Tripletail thrive.
The trip's family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for anglers of all skill levels, with hands-on guidance from Captain Michael throughout your adventure. Recent trips have yielded impressive catches, including quality Redfish that put up spectacular fights. With comfortable, well-maintained equipment and Captain Michael's patient instruction, you'll maximize your time on the water while learning valuable fishing techniques specific to St. Petersburg's coastal waters.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in St. Petersburg's waters present exciting opportunities for anglers year-round, but summer offers some of the best action. These copper-colored fighters can be found in shallow flats, around mangrove shorelines, and near oyster bars throughout the area. Captain Michael targets them using live bait like pinfish and shrimp, or artificial lures that mimic their natural prey.
During summer months, St. Petersburg Redfish often move to slightly deeper, cooler waters during midday heat, making early morning or evening trips most productive. Their distinctive tail-up feeding behavior (known as "tailing") provides visual cues for sight-fishing opportunities in shallow water. When hooked, even moderate-sized Redfish offer stubborn, powerful fights that make them a favorite target for local and visiting anglers alike.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your St. Petersburg fishing charter with Captain Michael, dress in layers with a light jacket for morning trips, and don't forget sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat regardless of when you go. The vessel is well-equipped with safety gear, fish-finding electronics, and comfortable seating for up to 3 guests. Trips typically begin at 6701 34th St S in St. Petersburg, with exact meeting times provided upon booking.
Feel free to bring a small cooler with beverages and snacks. Captain Michael provides all necessary fishing equipment, including quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for the target species. Many guests appreciate bringing a camera to document their catches, especially those trophy Redfish that St. Petersburg is known for. The 4-hour trip duration offers the perfect balance of fishing time without overwhelming those new to the sport or younger anglers.
Fishing in St. Petersburg: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a member of the Sciaenidae family and belongs to the order Perciformes. This iconic gamefish is immediately recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and characteristic black spot(s) near the tail—a feature that helps protect them from predators by creating the illusion of an eye. In St. Petersburg waters this July, these prized fighters are providing excellent action for both casual and serious anglers alike.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are highly prized gamefish known for their strong fights and excellent table fare. They're a cornerstone species for inshore fishing throughout the Gulf Coast, with a devoted following among anglers who specifically target them for their sporting qualities and delicious flesh.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in diverse environments including shallow flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grassy areas. Around St. Petersburg, they can be found in the inshore waters, backcountry areas, and occasionally venture into nearshore zones. They prefer water depths between 1-4 feet but can be found in deeper channels during extreme weather conditions or seasonal migrations.
Redfish Size and Weight
Typical Redfish in the St. Petersburg area range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds. The "slot size" (legal harvest size) in Florida waters is typically between 18-27 inches, though regulations should always be verified before fishing. Trophy specimens exceeding 40 inches are caught with some regularity in deeper waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. They're often spotted "tailing" in shallow water—their tails and dorsal fins breaking the surface as they forage along the bottom for crabs and shrimp. They tend to be most active during moving tides, particularly during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Redfish Spawning Season
In Florida waters, Redfish typically spawn from August through October when water temperatures are optimal. During spawning season, large breeding adults (known as "bull reds") gather in coastal passes and nearshore areas around St. Petersburg. These spawning aggregations create opportunities for anglers to target trophy-sized fish during this period.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Several effective techniques work well for St. Petersburg Redfish. Live baits such as pinfish, shrimp, and cut mullet are consistently productive, especially when fished near structure or along current edges. Artificial lures including gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and weedless spoons also produce excellent results. In July, anglers around St. Petersburg often find success targeting Redfish along mangrove shorelines during higher tides and on shallow flats during lower tide stages.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish is highly regarded as excellent table fare, featuring firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that isn't overly "fishy." It's versatile in the kitchen—perfect for blackening, grilling, or baking. The meat contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury compared to other predatory fish. Most anglers consider "slot-sized" fish (under 27 inches) to offer the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Redfish in St. Petersburg?
A: Live shrimp, pinfish, and cut mullet are top natural baits, while gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and weedless jerkbaits are excellent artificial options in St. Petersburg waters.
Q: Where can I find Redfish near St. Petersburg?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and channel edges throughout Tampa Bay and the surrounding inshore waters. During summer, target them during cooler morning hours in slightly deeper water.
Q: Is Redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, Redfish is considered excellent table fare with a mild, sweet flavor and firm white flesh. It's versatile for cooking and particularly delicious when blackened or grilled.
Q: When is the best time to catch Redfish?
A: While Redfish can be caught year-round in St. Petersburg, spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. Early morning and evening fishing during moving tides produces the best results, especially around new and full moons.
Q: How big do Redfish get in Florida waters?
A: Florida Redfish commonly reach 30-40 inches in length and can weigh up to 45 pounds, with trophy specimens occasionally exceeding this size, especially during fall spawning aggregations.
Q: What tackle should I use for Redfish?
A: Medium-light to medium spinning tackle with 10-20 lb test line works well for most St. Petersburg Redfish. A 7-foot rod provides good casting distance while maintaining enough backbone to handle these powerful fighters.
