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Expert-Guided 2-Hour St. Pete Inshore Fishing

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • St. Petersburg
  • $300 - $950 price range
  • Updated Date: September 19, 2025

Summary

Ready for a quick fishing fix in St. Petersburg? Capt. Michael's 2-hour trip is perfect if you're short on time but still want to get on the water. You'll be targeting redfish, tarpon, and snook in the calm inshore waters. It's a great option whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler looking for steady action. Capt. Michael provides all the gear and know-how, so you just need to show up ready to fish. With room for up to 3 guests, it's an ideal way to spend a couple hours, either solo or with friends. Even in this short window, there's a good chance of landing some quality fish. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable. If you're visiting the area or a local wanting a quick fishing session, this trip offers a satisfying taste of St. Pete's excellent inshore fishing without eating up your whole day.
Expert-Guided 2-Hour St. Pete Inshore Fishing

Inshore Action Shots

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Huge Spotted Weakfish and Redfish caught in St. Petersburg's partly cloudy waters!

Huge Spotted Weakfish and Redfish caught in St. Petersburg's partly cloudy waters!

Reeling in the Spotted Weakfish under partly cloudy skies in St. Pete!

Reeling in the Spotted Weakfish under partly cloudy skies in St. Pete!

Reeling in the best Spanish Mackerel with deep sea jigging in St. Pete!

Reeling in the best Spanish Mackerel with deep sea jigging in St. Pete!

Reeling in a Spanish Mackerel on a partly cloudy day!

Reeling in a Spanish Mackerel on a partly cloudy day!

Snook on the line with storm clouds brewing!

Snook on the line with storm clouds brewing!

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an epic fishing adventure in St. Pete!

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an epic fishing adventure in St. Pete!

Storms brewing, but the fishing techniques are hotter than ever in St. Pete!

Storms brewing, but the fishing techniques are hotter than ever in St. Pete!

Storm's brewing, but the deep sea jigging is just heating up!

Storm's brewing, but the deep sea jigging is just heating up!

Stormy skies and deep sea action: the perfect recipe for Cobia in St. Pete!

Stormy skies and deep sea action: the perfect recipe for Cobia in St. Pete!

Double trouble: Spotted Weakfish and Redfish hooked on a partly cloudy day!

Double trouble: Spotted Weakfish and Redfish hooked on a partly cloudy day!

Huge Spotted Weakfish and Redfish caught in St. Petersburg's partly cloudy waters!

Huge Spotted Weakfish and Redfish caught in St. Petersburg's partly cloudy waters!

Reeling in the Spotted Weakfish under partly cloudy skies in St. Pete!

Reeling in the Spotted Weakfish under partly cloudy skies in St. Pete!

Reeling in the best Spanish Mackerel with deep sea jigging in St. Pete!

Reeling in the best Spanish Mackerel with deep sea jigging in St. Pete!

Reeling in a Spanish Mackerel on a partly cloudy day!

Reeling in a Spanish Mackerel on a partly cloudy day!

Snook on the line with storm clouds brewing!

Snook on the line with storm clouds brewing!

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an epic fishing adventure in St. Pete!

Partly cloudy skies set the stage for an epic fishing adventure in St. Pete!

Storms brewing, but the fishing techniques are hotter than ever in St. Pete!

Storms brewing, but the fishing techniques are hotter than ever in St. Pete!

Storm's brewing, but the deep sea jigging is just heating up!

Storm's brewing, but the deep sea jigging is just heating up!

Stormy skies and deep sea action: the perfect recipe for Cobia in St. Pete!

Stormy skies and deep sea action: the perfect recipe for Cobia in St. Pete!

Double trouble: Spotted Weakfish and Redfish hooked on a partly cloudy day!

Double trouble: Spotted Weakfish and Redfish hooked on a partly cloudy day!

Huge Spotted Weakfish and Redfish caught in St. Petersburg's partly cloudy waters!

Huge Spotted Weakfish and Redfish caught in St. Petersburg's partly cloudy waters!

Reeling in the Spotted Weakfish under partly cloudy skies in St. Pete!

Reeling in the Spotted Weakfish under partly cloudy skies in St. Pete!

Reeling in the best Spanish Mackerel with deep sea jigging in St. Pete!

Reeling in the best Spanish Mackerel with deep sea jigging in St. Pete!

Reeling in a Spanish Mackerel on a partly cloudy day!

Reeling in a Spanish Mackerel on a partly cloudy day!

