Explore · Boat Days · Treasure Island, FL · Life is Better on the Water
⚓ The Salty Locals · Boat Days Guide
Boat Days on Treasure Island ⚓
There's no better way to experience Treasure Island than from the water. Charters, rentals, sandbar parties, fishing and dolphin spotting — this is boat life done right.
From private charters to DIY rentals — find the perfect way to get out on the water
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Charter
Deep Sea Fishing Charter
From $150/person
Full and half-day deep sea fishing charters with experienced local captains. All gear included — just bring sunscreen and a cooler.
"The Gulf is full of snapper, grouper and tarpon — locals know exactly where to find them."
All Gear IncludedHalf & Full DayLocal Captains
🦞
Charter
Inshore Fishing Charter
From $400/half day
Target snook, redfish, tarpon and flounder on the backwater flats and passes with a local guide who knows every grass flat and oyster bar around TI.
"Inshore fishing around TI is world class — the passes and flats are loaded."
BackwaterSnook & RedfishLocal Guide
🐬
Tour
Dolphin Watching Cruise
From $45/person
Spot wild dolphins in their natural habitat on a guided Gulf Coast cruise. Perfect for families and first-time visitors to the island.
"We see dolphins on almost every single trip — the Gulf is teeming with them."
Family FriendlyGuided2 hrs
🏰
Tour
Egmont Key Tour
From $55/person
Guided boat tour to Egmont Key State Park — historic lighthouse, Civil War ruins, gopher tortoises and crystal clear water. One of the best full-day trips from TI.
"If you've never been to Egmont Key, make it happen. It's unlike anywhere else around here."
Full DayHistoricWildlifeGuided
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Rental
Pontoon Boat Rental
From $299/half day
Rent a pontoon and captain your own adventure. Head to the sandbar, explore the backwaters or cruise the Intracoastal at your own pace.
"Grab a cooler, invite the crew and find your own sandbar — that's the TI way."
No License NeededUp to 12 People
🌅
Cruise
Sunset Cruise
From $65/person
Watch the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico from the water. Drinks, good company and the most beautiful sunset you've ever seen.
"The sunsets from the water are 10x better than from the beach. Trust us."
BYOB2 hrsAdults
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Rental
Kayak & SUP Rentals
From $25/hr
Explore the calm backwaters and mangrove tunnels by kayak or paddleboard. No experience needed — just a sense of adventure.
"Morning is magical on the backwater — glassy water, wildlife and total peace."
Beginner FriendlyBackwater
🥂
Cruise
Private Boat Charter
From $500/half day
Book a private vessel and captain for your group — birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events or just because. You choose the destination and vibe.
"The most memorable TI experiences happen on the water. Make it private."
Private GroupAny OccasionCustom Route
🚤
Rental
Jet Ski Rental
From $85/hr
Tear across the Gulf on a jet ski — no experience needed, just a valid ID and a sense of adventure. One of the most fun ways to explore the water around TI.
"Best way to see the coastline fast — and feel every bit of it."
No License NeededHigh EnergyGulf Access
No options in this category yet — check back soon! ⛵
🎣 Fishing Guide & Forecast
Live conditions, today's best fishing times and a full Gulf fish ID guide with FWC regulations
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Water Temp
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Gulf surface avg
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Conditions
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Fishing Rating
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⚡ Solunar Fishing Times — Today
Fish are most active during Major and Minor feeding periods — plan your trip around these windows for the best results
Major 1
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~2 hrs active
Minor 1
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~1 hr active
Major 2
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~2 hrs active
Minor 2
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~1 hr active
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🌊 Today's Tides · Treasure Island, FL · Calculated from Lunar Data
⏳ Calculating tides...
Tide times calculated from lunar harmonic data · Approximate predictions for TI / St. Pete area · Verify on NOAA ↗
📋
Florida Fishing License Required
Anyone aged 16–64 needs a valid Florida saltwater fishing license. Targeting reef fish (grouper, snapper)? You also need the free State Reef Fish Angler designation. Tarpon over 40" require a $50 tag. Snook require a snook stamp. Get your license at MyFWC.com ↗
🐟 Florida Gulf Fish ID Guide
Common catches around Treasure Island · Always verify current regs at MyFWC.com
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🐟
Offshore · Reef
Gag Grouper
Mycteroperca microlepis
One of the most prized catches in the Gulf. Found near rocky bottoms, ledges and artificial reefs. The grouper sandwich you've been eating at Ka'Tiki? This is the one.
