Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious rod-bending action on St. George Island? Our Apalachicola Fishing Charters are the real deal. We're talking about half a day packed with non-stop fishing fun, targeting some of the Gulf's most prized catches. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Corey's got your back with all the local know-how to put you on the fish. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!
Picture this: You're cruising out as the sun's coming up, the smell of salt in the air, and the anticipation building. Our half-day trips are perfect for getting your fish fix without eating up your whole day. We'll be targeting a mixed bag of inshore favorites – Flounder, Goliath Grouper, Sheepshead, Red Snapper, Spotted Seatrout, you name it. Captain Corey knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll have you on the fish in no time. And don't worry if you're new to this – he's got all the patience in the world and loves showing folks the ropes.
On our Apalachicola charters, we keep things versatile. We might start off bottom fishing for those tasty Red Snapper, then switch it up to some light tackle action for Seatrout. Depending on what's biting, we could be using live bait, artificial lures, or even fly fishing gear if that's your style. We provide all the quality rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, so no worries if you're traveling light. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat!
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately! We've been hauling in some monster Redfish – talking about bull reds that'll make your arms ache. The Spotted Seatrout have been showing up in numbers too, perfect for those who like a little finesse fishing. And if you're after a real heavyweight champ, the Goliath Grouper have been hanging around structure and giving anglers the fight of their lives. Trust me, when you hook into one of these bruisers, you'll know it!
Red Snapper: These beauties are the crown jewels of the Gulf. With their bright red scales and fierce fight, they're a blast to catch and even better to eat. We usually find them hanging around reefs and wrecks, and they'll hit hard on both live and cut bait. The best time to target these guys is during the summer months when the season's open. Just remember, there are strict regulations on Red Snapper, so we'll make sure you're up to speed on the latest rules.
Goliath Grouper: Now, if you want a real fish story to tell, hooking into a Goliath Grouper is the way to go. These massive fish can weigh hundreds of pounds and put up a fight like you wouldn't believe. They love hanging around structure, so we'll be targeting wrecks and reefs. While we can't keep these gentle giants (they're protected), the thrill of catching and releasing one is unforgettable. They're around all year, but summer to fall is prime time.
Sheepshead: Don't let their funny-looking teeth fool you – Sheepshead are smart cookies and a blast to catch. These striped battlers are often found around pilings, jetties, and oyster beds. They're notorious bait stealers, so finesse is key. Winter and early spring are the best times to target them, and they make for some mighty fine eating if you can outsmart them!
Spotted Seatrout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a staple of inshore fishing. They're beautiful fish with a subtle spotted pattern and a nice, clean fight. We often find them in grass flats and around oyster bars. They're active year-round, but the bigger ones (we call 'em gator trout) tend to show up more in the cooler months. Light tackle and topwater lures make for some exciting action with these fellas.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty Red Drum – or Redfish as we call 'em down here. These copper-colored beauties are one of the most sought-after inshore species, and for good reason. They put up a great fight, especially the bigger ones we call bull reds. We find them tailing in shallow flats or busting bait in the deeper channels. Fall is prime time for Redfish, but we catch 'em year-round. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the sound of a screaming drag when a big red takes off!
Folks, I've been running these waters for years, and I can tell you there's something special about fishing in Apalachicola Bay. Maybe it's the way the light hits the water at dawn, or the thrill of watching your rod bend double with a big fish. But I think what really keeps people coming back is the variety. One day you might be battling a bruiser Goliath Grouper, the next you're finessing Speckled Trout out of the grass flats. Every trip is different, and that's what makes it exciting.
Plus, there's just something about being out on these waters. The wildlife you'll see – dolphins playing in the wake, osprey diving for fish – it's like a nature show right before your eyes. And let's not forget the sunrises. Man, those alone are worth the price of admission.
Alright, anglers, if you're itching to get out on the water and feel that first tug on your line, it's time to lock in your trip. Our Apalachicola Fishing Charters are perfect for everyone from first-timers to old salts. Remember, we've got room for up to 4 people, so bring your buddies or the family for a morning of fishing you won't forget.
Just a heads up – our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait too long to pull the trigger. Oh, and keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book.
Ready to chase some fish and make some memories? Give us a shout, and we'll get you set up. Trust me, once you experience fishing these waters, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the boat!
Goliath Grouper live up to their name, growing to massive sizes - we're talking 8 feet long and up to 800 pounds. You'll spot these giants lurking around reefs, shipwrecks, and other structures in relatively shallow water, usually less than 150 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Anglers are drawn to Goliaths for the sheer thrill of hooking into something so enormous. While they're a protected species, catch-and-release fishing is still popular. If you're looking to tangle with one, use heavy tackle - we're talking 80-pound class gear at minimum. Bait up with a large live fish like a jack or ladyfish. A word to the wise: when you feel that first pull, brace yourself. These fish have enough power to yank you right off the boat if you're not careful. Always handle them with care and release quickly to ensure their survival.
Red Snapper are a prized catch in our area, typically weighing 5-10 pounds but sometimes reaching up to 35 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs and structures in 30-600 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with spawning season from May to October. Anglers love targeting these fish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Their white, flaky meat has a sweet, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. To increase your chances, use fresh bait like cigar minnows or squid, and fish near the bottom. A local trick is to use a heavy weight to get your bait down quickly in the current. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard - these guys have tough mouths and will give you a real battle on the way up. Just remember, regulations can be strict, so always check the current limits before heading out.
Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically range from 3-15 pounds, but bull reds can top 40 pounds. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in the backs of creeks, often in water less than 3 feet deep. They're active year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up for spawning. Anglers love targeting reds for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. Look for their trademark tail sticking out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Live bait like mullet or crabs works great, but artificials like gold spoons or topwater plugs can be just as effective. Here's a local tip: when sight-fishing, cast well ahead of the fish and slowly retrieve your lure into their path. Redfish have keen eyesight and will spook easily if you plop a lure right on their head. When you hook up, be ready for some drag-screaming runs. These copper-colored bruisers put up a fight you won't soon forget.
Sea Trout, also known as Spotted Seatrout, are a favorite around here. They typically range from 1-5 pounds, though some gator trout can hit 10 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats, channels, and around oyster bars in 3-15 feet of water. They're active year-round, but fall and spring are prime times when water temperatures are just right. Anglers love targeting specks for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat. One local trick: try fishing the tide changes, especially the first of the incoming tide. That's when trout often feed most actively. When you hook one, be ready for some head shakes and occasional jumps. Just remember to handle them carefully if you're releasing, as they have soft mouths that can tear easily. Whether you're keeping them for dinner or practicing catch and release, sea trout always provide an exciting fight.
Sheepshead are quirky little fighters, usually 1-8 pounds but sometimes reaching up to 20. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds in relatively shallow water. They're most active in cooler months, especially from late fall through early spring when they gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tricky bite and excellent taste. Their human-like teeth make them experts at stealing bait, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. For best results, use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or oysters. Here's a local tip: when you feel a nibble, wait for the second tap before setting the hook. That's when they've actually got the bait in their mouth. These "convict fish" put up a surprisingly good fight for their size and make for some tasty fillets if you can get past their tough scales.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 34
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150