Florida · Tampa Bay
REDFISH FISHING
IN ST. PETERSBURG
St. Petersburg is an excellent destination for redfish fishing, with peak season in May, September, October and good catches in January, February, March. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in St. Petersburg
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — St. Petersburg
Month-by-month availability for redfish in St. Petersburg, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in St. Petersburg
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in St. Petersburg
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Fort De Soto Flats
Fort De Soto Park encompasses several islands at the southern tip of Pinellas County, surrounded by expansive grass flats teeming with snook, redfish, and trout. The park's protected waters and diverse habitat make it one of the top inshore fishing destinations in the Tampa Bay area. The mangrove-lined shorelines and sand bars hold fish year-round in crystal-clear water.
Weedon Island
Weedon Island Preserve sits on the eastern shore of St. Petersburg, with miles of mangrove creeks, grass flats, and oyster bars holding snook, redfish, and trout. The preserve's diverse habitat supports an incredible density of inshore gamefish throughout the year. Kayak anglers especially love the winding mangrove tunnels that lead to hidden fishing holes.
Pinellas Bayway
The Pinellas Bayway bridges connect St. Petersburg to the barrier islands, creating current funnels that attract snook, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper around the pilings. The bridge shadow lines are especially productive during hot summer months when fish seek shade. Night fishing under the bridge lights produces trophy snook from May through September.
Boca Ciega Bay
Boca Ciega Bay is a shallow, protected bay west of St. Petersburg with grass flats, spoil islands, and residential canals holding snook, redfish, and trout. The bay's warm, sheltered waters make it an excellent year-round fishery, with winter fishing particularly strong when fish seek warm water refuges. Its proximity to Gulf passes brings in seasonal migrations of tarpon and cobia.
Other Species in St. Petersburg
More fish you can target while visiting St. Petersburg.
Redfish Fishing in St. Petersburg — FAQ
The peak months for Redfish fishing in St. Petersburg are May, September, October. During these months, Redfish are most active and abundant in the St. Petersburg area.
Redfish fishing charters in St. Petersburg are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in St. Petersburg, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in St. Petersburg, you may also catch Snook, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, King Mackerel, Gag Grouper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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