Vertical Jigging Fishing Charters in St Pete Beach, FL
Vertical jigging fishing charters in St. Pete FL offer a fun, active way to fish offshore with Reel Coquina. Instead of waiting on a bite, anglers stay involved, dropping jigs straight down and working them back up as the boat drifts over productive water along the Gulf Coast. It’s a hands-on fishing trip that keeps things moving and keeps people smiling in some truly stunning waters.
Bites often come fast and without much warning. One minute you’re lifting the rod, the next something strong is pulling back. The pace stays steady, the action stays close to the boat, and before you know it, you’re already talking about the next drift. It’s the kind of fishing adventure that makes the day fly by and turns into an unforgettable experience.
Book your vertical jigging fishing charter today and enjoy an active offshore fishing trip out of St. Pete Beach with Reel Coquina Fishing Charters.
Vertical Jigging Availability
✔ Seasonal species vary
✔ Trips planned around current conditions
*Seasonal fisheries and extended trips are priced accordingly. See the pricing page for current details.
CHARTER OPTIONS & PRICING
- In-Shore Fishing — half-day or 3/4-day
- Off-Shore Fishing — 4-hour to full-day (American red snapper season available)
- Specialty Cruises — sunset, dolphin & eco (typically 2 hours)
- Aboard The Orion 29 — flexible 2- to 10-hour charters
- 37’ Sea Vee Luxury — half-day (6 hours) or full day (10 hours), plus fuel
Why Choose Reel Coquina Fishing Charters
Our Fleet
Vertical jigging trips run on well equipped boats designed for offshore fishing.
The Orion 29 Fishing Boat
This 29 foot vessel is ideal for vertical jigging. It has the open deck space needed to work jigs comfortably and caters to smaller groups or flexible trip lengths.
The 37 Sea Vee Luxury Boat
This 37 foot boat is well suited for longer jigging runs and full day trips. It offers more room to spread out, added comfort for extended time on the water, and the ability to reach deeper Gulf structures when conditions allow.
Both boats come fully outfitted with quality fishing gear, safety equipment, ice, and cooler space. We match the boat to your group and trip plan so the day runs smoothly, departing from O’Neill’s Marina, which is conveniently located for quick access offshore.
The Fishing Experience
Newer to Offshore Fishing
Mangrove snapper · Lane snapper · Triggerfish (seasonal)
- More consistent bites and steady rod time
- Shorter fights that keep the day moving
- High engagement without fatigue
- Great introduction to active offshore vertical jigging out of St. Pete
Some Offshore Experience
Red grouper · African pompano · King mackerel
- Longer fights with noticeable power
- More time under pressure on each hookup
- A balanced mix of action and intensity
- Ideal for anglers who want a more demanding offshore fishing trip without going all-out
Experienced & Hands-On Anglers
Amberjack · Larger grouper · Seasonal pelagics
- Heavy jigs, hard pulls, and sustained fights
- Fewer bites, but significantly more physical effort per fish
- High-intensity vertical battles straight under the boat
- Best suited for anglers looking for a demanding, no-downtime vertical jigging fishing charter
What Should You Bring?
We provide life jackets, all other safety equipment, and a cooler with ice to you during your Tampa fishing charter so that you can have an enjoyable and safe fishing trip. The following are things that should be brought on the boat:
Sunscreen
Hat
Sunglasses
Camera or Phone for photos
Snacks and Drinks for the day
Fishing Regulations
You don’t need to worry about fishing regulations on your vertical jigging charter. Reel Coquina Fishing Charters handles all licensing and stays current on Florida and Gulf offshore regulations for the species we target. Your trip is run legally, responsibly, and within the rules so you can relax, fish, and enjoy the day without having to think about limits or closures
Contact Captain Pablo to find out more about fishing regulations and your next charter!
Customer Testimonials and Success Stories
You can visit our Instagram page @reel_coquina to check out our latest catches but don't just take our word (and photos) for it...
"Amazing time with Pablo at St. Pete offshore fishing. Would definitely recommend if you want a lot of fishing action. It was so much fun from start to finish, and the crew was extremely knowledgeable about where to fish and how to stay on them."
Brett M's Adventure
"What a great morning. Had a fantastic experience with Pablo and Logan. Great fishing and a beautiful day on the water for a family of beginners. It was a fun day all around, and we felt comfortable and taken care of the entire time. Highly recommend."
Stephanie C's Adventure
How to Book Your Vertical Jigging Fishing Adventure
Ready for a solid day on the water? Booking with us is straightforward.
1. Contact Captain Pablo: Reach out to Captain Pablo Koch-Schick to set up your fishing trip. He's always available to answer your questions and help you plan the perfect outing.
Phone: Call anytime at 404-438-8732.
Email: Send your inquiries to pablokochschick@gmail.com.
Address: Visit us at 6701 34th St S, St Petersburg, FL 33711 for a face-to-face discussion.
2. Talk Through Your Trip Ideas: Let us know what you’re looking for. Whether you’re thinking about a shorter offshore trip, a full day, or something more customized, we’ll help you line it up based on conditions and goals.
3. Choose Your Package: Choose the fishing charter option that fits your schedule.
4. Confirm Your Booking: Once everything is set, confirm your booking. We'll provide all the details you need to prepare for your trip.
5. Get Ready for Adventure: Prepare for an exciting day on the water with some of the best fishing experiences St. Petersburg offers.
We look forward to having you aboard and spending the day fishing on some of the most scenic water Florida has to offer. Let’s go fishing.
FAQs about Vertical Jigging Fishing with Reel Coquina
Where do fishing trips depart from?
Trips depart from O’Neill’s Marina in St. Petersburg, right near the Sunshine Skyway. It’s an easy spot to get in and out of, with nearby restaurants and shops if you want to grab a bite to eat or relax before or after your trip. Most guests find it convenient whether they’re staying in St. Pete or driving in.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. Florida requires a fishing license, but Reel Coquina covers everyone on board under the charter license. You show up ready to go fishing without having to worry about permits or paperwork.
How active is vertical jigging?
It’s more hands-on than waiting on a rod, but it’s not exhausting. You’re working the jig at your own pace, taking breaks between drifts, and staying engaged without feeling pressured. Most people find the rhythm easy to settle into.
What kind of fish do people usually catch?
It depends on conditions, but common catches include gag grouper, red grouper, mangrove snapper, king mackerel, amberjack, tuna, and African pompano. Because the jig moves through the water column, trips often produce a mix of fish rather than focusing on just one species.
Can groups with mixed experience levels fish together?
Absolutely. Some anglers might be learning while others have years on the water. Everyone fishes at their own pace, and the crew adjusts as needed so the entire group enjoys the day.
Is this a good option if it’s my first time offshore fishing?
Yes. Many guests book these deep sea fishing charters as their first offshore experience because the crew keeps the day organized and approachable. The trip pace stays comfortable while still offering real opportunities for catching fish, making it a solid introduction to fishing in St. Pete without feeling overwhelming.
How does this trip compare to other offshore options in the Tampa Bay Area?
These offshore fishing charters focus on staying active and covering productive water rather than anchoring in one spot. Compared to many deep sea fishing trips in the Tampa Bay Area, this approach offers more variety in fish species and a more engaging day on the water.
Do trips ever fish near Treasure Island or other nearby areas?
Trips depart from St. Pete and run offshore based on current conditions, which may include fishing areas accessible from Treasure Island and surrounding waters. Locations are chosen to maximize results using proven fishing techniques rather than sticking to fixed spots.