What Fish Are Biting in St Pete Right Now? Monthly Fishing Calendar

Wondering what fish are biting in St. Petersburg, Florida right now? The answer depends on the season. From spring Tarpon migrations and summer Red Snapper to fall Kingfish runs and winter Grouper fishing, St. Pete offers year-round opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

This monthly fishing calendar breaks down the best fish to target each month, seasonal patterns, recommended bait, and where to find the action around Tampa Bay, Fort De Soto, Skyway Bridge, Egmont Key, and the Gulf beaches.

As Captain Pablo Koch-Schick of Reel Coquina Fishing Charters, I've spent years helping anglers catch Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Grouper, Snapper, Sharks, and more throughout St. Petersburg's inshore and offshore waters.

Whether you're planning a family fishing trip, a dedicated Tarpon charter, or a deep-sea fishing adventure, this guide shows exactly what to expect month by month.

St Pete Fishing Calendar - Species × Month Chart

Use this at-a-glance calendar to see what's biting each month. ★★★ = Peak season (best odds), ★★ = Good fishing, ★ = Fair/occasional, - = Unlikely or closed.

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January - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in January

💧 Average Water Temperature: 58–65°F

January fishing centers around winter species. Redfish, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and Speckled Trout gather around docks, bridges, oyster bars, and deeper flats where water temperatures remain stable.

Warmer afternoons can produce excellent Snook fishing on shallow flats, while offshore anglers target Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, and Hogfish on reefs and hard bottom.

Best Bait: Live shrimp, fiddler crabs, cut mullet
Best Spots: Skyway Bridge, Fort De Soto, Tampa Bay channels
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Half-Day Inshore (Redfish/Sheepshead focus) or Nearshore Bottom Fishing (Grouper/Hogfish)

February - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in February

💧 Average Water Temperature: 60–67°F

February is one of the best months for Sheepshead around docks, bridges, and pilings. As temperatures rise, Snook become increasingly active on the flats, creating excellent sight-fishing opportunities.

Redfish and Trout remain reliable, while offshore anglers continue finding Grouper, Snapper, and Hogfish. Pompano and Permit may also appear along beaches and shallow bay edges.

Best Bait: Live shrimp, fiddler crabs, whitebait
Best Spots: Fort De Soto, Shell Key, Tierra Verde
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Half-Day Inshore (Snook/Sheepshead) or Full-Day Mixed Inshore/Nearshore

March - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in March

💧 Average Water Temperature: 64–72°F

March marks the beginning of prime spring fishing in St. Pete. Snook, Redfish, and Trout feed aggressively on the flats, while resident Tarpon begin appearing around bridges and deep structure throughout Tampa Bay.

Kingfish arrive offshore as Gulf waters warm, and Cobia begin cruising nearshore flats and reefs. Offshore Grouper and Snapper fishing remains productive.

Best Bait: Whitebait, pilchards, pinfish, shrimp
Best Spots: Fort De Soto, Egmont Key, Bunces Pass
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Half-Day Flats (Snook/Reds) + Tarpon Add-On, or Offshore Kingfish Trip

April - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in April

💧 Average Water Temperature: 70–76°F

April offers some of the most diverse fishing of the year in St. Pete. Snook and Redfish are active on the flats, while Tarpon fishing continues to improve around bridges and deeper structure. Offshore anglers can target Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, Snapper, Cobia, Permit, and Sharks, making this one of the best months for anglers who want variety.

Best Bait: Whitebait, pilchards, pinfish, crabs
Best Spots: Egmont Key, Skyway Bridge, Pass-a-Grille, offshore reefs
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Full-Day Combo (Flats AM + Offshore PM) or Dedicated Tarpon Trip

May - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in May

💧 Average Water Temperature: 76–82°F

May is peak Tarpon season in St. Petersburg. Large schools of migrating Tarpon move along the beaches and through Tampa Bay, creating some of the best sight-fishing opportunities in Florida. Snook, Redfish, and Trout remain strong on the flats, while Permit, Grouper, Snapper, and Spanish Mackerel add to the action.

Best Bait: Threadfin herring, crabs, whitebait, pinfish
Best Spots: St. Pete Beach, Skyway Bridge, Boca Ciega Bay
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Dedicated Tarpon Charter (MUST-BOOK - sells out fast!) or Inshore Slam (Snook/Reds/Trout)

June - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in June

💧 Average Water Temperature: 82–86°F

June delivers outstanding fishing across multiple fisheries. Tarpon season remains in full swing, Red Snapper season opens June 1, and Snook, Redfish, and Trout are feeding aggressively on the flats. Shark fishing is also excellent, with Bull Sharks, Blacktips, and seasonal Hammerheads actively feeding.

