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

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.

If you stay in the bay, trout are a great first outing. I have seen days when we caught so many and sent them back that we kinda got tired of catching them. Ladyfish are amazingly fast and easy to catch. Go further out into the Gulf and lots of options open including Barracuda, which are a ton of fun. Off bridges, you will find Sheepshead and stuff like that. Bottom fishers like grouper. All that action is a tad slow for me.

Great options inshore, nearshore and offshore options fishing water up to 50ft deep. Any time of the year, you'll have one of the big game species active and a great choice of captains to take you out fishing.

I was wanting to catch grouper and hogfish. That's what I expected but with this being my first time his is mainly intercoastal waters. Not so much deep sea fishing. But we for sure had a great time!!

I'm from out of state and vacationed to St. Petersburg area in January. Fishing was almost dead in January. I came back for a 3 day fishing trip in April. Fishing was HOT! I recommend fishing in April/May/June months. Fishing is WAY better.

Yes, based on my two experiences. One of the tricks, though, is having three or four days that you could fish, then checking the marine weather outlook, especially if you want to go offshore for a 6 or 8-hour charter, for each of those days. We were lucky to have had consistent weather (no cold fronts) and relatively light winds. But it can blow big time in November. Always best to book before than after a predicted weather change. In early November, especially midweek, it's a slower time so your guide likely can work with you to pick the best day. From mid-Nov through the end of the month, it gets a lot busier. Also, look for charters with lots of good reviews on Fishing Booker. Saving a couple hundred bucks isn't worth not catching many fish or having a good time

Weather in March can be a little chilly on the open water, but really warm by the mangroves so definitely dress in layers. Book it...it's worth every penny!

Make sure you and the captain have the same intent on the fish your wanting to catch.

Don't do the big party fishing boats. Book ahead with your local captains for your best fishing. And I will be booking another trip with Captain Hank at Deep Color fishing charters!!

If you just want to catch fish target Jack and ladyfish away from structure with live shrimp - less snags

Well worth an fishing trip with an experienced Captian who knows the waters and where to catch fish. Captian Ted is great with families and young children.

Snook are out of season but fun to catch. Bring sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, and wear a long sleeve fishing shirt. Make sure to listen to and respect the captain of the boat.

Hire a guide or fish the surf. July can be hit or miss on the surf so if you want to get hooked up for sure then your best bet is a guide.

Great fishing. You will have to get a temporary license. Free license only for residents of Florida.

We caught a lot of fish that were too small but were also able to keep a lot of fish. I wish we could have kept fishing but it got very hot. Bring lots of sunscreen and water!

A good place to fish for families. The water is very calm typically making sea sickness less likely. It can get hot so bring plenty to drink.

I recommend booking a trip with Captain Jeff Gibson if you want a great day fishing in St. Petersburg. 727 776 8369

Book ahead and fish with Captain Ted. He will find fish for you to catch and you will really have a good time!!!

Yes. We were a little disappointed in the size and number of fish we caught, but it was still a great experience.

Fishing for Snook requires accurate casting to shady spots close to mangrove roots & docks.

Wait for the bites, they will come. I would say we experienced a bite at least every five minutes.

Arrive eager to learn and you will catch fish.. a lot of sunscreen and water to drink

Get ready to catch fish. You don't have to go to Costa Rica for workd class fishing.

Eat at Columbia...also book a full day. Will get a chance at biggest fish on a longer day.

Warm weather lots of sun and great fish action and HEAD FIRST FISHING charter!!!

If you don’t know the area book someone who does. Capt.Joe with headfirst fishing most definitely knows the area and when to be where.

Just bring sunscreen and be ready to enjoy the beautiful inshore and offshore waters that Florida offers

Call Anthony at pocket change! He will get you on your desired fish for such a great price for you and your family.

Great experience with Captain Anthony. Highly recommend this very professional and accommodating skipper!

If you can fly fish, there's plenty of sport of the beach but inshore and off shore charters are very good and cater well for in fishers Children etc