I'm from Louisville also. I fish and spend alot of time in the St. Pete beach area. I would assume it would be like fishing on the west coast. I would spend a few dollars at walmart or pro bass and buy me a rod around 8' put an ambassdeur reel on it with about 20 lb test. Get some live bait shrimp or some frozen bait and go out to the beach and just fish off the beach, I usually go early before the crowds get there or later when they left. I would throw some D.O.A. lures rootbeer color some red head with white feather jigs early. Or you could go to Juno beach Park pier. Wish I could help more. Good Luck