Best Bait: Whitebait, threadfin herring, crabs, cut bait
Best Spots: Gulf beaches, Bunces Pass, offshore reefs
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Tarpon Charter, Red Snapper Offshore Trip, or Shark Fishing Adventure

July - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in July

💧 Average Water Temperature: 84–88°F

July rewards anglers who fish early. Snook, Redfish, and Trout are productive on the grass flats during morning hours, while Mangrove Snapper stack up around structure. Offshore fishing remains strong for Grouper, Snapper, and seasonal pelagic species, with Red Snapper season continuing throughout the month.

Best Bait: Whitebait, pinfish, sardines, cut bait
Best Spots: Fort De Soto, Weedon Island, offshore reefs and wrecks
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Early AM Inshore Slam or Offshore Deep Sea (Grouper/Snapper/Sharks)

August - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in August

💧 Average Water Temperature: 84–88°F

August is famous for Bull Redfish. Large schools of oversized Redfish gather on shallow flats, creating exceptional sight-fishing opportunities. Trout fishing is also excellent on deeper grass flats, while Tarpon, Snapper, Grouper, and Red Snapper continue providing action both inshore and offshore.

Best Bait: Whitebait, pinfish, shrimp, cut ladyfish
Best Spots: St. Pete flats, Tierra Verde, deep grass flats
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Bull Redfish Safari (ABSOLUTE MUST-DO!) or Full-Day Offshore Combo

September - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in September

💧 Average Water Temperature: 82–86°F

September brings the reopening of Snook harvest season and some of the best mixed-bag fishing of the year. Anglers regularly catch Snook, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Ladyfish in the same areas. Offshore fishing improves as water temperatures begin to cool, and Kingfish start their fall migration.

Best Bait: Whitebait, shrimp, pinfish, cut mullet
Best Spots: Pass-a-Grille, Bunces Pass, Tierra Verde
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Inshore Slam (Snook harvest season!) or Nearshore Mixed Bag

October - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in October

💧 Average Water Temperature: 76–80°F

October is one of the most underrated fishing months in St. Pete. Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, and False Albacore move through local waters during the fall migration, while Grouper and Mangrove Snapper become more accessible around nearshore structure. Flats fishing for Snook, Redfish, and Trout remains excellent.

Best Bait: Whitebait, shrimp, pinfish, glass minnows
Best Spots: Egmont Key, Skyway reefs, Fort De Soto, nearshore wrecks
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Full-Day Combo (Flats + Nearshore Pelagics) or Bay Grouper Trip

November - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in November

💧 Average Water Temperature: 68–74°F

November marks the transition into winter fishing patterns. Redfish remain reliable, Snook continue feeding before cooler temperatures arrive, and larger Speckled Trout become more common. Sheepshead begin appearing around bridges and docks, while nearshore Grouper and Snapper fishing remains productive.

Best Bait: Shrimp, whitebait, pinfish, cut mullet
Best Spots: Skyway Bridge, Weedon Island, Fort De Soto
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Half-Day Inshore (Trout/Reds/Sheepshead) or Nearshore Bottom Fishing

December - What Fish Are Biting in St Pete in December

💧 Average Water Temperature: 62–68°F

December is one of the best months for anglers targeting table fare. Grouper move into shallower water, while Sheepshead, Black Drum, Redfish, and Trout gather around structure and deeper wintering areas. Hogfish become a popular nearshore target, adding another excellent option for anglers looking to bring home fresh fish.

Best Bait: Live shrimp, fiddler crabs, cut bait, whitebait
Best Spots: Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay channels, nearshore hard bottom
🚤 Recommended Reel Coquina Trip: Nearshore Grouper Bonanza or Inshore Winter Species (Sheepshead/Reds/Drum)

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Best Fishing Spots in St. Pete

Fort De Soto Park & Flats

One of the premier inshore fishing destinations in all of Florida. The grass flats surrounding Fort De Soto hold Snook, Redfish, Trout, and Pompano year-round. The passes and jetties produce Snook, Sheepshead, and Flounder.

Egmont Key

A remote island at the mouth of Tampa Bay offering both flats fishing and offshore access. Excellent for Snook, Tarpon, Permit, and Kingfish. The clear water makes for outstanding sight fishing.

Skyway Bridge & Artificial Reefs

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a legendary fishing structure. The pilings hold Sheepshead, Snapper, Grouper, and Tarpon. The nearby artificial reefs are loaded with bait and predators year-round.

Bunces Pass

A prime tidal pass between Fort De Soto and Shell Key. Strong tidal flows concentrate bait and predators - Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Permit all stack up here during tidal changes.

Boca Ciega Bay

A protected bay with extensive grass flats perfect for Trout, Redfish, and Snook. The deeper channels hold Snapper and Flounder. Excellent for half-day inshore trips.

