What would you recommend to anglers fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida for the first time?

Get step by step directions to the boat before you even start driving in that direction. The address provided IS NOT WHERE THE BOAT IS. By the time we finally found it, I was very upset and that was definitely not the way I wanted to start out my trip. Get CLEAR details on where you will be fishing. IE: If I pay for deep sea, will I get actual deep sea? Know that you will possibly run out of bait. Is there a way to avoid this?? Idk, but it was sad. Bring your own drinks and snacks! You will have to urinate over the ide of the boat or hold it. Your fish will not get cleaned, as there is nowhere to clean them at this particular marina, per Captain Cody.

Select captain Hunter Wilcox, knows his profession plus is personable and friendly. He has thorough knowledge of the Skyway area waters of Pinellas County and the near shore Gulf Of Mexico. This area affords the largest variety of fish under the broadest weather conditions in Pinellas County.

Can’t answer that. We were presented with leaving from Ruskin not St. Pete’s. The woman on the phone pushed us as she said your trip we be so much better leaving from Ruskin….she mentioned that at least 3 times and felt pushed to do so, didn’t love that.

It was great for us but the weather this year has been very cold so I could see how the fishing in Feb may be more difficult than in warmer months. All in all we had a great day on the water and caught lots of fish.

Some fish are more seasonal so if you are targeting a particular species, talk to your captain to see when the best activity is for your species. If you want the experience and are not selective, charters will find you species to catch.

Bring lots of water, it's HOT! Fishing really slows down the hotter it gets during the day. We did a 6 hour trip, next time I would only do 4 hours. Try to get an earlier start in the morning, before 8 if possible.

The captains all have a strategy for the best outcome given everchanging weather conditions, and tides. They are not magicians. If the charter involves spinning gear, then KNOW how to use it BEFORE your trip !

Ask alot of questions before you book. What you can and can't keep , if you have a certain fish you want to catch if it is in season ask if your Charter has the proper license and tags for what you are fishing for.

We fished for Amberjack even though we couldn't keep them, it's a blast having to reel in a fish for 15-20 minutes. Pure power for most of these species. It isn't like fishing from the lake or pond back home.

Be prepared to change your target species several times during an outing. You can never tell what school you'll encounter over any particular structure.

This was our first time fishing in St. Pete. Best day! So many different kinds of fish. Learned different fishing techniques. One of the best trips I have taken.

There’s fish to be had, and nice ones at that, but general consensus seems to be it really picks up starting in April.

Make sure to get the right size boat for the trip you want, ours was perfect. Also talk to captain they are happy to help.

Yes! I know if the conditions were better we would have have caught a ton of fish.

Don’t expect too much on a 2 hour tour. Be realistic, and know you will still have a great time.

February isnt the best time, but if you’re just looking to get out and try deep sea fishing as a novice, you will catch something and it’s still great fun!

We should have waited until the water was at least 70 degrees so we could have caught some bigger fish.

Highly recommend booking with Captain Torin. Caught enough fish to feed easily four people. Excellent fight with 38” snook

Know what type fish are biting this time of year. Bring layers of clothing. Sunscreen even if it doesn't seem like it is sunny.

He said it wasn't exactly the right season but we still had a lot of fun and caught some really cool fish

If you are booking a charter do your homework on what you are expecting and reach out to the Captain so you do not get disappointed. We did not!!!

Make sure that The water is not to cold This time of the year water should have been warm for fishing but that’s natural Ask your captain so you no ahead of time

Its a fun experience for all ages, besides thw fishing just the scenery and boat experience is awesome.

Captain was very friendly and knowledgeable caught a lot of fish captain was very punctual I’d recommend it to the beginners

I would definitely take the early morning trip. Zach was professional and excited to be sharing the water and this recreation with us.

Patience and above all a good captain. Would definitely come and fish again. Also mornings during the week not as crowded and hot

Wear a hat. Long sleeve and maybe motion sickness medicine or a light breakfast. Don't party the night before.

Find a guide in St Petersburg who knows the area. If its your first trip to St Pete, you'll want to learn more about the area.

contact a captain and get recommendations on when is best time of year to catch your targeted species

Early morning before the wind comes up. Offshore is a blast if conditions are right. Otherwise you can’t miss w/ inshore fishing. Snook, snapper, sheep head, redfish a plenty