Fishing is a religion in Florida. It’s a state-wide pastime with loads of locals crowding docks, scouring the coast for secret fishing spots, and hitting the Gulf in their own private boats. St. George Island (SGI) is the perfect getaway to book the day trip you’ve been dreaming of!
However, visitors to Florida would benefit greatly from the expertise and local narrative a fishing guide and boat tour bring for a proper Forgotten Coast angling experience. Just don’t forget to book your dream vacation rental before you go!
Check out our nine favorite inshore and offshore fishing charters that all come with essential gear like reels and lures and a knowledgeable captain and guide.
Best Time of Year for Fishing Charters on St. George Island
From April to November, generally speaking, you will be able to fish with ease on the Florida Gulf Coast. Obviously, the species you are likely to catch and legally your ability to keep them changes throughout the year.
Each of the fishing charters listed below runs tours that focus on the in-season species. So, if you’re looking for something specific, be sure to check local regulations before you go.
1. Journeys of SGI
Address: 240 East 3rd St. George Island, FL
They do it all. Journeys of SGI is one of the most well-established and reputable companies in the Gulf when it comes to fishing charters and gear rentals (like paddleboards) of all kinds. They have four different varieties of charters, all geared toward different target species and types of fishing around St. George Island.
The Bay & Flats Fishing Trip
Target Species: Speckled trout, redfish, flounder, pompano, triple-tail, and mackerel.
This is suitable for four or fewer people and can be booked as a full or half-day tour. It focuses on the Apalachicola Bay and river mouth so that you can be sure to score some fish to take home for dinner after your charter. This is considered the best fishing in all of Florida by many enthusiasts.
Inshore and Offshore Fishing Trip
Target Species: Kingfish, cobia, select snapper, Redfish, and grouper
This is Journey of SGI’s best trip for families hoping to get out on the open water and experience the best of the Gulf. It’s suitable for beginner or experienced fishermen.
Fish & Fun Adventure
Target Species: No Take Home
This is a catch-and-release fishing charter for beginners or those visiting the island who want to experience some of the best beaches and prettiest scenery as well as have some fishing. It includes shelling, touring, and dolphin-watching as well. It’s also only a half day with 3 or 4-hour charters available.
Shark Fishing Adventure
Target Species: Sharks! But nothing to take home.
Shark fishing in Florida is always catch & release. Take the kids out on the boat for a full day in Apalachicola Bay and Gulf to take pictures with these giant (hopefully) predators.
2. Book Me A Charter
Website: bookmeacharter.com
Address: 462 Hwy 98 Apalachicola, FL
Target Species: Redfish, trout, whiting, tripletail, and Spanish mackerel.
Captain Dwayne Allen is here to take you in-shore fishing. Book Me a Charter focuses on the St. George Island, Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach, Alligator Point, and Apalachicola area, depending on the needs of the anglers.
Using their 22’ SeaFox 220 Viper and high-quality tackle, you can expect to learn a lot out on the water and take home some tasty fish. With fully personalized trips and a family-friendly environment, they are the top choice for many in the SGI area.
3. Island Charters
Website: stgeorgeislandcharters.com/charters
Address: 367 Cook St., St George Island, FL
The only female-owned and operated vessel on this list. Captain Krista is a true fisherwoman and offers in-shore, off-shore, and deep-sea fishing for more experienced anglers. She also has a fun and fish option for families, including dolphin watching and shelling.
On her deep sea trips, you can expect to find a variety of grouper, red snapper, mangrove amberjack, mahi, king mackerel, cobia, sea bass, triggerfish, Spanish mackerel, and a variety of sharks. She also is willing to do sunset cruises for the whole family.
4. SGI Charters
Address: 705 Randolph St., St. George Island, FL 32328
Target Species: Varies depending on the trip.
From the flats to about 3 miles off-shore, you can expect to find trout, redfish, flounder, tripletail, kingfish, and cobia on your half-day trip. A full day out on the Gulf will get you into the Special Permit Zone for sportfish with catches like grouper, king fish, mahi, cobia, snapper, and amberjack.
SGI Charters also does specialty tour fishing for sharks (makos, tigers, bulls, suskys, hammerheads, and sandbar sharks) and the goliath grouper, which can get up to 8 feet in length and more than 700 lbs. This is the perfect charter for specialized or experienced fishermen.
5. Fish King Charters
Website: fishkingcharters.com
Address: 715 Randolph St, St George Island, FL
Target Species: Red snapper, grouper, sharks and other sportfish
Rather than full or half-day charters, the Fish King himself allows you to book his 33-foot vessel for 6, 7, or 8 hours. Self-described as the most comfortable fishing boat in all of St. George Island, this is a great charter option for fishermen seeking a little extra space and luxury.
Another perk to the Fish King is they are one of the few boats in the area that are federally permitted, allowing them to fish more than 10 miles off-shore. This is how you score the good eats!
6. Adventures Abroad the C-Scout
Website: adventuresaboardthecscout.com
Address: 1 Bay Avenue, Apalachicola, FL
Target Species: Red snapper, lane snapper, mangrove snapper, gag grouper, red grouper, cobia, and kingfish.
This family-owned company consists of a father/son duo with a lifetime (two actually) of experience fishing the Gulf of Mexico. They troll the waters surrounding Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, and St. George Island for a wide variety of good-eating fish.
Alongside the typical charters of 7 or 9-hour trips, they also have catch-and-release shark fishing charters for visitors who want some up-close shots of these monsters.
7. Nauti Buoy Charters
Address: Scipio Creek Marina - Boat Ramp, 301 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL
Target Species: Brown trout, king mackerel & redfish
This is a smaller vessel and a great option for travelers on a budget. Captain Jeremy Willoughby grew up in Florida and is passionate about sharing his love for the Gulf with all of his guests. His charter is best for small groups of 4 persons or less and focuses mainly on the in-shore Apalachicola Bay.
Another perk of Nauti Buoy? They do short trips of 4-5 hours, so you can get back to sunning or shelling on the beach before sundown.
8. Anchors Aweigh Fishing Charter
Website: anchorsaweighcaptstan.com
Address: Carrabelle Marine Street Boat Ramp, 401 SE Marine St., Carrabelle, FL
Target Species: Grouper, cobia, hogfish, and mangrove snapper
Get hooked! That’s the motto at Anchors Aweigh. Capt. Stanley Harrison is a shark fishing expert and a USCG-licensed guide who specializes in near-shore, off-shore, and reef-fishing. The vessel is a 25-footer and large enough to fit groups of up to 6. He runs numerous full- or half-day charters as well as full island tours.
9. Hammerhead Hunters Charter Fishing
Website: hammerheadhunters.com
Address: Carrabelle Marine Street Boat Ramp, 401 SE Marine St., Carrabelle, FL
Target Species: Amberjack, great barracuda, cobia
Put your trust in Captain Jamie Thomas. He’s been running Hammerhead Hunters fishing charters for 30 years on the Forgotten Coast. This charter is fitting for groups of up to 6 for a full or half day out on the water.
The captain specifically loves to accommodate families and show off the natural beauty of Florida. He keeps it close to shore (within 9 miles) and, depending on the season, specializes in live bait fishing or reef trolling.
Experience Fisherman’s Paradise on the Forgotten Coast!
After a long day of roughing it out on the water, sometimes it pays to have a luxurious place to stay. Our vacation rentals at Wander aim to provide all the high-end amenities that make you feel at home (or better). Browse our homes and condos with scenic views and easy beachfront water access, and get ready for your next trip to St. George Island, Florida.
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