Category: Fishing

When you come to SGI, experiencing the incredible waters surrounding our island is probably at the top of your list. You can splash around, float on top, and cast your line! If you’re looking to experience some fishing during your stay at one of our Collins Vacation Rentals, we recommend trying the St. George Island Fishing Pier. 

If you want to know more ways to get out on the water, take a look at our Things to Do page! We know that planning a vacation can be challenging, so we created a list of our favorite businesses in the area and places to go to save you from hours of research. Whether you are looking for more spots like St. George Island Fishing Pier, a romantic date night, or family activity, our page can help!

What is the St. George Island Fishing Pier? 
The St. George Island Fishing Pier is located on the northern side of the island. It juts out 600 feet into the water, giving visitors more than enough room to spread out and enjoy the pier. You can catch fish year round off SGI, but May starts the season of shore and pier fishing each year.

Do I Need a Fishing License? 
If you are planning on fishing from the shore or from a boat, you will need a fishing license. There are a few exceptions such as being a Florida resident over 65 years of age, are under 16 years of age, and participating on catch and release fishing. The exact rules can be found on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. However, if you go on a charter, your license will most likely be provided.

3 Game Fish to Reel In on the St. George Island Fishing Pier
Florida Pompano
These school fish are remarkably fast swimmers. Normally feeding on zoobenthos and small clams, you can catch them with light jigs and popping corks. Look for the compressed body and short snout. The colors of pompano range from silver with hints of blue-green on the dorsal areas to silver or yellow on the body and fins.

Black Drum
Black or gray in color, the black drum has powerful jaws. When you head to the St. George Island fishing pier, shrimp or squid work well to hook them. Sometimes, the older fish are drawn in using portions of blue crab. They can also be caught on spoons and jigs!

Spanish Mackerel
Silver sides, a green back, and a few rows of yellow spots are characteristic of the Spanish mackerel. These fish are carnivorous and love live bait! Spanish mackerel move quickly, so you’ll need to be quicker to pull these in during your trip to the St. George Island fishing pier.

Come Relax at a Collins Vacation Home
After reeling in your catch on the St. George Island fishing pier, come back to your Collins Vacation Home to relax. We offer a variety of gorgeous rentals within a short drive from the pier, not to mention great local attractions, beaches, and more. Browse through our properties , then start planning your stay! If you have any questions, you are more than welcome to contact us ; we’re happy to help! We look forward to hosting you for the vacation of a lifetime.

St. George Island has some of the best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to beautiful waters and great weather, there are several ways to enjoy your favorite pastime. You can head over to one of the island’s most loved fishing spots, or step outside your oceanfront rental to cast a line in the surf. For extended fun, choose a fantastic St. George Island fishing charter to explore the waters of the Gulf. Whether you are new to this hobby or have participated in the pastime for many years, you’ll never forget fishing the waters of the Forgotten Coast. Take a look at our Things to Do page before you arrange your fishing trip and plan the best vacation you’ve ever had!

Discover the Forgotten Coast’s Remarkable Beauty on These St. George island Fishing Charters

Find the Rarest Seashells With Bay View Charters of SGI

Plan a charter and go shelling with the whole family! Bay View Charters of SGI offers a unique experience that will take your breath away. On this charter, Captain Wes McCall will take you and your crew to the uninhabited islands of St. Vincent and Little St. George Island, where you’ll find thousands of seashells and other rare items that have washed ashore. If you’re also looking for an offshore fishing opportunity, Bay View Charters, is the place for you. Captain McCall is one of three captains on the island with a Federal Waters permit. No matter which adventure you choose, we know you and your family will have a blast!

Try Your Hand at In-Shore Fishing With Journeys of St. George Island

Gear up the whole family and get ready for a day full of adventure on the Gulf Coast. Journeys of St. George Island charters offer a marvelous in-shore fishing trip. This charter trip pairs you with an experienced fishing guide and can even provide all the equipment you will need while you are out on the water. This trip is perfect for anyone looking to catch snapper, grouper, and kingfish. There’s no doubt you’ll be in good hands with Captain Jeremy, Captain Tim, and the rest of the crew at Journeys of St. George Island.

