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St. Marks Beginner Fishing: Redfish & Sea Trout
- Published Date: November 19, 2025
- Fishing
- $300 - $400 price range
- Updated Date: November 21, 2025
Summary
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Catches of the Day
Catch of the day, every day.
Florida fishing at its finest.
Reel excitement in St. Marks.
Where the fish and fun never stop.
Hooked on St. Marks adventures!
Reel in memories at St. Marks.
Family fishing fun on Florida waters.
St. Marks: where big fish meet big smiles.
Cast, catch, and repeat!
Fishing tales start here.
Catch of the day, every day.
Florida fishing at its finest.
Reel excitement in St. Marks.
Where the fish and fun never stop.
Hooked on St. Marks adventures!
Reel in memories at St. Marks.
Family fishing fun on Florida waters.
St. Marks: where big fish meet big smiles.
Cast, catch, and repeat!
Fishing tales start here.
Catch of the day, every day.
Florida fishing at its finest.
Reel excitement in St. Marks.
Where the fish and fun never stop.
Reelin' in Reds: St. Marks Beginner's Bash
Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Leigh Wills has got you covered with this laid-back, half-day trip out of St. Marks. Perfect for newbies and families looking to get their feet wet (literally), you'll be targeting some of the Forgotten Coast's most sought-after species. From the grass flats to deeper holes, we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time. With all the gear provided and room for up to four anglers, it's time to make some memories on the water!
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're cruising through the pristine waterways of St. Marks, rod in hand, as the sun peeks over the horizon. For the next 6 hours, Captain Leigh will be your go-to guy (or gal) for all things fishing. We're talking hands-on instruction, from baiting your hook to setting the perfect drag. You'll learn to read the water, spot fish signs, and maybe even master the art of the "fish story." Whether you're after a bull redfish or a feisty sea trout, we've got the spots and the know-how to put you on the fish. And hey, if you're lucky, you might just land yourself a "St. Marks Slam" – that's a redfish, trout, and flounder all in one trip!
Fishin' 101: St. Marks Style
Alright, let's talk tactics. We'll be hitting up the grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths that make St. Marks a fish magnet. Light tackle is the name of the game here – we're using spinning rods with 10-15 lb test line. Depending on what's biting, we might be tossing soft plastics, working a popping cork, or even live bait if that's what the fish are craving. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before – Captain Leigh will walk you through everything from casting to fighting a fish. We'll cover different retrieves, how to "feel" a bite, and the all-important art of setting the hook. By the end of the day, you'll be slinging lures like you've been doing it for years!
Target Species: The St. Marks All-Stars
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive black spot on the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to over 40-inch bulls that'll test your drag. They love to cruise the flats and hang around structure, often giving themselves away with a telltale "tailing" behavior. Fall is prime time for reds in St. Marks, but you can catch them year-round.
Sea Trout: Also called speckled trout, these spotted beauties are a staple of St. Marks fishing. They're aggressive feeders and great fun on light tackle. Sea trout have a soft mouth, so a gentle hook set is key. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round in deeper holes when it gets cold. There's nothing quite like the "pop" of a trout hitting a topwater lure at dawn!
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are like redfish's cousin – they fight hard and taste great. These bottom-feeders can grow to massive sizes, but the "puppy drums" in the 5-15 lb range are perfect for the table. They love crustaceans, so we often use shrimp or crab for bait. You'll find them around oyster bars and deeper holes, especially in the cooler months.
Cobia: While not as common inshore, cobia are a prized catch when they show up. These curious fish often follow rays and can be sight-fished when conditions are right. They're powerful swimmers and put up an epic fight. Late spring and early summer are your best bet for cobia, and landing one of these bad boys will definitely be the highlight of your trip!
Black Sea Bass: These tasty little guys are the perfect target for beginners. They hang around structure and are eager biters, making them a great confidence-builder for new anglers. While not huge, they're fun to catch and excellent eating. You'll find them year-round, but they move to slightly deeper water in the winter months.
