What would you recommend to anglers fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida for the first time?

In general there seem to be a very wide variety of species but I think the September weather can be unpredictable so keep that in mind. Having said that, it can change from day to day so don't rely on very long-term forecasts. Take it as it comes, more fun that way! I think this Captain is perfect for all anglers of any age or experience level, so this is the trip you want to go on! The boat is best suited for a small group and Captain Steve is focused on a fun trip tailored to your specific needs.

The only reason fishing was good and not great in July is, the heat!! It was hot!! But our captain had a huge cooler stocked with bottled waters, and he was very generous with them and handed them out frequently so we could stay hydrated and cool as possible. I’m no pro, but I would recommend wearing what the captains wear, long sleeved, light SPF shirts so that you don’t get sunburned, and if not provided by the captain, bring a lot of water to stay hydrated. We did intercostal fishing, so you never know what you are going to catch (that’s the fun part). We also had two kids with us, ages 10-12 and the 4 hour fishing trip was about perfect! Any longer than that, I think they would’ve pooped out.

If you are looking for a great afternoon with family/friends, a 4-6hr trip is long enough and there are plenty of fish to make the trip a blast. If you want larger or bucket list fish, I would recommend a full day as you can go to deeper waters.

Torin was great! Very knowledgeable of the area, personable, and detailed. He made sure we did everything the right way to get the right fish. We caught more than we expected and had such a fun time. Only booked a four hour trip but wish we would have been there longer with more people!! Without a doubt, next time fishing in FL we’re coming to him!

Captain Greg and his deck hand are top notch. They know where the fish are and will go out of their way to get you a limit of whatever fish you are after. They are great with small kids. They helped my 13 year old nephew the whole trip. He actually hooked more fish than anyone.

Go with an experienced captain like Captain Jeff with Leisure Life Charters - the knowledge and attentiveness to all the details from him made such a big difference with us catching fish and making the most of our time on the water.

A lot of the success is gonna depend on nature. Our particular trip may have been on a day that was a little too sunny, or too hot for the fish to respond. But that goes for any type of fishing.. There are plentiful days and there are the other days. Just keep going back for more!

Summertime the bite can be a little tough considering water temp and weather being a factor but if your persistent and stick it out take your time be realistic and don’t get discouraged you will find fish

The weather will affect where the captain can take you. We had a beautiful day but it was really windy out on the water, so we didn't go as far from shore as originally planned for everyone's comfort and safety. Talk to the captain the day before your trip about what conditions to expect.

We went 22 miles out into the golf where the fishing is great. Pick a day where the wind is light to enhance the fishing experience. Make sure the captain what kind of fish you want to catch so he knows where to go. Location makes a difference.

I would recommend that you check the whether before you head out to ensure you dress appropriately in the event it's chilly like today was. Also, sit in the back when you're heading back in. You'll get hit with a lot of cold wind and water if you sit in the front.

I've been fishing for many years. I have encountered all types of captains and can sense when a captain is devoted to his craft. Capt Jeff worked hard for us, baited our hooks, moved to different locations in search of fish, and had patience with the inexperienced anglers in our party-encouraging them to get the hang of it. Nice guy too. Everyone caught fish. My next charter is going to be with him. I am telling all my friends about Leisure Life Charters

Get step by step directions to the boat before you even start driving in that direction. The address provided IS NOT WHERE THE BOAT IS. By the time we finally found it, I was very upset and that was definitely not the way I wanted to start out my trip. Get CLEAR details on where you will be fishing. IE: If I pay for deep sea, will I get actual deep sea? Know that you will possibly run out of bait. Is there a way to avoid this?? Idk, but it was sad. Bring your own drinks and snacks! You will have to urinate over the ide of the boat or hold it. Your fish will not get cleaned, as there is nowhere to clean them at this particular marina, per Captain Cody.

The water, as always, was wonderful, but as should be expected, once the afternoon rolls in, the heat out on the open deck can get quite unbearable. Use caution if taking smaller children and make sure to hydrate frequently.

St Pete fishing today was good. Target species are limited by the high water temperature in the low 90s. Even so, we had a real nice outing. Will book again in the fall and then in spring when the water temps are better.

It’s pretty hot in July so I would definitely recommend anyone going to bring sunscreen, a hat for shade and maybe some kind of fan. We definitely did catch quite a bit though which was great! We had a really fun time.

Fishing requires patience and you must trust your captain. And even then, it's not always a guaranteed catch! We did catch alot of fish today but mother nature is in control and you cant always catch fish. Enjoy the ride and the memories, catching fish is a bonus!

Be ready for the sun and the heat. Beautiful water and all the sea life. Seen Manatee and Dolphins, and all kinds of birds. Things you don't see in Indiana. Biggest item is the great fishing and the guidance of the best Captain. Captain Dan!

Fish early in the morning when it's cooler out, anything past noon is going to be a swelter. Fish like cooler water so we found we had some better catches earlier in the day and then fishing a little deeper as it got closer to noon.

You will definitely catch fish. However, it might not necessarily be a whopper. Be realistic. Have fun, enjoy the moment with your family or friends, cuz that's what it is all about. Maybe you get lucky and get yourself an awesome fish or two!

Select captain Hunter Wilcox, knows his profession plus is personable and friendly. He has thorough knowledge of the Skyway area waters of Pinellas County and the near shore Gulf Of Mexico. This area affords the largest variety of fish under the broadest weather conditions in Pinellas County.

Can’t answer that. We were presented with leaving from Ruskin not St. Pete’s. The woman on the phone pushed us as she said your trip we be so much better leaving from Ruskin….she mentioned that at least 3 times and felt pushed to do so, didn’t love that.

It was great for us but the weather this year has been very cold so I could see how the fishing in Feb may be more difficult than in warmer months. All in all we had a great day on the water and caught lots of fish.

Some fish are more seasonal so if you are targeting a particular species, talk to your captain to see when the best activity is for your species. If you want the experience and are not selective, charters will find you species to catch.

Bring lots of water, it's HOT! Fishing really slows down the hotter it gets during the day. We did a 6 hour trip, next time I would only do 4 hours. Try to get an earlier start in the morning, before 8 if possible.

The captains all have a strategy for the best outcome given everchanging weather conditions, and tides. They are not magicians. If the charter involves spinning gear, then KNOW how to use it BEFORE your trip !

Ask alot of questions before you book. What you can and can't keep , if you have a certain fish you want to catch if it is in season ask if your Charter has the proper license and tags for what you are fishing for.

We fished for Amberjack even though we couldn't keep them, it's a blast having to reel in a fish for 15-20 minutes. Pure power for most of these species. It isn't like fishing from the lake or pond back home.

Best option vs a deep sea mass fishing charter. Spend a little more, and have a great, personalized experience.

absolutely check the skyway and under all the little bridges. johns pass isnt bad either we went home with a cooler full baby!!!