5.0(5 Reviews)St Marks Inshore Fishing Charter for Beginners
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Beginner-friendly inshore fishing targeting redfish and sea troutAll equipment and fishing licenses provided by professional captainSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
Looking for a perfect introduction to Florida's world-class inshore fishing scene? This beginner-friendly charter out of St. Marks puts you right in the heart of some of the state's most productive shallow water fishing grounds. Whether you've never held a fishing rod or just want a laid-back morning on the water, this trip is designed to get you hooked on inshore angling while targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species.
Your morning starts bright and early in the historic fishing village of St. Marks, where you'll meet your captain and step aboard a professionally rigged inshore boat built for navigating Florida's shallow coastal waters. The beauty of this charter lies in its simplicity - everything you need is provided, from top-quality rods and reels to all tackle and even your fishing license. This isn't about impressing anyone with your gear; it's about getting out there and learning what makes inshore fishing so addictive. The intimate 2-person capacity means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the tides, wind patterns, and seasonal movements that determine where the fish are holding on any given day. You'll explore grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where redfish cruise and sea trout ambush baitfish. The relaxed pace gives beginners time to learn proper casting techniques, how to feel a bite, and the art of setting the hook without the pressure of a crowded boat.
Inshore fishing in the St. Marks area relies on light tackle techniques that let you feel every bump and tap from curious fish. You'll primarily use spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test line, perfect for the rocky bottom and oyster structure that defines these waters. Live bait is king here - expect to fish with shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait depending on what the fish are wanting that day. Your captain will show you how to rig a Carolina rig for bottom fishing around structure where sheepshead and flounder hide, and how to work soft plastic baits across grass flats where redfish and trout patrol. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access skinny water spots that bigger offshore boats can't reach, putting you right where the action happens. Poling and power pole anchoring keep you positioned perfectly over productive spots without spooking fish in the clear, shallow water. You'll learn to read the water - spotting baitfish activity, understanding how tide movement affects fish behavior, and recognizing the subtle signs that separate productive water from empty stretches.
"Asa has great knowledge of the area and the dynamics of wind, tide, water temp, moon phase etc., that influences target species and where to find them. great equipment, rods boat etc., and he makes it fun, great sense of humor, and a hard worker." - Clay Olson. "My guys had an amazing time! Thanks Asa! Memories were made that my son will never forget!" - Lona Kelly. "Our trip was nothing short of amazing! It was mine and my oldest son's first time and Captain Asa made it a trip to remember! He was so helpful and wonderful with the boys! He made sure we left with a cooler full of fish! My youngest has already requested to go out again for his birthday! We will definitely be back" - Malinda Slappey.
Redfish are the crown jewel of St. Marks inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters are what dreams are made of for beginning anglers. These fish average 18-27 inches in local waters, with trophy specimens pushing over 30 inches and providing arm-burning fights on light tackle. Spring through fall offers the best action as reds move into the shallows to feed on crabs and shrimp around oyster bars and grass edges. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat and their incredible pulling power - when a slot red takes off on its first run, you'll understand why anglers get obsessed with these fish. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the dinner plate.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in this area. These beautiful spotted fish are perfect for beginners because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Most trout you'll encounter range from 14-20 inches, with occasional gator trout over 24 inches providing bonus excitement. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, feeding heavily on shrimp and small baitfish over grass flats. Trout have soft mouths, so learning to fight them properly teaches valuable lessons about fish handling and drag settings. Their delicate white meat makes them one of the most popular eating fish on the Gulf Coast.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. These flatfish typically run 15-22 inches in local waters, with doormat-sized specimens over 24 inches occasionally making appearances during fall migration. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique - you'll learn to feel the subtle pickup as a flounder slowly inhales your bait, then the importance of waiting for the right moment to set the hook. They're most active during cooler months and around structure like docks, creek mouths, and channel edges. Many anglers consider flounder the best eating fish that swims, with firm white fillets that are perfect for any preparation.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's skill and patience, known for their ability to steal bait without getting hooked. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. They're most abundant during winter months when they school around
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a completely rebuilt 2001 22' Kenner tunnel hull designed specifically for inshore fishing success. This spacious boat gives you and one other angler plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without feeling cramped. The shallow-draft tunnel hull gets you into those productive back-country spots where redfish and sea trout love to hang out. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on St. Marks waters. The fish finder helps locate schools of bait and fish beneath the surface, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. When you need to approach fish quietly, the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up without spooking them. Stay connected with other boats and marinas through the VHF radio, and keep your drinks and catch fresh in the onboard icebox. The elevated flybridge gives you better visibility to spot tailing redfish and diving birds that signal feeding fish. Plus, the boat is wheelchair accessible, making it perfect for anglers of all abilities. With room for two guests, you'll have personalized attention from your captain as you learn the basics of inshore fishing in these productive Florida waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most of our fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds - perfect slot size with powerful runs that'll test your drag. They love super shallow water, often cruising grass flats in 1-4 feet where you can actually see their backs breaking the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are peak times when they're feeding heavily before seasonal moves. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes, bulldogging fights, and that distinctive appearance - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. These fish aren't picky eaters and will hammer everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, making them perfect for beginners and experts alike. The key is staying quiet and watching for "nervous water" or tailing fish. When you spot them, cast past the fish and work your bait back through their path - they can't resist a well-placed offering.
Salmo TruttaSea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are one of our most reliable inshore targets with their beautiful spotted silver sides and excellent fighting ability. They typically range 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional "gator trout" pushing 5+ pounds that really get your drag screaming. Look for them over grass flats, around structure, and in 3-8 feet of water where they hunt shrimp and baitfish. They bite year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when baitfish are moving. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they make fantastic table fare with tender, flaky white meat. They're also great for beginners since they fight hard but aren't too overwhelming. The secret is working your bait slowly - trout are ambush feeders that like an easy meal. Soft plastics on light jig heads work magic, especially in natural colors like white or chartreuse. When you feel that thump, give them a second to get it in their mouth before setting the hook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of St. Marks with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth built for crushing barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-4 pounds and 14-18 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 6-8 pounder around the right structure. You'll find them hugging dock pilings, bridge supports, and oyster bars where they feed on whatever's growing there. Spring spawning season from February through April is when they're most active and aggressive. They're notorious bait thieves with incredible bite detection, making them a fun challenge even for experienced anglers. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky white meat that's worth the effort to clean. My trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard and fast before they steal your bait and disappear back into the structure.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of camouflage that bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout our shallow bays and estuaries. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we occasionally see them pushing 25+ inches. They're ambush predators with both eyes on one side of their head, waiting for shrimp, crabs, and baitfish to pass overhead. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move through our area heading to spawn offshore. What makes them special is their unique appearance and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key to landing them is patience and feeling for that subtle tap on your bait. They'll often just mouth it, so when you feel any weight or different movement, set that hook firmly. We target them with live shrimp on light jigs, drifting over grass flats and channel edges where they like to hide.
5.0 out of 5.0Asa has great knowledge of the area and the dynamics of wind, tide, water temp, moon phase etc., that influences target species an...
My guys had an amazing time! Thanks Asa! Memories were made that my son will never forget!
Our trip was nothing short of amazing! It was mine and my oldest son’s first time and Captain Asa made it a trip to remember! He w...
This was my first fishing trip in Florida in over 15 years and Captain Martin made it special. We caught lots of different species...
St Marks, FL