St. Pete's Best 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

St Petersburg, FL
$450 price range

Summary

Ready for some early morning fishing action in St. Petersburg? This 4-hour charter takes you out on Florida's beautiful waters to target species like Redfish, Snook, and Sea Trout. The captain at Burning Drag Fishing Charters provides all the gear you'll need, so both newcomers and seasoned anglers can just focus on the fishing. As the sun rises, you'll have prime time to cast your line and try for a big catch. The peaceful morning atmosphere adds to the experience, whether you're aiming to fill the cooler or just enjoy some time on the water. With room for two guests, it's a great way to start your day with a friend or family member. The inshore waters around St. Pete offer plenty of fishing spots, and your captain knows just where to find the action. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a fun morning of Florida fishing.

St. Pete's Best 4-Hour Inshore Fishing Charter

Morning Catch Highlights

Angler with a big Blue Runner fish in FL

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Impressive Redfish catch on Tampa Bay!

Wild catch—hands-on with a Florida shark!

St. Pete's Early Bird Fishing Bonanza

Ready to kick off your day with some rod-bending action? Burning Drag Fishing Charters has got you covered with our 4-hour morning trip that'll have you casting lines before the roosters crow. We're talking prime time for hooking into some of St. Petersburg's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our experienced captain will put you on the fish and make sure you're rigged up right. So grab your coffee and let's hit the flats!

What to Expect on the Water

As the sun peeks over the horizon, we'll be slipping out of the marina and into the rich fishing grounds of St. Pete. This isn't your average boat ride – it's a chance to tangle with some of Florida's hardest-fighting fish. We provide all the gear, so you just need to bring your A-game and maybe a snack to keep you fueled. Our skiff is perfect for sneaking up on those tailing redfish or working the mangroves for snook. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to cast and reel in your catch. The morning bite can be explosive, so be ready for some serious action!

Techniques for Inshore Success

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures to target the inshore slam – redfish, snook, and sea trout. Depending on the conditions, we might be sight-casting to redfish tailing in skinny water, or pitching soft plastics under docks for snook. Our captain knows all the local honey holes and will teach you the tricks of the trade. We'll show you how to work a topwater lure for those heart-stopping trout strikes or how to finesse a live shrimp past a wary redfish. It's hands-on fishing at its best, and you'll be picking up new skills with every cast.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook are the rock stars of Florida's inshore waters. These hard-fighting linesiders are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove shorelines, dock pilings, and oyster bars. The best part? Snook feed actively in the cooler morning hours, making our early start perfect for hooking into these bucket-list fish.

Sea trout might not look like much, but don't let their speckled exterior fool you. These guys are ambush predators with a serious appetite. We'll be drifting over grass flats, using popping corks and soft plastics to entice them. When a big gator trout decides to crush your bait, hold on tight – their head-shaking fights are a blast!

Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. We'll be looking for their characteristic tailing behavior in shallow water or working deeper holes when the tide is moving. Sight-fishing for reds is an adrenaline-pumping experience that'll have you hooked for life.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

St. Petersburg's inshore waters are a fisherman's paradise, and our morning charters give you the best shot at experiencing it all. The calm waters and diverse ecosystems create the perfect playground for a variety of gamefish. Plus, there's something special about being on the water as the world wakes up – the peace and quiet broken only by the sound of your drag screaming as a big fish makes a run. Our customers love the personalized attention they get on these small-group trips, and the chance to learn new techniques from a pro guide.

Top Catches This Season

The fishing has been on fire lately, with some real doormat-sized trout coming to the boat. We've been seeing schools of redfish pushing water on the flats, giving our clients some incredible sight-fishing opportunities. And let's not forget about the snook – they've been stacked up around the mangroves, crushing topwater lures and providing some heart-stopping action. Whether you're after a personal best or just want to bend a rod, the bite has been consistent and exciting.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the fish are biting, and the mornings are beautiful here in St. Pete. Our 4-hour charter is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without taking up your whole day. You'll be back at the dock with plenty of time to brag about your catches over lunch. Don't miss out on some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Give Burning Drag Fishing Charters a call and let's get your line wet. Trust me, once you feel that first tug, you'll be glad you set that alarm clock. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target in St. Pete waters, prized for their hard-fighting nature and distinctive spot near the tail. Most "reds" we catch run 18-27 inches, but trophy bulls over 40 inches are possible. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising mangrove shorelines, often in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. Fall is prime time as they school up for spawning. Redfish put up a great fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, sweet flavor. For best results, try sight-fishing with light tackle - it's a rush to watch a red track down your lure. Gold spoons are a local favorite, but scented soft plastics work great too. Just remember to keep a stealthy approach in shallow water to avoid spooking these wary fish.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple of inshore fishing here. Most run 14-20 inches but trophy "gator" trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around grass flats, oyster bars, and channel edges in 3-6 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on during cooler months. Sea trout are known for their soft, white flesh - perfect for a fresh fish dinner. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to hit artificial lures. Try a DOA shrimp under a popping cork for consistent action. When you find a school, they'll often hit cast after cast. One local trick: work your lure with subtle twitches rather than aggressive jerks to tempt more bites.

Snook

Snook are a prized catch around St. Pete, known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. These sleek predators typically run 24-36 inches but can grow over 4 feet. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow coastal waters. They love to ambush prey, so casting near cover is key. Snook fishing heats up in spring and fall as they move between inshore and nearshore areas. Their firm white meat makes great table fare too. For best results, try using live bait like pinfish or mullet on a circle hook. If you're working artificial lures, walk-the-dog style topwaters can draw awesome strikes at dawn and dusk. Just remember, snook are temperature sensitive, so timing is everything with these fish.

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