Half Day Advanced St. Marks Fishing Adventure
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Advanced 6hour inshore fishing targeting redfish and sea troutExpert Captain Leigh Wills guides up to four experienced anglersAll tackle included with private or shared charter options
When you're ready to step up your inshore game, Captain Leigh Wills knows exactly where to take you. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking six solid hours of serious angling along Florida's Forgotten Coast, where the flats meet nearshore waters and the fish are as feisty as they come. St. Marks delivers some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere on the Gulf, and with an experienced captain who lives and breathes these waters, you're setting yourself up for the kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
This top-rated charter runs with a maximum of four anglers, which means you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Captain Leigh keeps things moving between productive spots, reading the water and adjusting tactics based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling him. You'll cover everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in skinny water to deeper nearshore structure where cobia and black sea bass hang out. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear. Just remember to grab your Florida saltwater license before you head out – it's required and easy to pick up online or at local tackle shops.
St. Marks sits at the perfect intersection of rivers, marshes, and open Gulf waters, creating the kind of diverse fishing environment that serious anglers dream about. Captain Leigh runs advanced techniques that match the conditions – whether that's working topwater plugs over grass beds at first light, bouncing jigs along oyster bars, or running live bait presentations near structure. The boat is equipped with everything from light spinning gear for finicky trout to heavier tackle for bull reds and cobia. You'll learn to read the water like a local, picking up on subtle signs that separate productive water from empty stretches. This isn't about sitting in one spot and hoping – it's about staying mobile, adapting to what's working, and maximizing every hour on the water.
Redfish are the backbone of St. Marks fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers know how to put up a fight. They cruise the flats year-round, but spring and fall offer some of the best action when schools of slot fish and oversized bulls move through the area. What makes reds so addictive is their willingness to eat everything from topwater lures to live shrimp, plus that distinctive drum-like sound they make when you get them to the boat. The sight-fishing opportunities here are world-class – there's nothing quite like watching a 30-inch red slowly approach your bait in crystal-clear water.
Sea trout might be the most underrated gamefish in these waters, especially the gator trout that prowl deeper grass beds and channel edges. These spotted beauties are incredibly structure-oriented, holding tight to drop-offs and grass lines where they ambush baitfish. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water concentrates them in predictable spots. A quality trout has a soft mouth and fights with surprising intensity, making long runs that test your drag system. Local anglers swear by the eating quality too – few fish taste better than a fresh St. Marks speckled trout.
Black drum often get overlooked, but these powerful fish provide some of the most consistent action in the area. They school up around oyster bars and hard bottom, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish and crustaceans. Drum fishing is all about feel – these fish are notorious for subtle bites that feel more like a weight than a strike. Once hooked, they use their broad sides and bulldogging power to test every component of your tackle. The bigger fish, often called "big uglies" by locals, can exceed 40 pounds and provide arm-burning battles.
Cobia are the wild cards of St. Marks fishing – you never know when one of these brown sharks will appear. They're curious fish that often follow rays and other large marine life, creating sight-fishing opportunities that get your heart racing. Spring migration brings the best chances, typically from March through May when fish are moving through on their way to spawning grounds. Cobia are excellent table fare and fight with a combination of power and endurance that makes them a customer favorite among experienced anglers.
Black sea bass round out the target species list, offering reliable action around nearshore structure and hard bottom areas. These fish are incredibly aggressive and will hit everything from small jigs to chunk baits. They're excellent eating and perfect for teaching proper bottom fishing techniques. Bass fishing often produces steady action when other species are being finicky, making them valuable backup targets during tough conditions.
Six hours with Captain Leigh Wills represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. You're getting local knowledge that takes decades to develop, quality tackle that's properly maintained, and access to spots that most visiting anglers never see. The two-person minimum booking requirement ensures the trip launches, so grab a fishing buddy and get ready for the kind of day that reminds you why St. Marks has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier inshore destinations. This charter fills up quickly during peak seasons, especially when conditions are prime and the bite is hot.
This fishing machine is built to handle St. Marks' challenging inshore waters where redfish and sea trout lurk in the shallows. The wireless trolling motor keeps you moving silently through the flats without spooking fish, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. GPS and radar keep you on course even when morning fog rolls in off the Gulf. The VHF radio connects you to other boats and marine weather updates - essential for serious fishing trips. With space for four anglers, there's room to cast without tangling lines. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long Florida afternoons. This boat handles both shallow grass flats where redfish cruise and deeper nearshore spots where cobia and black sea bass hang out. The wheelchair-accessible design means everyone can experience Florida's Forgotten Coast fishing action. Captain Leigh knows these waters inside and out, so you'll hit the productive spots where trophy fish are biting.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our nearshore waters - dark brown, shark-like fish that cruise just under the surface. These solitary hunters average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, making them serious tackle-testers. Look for them around buoys, crab traps, and structure in 20-60 feet during spring and summer months. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The fight is spectacular - long runs followed by bulldogging battles near the boat. They're premium table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in these waters. Bucktail jigs work great, but live eels or large swimbaits get their attention fast. Key tip: when you spot one, get ahead of it and let your bait sink right in its path - they rarely pass up an easy meal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of St. Marks fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots run 20-35 inches on average, though bull reds can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They cruise super shallow flats, oyster bars, and mangrove edges in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. They're aggressive strikers that'll eat topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The fight is pure power - long runs and head-shaking determination. Excellent eating in the slot size range. Watch for nervous water and tailing fish on low tides around oyster beds - that's where the magic happens.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them, are some of the most reliable fish on the flats around St. Marks. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with that beautiful silvery body covered in black spots. These fish love grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Topwater plugs at first light will get your heart pumping when they explode on the surface. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels. The key is working your lures slow and steady - specks aren't aggressive strikers, so give them time to commit. Soft plastics on a light jighead work great when topwater action slows down.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the flats, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs in shallow, muddy areas around St. Marks. Spring is your best bet when they school up for spawning - makes them much easier to target. You'll hear them before you see them sometimes, making those distinctive drumming sounds that give them their name. They fight hard and steady, not flashy but determined. Fresh blue crab is hands-down the best bait - it stays on the hook better and doesn't get picked off by catfish like other baits. Keep fish under 15 pounds for the table; bigger ones get tough and lose their flavor. Look for them tailing in super shallow water on incoming tides.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are solid fighters that'll give you a good battle until they break the surface. Most run 1-4 pounds here in St. Marks waters, though you might hook into something pushing 8+ pounds if you're lucky. These chunky members of the grouper family love hanging around structure - wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. They're bottom feeders with a taste for crabs, squid, and clams, so fresh squid strips on a two-hook rig works great. The meat is excellent eating with firm white flesh. Pro tip: once you find structure holding fish, work it thoroughly - they tend to school up and where there's one, there's usually more waiting below.
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