St. Pete's Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing Adventure

Family Fun Fishing in St. Pete's Backyard

Ready for a laid-back morning on the water that'll have the whole family hooked? Captain Curtis has you covered with this 4-hour inshore trip that's perfect for newcomers and seasoned anglers alike. We'll keep things easy-going as we hunt for some of Florida's most popular gamefish right in St. Petersburg's backyard. No need to stress about long boat rides or complicated gear - we're all about keeping it simple and fun for everyone on board.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early at 8:30 AM, meeting up at Bay Pines. From there, it's just a quick run to some of my favorite sheltered spots where the fish are always biting. I'll get you set up with light tackle that's easy to handle, even for first-timers. We'll be targeting the inshore slam - redfish, snook, and sea trout - but don't be surprised if we hook into some other local characters too. Between casts, keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and all sorts of shorebirds swooping around. It's not just about what's on the end of your line - the whole Bay area comes alive in the morning.

Fishing 101: St. Pete Style

Don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before - that's what I'm here for. We'll start with the basics, showing you how to cast, set the hook, and reel in your catch like a pro. I'm all about hands-on learning, so everyone will get plenty of chances to practice. We'll be using simple rigs that are perfect for beginners but still effective enough to land some impressive fish. Soft plastics, live bait, maybe even a topwater lure if the conditions are right - we'll match our approach to what the fish are in the mood for that day. And hey, if you're already an old hand at this, we can always kick things up a notch with some more advanced techniques.

Top Catches This Season

St. Petersburg's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the warmer months, snook are the stars of the show, prowling the mangroves and smashing bait. As things cool off, redfish school up and provide non-stop action. And let's not forget about the ever-reliable sea trout - these guys are always ready to play. No matter when you visit, there's always something willing to bend your rod.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook: These hard-fighting bruisers are the crown jewels of Florida inshore fishing. They love to hang out around structure, using their ambush tactics to surprise prey. Snook can grow up to 40 inches long and put up a spectacular fight, often leaping clear out of the water. They're most active in the warmer months, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Landing a big snook is a real badge of honor for any angler.

Sea Trout: Don't let their name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Spotted seatrout are aggressive predators that school up in the grass flats. They're known for their delicate mouths, which makes for an exciting challenge when you're trying to land one. Trout are perfect for beginners because they're plentiful and bite readily. Plus, they're delicious if you want to keep a few for dinner.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and can range from "rat reds" of just a few pounds to bull reds pushing 40 inches. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Catching a tailing redfish on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget.

Why Families Love This Trip

This isn't your typical fishing charter - it's designed from the ground up with families in mind. The shallow, protected waters we fish are calm and comfortable, perfect for kids or anyone who might get a bit queasy on the open ocean. I've got a ton of patience and love nothing more than helping newcomers catch their first fish. We'll take plenty of photos so you can show off your catches later, but I'm also a big fan of catch-and-release to keep our fishery healthy for future trips. With a max of 2 guests, everyone gets plenty of one-on-one attention and time with a rod in hand. It's all about making memories and having fun, not filling the cooler.

What to Bring Along

I've got all the fishing gear covered, so don't stress about tackle. Just make sure to bring: - Sunscreen (trust me, the Florida sun is no joke) - A hat and polarized sunglasses - Some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up - A camera to capture the action - And most importantly, a good attitude and ready to have some fun!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a stress-free way to introduce your family to the joys of fishing, or just want a relaxed morning on the water with a good chance of landing some quality fish, this is the trip for you. St. Petersburg's inshore waters are a real treasure, and there's no better way to experience them than with a local guide who knows all the hotspots. Spaces are limited to keep things personal, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to create some lasting memories and maybe even spark a lifelong passion for fishing. See you on the water!