Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're itching for some stellar inshore action, King Charters has got you covered with our 6-hour trip out of Crawfordville, Florida. We'll be cruising the calm waters of Apalachee Bay, where the fish are always biting and the scenery's top-notch. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a chance to kick back with your buddies or family, soak up some Florida sun, and reel in some impressive catches. And the best part? We've got all the gear you need, so you can just show up ready to fish.
Picture this: You're out on the water, rod in hand, with nothing but the sound of waves and the occasional splash of a fish. That's what you're in for with our St. Marks scenic inshore trip. We've got room for up to three guests, so grab your fishing buddies and get ready for a day on the water. We'll be targeting a mix of species – trout, drum, jacks, mackerel, and if you're lucky, some hefty redfish. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be hitting all the sweet spots where the fish are hanging out. And if redfish are your thing, just let us know – we can tailor the trip to give you the best shot at landing one of these beauties.
Alright, let's talk fishing. Inshore fishing is all about working those shallow coastal waters where the big boys like to feed. We'll be using light to medium tackle, perfect for the species we're after. Expect to do some casting around structures like oyster beds, grass flats, and channel edges. We might throw some live bait, or if the conditions are right, we'll break out the artificial lures. Don't worry if you're new to this – our guides will show you the ropes, from setting the hook to reeling in your catch. And hey, if you're a seasoned pro, we're always up for swapping techniques and stories.
Let me tell you, the fishing's been hot lately. We've been seeing some monster trout coming in, especially around the grass flats. Redfish have been tailing in the shallows, giving our anglers some heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. And don't even get me started on the black drum – these bruisers have been putting up some serious fights. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy the thrill of catch-and-release, we've got you covered.
Black Drum: These big boys are the bulldogs of the inshore world. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they put up a fight. Black drum love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting them near bridges, docks, and oyster beds. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but the ones we usually catch are in the 5-30 pound range – perfect for a good battle and some tasty fillets. Spring and fall are prime time for drum, but we catch them year-round.
Sea Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They're known for their beautiful spotted patterns and their tendency to hit topwater lures with explosive strikes. We find them over grass flats and around oyster bars, especially during the cooler months. A decent-sized trout is around 2-3 pounds, but we occasionally hook into gator trout that can push 5 pounds or more. Nothing beats the sound of a big trout smashing a topwater plug at dawn.
Redfish: Ah, the redfish – probably the most sought-after inshore species in these parts. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive spot near the tail and their hard-fighting nature. We target them in shallow water, often sight-fishing for tailing reds in less than a foot of water. They average 3-8 pounds, but bull reds can top 30 pounds. Fall is prime time for reds, but we catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a big red crush a well-placed lure in gin-clear water.
Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a fish that pulls like a freight train, the crevalle jack is your target. These guys are pure muscle and will test your stamina and your gear. We often find them busting bait schools near the surface, and when they're feeding, it's a sight to behold. Jacks typically range from 5-15 pounds, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're not great eating, but for catch-and-release action, you can't beat 'em.
Cobia: While not as common as our other targets, cobia are always a welcome surprise on an inshore trip. These curious fish often follow rays and can be sight-fished when the conditions are right. They're strong fighters and can grow to impressive sizes – 20-40 pounders are not uncommon. Cobia have a reputation for being unpredictable fighters, sometimes coming in easy and other times going on blistering runs. Peak season is spring through early summer, but we see them throughout the warmer months.
Listen, if you're looking for a day on the water that combines relaxation with the excitement of hooking into some quality fish, our St. Marks Scenic Inshore trip is the ticket. With everything provided and experienced guides at the helm, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we guarantee a good time. Just remember, the fish are always biting, but our spots fill up fast. So don't wait – give King Charters a call and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, there's nothing like a day of Florida inshore fishing to make memories that'll last a lifetime. See you on the boat!
Black Drum are the big bruisers of inshore waters, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in brackish areas like oyster beds and mudflats, where they use their strong jaws to crush shellfish. These guys make a distinctive drumming sound, especially during spring spawning season. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful fights and good eating, though stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best taste. When fishing for Black Drum, use fresh crab or shrimp on a bottom rig. A local trick is to look for "tailing" fish in very shallow water - their tails break the surface as they root around for food. Be patient and quiet, as they spook easily. Black Drum aren't the prettiest fish, but they're a blast to catch and make for some tasty fillets when prepared right.
Cobia are like the prize fighters of our coastal waters. These dark brown bruisers can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though most run 20-40 pounds. You'll spot them near buoys, wrecks, and even following large rays or sharks. Spring and early summer are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love cobia for their hard-hitting strikes, powerful runs, and excellent table fare. To catch them, try sight-fishing with live eels or large jigs. Here's a local tip: when you see one, cast well ahead of the fish and let your bait sink - cobia are curious and will often investigate. Be ready for a fight when they hit, as these fish can make blistering runs. Cobia aren't common catches, but landing one is always a highlight of any trip.
Crevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerful fish usually run 12-24 inches and 3-5 pounds, but can get much bigger. Look for them busting bait on the surface - they're aggressive feeders that push schools of baitfish up top. You'll find jacks around structures like jetties, bridges, and in open bays. They're most active in warmer months. Anglers love targeting jacks for their incredible strength and stamina - pound for pound, they're some of the hardest-fighting fish out there. To catch them, try fast-moving lures like topwater plugs or silver spoons. Here's a tip: watch for diving birds, as jacks often feed under them. When you hook one, be ready for a serious battle. These guys aren't great eating, but the fight makes up for it.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the crown jewels of our inshore fishery. These copper-colored beauties with the signature tail spot typically range from 20-30 inches in our waters. You'll find them tailing in super shallow flats, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize redfish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To target them, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. Here's a local trick: on hot, sunny days, look for their backs sticking out of the water as they feed in the shallows. Approach quietly, make an accurate cast, and hold on tight - these fish can strip line like nobody's business when hooked.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in our inshore waters. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels, especially at night. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are mild. Sea Trout put up a good fight and are known for their light, flaky meat that's excellent on the grill. To catch them, try using live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastic jigs bounced along the bottom. One local tip: focus on areas where deeper water meets the shallows, as trout like to ambush bait in these spots. When you hook one, be ready for some acrobatic jumps - it's all part of the fun with these sporty fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90