Min Size
24"
Bag Limit
2/person
Season
Open
"Fish deep ledges 30–120ft with live pinfish or cut bait. Circle hooks required for all reef fish."
Bottom Fish30–120 ftCircle HooksReef Fish Tag
🔴
Offshore · Reef
Red Snapper
Lutjanus campechanus
Bright red with excellent table fare. Found near reefs and hard bottom. Gulf season open year-round in state waters — check FWC for federal water dates.
Min Size
16"
Bag Limit
2/person
Season
Check FWC
"Use a venting tool from deep water — barotrauma kills released fish. Circle hooks required."
Reef Fish50–200 ftReef Fish Tag
🐠
Inshore · Beach
Common Snook
Centropomus undecimalis
The inshore trophy fish of the Gulf Coast. Powerful, fast and smart — the black lateral line makes them unmistakable. Found along beaches, passes and mangrove shorelines.
Slot Limit
28"–33"
Bag Limit
1/person
Closed
May–Sep
"Closed May 1–Sep 30 and Dec 1–Feb 28. Snook stamp required. Catch & release during closure."
Passes & Beaches⚠️ Closed May–SepSnook Stamp
🟠
Inshore · Backwater
Red Drum (Redfish)
Sciaenops ocellatus
Copper-colored with a black spot at the tail base. Found in grass flats, oyster bars and backwater areas. Sight fishing tailing reds on the flats at low tide is one of the most exciting inshore experiences in Florida.
Slot Limit
18"–27"
Bag Limit
1/person
Season
Open
"Sight fish on the flats at low tide — look for tailing reds on shallow grass beds early morning."
Grass FlatsOyster BarsYear Round
🌟
Inshore · Beach
Atlantic Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
The Silver King. One of the most spectacular game fish in the world — they jump, they run and put on an absolute show. TI passes are prime tarpon territory May through August.
Keep Limit
1/year w/tag
Over 40"
C&R Only
Peak Season
May–Aug
"Tarpon over 40" must stay in the water. $50 tarpon tag required to keep. Almost everyone C&R."
Catch & ReleasePeak: May–Aug$50 Tag to Keep
🫓
Backwater · Inshore
Gulf Flounder
Paralichthys albigutta
Flat, camouflaged bottom-dwellers that ambush prey from the sand. Found in backwater passes and grass flats. Three black spots in a triangle pattern. Excellent table fare.
Min Size
12"
Bag Limit
10/person
Season
Open
"Drag a live shrimp slowly across sandy bottom near grass edges at tide changes."
Sandy BottomGrass EdgesYear Round
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Nearshore · Fast
Spanish Mackerel
Scomberomorus maculatus
Lightning fast, aggressive and loads of fun on light tackle. Silvery with golden spots — they travel in big schools and hit anything shiny. One of the most common nearshore catches from TI.
Min Size
12"
Bag Limit
15/person
Season
Open
"Use a wire leader — Spanish mac teeth cut mono instantly. Troll a silver spoon just behind the wake."
Light TackleWire LeaderSchools in Surf
🌈
Offshore · Bluewater
Mahi-Mahi
Coryphaena hippurus
The most colorful fish in the ocean — iridescent green, blue and gold. Found offshore around floating debris and weed lines. Arguably the best eating fish in the Gulf and a serious fighter.
Min Size
None (Gulf)
Bag Limit
10/person
Season
Open
"Find weed lines 20+ miles offshore. Where there's one mahi there are more — keep a line in."
Bluewater20+ Miles OutBest Eating
🌿
Backwater · Structure
Mangrove Snapper
Lutjanus griseus
Crafty, finicky and surprisingly strong for their size. Found around docks, mangroves and bridges. Most commonly caught snapper inshore — and one of the trickiest to fool.
