One of the best things about the city of St. Petersburg is its location. St. Petersburg is located in the heart of the south, and that means it is blessed with warm weather even when much of the country is suffering through the bone-chilling cold.

The city of St. Petersburg area and the surrounding area are also home to some of the most spectacular beaches you will ever see, with fine soft sand, clear sparkling waters and warm ocean breezes. The fact that St. Petersburg is located right on the water also means it is one of the best places to explore (or discover) your passion for deep-sea fishing.

Deep-sea fishing is not your typical angling - it is much more fun and exciting. If you are already an avid deep-sea fishing enthusiast, you already know the hold the sport can have on you. If you are new to the world of deep-sea fishing, you will quickly see why the sport is so popular, and why St. Petersburg is ground zero for some of the best fishing charters in the world.

But even the best deep-sea fishing destination has its layers, and when you go, you want to go with the best. So which deep-sea fishing operators are the best, which are the most family friendly and which ones have the most experienced guides? Here is our list of the best deep-sea fishing charters in and around the St. Petersburg area.

The Fish Hunter

At The Fish Hunter, the name says it all. If you are ready to go hunting on the water, the Fish Hunter has everything you need to get started. From bait and tackle to experienced guides who know where the best sports fish are hiding, this great company truly has it all.

The Fish Hunter is expertly run by Captain George Hastick, a second-generation fisherman, and professional guide. When you book a trip, you can expect to catch cobia snapper, kingfish, snook, trout, tarpon, grouper and many other favorite sports fish.

Captain Mike Gore Tampa Charter

Captain Mike Gore is a St. Petersburg institution, and his Tampa Charter is one of the most popular fishing excursions in the region. When you book a trip with Captain Mike Gore, you will go out in search of popular sports fish like tarpon, flatfish, snook, redfish, and kingfish. Best of all, you will have Mike's expert help and guidance every step of the way.

Captain Mike welcomes anglers of all abilities, from the raw beginner to the experienced fisherman. No matter what your level of expertise, you will find everything you need to catch the big one, including professional-grade bait and tackle, right onboard.

Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy

Unlike many entries on our list, Cruising Florida Powerboat Academy offers more than just fishing trips. You can book a fishing charter here, and when you do, you will head out in search of redfish, snook and other popular sports species, but you can also rent a boat and enjoy your adventure.

You can even book courses and learn how to sail. If you are thinking about buying your fishing boat one day, just ask your captain about these expert lessons.

In the meantime, you can book a charter for up to 4 people, so grab your friends and get going. Rates start at just $565 for a half day or $995 for a full day on the water.

Native Sportfishing

Native Sportfishing is another popular choice for the avid fishing enthusiasts, a charter that truly caters to the waterborne sportsman. At the helm is Captain Ben, an experienced and accomplished fisherman who takes his business very seriously.

The rates at Native Sportfishing are affordable, especially if you split the cost among your group. The cost of an in-shore charter starts at just $500 for a half day trip and $800 for a full-day adventure. The staff is friendly, they provide everything you need and they even clean and pack your catch for you at the end of the trip.

Pocket Change Fishing Charters

Pocket Change Fishing Charters is another St. Petersburg institution and another fabulous choice for fishing enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Captain Anthony scours the entire area, scoping out the best fishing locations and finding those hidden spots other charter operators do not know about.

When you book your fishing adventure with Pocket Change Fishing Charters, you will head out in search of tarpon, snook, snapper, redfish, cobia, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, drum and even sharks. The charter specializes in the Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, an area known for its great fishing and its friendly people.

The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park

The St. Petersburg area has been undergoing enormous growth in recent years. That rapid growth has meant that many pieces of its infrastructure, including its many bridges, are now outdated.

The updating of St. Petersburg infrastructure has created some happy accidents, but none is as welcome to fishing enthusiasts as the spectacular Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Just picture an entire bridge converted into a massive fishing pier, and you will get some idea of the scope of the project.

When the bridge that once connected the city of St. Petersburg to nearby Sarasota became outdated, the state decided to construct a brand new one. That meant there was an extra bridge available, and the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park was born.

The Skyway Fishing Pier State Park has many distinctions, including its spot as the longest fishing pier in the world. If you love to fish but are not ready to book a charter trip, just head out to the pier and try your luck.

Underneath the fishing pier, you will find a wide variety of sports fish, the same species the charters fish for. From tarpon and red snapper to sheepshead and grouper, you can bait your hook and try your luck. The Skyway Fishing Pier is perfect for the whole family, and a great way to teach the kids to fish.