Don’t make the mistake of putting your fishing gear away this November because the fall redfish bite is hot on our inshore fishing trips around St. Petersburg! We’re having our best action of the year.
With the cooler mornings and leaves turning, many anglers make a mistake and start packing up for the fall. But for us inshore fishing fans, the party’s just begun!
Redfish Love the Cooler Water – Consistent Bite!
With the temperatures falling below 80 degrees, the redfish bite is really heating up. From experience, we know that the cooler it gets, the more consistent the bite will be.
Easier to Find!
This time of year redfish push off the flats where they spend most of their warmer days and hang out in inshore waters near rivers, creek mouths, docks, channels and points.
Find Them in Groups!
During the summer, redfish generally like to forage in the flats as loners or in pairs. But once they move inshore on the hunt for warmer water and impending spawning, they congregate in tighter, confined areas.
With more fish beneath the surface, we can anticipate where to find the fish in big groups. Our inshore fishing trips will get as close to the shore as necessary and we will track redfish into creeks, channels and rivers as needed.
Hungry Redfish!
The bite is hot because the redfish are hungry right now. During fall in St. Petersburg, redfish diets change. With many fish hiding in warmer holes, they need to eat more to stay warm with their slower metabolisms.
At the end of October, we’ve already seen redfish biting desperately for our bait on our St. Petersburg inshore fishing charters.
Where Can I Catch Redfish in St. Petersburg?
We’re out on the water every day, so our Captains know the best hotspots. Guests on our inshore fishing charters can make the most of their expert knowledge to find those hotspots and enjoy the pods of hungry Redfish.
We’ve noticed lately the redfish are hot around residential docks, Weedon Island, Fort De Soto Park and St Pete Beach.
Why Are Redfish So Great?
Redfish are the thrill of shallow waters. Perfect for all skill levels, they can provide trophy-size catches without the need to go out into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico.
What makes them great is their fight! We love their no surrender attitude for a bite and their fierce runs. Hang tight because they’ve been known to rip the rod right out of the hands of unprepared anglers.
Final fact: Using their unique muscles, they make a ‘drumming’ sound which gives them the ‘Red Drum’ name.
How Do You Catch Redfish in St Petersburg?
Redfish love live crabs, shrimp and cigar minnows. We’ll see their tails poking out of the water or spot them in groups beneath the surface. Once you spot their unique black ‘eyespot’ at their tail on their red backs, you can be sure it’s a redfish.
On our St. Petersburg inshore fishing charters, our Captains will provide you with expert advice on which bait and equipment to use at any given moment. We guarantee a catch!
Be ready! Redfish are brave and will jump up right in front of the boat.
What Are Redfish Like to Eat?
Ever since redfish farming was legalized in the 80’s, they’ve become a favorite delicacy throughout Florida. When cooked properly, they are absolutely delicious – grilled redfish is a real treat.
If you want to keep your catch to eat, there are plenty of restaurants around St. Petersburg that we can recommend. The chefs will cook it to your wishes and serve it for a deliciously fresh meal.
If not, we’re happy to release every catch you make on our St. Petersburg inshore fishing charters.
What Makes Inshore Fishing So Great?
We love deep sea fishing, but it’s a totally different experience. Inshore fishing waters are calmer, so we can head out on smaller boats with lighter tackle, live bait and lures.
It’s a far more manageable trip for kids and anyone looking for fast action! We don’t need to travel too far and wait for a giant to arrive. Plus, the wait from the first bite to seeing it surface is so much faster!
Redfish Fishing Seasons in St. Petersburg
Florida isn’t considered the redfish capital of the world for nothing! Every month of the year allows for redfish fishing!
Although the best time to go redfish fishing fluctuates, there is no closed season!
| Month | Redfish Fishing Quality |
| January | Good |
| February | Good |
| March | Excellent |
| April | Excellent |
| May | Good |
| June | Good |
| July | Good |
| August | Good |
| September | Excellent |
| October | Excellent |
| November | Excellent |
| December | Very Good |
Facts About Redfish
- Redfish almost always have multiple spots on their body.
- Redfish are quick growers. Within a year, they reach around 11” and 1lb.
- Within two years, they should be around 20 “ and 3lbs.
- Redfish stay close to their birth location.
- Redfish can live for around 30 years!
Redfish Catch Records
- The largest recorded redfish catch was 94 lbs!
- Florida’s record was caught in Sebastian Inlet back in 1983 – 51 lbs!
Final Tips for Finding Redfish During Fall Around St. Petersburg
- Locate areas with a strong tidal flow.
- Locate holes where the reds are seeking warmer temperatures.
- Work inside of the structure. When the tide is flowing out, redfish like to stay inside shorelines, bars and rock formations.
- Warmer water is the key! Redfish will be found congregating in groups where they can stay warm.
Book a Private Redfish Inshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg
Book Now to Avoid Missing Out
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on our inshore fishing charters. We guarantee you’ll catch fish!
We welcome all skill ranges and ages, while also customizing our trips as needed. We’re proud to know all the St. Petersburg redfish hotspots and will continue to be on the lookout through the fall!
Warning: Our available spots are going fast, so book your own private trip now to avoid missing out. Let’s go fishing!
CALL or TEXT YACHTFISH Fishing Charters: (727) 433-4200
