Full Day Guided Bass & Cobia Fishing in St Marks
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour charter targeting cobia, bass, and redfishInshore fishing experience accommodates up to 2 guestsProfessional guide provides boat and expert local knowledge
Get ready for an epic 8-hour fishing charter that puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore action. St Marks offers world-class fishing opportunities that'll have you talking about this trip for years to come. You'll have the entire boat to yourself and one buddy – no crowds, no strangers, just pure fishing focused on what you want to catch. We're talking about a full day targeting some serious fish: cobia, black sea bass, pompano, redfish, sea trout, and whatever else decides to crash the party. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we're going all out with 8 solid hours on the water, giving you the best shot at landing that trophy fish you've been dreaming about.
St Marks is hands-down one of the Gulf Coast's most productive fishing spots, and there's a reason local anglers guard these waters like a secret. You'll be fishing in a mix of grass flats, deeper channels, and structure that holds fish year-round. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is we can cover serious ground – start shallow for redfish and trout in the morning when they're feeding, then move to deeper water for cobia and grouper as the day heats up. The water around St Marks stays relatively clear most of the year, which means sight fishing opportunities that'll get your heart pumping. Expect to see rolling redfish, cruising cobia, and schools of bait getting hammered by hungry predators. We'll adjust our game plan based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us. Some days they want live bait, other days artificials are the ticket – that's all part of the fun.
We fish with quality spinning and conventional gear that can handle everything from 20-inch trout to 40-pound cobia. For the grass flats, we're throwing topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp under popping corks – classic inshore setups that produce day in and day out. When we're targeting cobia and bigger fish, we step up to heavier tackle with live pinfish, blue crabs, and large jigs that can handle the fight these fish bring. The key around St Marks is versatility – we might be sight casting to tailing redfish one minute, then dropping baits in 30 feet of water for grouper the next. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and fresh cut bait is deadly for black sea bass and pompano, especially around structure and shell beds. We also run a lot of artificial reefs and hard bottom areas where the fishing can be absolutely lights out. All tackle and bait are included, but if you've got favorite lures or gear, bring them along – sometimes that personal touch makes all the difference.
The variety of fish you can catch in St Marks waters is what keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. Sea trout are year-round residents here, with the bigger "gator" trout moving into deeper grass beds during summer months. These fish love live shrimp and soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom, and when you hook into a 5-pounder, you'll know it immediately from that distinctive head-shaking fight. Redfish are absolute bulls in this area – we're talking fish in the 20 to 30-inch range that'll test your drag and your nerves. They cruise the flats looking for crabs and baitfish, and sight casting to them is as good as it gets. Cobia are the wildcards that can show up anytime, usually in the 20 to 40-pound class. These chocolate-colored bruisers are curious and aggressive, often following rays and sharks looking for an easy meal.
Tripletail are one of the coolest fish you'll encounter – they float around structure and debris like floating leaves, then explode when they see your bait. Gag grouper hang around the deeper structure and fight like freight trains, trying to get back to their rocky hideouts. Florida pompano are pure gold when they're biting – these silver bullets love sandy bottom areas and put up a fight way bigger than their size suggests. Black sea bass might be smaller than the other species, but they're plentiful and excellent table fare. The beautiful thing about St Marks is you never know what's going to hit next – Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, sharks, and even the occasional tarpon all call these waters home.
This is the kind of fishing trip that fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active. An 8-hour charter gives you the time to really get into the rhythm of the water and adapt to what the fish want. You're getting exclusive access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the Gulf Coast, with a captain who knows exactly where to find the fish. Remember to pack your snacks, drinks, and sun protection – we'll be out there all day chasing whatever's biting. The memories you'll make and the fish stories you'll tell are worth every penny. Don't let this opportunity swim away – book your full day St Marks adventure now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Your next personal best is waiting out there.