Min Size
10"
Bag Limit
5/person
Season
Open
"Go light — 10lb fluoro and a small hook with live shrimp. They'll see a heavy leader."
Docks & BridgesLight TackleYear Round
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Backwater · Structure
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Black and white striped with human-like teeth. Found on every dock, piling and bridge around TI. Known as the "convict fish" — experts at stealing bait without getting caught.
Min Size
12"
Bag Limit
15/person
Season
Open
"Set the hook just before you think they've taken the bait. Fiddler crab is the best bait."
Docks & PilingsFiddler CrabWinter–Spring
No fish in this category — try another filter! 🎣
⚠️ Always verify current regulations before you fish. Bag limits, sizes and seasons change frequently. Check MyFWC.com before heading out. The Salty Locals is not responsible for regulatory changes after publication.
🏖️ Sandbar Guide
🏝️
The TI Sandbar Scene
Anchor up, jump in and join dozens of boats in crystal Gulf water. Sandbar days are the most TI thing you can possibly do.
🌊
Blind Pass Sandbar
Between TI & St. Pete Beach · ~1 mile · Easy access
The local go-to for a quick sandbar stop. Blind Pass separates Treasure Island from St. Pete Beach and forms a natural sandbar at the mouth. Calmer waters, great for families and first-timers. Dolphins are almost guaranteed.
Best Tide
Low Tide
Best For
Families
Distance
~1 mile
"Watch the current — Blind Pass has tidal flow. Anchor firmly and keep an eye on kids near the channel edge."
Family FriendlyDolphinsCalmer WaterWatch Current
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John's Pass Sandbar
North TI · Johns Pass Village · ~0.5 miles
The sandbar that forms just outside John's Pass at the north end of TI. Popular with locals for a quick afternoon stop — anchor up, swim and watch the boats come and go through the pass.
Best Tide
Low–Mid
Vibe
Locals Only
Distance
~0.5 miles
"John's Pass has a lot of boat traffic — use a diver down flag if snorkeling and stay out of the main channel."
Local FavoriteQuick TripBusy Channel
🏖️
Fort De Soto Sandbar
~5 miles south · Tierra Verde area
One of the most beautiful and least crowded sandbar spots reachable from TI. Crystal clear water, white sand and incredible wildlife — manatees, dolphins and sea birds are common. Perfect half-day trip south.
Best Tide
Low–Mid
Best For
Families
Distance
~5 miles
"Go slow in the shallows — manatees are common and the grass flats are protected. Anchor in sand only."
Less CrowdedCrystal WaterManateesSlow Zone
🏰
Egmont Key State Park
~10 miles offshore · Full day · Tours available from TI
Not just a sandbar — a full island experience. Historic lighthouse, Civil War fort ruins, gopher tortoises and the clearest water in the bay. Tours run from TI. Worth every mile — plan for a full day.
Distance
~10 miles
Best For
Full Day
Facilities
None
"Bring everything — water, food, sunscreen, trash bags. No dogs allowed. Gopher tortoises have the right of way."
State ParkHistoricTours AvailablePack In Pack Out
🏖️
Low Tide — Most Sand
Maximum sandbar exposed. Best for walking, sitting and shelling. Arrive at low tide and stay through the incoming.
🏊
Mid Tide — Sweet Spot
Best of both — some bar exposed and enough depth to swim. Most locals aim to hit mid tide for the ideal conditions.
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High Tide — All Water
Sandbar may be submerged. Great swimming depth but no dry land. Check your anchor as conditions change throughout the day.
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Cooler & Ice
Pack more than you think
☀️
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Reapply every 2 hrs
⚓
Extra Anchor Line
More scope = better hold
💧
Fresh Water
Gulf heat is no joke
🎵
Waterproof Speaker
Every sandbar needs a soundtrack
🦺
Life Jackets
Required for kids. Always.
🍕
Food & Snacks
No restaurants out here
🗑️
Trash Bags
Pack it in, pack it out
🏴☠️ Sandbar Etiquette — The Unwritten Rules
Locals know these. Now you do too.
