Best times to go on an inshore fishing charter in St. Marks, Florida
If you’re looking for an unforgettable inshore fishing experience, St. Marks, Florida, is the place to be. With its pristine waters, abundant fish species, and year-round fishing opportunities, this hidden gem along Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a top destination for anglers. But when is the best time to book a charter for the best action? As Captain Cody Cash Moody of My Fishing Adventure Charters, I’ll break it down by season so you can plan your perfect trip.
Spring (March – May): The Peak of Inshore Action
Spring is one of the best times to fish in St. Marks. As the waters warm up, fish become more active and move into the shallows, making them easier to target.
What’s Biting?
• Redfish – Found tailing in the grass flats and cruising the oyster bars.
• Speckled Trout – Active over seagrass beds and around drop-offs.
• Spanish Mackerel – Start migrating through, offering exciting action.
• Flounder – Moving into the area, great for light tackle anglers.
Why Spring?
• The weather is comfortable, with mild temperatures and light winds.
• Baitfish become abundant, bringing in hungry gamefish.
• Less boat traffic compared to summer.
Summer (June – August): Early Mornings & Late Evenings are Key
Summertime in St. Marks brings long, hot days, but that doesn’t mean the fishing slows down. The key is to fish during cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening—when the fish are most active.
What’s Biting?
• Redfish & Trout – Still plentiful but more active at dawn and dusk.
• Tarpon – The Silver Kings arrive, making summer a great time for fly anglers.
• Sharks – Blacktips and spinners provide thrilling fights.
Why Summer?
• Calm waters make for smooth rides to the best fishing spots.
• Perfect for families and vacationers looking for a summer adventure.
• A great time for topwater action at sunrise.
Fall (September – November): The Redfish Run
Fall is arguably the best time to fish in St. Marks. As water temperatures cool, fish start feeding aggressively to prepare for winter.
What’s Biting?
• Bull Redfish – Large schools gather in the flats and around oyster bars.
• Speckled Trout – Big trout move into shallow waters.
• Flounder – Peak season for catching doormats near structure.
• Black Drum & Sheepshead – Found near docks and rocky areas.
Why Fall?
• Cooler temperatures make for comfortable full-day trips.
• Less fishing pressure, meaning more productive days.
• The best chance for sight fishing massive redfish in skinny water.
Winter (December – February): A Hidden Gem for Serious Anglers
Winter may not be the most popular time to fish, but it offers excellent opportunities for those willing to brave cooler mornings. The fish concentrate in deeper channels, making them easier to locate.
What’s Biting?
• Redfish – Stacked up in deeper creeks and holes.
• Speckled Trout – Moves into rivers and deeper water.
• Black Drum & Sheepshead – Perfect targets for light tackle anglers.
Why Winter?
• Crystal-clear waters make for excellent sight fishing.
• Less competition on the water.
• A great time to target fish with artificial lures and fly gear.
When Should You Book Your Inshore Charter?
The best time to book a trip depends on your target species and fishing style. If you’re after trophy redfish, plan for fall. If you love topwater action, summer mornings are unbeatable. And if you prefer light tackle fishing in clear waters, winter and spring are perfect.
At My Fishing Adventure Charters, I’ll make sure we time your trip for the best fishing action possible. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a great day on the water, St. Marks has something to offer year-round.
Ready to book your inshore fishing adventure? Contact Captain Cody Cash Moody today and let’s get on the water!
Spring (March – May): The Peak of Inshore Action
Spring is one of the best times to fish in St. Marks. As the waters warm up, fish become more active and move into the shallows, making them easier to target.
What’s Biting?
• Redfish – Found tailing in the grass flats and cruising the oyster bars.
• Speckled Trout – Active over seagrass beds and around drop-offs.
• Spanish Mackerel – Start migrating through, offering exciting action.
• Flounder – Moving into the area, great for light tackle anglers.
Why Spring?
• The weather is comfortable, with mild temperatures and light winds.
• Baitfish become abundant, bringing in hungry gamefish.
• Less boat traffic compared to summer.
Summer (June – August): Early Mornings & Late Evenings are Key
Summertime in St. Marks brings long, hot days, but that doesn’t mean the fishing slows down. The key is to fish during cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening—when the fish are most active.
What’s Biting?
• Redfish & Trout – Still plentiful but more active at dawn and dusk.
• Tarpon – The Silver Kings arrive, making summer a great time for fly anglers.
• Sharks – Blacktips and spinners provide thrilling fights.
Why Summer?
• Calm waters make for smooth rides to the best fishing spots.
• Perfect for families and vacationers looking for a summer adventure.
• A great time for topwater action at sunrise.
Fall (September – November): The Redfish Run
Fall is arguably the best time to fish in St. Marks. As water temperatures cool, fish start feeding aggressively to prepare for winter.
What’s Biting?
• Bull Redfish – Large schools gather in the flats and around oyster bars.
• Speckled Trout – Big trout move into shallow waters.
• Flounder – Peak season for catching doormats near structure.
• Black Drum & Sheepshead – Found near docks and rocky areas.
Why Fall?
• Cooler temperatures make for comfortable full-day trips.
• Less fishing pressure, meaning more productive days.
• The best chance for sight fishing massive redfish in skinny water.
Winter (December – February): A Hidden Gem for Serious Anglers
Winter may not be the most popular time to fish, but it offers excellent opportunities for those willing to brave cooler mornings. The fish concentrate in deeper channels, making them easier to locate.
What’s Biting?
• Redfish – Stacked up in deeper creeks and holes.
• Speckled Trout – Moves into rivers and deeper water.
• Black Drum & Sheepshead – Perfect targets for light tackle anglers.
Why Winter?
• Crystal-clear waters make for excellent sight fishing.
• Less competition on the water.
• A great time to target fish with artificial lures and fly gear.
When Should You Book Your Inshore Charter?
The best time to book a trip depends on your target species and fishing style. If you’re after trophy redfish, plan for fall. If you love topwater action, summer mornings are unbeatable. And if you prefer light tackle fishing in clear waters, winter and spring are perfect.
At My Fishing Adventure Charters, I’ll make sure we time your trip for the best fishing action possible. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a great day on the water, St. Marks has something to offer year-round.
Ready to book your inshore fishing adventure? Contact Captain Cody Cash Moody today and let’s get on the water!
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