As the weather cools down and the leaves change color, inshore fishing in St. Pete will still be there despite what some may think. Seasonal changes bring about many events when it comes to fish. A few actions are happening with some of the most popular gamefish: redfish, snook, and spotted sea trout.
Getting Started
While the specific techniques and tactics may vary slightly from summer to fall, preparation is key to a successful and enjoyable day out on the water, especially here in Saint Petersburg. Let’s consider a few things you should know to prepare for inshore fishing this fall.
Check the Weather Forecast
Before heading out, check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. St. Pete is known for the beautiful weather and clear waters, but not every day is like that. Know your limits and what you’re comfortable with. A little rain never hurts anybody, but a hurricane is not fishing weather; fishing in extreme weather conditions can be extremely dangerous.
Dress for the Weather
Of course, the first step is to check the weather. There should be a direct correlation between the weather and how you dress. Dress in layers to be comfortable no matter the temperature during the day, and be sure to have enough food and water to stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho in lousy weather. Always bring sunscreen, a hat, and some polarized sunglasses; UV rays can be extremely harmful, and sunburns suck!
Know Your Target Species
Inshore fishing in St. Pete offers the opportunity to target a wide variety of species, but it’s essential to know which fish are biting before heading out. Check with local bait shops or charter captains to find out what’s being caught and where then adjust your tactics accordingly. The best fish to target right now are redfish and snook. Spotted seatrout is also active right now, but action with this particular fish may start slowing down soon as the spawning season ends.
- Redfish: Right now, redfish are in the heat of spawn. There are the much larger bull reds coming from nearshore for the spawn. The comparatively smaller and younger redfish that happen to be quite tasty are moving into shallower water to catch a nice meal as well.
- Snook: coastal rivers and large inlets to the ocean and Gulf of Mexico are where snook is now. Making Saint Petersburg prime real estate for fishing these fighters. They are also experiencing their spawn, and we will likely see increased activity and very productive fishing.
- Spotted Seatrout: As was mentioned earlier, they are nearing the end of their spawning season, so we may see decreased activity, but that doesn’t mean they will disappear. Found in very similar locations to both snook and redfish, you will not have a problem getting one of these guys, even if they’re not what you’re targeting.
Final Word
By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful and enjoyable day of inshore fishing this fall. Just remember to get your gear ready, check the weather forecast, and know your target species, and you’ll be sure to have a great time! If you want to get out on the water and enjoy some of this Fall Saint Pete weather, go ahead and book your trip today!