⚓
Leave Space When AnchoringGive surrounding boats room for wind and tide swing. Don't drop the hook right on top of someone already there.
🎵
Keep Music RespectfulEveryone's here for a good time. Competing bass wars ruin it for everyone — keep it fun, not obnoxious.
🗑️
Take Every Piece of Trash HomeThis is our Gulf. Leave the sandbar cleaner than you found it. Not negotiable in TI.
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Never Feed or Chase DolphinsDolphins that associate boats with food lose their ability to hunt. Watch them, love them, leave them alone.
⚡
Head In When Thunder RumblesDon't be the last boat on the sandbar when a storm builds. The Gulf turns fast in summer afternoons.
🦺
Kids in Life Jackets, AlwaysThe water feels calm. Currents happen. Kids wear life jackets on the water every single time.
⚓ Boater's Guide
Knots, marinas, bait & ice, local tips — everything you need to know before you leave the dock
⚓
Know Your Knots Before You Leave the Dock
Whether you're tying off at a sandbar, anchoring or rigging a fishing line — knowing the right knot for the right situation is essential. These are the knots every TI boater needs to know.
Filter:
01
Bowline Knot
Docking · Mooring · Safety lines
Difficulty:
Easy
The king of knots — creates a fixed loop that won't slip or jam under load. Used for dock lines, mooring lines and safety harnesses. Once learned, never forgotten.
How to Tie
1
Make a small loop in the standing line ("the rabbit hole")
2
Pass the working end up through the loop ("rabbit comes out")
3
Go around behind the standing line ("around the tree")
4
Pass back down through the loop and pull tight
"The rabbit comes out of the hole, runs around the tree, and goes back down the hole."
02
Cleat Hitch
Docking · Securing to cleats
Difficulty:
Beginner
The single most used knot in boating. Used every time you tie up to a dock. Fast to tie, fast to release — every boater needs this one down cold.
How to Tie
1
Wrap the line around the base of the cleat once
2
Figure-8 across the two horns of the cleat
3
Make a locking hitch: flip a loop and drop over one horn
4
Pull snug — two figure-8s max or it jams under tension
"Two figure-8s max — more wraps make it hard to release. One solid cleat hitch holds a boat in a storm."
03
Anchor Bend
Anchoring · Attaching rode to anchor
Difficulty:
Easy
The correct knot for attaching anchor rode to your anchor. Holds under the constant pull and release that anchor lines experience at sandbars and overnight anchorages.
How to Tie
1
Pass the working end through the anchor ring twice
2
Wrap around the standing line once
3
Tuck end back through the double loop just made
4
Finish with two half hitches around the standing line
"Never use a bowline to attach anchor rode — it loosens under cyclic tidal load."
04
Clove Hitch
Quick tie-up · Fenders · Pilings
Difficulty:
Beginner
A fast temporary tie-up knot — great for securing fenders, tying to pilings and quick stops. Follow with a bowline for long stays.
How to Tie
1
Pass the line over and around the piling
2
Cross over the standing part diagonally
3
Wrap around the piling again in the same direction
4
Tuck the end under the second wrap and pull tight
"Great for fenders and quick stops. Back it up with a bowline for overnight docking."
05
Palomar Knot
Fishing · Hook · Lure · Swivel
Difficulty:
Easy
The strongest and simplest fishing knot for attaching a hook, lure or swivel. Retains nearly 100% of line strength. If you only learn one fishing knot, make it this one.
How to Tie
1
Double 6 inches of line and pass the loop through the hook eye
2
Tie a simple overhand knot with the doubled line
3
Pass the loop over the entire hook completely
4
Pull both ends to tighten down onto the hook eye
"Wet the knot before pulling tight — dry friction weakens fluorocarbon."
06
Improved Clinch Knot
Fishing · Hooks · Swivels · Lures
Difficulty:
Easy
The most widely used fishing knot in the world. Works on hooks, swivels and lures with mono and lighter fluorocarbon lines up to about 20lb.
How to Tie
1
Thread 6 inches of line through the hook eye
2
Wrap the tag end around the standing line 5–6 times
3
Pass tag end back through the loop near the eye
4
Pass through the large loop formed, wet and pull tight
"On braid, use a Palomar instead — clinch can slip on braided line."