Why Folks Keep Coming Back
Look, I could tell you all day about the fish we catch, but it's the overall experience that keeps people hooked on St. Marks fishing. There's something special about watching an osprey dive for its breakfast as you're reeling in your own catch. Or seeing a kid's face light up when they feel that first tug on the line. Captain Leigh has a knack for making everyone feel like a pro, no matter their skill level. And let's not forget the scenery – from winding creeks to wide-open bays, St. Marks is a slice of Old Florida that's getting harder to find these days. It's not just a fishing trip; it's a chance to unplug, connect with nature, and maybe even learn a thing or two about yourself.
Ready to Get Your Fish On?
So there you have it, folks – a half day of non-stop fishing action that's perfect for beginners and families alike. Whether you're looking to land your first redfish or just want to spend some quality time on the water, this trip has got you covered. Remember, all the gear is provided, but you'll need to grab a Florida fishing license before we head out. Space is limited to four anglers, so round up your crew and let's make some fishing memories! Give Captain Leigh a shout to lock in your spot – the fish are waiting, and the St. Marks adventure of a lifetime is just a cast away!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are hefty fighters, usually 5-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters - look for mudflats, oyster beds, and creek mouths. They love crunching on shellfish, so areas with plenty of oysters or crabs are prime spots. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up to spawn. These fish make a distinctive drumming sound, which is pretty cool to hear underwater. They put up a stubborn fight and taste great when smaller (under 15 pounds). For bait, you can't beat a fresh crab - it's less likely to get picked off by bait-stealers. If you're fly fishing, try a 9-weight rod with weighted black flies that get to the bottom quick. One local tip: fish the outgoing tide near oyster bars for your best shot at a big one.
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are a fun catch around here, typically running 2-4 pounds but can get up to 8. You'll find them hanging out near structures like jetties, piers, and wrecks in waters 30-120 feet deep. These fish put up a good fight until they break the surface. Late spring to summer is prime time, when they gather closer to shore. Use a medium-weight rod, 20-30 pound line, and bottom fish with squid or fish strips. They'll also hit jigs and lures sometimes. One local trick is to look for them around sunken debris or oyster beds. Black sea bass make great eating too - their meat is mild and flaky. Just remember the season runs February 1-28 and May 15-December 31. Overall, they're an excellent target for both beginners and experienced anglers looking for some steady action.
Cobia
Cobia are one of the hardest-fighting fish you'll hook around here. They're big, typically 6 feet and 100 pounds when full-grown. You'll often spot them near the surface, sometimes mistaken for sharks due to their shape. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and other structures in 30-70 feet of water. Spring is prime time as they migrate through. These fish are known for their strength and stamina - be ready for a long fight. They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat. Bucktail jigs are a go-to lure, but they'll hit crankbaits and live bait too. One local trick: when you see one, cast well beyond it and retrieve past the fish. They're curious and will often follow a lure right to the boat. Just be careful when you land one - they're known for thrashing around on deck.
Redfish
Redfish are a favorite around here, known for their copper color and distinctive black tail spot. They typically run 28-33 inches when full-grown, but can get much bigger offshore. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to catch on all kinds of gear. Topwater lures in shallow water can give you some explosive strikes. These fish put up a strong fight and are great eating when smaller. Spring and fall are usually the best times to target them. One local tip: on hot days, look for them tailing in really shallow water early in the morning. They're often so focused on feeding, you can get right up on them before they spook.
Sea Trout
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a blast to catch in our waters. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. In winter, they school up in deeper channels. These fish are known for their soft, white meat - just don't overcook it. They're great fighters and will hit a variety of lures. Try topwater plugs early morning or late evening for some exciting strikes. Jerk baits, plastic shrimp, and grub jigs work well too. One local trick: troll slowly along grass edges if you're having trouble locating them. The best time to fish is usually spring and fall when water temps are moderate. Remember, they're sensitive to cold, so winter fishing can be tough. Overall, sea trout are perfect for both newbies and seasoned anglers looking for consistent action and good eating.
About the Outpost Alpha Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury Mariner 115
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