Shell Key Preserve

A pristine barrier island with surrounding flats that hold Redfish, Trout, and Pompano. The deeper edges produce Snook and Flounder. Great for wade fishing and light-tackle adventures.

Weedon Island Preserve

A mangrove-lined estuary system packed with Snook, Redfish, and juvenile Tarpon. The creek mouths and oyster bars are productive year-round, especially on outgoing tides.

St Pete Fishing Regulations & Seasons 2026

Florida has specific regulations for many popular species. Here are the key rules to know when fishing in St. Pete. When you fish with Reel Coquina, Captain Pablo handles all the regulations - but it's good to know what's open and what's not.

 

Why Fish With Reel Coquina?

Reel Coquina Fishing Charters operates out of O'Neill's Marina at the southern tip of St. Petersburg - perfectly positioned for quick access to Tampa Bay's best inshore flats, the Gulf beaches for Tarpon, and the offshore reefs and wrecks.

Captain Pablo Koch-Schick brings years of local knowledge and a genuine passion for putting anglers on fish. Whether you're a first-timer looking for a fun family outing or a seasoned angler chasing a personal best Tarpon, Pablo tailors every trip to your goals.

• Half-Day Inshore Trips (4 hours) - Perfect for families and targeting Snook, Redfish, and Trout on the flats

• Full-Day Offshore Trips (8 hours) - Deep sea fishing for Grouper, Snapper, Kingfish, and more

• Tarpon Charters (seasonal) - Dedicated Tarpon fishing during the spring/summer migration

• Shark Fishing Adventures - Heart-pounding action with Bulls, Hammerheads, and Blacktips

• Custom Combo Trips - Mix inshore and offshore for the ultimate St. Pete fishing experience

📞 Call Captain Pablo: 404-438-8732 | Click Here to Book Online 

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish are biting in St Pete right now?

The fish that are biting in St. Pete depend on the month. In spring and summer (March–August), expect Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Trout, and Mackerel. In fall (September–November), Kingfish, Grouper, and Spanish Mackerel dominate. In winter (December–February), Sheepshead, Black Drum, Grouper, and Hogfish are the top targets. Check our monthly calendar above for a detailed breakdown of every species.

What is the best month to fish in St. Pete?

Every month offers great fishing in St. Pete, but April through June is considered peak season with the most species variety - including Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Kingfish, Grouper, Sharks, and Red Snapper (opening June 1). October is also exceptional during the fall migration.

Do I need a fishing license for a charter in St Pete?

No! When you book a charter with Reel Coquina, Captain Pablo's charter license covers all anglers on the boat. You don't need to purchase an individual fishing license. We also provide all rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice.

What fish are in season in Florida right now?

Florida has year-round open seasons for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, and most shark species. Seasonal species include: Snook (open Sep 1–Nov 30 and Mar 1–Apr 30), Red Snapper (Jun 1–Oct 25 in 2026), Gag Grouper (Jun 1–Dec 31), and Hogfish (May 1–Oct 31). Tarpon is catch-and-release only year-round.

Is St Pete good for deep sea fishing?

Absolutely! St. Pete offers world-class offshore fishing with Grouper, Snapper, Kingfish, Amberjack, Permit, and even Dorado available depending on season. The nearshore reefs (5–15 miles out) and deeper wrecks (20+ miles) all produce excellent catches. Reel Coquina's full-day offshore trips access all of these fisheries.

What is the best bait for fishing in St Pete?

Live bait is king in St. Pete. Whitebait (scaled sardines) is the #1 all-around bait for Snook, Redfish, and Trout. Live shrimp is excellent for Sheepshead, Trout, and bottom species. For Tarpon, large threadfin herring and crabs are the top choices. Captain Pablo selects the perfect bait for the species and conditions on every trip.

How far offshore do you fish from St Pete?

It depends on the trip and target species. Inshore trips fish the grass flats and bays within 1–5 miles of the marina. Nearshore trips target reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom 5–15 miles offshore. Full-day deep sea trips may run 20–40+ miles offshore for Grouper, Snapper, and pelagic species. Reel Coquina departs from O'Neill's Marina at the Skyway.

Can you keep Red Snapper in St Pete?

Yes, during the open season! In 2026, the Florida Gulf Red Snapper season runs from June 1 through October 25 - nearly five months of fishing. The minimum size is 16 inches total length with a 2-fish per person daily bag limit. It's one of the longest Red Snapper seasons in recent history.

Ready to Fish St. Pete?

Now you know exactly what's biting in St. Pete every month of the year. Whether you're chasing Tarpon in May, Bull Redfish in August, or Grouper in December, Reel Coquina Fishing Charters has the trip for you. Captain Pablo and the crew are ready to put you on the fish.

📞 Call 404-438-8732 to book your St. Pete fishing charter today, or  Click Here to Book with Reel Coquina