Nearshore Gulf Reef Fishing from St. Petersburg
More Reefs. Bigger Fish.
Just outside the mouth of Tampa Bay, the Gulf floor is covered with reefs and hard bottom. That's where this trip goes.
We run up to about nine nautical miles out and drop down in 20 to 50 feet of water.
Is This Deep Sea Fishing?
Not quite, and we'd rather tell you up front.
Deep sea trips run much farther out into deeper water. This trip stays within about nine miles, where the reefs sit in 20 to 50 feet. The ride is shorter, so more of your day goes to fishing.
If what you really want is to catch grouper and snapper off the Gulf reefs, this trip is built for that.
What You'll Catch
Red grouper, gag grouper, mangrove snapper and lane snapper on the bottom. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, tripletail, jacks and grunts too.
A lot of the same fish you'd catch inside Tampa Bay. The difference is there are many more reefs to choose from out here, and the fish are often bigger and more plentiful.
Every species has its own Florida season and limits. Captain Dmitri will tell you what you can keep, and several restaurants near St. Pete will cook your catch.
The Boat
Captain Dmitri runs a 2024 25-foot C-Hawk with a Honda 250 and a wide 10-foot beam.
It's built to handle the shallow flats and the nearshore reefs, with room for six anglers.
Captain Dmitri holds a U.S. Coast Guard 50 Ton Master license, so you're in good hands once you clear the bay.
Planning the Day
This is our longest trip, since it includes the run out and back.
Bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, drinks and snacks. There's not much shade on the Gulf.
Your safety comes first. If the forecast turns bad, Captain Dmitri will reschedule your trip or refund your deposit.
Who It's For
Anglers who want the biggest bottom fish we target, and groups who want to bring home fish for dinner.
Kids are welcome on every trip. If anyone in your group gets seasick easily, the reef trip inside Tampa Bay is the calmer choice.
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.
