Boating & Fishing FAQs

Couple on a Speed Boat Tour near the Don CeSar

A speed boat tour is a unique way to see the destination and spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and more!

Are there public fishing piers in the St. Pete/Clearwater area?

Yes. You’ll find several fishing piers in the St. Pete/Clearwater area including Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach, the newly renovated Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille, Skyway Fishing Pier and the Gulf and bay piers in Fort De Soto Park.

Do I need a fishing license in St. Pete or Clearwater?

If you are fishing from a boat or land and are 16 years or older, you must have a Florida fishing license. For some piers, you can pay one fee for the day that allows you to fish and it can often be cheaper than a state fishing license. 

How do I know what fish can be caught and when?

Certain species are only allowed to be fished seasonally. For the most up-to-date information on seasons, size limits and bag limits, review information from the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation.

Where can I find and book a fishing charter?

Some of the top marinas to book a fishing charter in the St. Pete/Clearwater area are Hubbard’s Marina, Maximo Marina and Anclote Harbors Marina. You can peruse this listing for fishing charters in St. Pete, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Dunedin and other nearby areas.

Where can I book a dolphin or nature cruise? What about a sunset cruise?

Many marinas throughout the area offer dolphin, nature and sunset cruises including Clearwater Municipal Marina, John's Pass Village & Boardwalk and Hubbard's Marina. In addition, attractions such as Clearwater Marine Aquarium and The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier offer nature and sunset tours. For information about boat tours, including sunset cruises, in Caladesi Island, Anclote Key, Egmont Key and more, see our article on the best boat tours and sunset cruises. There's even a floating tiki cruise!

Where can I rent a boat?

You can rent a powerboat from Clearwater Boat Rentals, Speed Boat Adventures and Island Marine Land and Sea Rentals for half-day or full-day rentals. You will find many local marinas offer powerboat rentals.