Afternoon Inshore Fishing - St. Marks' Hidden Gem

Published Date: November 19, 2025
Fishing

$300 - $400 price range
Updated Date: November 21, 2025

Summary

Spend a relaxing afternoon fishing the scenic waters of St. Marks with Captain Leigh Wills. This 4-hour inshore trip takes you to prime spots for redfish, sea trout, black drum, and more along Florida's Forgotten Coast. You'll cruise grass flats and sheltered bays in search of the catch of the day. Whether you're an experienced angler or it's your first time holding a rod, the captain provides hands-on guidance to help you land fish. All the gear is included, so you just need to bring your fishing license and be ready for some action. With room for up to four people, it's a great way to get out on the water with family or friends. The Gulf's clear waters and abundant marine life make for an enjoyable outing, even if the fish aren't biting. By the end of the trip, you'll have gotten a true taste of fishing in this beautiful corner of Florida.

Afternoon Inshore Fishing - St. Marks' Hidden Gem

Inshore Catches

Hooked on St. Marks adventures!

Angler with fishing rod on sunny day in FL

Reel in memories at St. Marks.

Two sheepshead fish caught while fishing in FL

Family fishing fun on Florida waters.

St. Marks: where big fish meet big smiles.

Afternoon Inshore Action in St. Marks, FL

Ready for some serious rod-bending action on Florida's Forgotten Coast? Captain Leigh Wills of Outpost Alpha Fishing Charters has you covered with this half-day afternoon trip out of St. Marks. We're talking prime inshore fishing for redfish, sea trout, and a whole bunch more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour adventure is the perfect way to experience the rich waters of the Gulf. So grab a buddy, because we've got room for two, and let's hit those grass flats for some fish-catching fun!

Trip Overview

Picture this: You're cruising through pristine coastal waters, the afternoon sun warming your face as you scan the shallows for signs of life. Captain Leigh's at the helm, sharing local knowledge and pointing out prime spots where the fish are biting. This isn't just any old boat ride – it's a hands-on fishing experience where you'll learn the ins and outs of inshore angling. We're targeting the big three – redfish, sea trout, and black drum – but don't be surprised if a cobia or black sea bass crashes the party. The best part? All the gear's provided, so you can just show up ready to cast a line. Just remember to snag that Florida fishing license before you hop aboard.

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's talk tactics. We'll be working those grass flats and backwaters like pros, using a mix of live bait and artificial lures to entice the fish. Expect to do some light tackle fishing – we're talking 7-foot rods paired with 2500-3000 size reels, usually spooled with 10-15 lb braid. Captain Leigh's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like sight-casting to tailing redfish or drifting live shrimp under a popping cork for trout. Don't worry if you're new to this – the Captain's there to show you the ropes, from setting the hook to landing your catch. And hey, if the fish aren't cooperating in one spot, we'll fire up the engine and run to another honey hole. That's the beauty of having a local pro at the helm.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the all-stars you'll be chasing in these waters:

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of the flats. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds pushing 30+ pounds. They love to cruise in shallow water, often revealing their location with a waving tail above the surface. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in St. Marks.

Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They're known for their spotted pattern and delicate flesh. Sea trout are ambush predators, often hanging around grass beds and oyster bars. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring.

Black Drum: The bulldogs of the bay, black drum can grow to monster sizes. They're bottom feeders with a weakness for crabs and shrimp. While they might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, they put up a great fight and are excellent table fare when caught in the 5-15 pound range.

Cobia: These curious fish are sometimes called "crab eaters" or "ling." They're powerful swimmers that often follow larger animals like sharks or rays. Cobia are migratory, typically showing up in St. Marks waters in the spring and sticking around through summer. They're hard fighters and great eating.

