Afternoon Inshore Fishing in St. Marks, Florida
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targets redfish and sea troutCaptain Leigh provides all tackle and handson guidancePrivate charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
When you're looking for a solid afternoon on the water in St. Marks, Captain Leigh Wills knows exactly where to put you on fish. His half-day guided trips with Outpost Alpha Fishing Charters take you into some of Florida's Forgotten Coast's best inshore waters, where redfish, sea trout, and plenty of other species are just waiting for the right presentation. This isn't your typical crowded charter experience – with room for just four anglers, you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between coming home with stories and coming home with both stories and fish. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, Captain Leigh's got the local knowledge to put you on fish when others are struggling.
Your four-hour afternoon adventure starts when you meet Captain Leigh at the dock in St. Marks, where you'll board his well-equipped vessel that's perfectly suited for navigating the shallow grass flats and deeper channels that make this area so productive. The beauty of fishing Florida's Forgotten Coast is that you're working relatively untouched waters – no massive crowds, no constant boat traffic, just you and some of the most pristine inshore fishing grounds in the Gulf. Captain Leigh's been working these flats for years, and he knows exactly which grass beds hold feeding redfish during different tidal phases, where the sea trout stack up when the bait moves in, and which structure consistently produces black drum and cobia. The hands-on guidance means you're not just casting blind – you're learning to read the water, understand the bite, and develop skills that'll serve you long after this trip ends. All your tackle is provided, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about whether you brought the right gear for the conditions.
The grass flats around St. Marks are textbook inshore fishing habitat, and Captain Leigh knows how to work them effectively. You'll primarily be sight fishing and working structure with live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are telling you on any given day. The key here is understanding how these fish use the grass – redfish cruise the edges looking for crabs and baitfish, while sea trout often suspend over the grass waiting to ambush prey. Captain Leigh's approach combines traditional techniques with his intimate knowledge of local patterns, so you might find yourself pitching soft plastics to visible redfish one minute and working deeper channels with live shrimp the next. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – you're not locked into one technique or one species. When the black drum are feeding on oyster bars, you'll switch tactics accordingly. When cobia show up cruising the flats, you'll have the right presentation ready. The boat is equipped with everything from light tackle for finicky sea trout to heavier gear for when those big cobia decide to cooperate.
Redfish: These copper-colored fighters are the bread and butter of St. Marks inshore fishing, and for good reason. Averaging 20 to 30 inches, these fish provide consistent action year-round, with peak activity during the cooler months when they school up in larger numbers. What makes redfish so exciting here is that you can often spot them tailing in shallow water, creating heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastic paddle tails, and when hooked, they make powerful runs that'll test your drag settings. Captain Leigh knows exactly where these fish feed during different tide phases, and his success rate speaks for itself.
Sea Trout: The spotted sea trout in these waters are both plentiful and willing to bite, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Most fish run between 14 to 20 inches, with occasional larger specimens that'll really bend your rod. Spring and fall provide the most consistent action, but you can find feeding trout throughout most of the year. They're incredibly cooperative on live shrimp fished under popping corks, and they also respond well to soft plastics worked slowly over grass beds. The fight might not be as bulldogging as a redfish, but their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare make them a customer favorite on every trip.
Black Drum: These bottom-dwelling heavyweights are the sleeper species that many anglers overlook, but they shouldn't. Black drum in St. Marks waters can range from keeper-sized fish to legitimate monsters that'll make you question your tackle choices. They're most active during cooler months and are typically found around oyster bars and hard bottom structure. What makes them exciting is their raw power – once hooked, a big black drum will head for the bottom and stay there, testing both your equipment and your patience. They're primarily bait feeders, with live or cut shrimp being the most reliable producers.
Cobia: When cobia show up, everything else takes a back seat. These bronze bullets are opportunistic predators that cruise the flats looking for easy meals, and when conditions are right, they provide some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll find in the Gulf. Most cobia in these waters run 25 to 40 inches, with the occasional larger fish that'll really put on a show. They're most common during warmer months and are often spotted cruising just under the surface. The key is having the right bait ready – live crabs or large soft plastics usually do the trick. When hooked, cobia make blistering runs and often jump, providing exactly the kind of action that creates lasting memories.
Black Sea Bass: While they might not be the largest fish you'll encounter, black sea bass are scrappy fighters that consistently produce action when other species are finicky. These structure-loving fish typically run 12 to 16 inches and are most active around rocky bottom and artificial reefs
Your fishing machine awaits in the pristine waters around St. Marks! This well-equipped motorboat handles Florida's Forgotten Coast with ease, featuring everything serious anglers need for a productive afternoon chasing redfish and sea trout. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working the grass flats, while the fish finder helps locate where the action is hiding. Stay comfortable with the onboard icebox for cold drinks, and rely on GPS navigation and radar to explore every productive spot safely. VHF radio keeps you connected, and the boat accommodates up to four guests comfortably - even wheelchair accessible for everyone to join the fun. Whether you're targeting black drum in the shallows or hoping for cobia near structure, this fishing platform puts you right where the Gulf's best inshore species are biting.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster bars, and brackish areas where they can crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater. They're built like bulldozers and fight accordingly, making long powerful runs that test your drag. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough and fishy. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab, clams, or cut bait on the bottom is your best bet. Pro tip: use circle hooks and let them eat - they're not in a hurry, so don't set the hook too quick or you'll pull it away from them.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are part of the grouper family and usually run 2-4 pounds around here, though they can hit 8+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around structure - old pilings, rocky bottoms, and any underwater cover in 20-120 feet of water. They're most active late spring through summer when they move closer to shore. What makes them fun is they'll hit just about anything - live bait like squid strips works great, but they'll also smash jigs and plugs. They fight hard until they break the surface, then give up quick. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, flaky texture. One tip: use a 2-hook bottom rig and keep your bait right on the structure - they don't chase food very far, so get it in their face.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing prize - big, brown, and often mistaken for sharks when cruising just under the surface. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can easily hit 100+ pounds, making them serious tackle-testers. They're loners, not schooling fish, so each one is special when you find it. Look for them around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-80 feet of water, especially during spring migration from March through May. What makes them amazing is the combination of size, fight, and incredible table quality - firm white meat that's like a cross between grouper and mahi. They're aggressive predators that'll hit bucktail jigs, eels, and live bait. My secret: when you see one, get a heavy jig in front of it fast and work it aggressively - they either eat immediately or they're gone.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water flats, easily spotted by that distinctive black spot near their tail and copper-bronze coloring. Around here they typically run 18-28 inches, though the big "bull" reds can push 40+ inches and really test your equipment. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. They're year-round residents but really turn on during fall when they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their bulldogging fight style. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They're also sight-fishing targets, which adds excitement when you can see them cruising the flats. Key tip: when you spot one feeding, cast past it and work your bait back into its path - don't land right on top of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets. They typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, with that classic speckled pattern and soft white meat that's fantastic on the table. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around structure like docks or drop-offs. They're most active during moving tides and low-light conditions - dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures, creating explosive surface strikes that get everyone excited. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and fight well without being overwhelming. My go-to trick is using a popping cork with live shrimp underneath - the noise draws them in from a distance.
undefined, undefined