Inshore Reef Fishing in Tampa Bay
Reef Fishing Without the Long Run Offshore.
You don't have to leave Tampa Bay to go reef fishing.
The bay has its own reefs and a deep shipping channel, and both hold grouper and snapper. On this trip we drop down in 20 to 50 feet of water, right inside the bay.
Where We Fish
We work the bay reefs and the deep-water shipping channel. It's a short ride from St. Pete.
The water inside the bay is calmer than fishing offshore. That makes this a good pick if anyone in your group is nervous about rough water.
You still get real saltwater bottom fishing. You just get it closer to home.
What You'll Catch
Red grouper, gag grouper, mangrove snapper and lane snapper are the main bottom fish.
Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, tripletail, jacks and grunts round it out.
Grouper and snapper are good eating. Captain Dmitri fillets and bags your keepers, and several seafood restaurants near St. Pete will cook your catch for you.
Keeping Fish
Fishing in Florida is closely regulated. Every species has its own season, size limit and bag limit, and grouper rules in particular change through the year.
Captain Dmitri keeps up with the rules and will tell you what you can keep that day. With this many species on the reefs, there's always more to fish for than grouper.
Bay Reef or Nearshore Gulf?
The fish are mostly the same on both trips. The difference is the water.
Inside the bay is calmer and closer. Out in the Gulf there are more reefs to fish, and the fish often run bigger.
If you're not sure which one fits your group, Captain Dmitri will steer you to the right one.
Your Captain
Captain Dmitri holds a U.S. Coast Guard 50 Ton Master license and has spent more than 30 years fishing the Gulf Coast.
Trips leave from Maximo Park, next to O'Neill's Marina, or from Jungle Prada in St. Petersburg. Both put you on the bay quickly.
Who It's For
Families, first-timers who want to catch dinner, and anyone who'd rather stay in calmer water. Trips run from a couple of hours to most of the day.
Trip Details
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Up to 6 guests
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Leaves from Maximo Park or Jungle Prada in St. Petersburg
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Included: fishing license, rods, reels, tackle, live bait and ice
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Captain Dmitri fillets, bags and ices your keepers
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Bring: sun protection, drinks and snacks. Alcohol is fine, just no glass.
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Rates: see Charters & Rates
Book your trip online, or call or text Captain Dmitri at (361) 557-0179.
