Top-Rated St. Marks Inshore Fishing | King Charters

Reel in the Big Ones: St. Marks Inshore Fishing

Get ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters! Our 6-hour trip with King Charters takes you right into the heart of Apalachee Bay, where the fish are always biting and the scenery never disappoints. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish or looking to fill the cooler with tasty trout, we've got you covered. Grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to hit the flats!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet you bright and early at our dock in St. Marks, Florida. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We provide all the gear you need – rods, reels, bait, and even your fishing license. That means you can focus on what matters: reeling in the big ones. Over the course of 6 hours, we'll hit multiple honey holes where the fish are known to hang out. Expect to cast for trout along grass flats, work the oyster bars for redfish, and maybe even tangle with some hard-charging jacks in deeper channels. And don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are patient teachers who love introducing folks to the thrill of inshore fishing.

Techniques & Terrain

Inshore fishing in St. Marks is all about variety. We might start the day drifting live shrimp for trout, then switch to sight-casting for tailing redfish as the tide changes. Our shallow-draft boats let us sneak into skinny water where the big boys hide. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You'll learn how to work a popping cork, skip a jig under docks, and maybe even try your hand at fly fishing if you're up for it. The terrain here is a mix of grass flats, oyster bars, and tidal creeks – each one holding different species and requiring different tactics. It's this variety that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Top Catches This Season

St. Marks is an inshore angler's paradise, with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors that keep the action hot no matter when you visit. Here's what you can expect to tangle with on your trip:

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The crown jewel of inshore fishing, redfish (also known as red drum) are the ultimate gamefish. These copper-colored bruisers can range from 5 to 40 pounds, and they fight like their tails are on fire. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools invade the flats. Look for their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs – it's a sight that'll get your heart pounding!

Sea Trout: If you're after a fish fry, spotted sea trout are hard to beat. These silvery predators with spotted backs are abundant in St. Marks, especially over grass flats. We catch them year-round, but the biggest specimens (known as "gator trout") show up in winter and early spring. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork.

Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the redfish, black drum are hard-fighting and great eating. They range from 2 to 50 pounds and are most common around structure like docks and bridges. Spring is prime time for big spawning drum, but we catch them year-round. They're not the prettiest fish, but man, can they pull!

Crevalle Jack: If you want your arms stretched, hope we run into a school of jacks. These turbo-charged predators hunt in packs, churning up the water as they chase bait. They're not good eating, but pound-for-pound, they might be the hardest fighting fish in these waters. We see them most often in summer and fall.

Cobia: While technically not an inshore species, we sometimes encounter cobia in Apalachee Bay during their spring and fall migrations. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at a true trophy. They're strong fighters and excellent table fare – landing one is always a highlight of any trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with King Charters tend to become regulars, and it's easy to see why. Our local knowledge means you're not just fishing, you're getting an insider's look at one of Florida's best-kept angling secrets. We work hard to put you on fish, but we also know how to have fun on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll make sure you have a blast. And let's be honest – there's nothing like the feeling of your drag screaming as a big red takes off across the flat. It's the kind of experience that turns fishing trips into fishing traditions.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get in on the action? Our 6-hour inshore trips with King Charters are perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to hone their skills. We can accommodate up to 3 guests, making this an ideal outing for a small group. Remember, while we provide all the gear and expertise, you'll want to bring sunscreen, snacks, and a camera to capture your catches. Our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Just remember – those fish aren't going to catch themselves!