Go on an Off-Shore Fishing Adventure With St. George Island Charters

For the ultimate fishing experience, cast a line in the Apalachicola Bay or the beautiful Florida Gulf with guidance from St. George Island Charters and Captain Krista Miller. Captain Krista is a St. George Island native and 5th generation fisherman, specializing in bay and Gulf fishing charters around St. George Island.  Fish Inshore, Offshore – up to 9 miles from land and Deep Sea-Gulf of Mexico Federal Waters:  10-40 Miles.  Captain Krista also offers Fish ‘n fun Charter with Fishing – Dolphin – Shelling – Sunset trips.
Try to Find These Fish While You’re on the Water!

Tripletail
Speckled trout
Flounder
Wahoo
Tuna
Mahi

Relax in a Collins Vacation Rental
After a fun day filled with great fishing, enjoy your evening at a Collins vacation home. Our homes have all of the amenities you need for a getaway you’ll never forget. Collins vacation rentals are located all over St. George Island, so you can take full advantage of the stunning Forgotten Coast. To see the full range of property options, request one of our rental guides.
When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can unwind knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life!

Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

Do you dream of exploring the open ocean? Does your idea of paradise include a fishing rod in your hand? Do you want to see the magic of dolphins swimming alongside the boat? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider SGI Charters on St. George Island, FL. They offer a variety of boating excursions that are sure to make your vacation memorable.

Are you thinking of vacationing on St. George Island? Check out our Things to Do page! Here, you’ll find some of the most trusted and best businesses on the island, plus all of the best activities to enjoy here. It makes planning your stay easier than ever!

About SGI Charters on St. George Island, FL
Captain Lee Chapin will take good care of you at SGI Charters! He offers a variety of tours and charters out on the open water. Each tour is designed with your entertainment in mind, so you’ll be in good hands no matter which excursion you choose. The captains are all very knowledgeable and have been boating in this area for years. They can teach you the ins and outs of the water around St. George Island!

The Excursions
SGI Charters on St. George Island, FL, offers many trips and tours! Read our descriptions to choose which one is the best for you.

Dolphin Encounters 
There’s something magical about seeing dolphins jumping in and out of the water. You can even see them from the shores of our beaches! The Dolphin Encounters tour lasts for four hours. The captain knows exactly where to go to see dolphins playing in their pods, and many times, they will catch a ride on the wake of the boat.

Sunset Cruises
Our St. George Island sunsets are known for being extraordinarily beautiful, but watching one from a boat takes it to the next level. This tour lasts for four hours. It begins with a relaxing cruise so you can keep an eye out for our wildlife. You’ll get fresh oysters to snack on as you watch the sun go down.

Shelling Trips
Do you want a unique souvenir? A shelling trip is a perfect way to get one! SGI Charters will take you to some of our barrier islands so you can hunt for shells. You never know what you will find!

Fishing Charters

SGI Charters offers a variety of fishing charters. These charters vary based on time on the boat and what fish you would like to catch. (Of course, fishing in the flats will give you a different catch than going miles offshore!) Think about how deep you would like to go and what you would like to catch. Then, make your decision.

Book Your Island Getaway
Enjoy our slice of paradise when you rent from Collins Vacation Rentals. We offer properties of all shapes and sizes, so we know we have the perfect one for you. Browse our vacation rentals to see for yourself! You can spend hours enjoying SGI Charters on St. George Island, FL, and all the other activities here. We can’t wait to see you!

There’s something relaxing and magical about being out on the open water, fishing pole in hand. When you stay on St. George Island, you’re not just limited to what our island offers. Head over to the mainland for fun activities like Apalachicola, FL, fishing charters! This coastal town is just over the bridge, so it is very convenient if you’re looking for a day of fishing. 

Are you thinking about planning a trip to St. George Island? Take a look at our Things to Do page! Here, you’ll find trusted companies like Apalachicola, FL, fishing charters, restaurants, places to explore, and more! As locals on the island, we’re dedicated to making sure you have the vacation of a lifetime, so let us help you plan it. 

