When gag are around St. Pete Beach
Angler’s Dream says grouper and snapper are most active in spring and summer, St. Pete Beach-wide, so that is the window to plan gag trips around. Biology and general method are covered in the species guide. This page covers this port’s water: the run off Pass-a-Grille, the named structure and depths, how it is fished, and who fishes it. For the whole coast, see the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
Where boats run
The St. Pete Beach port page covers ramps, passes and conditions. This section covers the run itself, starting from the nearest landmark and moving outward.
The tri-pod
The Pass-a-Grille tri-pod sits a couple of miles offshore from Pass-a-Grille. Everything else offshore on this page is measured from it.
West into 60 to 120 feet
From the tri-pod, head west to the Pass-a-Grille ledges and rockpiles in 60 to 120 feet. Pass-a-Grille’s fishing page lists red grouper and scamp grouper on the same ledges, and Reel Coquina lists gag among the offshore structure fish.
The Nohab
The Nohab (South Jack Wreck) rests in 66 feet, about 15 nautical miles off Egmont Key. It is a single structure and a longer run than the ledge band west of the tri-pod.
Grounds and structure
Named structure near St. Pete Beach, ordered from deepest to shallowest:
| Name | Depth | Location note |
|---|---|---|
| Pass-a-Grille ledges and rockpiles | 60 to 120 ft | From the tri-pod, head west |
| Nohab (South Jack Wreck) | 66 ft | About 15 nautical miles off Egmont Key |
| South County Reef | 45 ft | |
| St. Pete Beach Reef | 35 ft | |
| Egmont Reef (Egmont Key Reef) | 18 ft | Just inside Tampa Bay, east of Egmont Key |
Depth contours on the Chart Contours layer make this structure easier to plan around. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Offshore ledges and wreck
The ledges and rockpiles in 60 to 120 feet make up the main band, and the Nohab is a separate single wreck in 66 feet. Red grouper and scamp share the Pass-a-Grille ledges, so the reef-fish guides apply to the same stops.
Artificial reefs
Three reefs offer shallower options: South County Reef in 45 feet, St. Pete Beach Reef in 35 feet, and Egmont Reef in 18 feet, just inside Tampa Bay, east of Egmont Key. ReefsNwrecks lists Egmont Key Reef as Egmont Reef.
Nearshore structure
The Pass-a-Grille Jetty sits at the southwest tip of Pass-a-Grille. The Merry Pier pilings are also listed.
How it is fished and who fishes it
Bottom fishing ledges and rockpiles
Locally, gag are fished from the bottom over ledges and rockpiles with live or cut bait. Miss Pass-A-Grille lists gag grouper on its half-day and private trips.
Charters that list gag
These operators list gag grouper from this port:
- Miss Pass-A-Grille Deep Sea Fishing51 ft twin diesel with an A/C cabin.
- Angler’s Dream Fishing32 ft center console, Captain Joe Genovese.
- Reel Coquina Fishing ChartersOrion 29 and 37 ft Sea Vee, Captain Pablo Koch-Schick.
- White Pearl Fishing Charters24 ft Nauticstar, Captain Zack Arnold.
FAQ about gag grouper fishing out of St. Pete Beach
When are gag most active around St. Pete Beach?
Angler’s Dream says grouper and snapper are most active in spring and summer, St. Pete Beach-wide. That is the window to plan around.
How far do boats run for gag?
Boats run to the Pass-a-Grille tri-pod, a couple of miles offshore, then head west to the ledges and rockpiles in 60 to 120 feet. The Nohab is farther out, about 15 nautical miles off Egmont Key.
What depth holds gag here?
The ledges and rockpiles hold fish in 60 to 120 feet, and the Nohab sits in 66 feet. The artificial reefs are shallower: 45 feet (South County Reef), 35 feet (St. Pete Beach Reef) and 18 feet (Egmont Reef).
Which buoy should I check before running offshore?
NDBC station 42098, Egmont Channel Entrance, FL, is a waverider buoy at 27.590 N, 82.931 W. Check wave height, period and wind there, then read the official marine forecast before committing to the run.
What else is caught on the same ledges?
Pass-a-Grille’s fishing page lists red grouper and scamp on the same ledges and rockpiles west of the tri-pod, so expect all three on the same stop.
Where are the rules?
Gag rules are on the Florida regulations page and in the federal reef fish rules, both linked in the Regulations section above. Check them before fishing, because the figures change by season and quota.
