St Pete Beach Fishing
Fishing is a favorite pastime on and around St Pete beach. Whether you’re a dedicated fishing fanatic with all the knowledge and equipment to match or just feel like trying your luck with a rod for the first time, there are on and off shore options for everyone.
General Info
Wade fishing
Wade fishing is particularly popular in the St Petersburg area and on nearby Florida beaches. This relaxed, easy style is great for keeping cool on hot days and works really well in the shallow sea-grassy areas that are dotted all around St Pete. Pass-A-Grille Beach is perfect for it.
The idea is simple: wade along with the water about knee-high, casting from time to time. All you need is a simple spinning rod (these can be bought cheaply or rented), and some old shoes or sandals to wear in the water.
Experts think live shrimp are the best bait for wade fishing. You can pick these up in local bait shops- which are also a great place to go for some insider tips!
The catch is most likely to be Spotted Sea Trout, Common Snook, and Red Drum but you might also get Flounder. Snook is also known as 'linesider' and is a great game fish, but you will need to throw it back unless you've got a permit.
Pier Fishing around St Petersburg
St Petersburg also offers great pier fishing, but try Merry Pier right here in Pass-A-Grille first. There's everything you need from bait shops to snacks and lunches. Equipment rentals are available but if you bring your own, it's free to fish from the beautiful old pier.
If you don't get lucky, Merry Pier also hosts a great fish market, and they also put out regular fishing reports to help visitors make the best catch.
A little further afield is Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, which is the longest fishing pier in the whole world. It used to be the old bridge from Sarasota to St Pete, so you can just park up and drop a line almost from your rental car. It's open 24 hours a day and there are bait shops and other facilities.
Depending on conditions, you might catch Tarpon, Grouper, Red Snapper, Sea Bass, King Mackerel, and more.
Deep Sea Fishing charters are easy to come by in St Pete. Our favorite is the Miss Pass-A-Grille, which operates from Merry Pier close to Inn on the Beach. Choose from a half or full day trip, or book out the whole boat if you have a big group. The vessel has an air-conditioned cabin and they offer a fish-cleaning service too.
The boat ride is worth it alone, but deep sea fishing fans can also expect Sea Bass, Grey and Mangrove Snapper, Red and Gag Grouper, and Triggerfish.
Travel Tip
You do need a fishing licence even when fishing from the beach, so either pick one up when you get your bait or go to http://www.myfwc.com/ .
Magnolia
Located on the top floor of the Inn, the Magnolia is our “Honeymoon Suite” with Gulf and sunset views. This prime one-bedroom suite features the very best of the Inn with a king bedroom, bathroom with over-sized shower, living and dining area, fully sized kitchen, and private balcony.
Gulfstream
Located on the top floor of the Inn, the Gulfstream comes complete with a king bed, cathedral ceiling, kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and wraparound balcony with Gulf and sunset views.
The Sea Loft
The Sea Loft is a second floor open plan apartment with a queen bed, fully equipped kitchen, living/dining area, sun porch, and balcony. The unit has cathedral ceilings giving it a spacious feel, and there are lots of windows providing stunning natural light. It's a peaceful, romantic escape just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico.
The Cottage
Next door to the Inn, this tranquil oasis has a large bedroom with a king bed plus a fully equipped kitchen. The living room is complete with seating area, cable television and a DVD player. The bathroom has a large shower. The outdoor deck has plenty of seating and a gas grill - perfect for outdoor suppers.