World-Class Inshore Fishing in St. Marks, FL

Reel in Trophy Fish on Florida's Forgotten Coast

Get ready to put your skills to the test on this action-packed half-day trip out of St. Marks, Florida. Captain Leigh Wills knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to share his hotspots with experienced anglers looking for a challenge. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after inshore species in the Sunshine State - redfish, sea trout, black drum, cobia, and black sea bass. This ain't your average tourist fishing trip - it's 6 hours of non-stop action using advanced techniques to land some real bruisers.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we shove off from the dock, you'll see why they call this area the Forgotten Coast. The pristine flats and nearshore waters around St. Marks are teeming with fish, but light on crowds. Captain Leigh will have you bouncing between honey holes, switching up tactics to match what the fish are doing that day. One minute you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next you could be working a deep channel for gator trout. With room for up to 4 anglers, you can bring your fishing buddies or make some new ones on a shared trip. Either way, you're in for some world-class inshore action.

Techniques That Put Fish in the Boat

Leave your beginner gear at home for this one, folks. We're breaking out the big guns and advanced techniques to target trophy-sized fish. Expect to use a mix of artificial lures, live bait, and cut bait depending on conditions. Captain Leigh's an expert at reading the water and adjusting on the fly. You might find yourself tossing topwater walkers for explosive trout strikes, working jigs along oyster bars for bull reds, or slow-trolling live pinfish for bruiser cobia. The name of the game is versatility, so come ready to learn some new tricks and put your skills to work.

Top Catches This Season

While we can't guarantee what'll end up on the end of your line, the fishing reports coming in lately have been off the charts. Anglers have been hauling in citation-sized redfish pushing 40 inches, gator trout topping 6 pounds, and even the occasional surprise cobia in the 30-pound range. Black drum have been thick around structure, with some real tanks in the mix. And let's not forget about those tasty black sea bass - they might not be the biggest, but they sure make for some fine eating.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (also called red drum) are hard-fighting brutes that'll test your drag and your patience. In the fall and winter, big schools of bull reds move into the flats to spawn, creating some of the best sight-fishing opportunities of the year. Look for their copper-colored backs and signature tail as they root around for crabs and shrimp in shallow water. There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching a big red inhale your lure and take off like a freight train.

Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these aren't your average trout. Speckled sea trout (or spotted seatrout) are ambush predators that love to hang around grass flats and oyster bars. They're known for their incredible topwater strikes and acrobatic fights. The biggest ones, called "gator trout", can top 30 inches and put up a battle worthy of their nickname. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for trophy trout, so be ready to fish the low light hours.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing flashier species, black drum are hard-fighting fish that can grow to enormous sizes. They love hanging around structure and will readily take crabs, shrimp, or cut bait fished on the bottom. While the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent eating, the real thrill comes from hooking into one of the big boys. Drum over 50 pounds aren't uncommon in these waters, and they pull like a freight train.

Cobia: These bruisers are a favorite target for nearshore anglers, and for good reason. Cobia are strong, acrobatic fighters that can top 100 pounds. They're migratory fish, showing up in the spring and sticking around through fall. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and even following large rays or sharks. Sight-casting to a big cobia is one of the most exciting experiences in fishing - be ready for explosive strikes and long, powerful runs.

Black Sea Bass: While they might not be the biggest fish in the sea, black sea bass more than make up for it with their tasty fillets and aggressive nature. These structure-loving fish are a blast to catch on light tackle and can be found around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom. They're voracious feeders and will hit just about any bait or lure you put in front of them. The biggest ones, called "knot-heads", can top 5 pounds and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just the fish that keep folks coming back to St. Marks - it's the whole package. The natural beauty of the Forgotten Coast is something to behold. You might spot bald eagles soaring overhead, dolphins playing in the wake, or even a manatee lazily cruising by. And let's not forget about the sunrises and sunsets - they're worth the trip alone. But what really sets this area apart is the lack of crowds. You won't be fighting for elbow room at the best spots or dealing with a parade of boats. It's just you, your crew, and miles of pristine fishing grounds.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're an experienced angler looking to up your game or just want to tangle with some of Florida's hardest-fighting inshore species, this trip is calling your name. Captain Leigh Wills knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. With all tackle provided and room for up to 4 anglers, all you need to bring is your A-game and a valid Florida fishing license. Don't let this opportunity slip away - the big ones are biting, and your next trophy catch is waiting in the waters of St. Marks. Book your spot now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the Sunshine State has to offer!