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Quick Cast: St. Pete's 2-Hour Inshore Bonanza

Get ready for a lightning-fast fishing adventure in the heart of St. Petersburg! Captain Michael's 2-hour Quick Cast trip is perfect for anglers looking to squeeze in some quality fishing without eating up their whole day. Whether you're a local wanting a quick fix or a visitor hoping to snag a taste of Florida's inshore action, this trip delivers big-time in a small package. We're talking Redfish, Snook, and Sea Trout - the inshore trifecta that keeps anglers coming back for more. With all gear provided and Capt. Michael's expert guidance, you'll be on the fish in no time flat. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard, it's go-time. Capt. Michael knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll waste no time getting to the honey holes. You'll be casting into mangrove shorelines, working grass flats, and maybe even hitting some dock lights if the tide's right. The beauty of St. Pete's inshore waters is the variety - one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds, the next you're working a topwater for explosive snook strikes. And don't let the short trip fool you - two hours is plenty of time to bend some rods and fill the cooler. We keep the group size small (max 3 anglers) to ensure everyone gets plenty of casting time and personal attention from the captain.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we're all about light tackle and artificial lures. You might be tossing soft plastics, working a popping cork, or even throwing some topwater if conditions are right. Capt. Michael's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the hottest local lures. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, or swap tips if you're an old salt. We mainly use spinning gear, but if you're handy with a baitcaster, we've got those too. The key here is versatility - we might start off with one technique, but if the fish aren't playing ball, we'll switch it up quick. That's the advantage of having a pro guide who knows how to read the water and adjust on the fly.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"We call him every year we come to town! 12/10 stars!" - Heather

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a staple of inshore fishing in St. Pete. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their distinctive tailing behavior. Redfish put up a great fight, with powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round. The "slot" size (18-27 inches) is perfect for the dinner table, but don't be surprised if you hook into an oversized bull red that'll really give you a workout!

Snook: If there's a rock star of inshore fishing, it's the snook. These ambush predators are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They love structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove edges, docks, and bridge pilings. Snook fishing really heats up in the warmer months, especially at night around lighted docks and bridges. Landing a big snook is a true test of an angler's skills - they're masters at cutting you off on barnacle-encrusted pilings or wrapping you around mangrove roots.

Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your granddad's freshwater trout. Speckled sea trout are voracious feeders and a blast to catch on light tackle. They love to hang out over grass flats, often in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Sea trout are less picky eaters than redfish or snook, making them a great target for novice anglers. They're also known for their delicate flavor, so if you're looking for a fish dinner, trout are hard to beat.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we all know how precious time can be, especially when you're on vacation or squeezing in some fishing between meetings. That's why this Quick Cast trip is such a gem. In just two hours, you get a real taste of what St. Pete's inshore fishing is all about. You're not just going through the motions - you're getting quality time on the water with a chance at some serious fish. And with Capt. Michael at the helm, you know you're in good hands. He's got the know-how to put you on fish fast, and the patience to make sure you have a great time doing it. So why wait? Grab your spot now and get ready for a quick but unforgettable fishing adventure. Just remember, spots fill up fast and deposits are non-refundable. Don't miss your chance to turn a couple of hours into memories that'll last a lifetime. Let's go fishing!

Customer Review

Annual Fan Favorite

quotes

We call him every year we come to town! 12/10 stars!

HM
Heather Milligan

May 30, 2025

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are a favorite target in our local waters. They generally run 18-27 inches here, though bull reds over 40 inches do show up. Look for them tailing in very shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. Fall is prime time as reds school up, but you can catch them year-round. Redfish put up a great fight on light tackle, with powerful runs and head shakes. They're not the smartest fish, but can be spooky in clear water. I like to use gold spoons, soft plastics, or cut bait on the bottom. One local trick is to chum with crushed blue crabs to get them fired up. Sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is as exciting as it gets. Just watch for that copper-colored body or waving tail.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a staple of inshore fishing around here. Most run 14-20 inches and a couple pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. They like moving water, so fishing the tide changes can be productive. Sea trout are opportunistic feeders and will hit a variety of lures - I've had good luck with soft plastics under a popping cork. They're not the hardest fighters, but make up for it by being plentiful and tasty. The meat is mild and flaky. Night fishing for sea trout can be excellent, especially around lighted docks and bridges. If you're having trouble locating them, try drifting and fan-casting until you find a school. Once you do, you can often catch several from the same spot.

Sea Trout

Snook

Snook are one of the top game fish here in St. Pete. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 1-3 feet long, with a distinctive black lateral line. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structure in our shallow bays and estuaries. Snook fishing really heats up in spring and fall as they move between their summer and winter haunts. Anglers love targeting snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're wary, so stealth is key. I like to use soft plastic jerkbaits or live bait like pinfish or shrimp. Work your lure or bait slowly along the edges of structure. When a big snook hits, hang on tight - they'll make blistering runs and leap clear out of the water. Just remember they're catch-and-release only from December through February to protect the breeding population.

Snook

About the Hanson

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard for a quick but action-packed fishing trip in St. Petersburg with Capt. Michael. This 2-hour outing is perfect for those short on time but eager to cast a line. You'll target popular species like Redfish, Tarpon, and Snook in the calm inshore waters. Capt. Michael provides all the gear and know-how, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced angler, this compact trip offers steady action and the chance for some impressive catches. It's an ideal way to squeeze in some quality fishing without dedicating a full day. With room for up to three guests, you can bring along friends or family for a fun few hours on the water. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book with confidence and get ready for a satisfying taste of St. Petersburg's fishing scene.
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Don't let your adventure wait any longer! Grab your friends, pack your bags, and hop aboard Precision Backcountry Charters for an unforgettable experience in St. Petersburg's natural wonders. Seize the opportunity to create joyful memories today – book your excursion now before spots fill up fast!

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