Black Sea Bass: These deep-bodied, dark-colored fish are structure lovers. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. While they might not be the biggest fish in the sea, they're abundant and make for some fast action and tasty fillets.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, it's not just about the fish – though trust me, there are plenty of those. It's about the experience. The way the sun paints the sky as it dips towards the horizon. The thrill of feeling that first tug on your line. The satisfaction of reeling in a keeper while pelicans dive nearby. Captain Leigh doesn't just put you on fish; he shares the stories and secrets of these waters. You'll leave with more than just a cooler full of fillets – you'll have a deeper appreciation for this slice of Old Florida and the creatures that call it home. And let's be real, there's nothing like the smile on your buddy's face when they land their personal best trout or the high-five after a double hookup on reds.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Leigh's ready to put you on 'em. This 4-hour afternoon trip is perfect for sneaking in some quality angling time without eating up your whole day. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with an old friend or introduce someone new to the joys of inshore fishing, this is your ticket. Remember, we've only got room for two, so don't wait to lock in your date. The tides are right, the fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give Outpost Alpha Fishing Charters a call and let's make some memories on the water. Trust me, after a few hours with Captain Leigh in the scenic waters of St. Marks, you'll be hooked – pun absolutely intended!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are some of the biggest fish you'll find inshore around here. Adults typically run 5-30 pounds, but can get up over 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and muddy flats. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black drum are notorious for their powerful jaws - they love crushing oysters and crabs. When hooked, expect a stubborn fight as they use their weight to their advantage. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are best for eating, with a mild, flaky meat. To target them, use heavy tackle and fish on the bottom with crabs or clams. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound, which can help you locate a school. My local tip: fish the falling tide around oyster bars for your best shot at a big one.

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass are a fun little fish to target around here. They usually hang out near structure like jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in waters up to 120 feet deep. Most you'll catch are 2-4 pounds, but they can get up to 8 pounds. Look for them from late spring through summer when they move inshore. These guys put up a decent fight for their size and taste great too. To catch 'em, use a medium-weight rod with 20-30 pound line and fish near the bottom. Live bait like squid works well, or try jigs and plugs. One tip - when you feel a bite, set the hook quick. They have small mouths and can be tricky to hook sometimes. Overall, black sea bass are a great eating fish that's accessible for anglers of all skill levels.

Cobia

Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll hook around here. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them near buoys, wrecks, or other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Cobia are often mistaken for sharks at first glance due to their shape. They're aggressive predators and will hit a variety of lures and live baits. Expect a long, powerful fight - these fish don't give up easily. The meat is excellent too, with a firm texture perfect for grilling. To target them, keep your eyes peeled. They often swim near the surface, so sight fishing is common. My local tip: if you see rays, look for cobia swimming with them. They love to follow rays to snack on crabs and small fish the rays kick up.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. You'll find them in shallow water 1-4 feet deep, often tailing in grass flats or around oyster bars. Most run 3-10 pounds, but they can get much bigger offshore. Look for that distinctive spot near their tail - it's actually a false eye to confuse predators. Reds put up a great fight, often making strong runs when hooked. They're also excellent eating with a mild, flaky meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in and out of the bays. To catch them, try gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait like shrimp or mullet. One local tip: on a low tide, look for them pushing wakes in super skinny water. Sight fishing for tailing reds is as exciting as it gets.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple in our inshore waters. Most run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though they can get bigger. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're fun to catch on light tackle and put up a good fight with some nice runs. Sea trout have a soft, white meat that's great for eating, just be careful not to overcook it. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. To catch 'em, try topwater plugs early morning or evening, or soft plastics during the day. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet too. One local trick: on cold winter days, look for them schooled up in deep holes in the rivers. They'll stack up there to stay warm.

About the Outpost Alpha Fishing Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury Mariner 115

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for an afternoon of fishing fun in St. Marks? Hop aboard with Captain Leigh Wills on a 4-hour inshore trip that'll have you casting for redfish, sea trout, black drum, and more. This laid-back outing is perfect whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. You'll cruise the scenic grass flats and calm waters of Florida's Forgotten Coast, with all the gear you need provided. Captain Leigh offers hands-on guidance to help you land the big one. There's room for up to four people, so bring your family or buddies along for a relaxed day on the water. Just remember to grab your state fishing license before you come. It's a great way to spend an afternoon, soaking up the sun and trying your luck in the Gulf's beautiful waters. Who knows? You might even go home with a fresh catch for dinner!

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