What would you recommend to anglers fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida for the first time?
Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in St. Petersburg
Showing:
1 - 30 of 169 answers
1 - 30 of 169 answers

Beth Gillum
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.

Loumay Mendez
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!

Michael DiGiuseppe
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

Ron Stern
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.

Edward Foley
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.

Carl Scott
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.

Andrew Rosenberger
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.

Carlos Garcia
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.

Anna Dubbert
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.

Manny Corallo
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

Jessica Whittington
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.

Branden Ledbetter
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!

Herschell (Bill) Davis
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!

Lindsey Bolin
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.

Dean Hutchinson
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!

Craig Siapno
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.

Kathi Crawford
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.

Robert Giombetti
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.

Michael Brown
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.

Dustyamy Hahn
Mosinee, WI
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.

Douglas Pluth
Roach, MO
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 !

Amie Gant
Morristown, IN
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.

Kelly Brown
Wascott, WI
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.

Rickey Widner
Understand that it’s fishing. Sometimes they bite sometimes they don’t. Just go with that in mind and have a good time.

Cindy Boshoff
It was hot out on the water even had some mosquitoes. Take enough sunscreen and drinks. Wear light weight but long sleeves to stay out of the sun.

Al Tobin
Wear sun protection and be sure to have your camera/phone for pics ! Be aware that these boats have no restroom facility.

John Vohsen
It was our first time and had a great experience. We did an inshore fishing trip and had our lines in the water 15 minutes after boarding the boat.

Rawlins Lowndes
Great time for Tarpon. Patience is the virtue in tarpon fishing. If u want to catch a lot of fish, go inshore. If u want to catch the elusive houdini this is the one!

Scott Cleveland
There are plenty of options when it comes to fishing in St Pete. We stayed in madeira Beach. The starting point marina was only 3 miles away.

Charles Adams
Heading out towards Treasure Island area is great. Plenty of fishing around the bay and further out from the city.