Your private fishing adventure starts aboard The Scout, a beautifully restored 24ft bay boat that's perfect for chasing bass, cobia, and whatever else is biting in St Marks waters. This 2002 Scout got a complete makeover in 2020 and now sports a powerful 200HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hotspots fast, hitting speeds up to 42 knots when needed. What makes this boat special for fishing? The wireless trolling motor lets you glide silently into shallow flats where redfish and sea trout love to hang out, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate structure and schools below. With room for up to 5 anglers but capped at just 2 guests for your trip, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without crowding. Eight full hours means you can hit multiple spots - from grass flats for speckled trout to deeper structure for cobia and black sea bass. The bay boat design handles St Marks' varied waters beautifully, whether you're running skinny water or heading out to more open areas. Pack your cooler, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for some serious Florida fishing action.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom fish that make for steady action and great eating. These chunky, dark-colored fish run 1-4 pounds typically, though some reach 8+ pounds. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, rocky bottoms, jetties, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime when they move closer to shore. What makes them popular is they're aggressive biters that'll hit almost anything, making them perfect for families and newer anglers. The meat is excellent too - firm and white. They'll fight hard until they break the surface, then give up pretty quick. My tip: use a double-drop rig with squid or cut bait, and keep it right on the bottom. They're structure huggers, so fish tight to whatever cover you're working.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the prize catch that gets everyone excited. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+ pounds easily. They're loners, not schoolers, so spotting one swimming near the surface around buoys, wrecks, or channel markers is pure gold. Spring migration from April through June is prime time, though we catch them all summer around structure. What makes them special is that aggressive strike and their bulldogging fight - they'll test your tackle and your muscles. The meat is absolutely top-shelf too, firm and white like grouper. Here's the trick: when you see one cruising, cast a bucktail jig or live crab well ahead of them and let it sink. They're curious but spook easy, so patience pays off.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida pompano are pure gold when you find them - literally one of the most sought-after fish for the dinner table. These silver, flat-sided beauties typically run 1-3 pounds and 8-12 inches, though bigger ones around 5-8 pounds show up. They cruise sandy beaches, inlet mouths, and shallow flats looking for mollusks and crabs. Summer and fall are prime time before they move deeper in winter. What guests love is their reputation as the best-eating fish in the Gulf - buttery, rich meat that commands top dollar in restaurants. They're also scrappy fighters for their size, being part of the jack family. Use small hooks since they have tiny mouths. My trick: fish small jigs or live sand fleas on the bottom near sandy drops where they're feeding.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bottom dwellers that'll give you a real wrestling match. These gray, marble-patterned fish average 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds. They live around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks, usually in 30-150 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is your best shot when they're more active in shallower water. What makes them exciting is that initial strike and immediate dive for cover - they'll try to cut your line on rocks or wrap you around structure. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white, flaky meat. Here's the key: once you hook one, lock your drag and keep steady pressure. Don't let them get their head down or they'll find a hole to hide in. Circle hooks work great for these guys.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing here. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots near the tail average 20-30 inches, but we see plenty in the slot and some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Spring through fall is prime time, though they bite year-round. What guests love is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. These fish are sight-fishing gold too. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait past them and work it back slowly. They spook easy if you splash right on their head.
Salmo TruttaSea trout, or speckled trout, are one of our most reliable targets around St Marks. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though you might hook something bigger. They love shallow grass flats and hang around oyster bars, especially at dawn and dusk. Summer through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their delicate fight and excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also pretty forgiving for newer anglers. My tip: use live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Keep your drag light since their mouths are soft, and you'll lose fewer fish.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our coolest sight-fishing targets around St Marks. These oddball fish get their name from their rounded dorsal and anal fins that look like extra tails. They run 2-15 pounds on average and have this amazing ability to change color from mottled brown to almost solid black or white. You'll find them floating near the surface around weed lines, crab trap floats, or debris. Summer months are best when they're more active near shore. What makes them fun is they're acrobatic fighters despite their chunky build, and the meat rivals red snapper. They're also masters of camouflage, lying on their sides to look like floating weeds. My secret: cast well past them and slowly work your bait into their strike zone. They spook incredibly easy, so stealth is everything.
Carrabelle, FL, United States