Premier St. Marks Inshore Fishing - Outpost Alpha

St. Marks Morning Fishing: Reds, Trout & More

Hey there, anglers! Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive waters? Grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're heading out to the Forgotten Coast for a half-day trip you won't soon forget. I'm Captain Leigh Wills with Outpost Alpha Fishing Charters, and I can't wait to show you what St. Marks has to offer. From skinny water redfish to hard-pulling cobia, we've got a little bit of everything on this 4-hour morning adventure.

Trip Overview

Picture this: The sun's just peeking over the horizon as we ease out of the marina, the smell of salt in the air and the promise of tight lines ahead. We'll start our day working the grass flats - prime territory for redfish and speckled trout. As the morning warms up, we'll make a run offshore to do some bottom fishing in the Gulf. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, I'll make sure you're in on the action.

This trip is perfect for families, friends, or solo anglers looking to sneak in some fishing before lunch. We keep our groups small - just 2 guests max - so you'll get plenty of one-on-one instruction and elbow room to cast. All the gear is provided, and I've got the licenses covered, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack if you get hungry).

What to Expect on the Water

We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on where the fish are biting. In the flats, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds or working topwater lures for aggressive trout. When we head offshore, we'll switch to bottom rigs for species like black sea bass and maybe even run into some cobia if we're lucky.

I'll provide all the tackle, from light spinning gear for the inshore action to heavier setups for when we're fishing deeper water. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through every cast, retrieve, and hookset. My boat's equipped with a GPS and fish finder, so we'll be able to zero in on the honey holes and put you on fish fast.

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster redfish cruising the flats, with a few topping the 30-inch mark. The trout bite has been steady, especially early in the morning on topwater lures - there's nothing like seeing a big speck explode on a walking bait. Offshore, we've been getting into some nice black drum and the occasional cobia when conditions are right.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among St. Marks anglers. They love to hang around oyster bars and grass flats, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Reds put up a great fight, especially on light tackle, and they're delicious on the grill if you decide to keep one for dinner.

Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. They're aggressive feeders and will hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. The best time to target them is early morning or late evening when they're feeding on the surface. A 20-inch trout is considered a real trophy in these parts.

Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are like underwater vacuum cleaners, using their sensitive barbels to feel for crabs and shrimp on the bottom. They can grow to massive sizes, but the ones we usually catch are in the 5-15 pound range - perfect eating size. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they put up a great fight and taste fantastic.

Cobia: These powerful fish are like the prize fighters of the Gulf. They typically show up in our waters from spring through fall, following rays and bait schools. Cobia are curious by nature and will often swim right up to the boat. When they hit, hold on tight - these fish can top 50 pounds and will give you a workout you won't forget.

Black Sea Bass: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a blast to catch when we head out to the nearshore reefs. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and flavor. Drop a bait to the bottom, and you're almost guaranteed to get bit. They're perfect for fish tacos or a classic fish fry.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks, I've been guiding these waters for years, and let me tell you, there's something special about fishing the Forgotten Coast. Maybe it's the way the mist rises off the flats at dawn, or the thrill of watching a big red crush a topwater lure. Could be the variety - where else can you catch inshore slams and offshore species all in one morning?

But what really keeps people coming back is the laid-back vibe and the quality of the fishing. We're not fighting crowds here like you might in some of the bigger Florida destinations. It's just you, me, and the fish. And with our small group size, I can tailor the trip to exactly what you want to target.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, anglers, if you're ready to experience some of the best fishing St. Marks has to offer, it's time to get that trip on the books. Remember, we've only got room for 2 on the boat, so spots fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some bull reds, fill the cooler with tasty trout, or just enjoy a beautiful morning on the water, I've got you covered.

Don't let this opportunity slip away like a big one that got off the hook. Give Outpost Alpha Fishing Charters a call today, and let's start planning your St. Marks fishing adventure. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!