Ready for a laid-back morning on the water? Our St. Marks inshore fishing trip is tailor-made for folks who are new to fishing or just want a chill day out. We'll cruise the coastal waters near Tallahassee and St. Marks, where you'll get a shot at some of Florida's most popular gamefish. No need to worry about gear or licenses – we've got all that covered. Just bring yourself, maybe a few buddies or the family, and we'll handle the rest. It's fishing made easy, with a chance to reel in some real beauties.
Picture this: You're out on a slick, well-equipped boat, the sun's just coming up, and the water's calm. That's how we start our mornings here at Angry Fish Inshore Charters. We keep things simple and fun, especially for you first-timers. You'll be using top-notch gear that's easy to handle, and our captain's always ready to show you the ropes. We'll hit up some local honey holes where redfish and trout love to hang out. And don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before – by the end of the trip, you'll be casting like a pro (well, almost).
Inshore fishing is like the gentle giant of the fishing world – it's laid-back but can still pack a punch. We'll be using light tackle, which means you can feel every nibble and fight. We might do some drift fishing, where we let the boat glide along while we dangle our lines in promising spots. Or we could anchor up and chum the water to bring the fish to us. The captain might even break out some artificial lures if the fish are feeling picky. It's all about reading the water and adjusting our game plan. And here's a pro tip: when you feel that tug, don't yank the rod – just raise it smoothly and start reeling. You'll be high-fiving over your catch in no time.
Folks have been hauling in some real beauties lately. The redfish have been on fire, with anglers pulling in some chunky ones in the 20-30 inch range. Sea trout are always a crowd-pleaser, and they've been biting like crazy on the flats. We've even had a few lucky customers land some monster flounder – those flatties can put up a surprising fight! The sheepshead have been keeping things interesting too, hanging around the dock pilings and oyster beds. Remember, it's not just about size – even the smaller fish can be a blast to catch, especially when you're just starting out.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Florida favorite. They love to cruise in shallow water, and when they hit your bait, hold on tight! Redfish can grow over 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. They're most active in the fall, but we catch 'em year-round. The best part? They're delicious if you decide to keep one for dinner.
Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your grandpa's brook trout. Spotted sea trout are sleek, silvery, and love to attack topwater lures. They're known for their soft mouths, so setting the hook just right is part of the fun. Spring and fall are prime time for big trout, but they bite all year. Catching a "gator" trout (over 20 inches) is a real badge of honor around here.
Southern Flounder: These masters of camouflage are like the ninjas of the fish world. They lie flat on the bottom, blending in perfectly until they ambush their prey. Flounder fishing is all about patience and a gentle touch. When you feel that subtle bite, give it a second before you set the hook. Fall is the best time to target these tasty flatfish, as they move to deeper waters for the winter.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong in a dentist's office, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling the bite takes some practice. But man, are they fun to catch! You'll find them around structures like bridges and docks, usually in cooler months. They're also some of the best-eating fish in these waters, with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat.
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters around St. Marks and Tallahassee. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as we head out, or the thrill of watching your line zip off the reel. Our regulars tell us it's the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. You're not battling huge waves or sitting for hours without a bite. Instead, you're in calm waters, with plenty of action to keep things interesting. Plus, there's always the chance of hooking into that personal best fish – the one you'll be talking about for years to come.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a no-fuss, all-fun fishing trip that's perfect for beginners, you've found it. We've got the boat, the gear, and the know-how to make your day on the water a success. Whether you're trying to hook your first fish or just want a relaxing morning away from it all, our St. Marks inshore trip fits the bill. Remember, we can only take two folks at a time, so it's nice and personal. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack), and we'll take care of the rest. The fish are biting, the water's fine, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. What do you say – ready to wet a line with us?
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple in St. Marks' shallow waters. These bronze beauties, known for their distinctive tail spot, typically run 20-30 inches in the flats. Look for 'em tailing in water as shallow as 1-2 feet, often around oyster bars or grass edges. They're year-round residents, but fall's especially good when they school up. Redfish are prized for their strong runs and excellent table fare. They'll hit just about anything when feeding, from live bait to artificial lures. On calm days, sight-fishing for tailing reds is a real thrill. Here's a local tip: when you spot a red, don't cast right at it. Place your bait a few feet away and slowly work it into their path. These fish can be spooky in shallow water, so a stealthy approach often pays off. Once hooked, hang on – even smaller reds pull like a freight train!
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in our shallow waters. These silvery, spotted fish typically run 14-24 inches and put up a scrappy fight. You'll find them in grass flats and around oyster bars, especially active during low light hours. They're structure-oriented, so look for them near drop-offs or creek mouths. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tender, mild-flavored meat. They're not picky eaters, hitting both live bait and artificial lures. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, watch for subtle surface disturbances – that's often trout feeding on bait schools. Toss a topwater plug near the action and hold on tight. These fish have soft mouths, so go easy on the hook set and keep steady pressure during the fight.
Sheepshead, or "convict fish," are a blast to catch around St. Marks. These striped oddballs usually run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring's the hot season when they gather offshore to spawn. Anglers dig 'em for their stubborn fight and tasty white meat. Fair warning: they're notorious bait stealers. To outsmart 'em, use small, strong hooks and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum 'em up, then drop your bait right in the mix. When you feel that nibble, set the hook hard - their tough mouths make for some missed strikes, but that just adds to the fun.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters. These flatfish typically range from 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, but trophy-sized ones can hit 20+ pounds. Look for them near structures like oyster beds or drop-offs, especially in estuaries and bays. They're ambush predators, so patience is key when targeting them. Fall is prime time as they migrate to deeper waters. Anglers love Southern Flounder for their delicate, mild-flavored meat. They put up a decent fight too, with strong initial runs. To boost your chances, try using a Carolina rig with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Drag it slowly along the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump. Remember, when you feel the bite, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder often grab bait sideways before fully committing.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150