Live Bait
St Pete
We pride ourselves on carrying the highest quality and freshest live SHRIMP, FIDDLER CRABS and PINFISH in St Pete.
Freshest Live Bait in St Pete
At Riviera Bait and Tackle, we pride ourselves on carrying the highest quality and freshest live baits to help our customers hook trophy fish. Based in St. Petersburg, FL and serving anglers across the Tampa Bay area, we have everything you need to succeed, from the bait to the gear and expert local advice. We value our customers enough that we have invested in the equipment to make and maintain our own live bait water system. Our water has the optimal salinity concentrations and increased oxygen levels to provide healthier, more active and longer lasting live bait for your fishing outings.
Our Live Shrimp
Shrimp are a go-to bait for inshore and nearshore fishing in Florida. Their size and lively movement attracts attention from many species. We carry fresh live shrimp harvested right here in Tampa Bay. Our shrimp are vibrant, healthy and active in our aerated tanks. We get daily deliveries to ensure peak freshness.
Shrimp are versatile baits that work for many popular game fish like seatrout, snook, redfish, flounder and more. They are excellent for fishing flats, bridges, docks, mangroves and passes. For best results, hook them through the horn above the head or through the tail, leaving the body to freely wiggle and twitch. This irresistible action triggers strikes!
Live Fiddler Crabs
The distinctive sideways movement of fiddler crabs perfectly mimics small crustaceans and marine life that game fish feed on daily. Their thick claw that fiddles back and forth is what gives them their name. This unique movement grabs the attention of fish and says "easy meal."
We stock hearty fiddler crabs harvested locally. Their natural colors and active motion keep fish focused. Fiddlers are most productive for targeting sheepshead, black drum, redfish and other bottom feeders around structures. We recommend using a Carolina rig or fish finder rig bounced along the bottom.
Our Live Pin Fish
Pinfish are an abundant baitfish in our local waters. Their smooth silvery bodies and forked tails make them attractive to predators. When fished alive they provide enticing movement, and gamefish can't resist pouncing on them.
Our pinfish are caught using large circular traps that keep them unharmed and lively. We ensure our tanks are properly aerated and not overcrowded. This keeps them healthy and zipping around. Hungry gamefish like snook, redfish, trout and more aggressively strike these frisky little baits.
The Best Live Bait For Tampa Bay
Thanks to our prime location right here in north St. Pete, we have access to phenomenal bait options. Our live baits are locally sourced from Tampa Bay's fertile estuary. This estuarine environment produces nutrients that bait thrive on, making them extra strong.
We have confidence our live shrimp, fiddler crabs and pinfish will catch fish in the bay. Their quality shows in vibrant appearance and energetic activity in our curated water tanks. We strive to give our customers the best chance for success. Stop by Riviera Bait and Tackle for all your live bait needs before your next Tampa Bay fishing adventure.
Why Do We Use Live Bait...
Not sure how to get started fishing around St. Pete? We’re here to help!
We can give you rod and reel suggestions, tackle and bait set-ups and even some hot spots to get your adventure started.