07
Figure Eight Stopper
Preventing rope slip-through · Safety
Difficulty:
Beginner
The simplest stopper knot. Tied at the end of a line to prevent it slipping through a block or fairlead. Every line on your boat that runs through a block should have one.
How to Tie
1
Make a loop near the end of the rope
2
Pass the working end around and through the loop from underneath
3
Pull the end back through the loop just made
4
Tighten — it forms a clean figure-8 shape
"Easier to untie than an overhand knot after being loaded — always use this instead."
08
Sheet Bend
Joining two lines · Different diameters
Difficulty:
Easy
The go-to knot for joining two ropes together — especially different thicknesses. Perfect for extending anchor lines or tying two ropes in an emergency on the water.
How to Tie
1
Make a bight (fold) in the thicker rope
2
Pass the thinner rope up through the bight
3
Wrap around behind both parts of the bight
4
Tuck back under its own part only — pull tight
"Both short ends must be on the same side when finished or it'll slip."
🗺️ Marinas, Bait & Ice — Treasure Island Area
Where locals fuel up, grab bait, pick up ice and launch — everything you need before heading out
⚓ Local Marinas, Boat Ramps & Fuel Docks · Treasure Island, FL
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Hubbard's Marina
10 Windward Passage, Pass-a-Grille · Full service marina with fuel dock, charter boats, fishing gear and live bait. One of the most established marinas in the area — has everything you need before heading out.
Fuel DockLive BaitIceChartersFishing Gear
🚤
Johns Pass Marina & Bait Shop
12950 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach · At the Johns Pass Village boardwalk. Boat rentals, live bait, ice, tackle and easy Gulf access through the pass. Popular local stop before heading out.
Live BaitIceTackleRentalsGulf Access
🏞️
Treasure Bay Boat Ramp
Public boat ramp in Treasure Island — free launch with trailer parking. Good Intracoastal access via Blind Pass and Johns Pass. Closest public ramp to the TI beach area.
Free RampTrailer ParkingPublicIntracoastal Access
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Tierra Verde Marina
Near Fort De Soto — full service marina with fuel, wet slips, bait and easy Gulf and Tampa Bay access. The best staging point for Egmont Key trips and Fort De Soto sandbar days.
Fuel DockWet SlipsBait & IceEgmont Access
🏴☠️ Salty Boating Tips
From locals who live on the water
⛽
Fuel Up Early
Gas docks get busy on weekends — fuel up first thing in the morning before heading out. Don't be the boat turning around at the fuel dock.
🌤️
Check the Marine Forecast
Summer afternoon storms roll in fast — always check the marine forecast before heading out. Windy.com is your best friend on the water.
🦀
Watch for Crab Traps
Crab trap buoys are everywhere in the backwaters — go slow and watch your prop carefully near markers. A wrapped prop ruins a boat day fast.
🐬
Slow Down for Dolphins
If dolphins are near your boat, slow down and enjoy them. Never approach, chase or feed them — ever. It's also the law.
🌊
Know Your Tides
Check the tide chart before heading to any sandbar or shallow area. Low tide = more sandbar. High tide = more swimming. Getting stuck is not a vibe.
🍺
Designate a Sober Captain
BUI (boating under the influence) laws in Florida are strict and the penalties are serious. Always have a sober captain. No exceptions, no debate.
📱
Download a Marine App
Navionics or iNavX shows you depth charts, sandbars, markers and hazards. Essential for anyone exploring new areas around TI for the first time.
🦺
Life Jackets for Everyone
Florida law requires a wearable life jacket for every person on board. Kids under 6 must wear one at all times while underway. Keep them accessible.
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File a Float Plan
Tell someone where you're going, when you'll be back and who's on board. If you're going offshore especially — file a float plan before you leave the dock.
🦩 Plan Your Boat Day
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Not Sure Where to Start?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with the perfect local charter or rental within 24 hours. No obligation — just salty local advice.
🦩 Ahoy! We'll connect you with the perfect local crew within 24 hours. Stay salty!
