Going there in July. Looking to take the fam out for a redfish trip.

never did St Pete or Tampa, but go to the coastal bend area every other year. appalatchacola and Pt St Joe are great family fishing areas.

I haven't fished Tampa Bay since the mid sixties, but we used to do pretty well down on the south end. If you're using a guide you should be fine. If you're DYIing it, check the Florida Sportsman forums for current and historical reports, and study your prospective areas on Google Earth. Good luck!

Great question! I'll be heading that way in mid-June as well with my wife and 2 kids. We're thinking about hiring a guide for a day too. Look forward to seeing more repsonses and maybe even some recommendations.

I'm from there. Boat or from shore? Give me some more details and I may be able to point you in the right general direction.

captain mel.com --- is another website for Tampa info. I fish there alot during the winter and target snook mainly at nite in the lites. Not for everyone but the fish are concentrated waiting for the easy meal. Small white streamers to match the glass minnows and white bait for fast action. Ft Desoto has some good flats for trout and reds and the tarpon will be in the ship channel under the sunshine skyway bridge.. G/L

I fished in the Tampa Bay area 13 years ago when the first national kayak tournament trail came through that area several times each year. It was the Extreme Edge trail sponsored by Humminbird, and pitted anglers from Florida against those from the great state of TEXAS. I haven't been fishing there in many years but keep up with the guys that paddle fish and the folks from south florida that look for guides when the go up that way to fish. The link below is as good as it gets for both paddle fishing guide or boat guide.

http://www.jmsnookykayakcharters.com/

fun place to have dinner:
http://www.greeniguana.com/#about

Def wanting to go out with a guide. May even look to go the deep sea root if I can talk the kids into it.

Ft. Desoto park is a good place to wade fish.. Just south of St' Pete. Just before the Skyway bridge!

Should still be able to catch snook on the beach near the passes. Also lots of trout, flounder, reds and snook on the flats. Gulp shrimp, mirrolures, and cut ladyfish all work great for everything.

I like the flats on the north end of the Skyway by the rest stop. Fish on high tide. Lots of grass, sand bars, and potholes.
Also good is Joe's Creek that goes through St Pete and Pinellas Park area. Will need a kayak for that though.
You can rent a Tarpon or Ride at Canoe Country in St Pete for $35 a day.