4 of the Best Apalachicola, FL, Fishing Charters
Apalachicola Charters 
Whether you consider yourself to be an expert angler or have never been on a fishing charter before, you’ll be in good hands with Apalachicola Charters. Captain Rudy is passionate about fishing and the waters off the Gulf Coast. He’s full of tips and tricks, and he can tell you all about the ecosystem here. This company offers both day and night charters, so take your pick before booking. 

Robinson Brothers Guide Service 
Robinson Brothers Guide Service is always an excellent choice for Apalachicola, FL, fishing charters! They will take you out on an 18 foot “Flats” skiff with either light tackle or fly fishing gear. They will help you catch speckled trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, flounder, sheepshead, sharks, pompano, tripletail, and tarpon. The fish you’re able to catch depend on the season, but a lot of visitors have luck casting their line here! 

Williams Charter Fishing Adventures
Captain Bruce Williams of Williams Charter Fishing Adventures has been fishing for his entire life, and he’s ready to help you make a catch. His time in the Coast Guard gave him a love for the ocean, and he is ready to share that with you. He will take you out on a 21-foot Mako center console, a boat great for its durability, space, and dry ride. 

Book Me a Charter
Book Me a Charter will take you anywhere in the Apalachicola area! If you have a favorite place to cast your line, just let them know. Otherwise, these fishing experts will take you where they know the fish are biting. You can choose between half and full day charters. Many of their guides were once commercial fishermen, so you know you’re in good hands!

Book Your Island Getaway Today
Are you ready for an Apalachicola, FL, fishing charter? Book your getaway with Collins Vacation Rentals! We have more than 200 rentals available on the island, so we know we have the perfect property for you. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront oasis or a cozy cottage, we can help. Browse our properties to start planning today! 
 

Shrimp, grouper, Apalachicola Oysters… the list of Florida seafood goes on and on! Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico have been prime seafood locations for generations. During your stay at Collins Vacation Rentals, you’re sure to see a handful of shrimp boats and fishermen dotting the water. You’ll have to make a stop at a seafood market on St. George Island, FL!

Whether you are looking for a seafood market on St. George Island or would rather go to a restaurant, there are countless options on our island. Take a look at our Things to Do page for the inside scoop on planning your stay. Not only will you find local tips on seafood, you will also see our most trusted businesses and some of the best activities to enjoy on the Forgotten Coast.

3 of the Best Seafood Markets on St. George Island, FL

Dail’s Seafood
Dail’s Seafood has become one of the go-to seafood markets on St. George Island, FL, for both locals and visitors. You’ll find this truck parked in the center of town right on E Gulf Beach Dr.! Step right up to see what local catch or specials they have today. One of the owners, Anna, gets her shrimp right from her husband’s boat so you know they’re fresh! Don’t forget to get a few crab cakes while you are there— they have become famous on our island. We can guarantee that any seafood you get here will be some of the freshest you ever had.

Doug’s Fresh Seafood Market
Keep an eye out for the yellow trailer! You can spot Doug’s Fresh Seafood Market from a mile away. Inside, there are countless coolers filled with goodies like shrimp, scallops, grouper, oysters, and more. You can usually find Doug on one of the streets right off the bridge. After being in business for more than 25 years, you can come to him with any seafood-related questions you may have!

The Grocery Stores
Unlike many of the grocery stores on the mainland, our grocery stores on St. George Island are known for having freshly-caught Gulf Coast seafood available whenever possible. If you can’t find fresh shrimp at one of the seafood market trailers, Sparks & Sons Island Grocery and The Piggly Wiggly Express usually has it!  Plus, the grocery stores on our island have everything you need to complete the meal.

Cook Your Seafood at a Collins Vacation Rental
One of the best parts of a vacation rental is that you get your own kitchen to use! Browse our properties at Collins Vacation Rentals to find the kitchen of your dreams. We find that the kitchen is the heart of the home; somehow, family and friends always end up congregating in that room! Stop at a seafood market on St. George Island, FL, to pick out dinner, then head back to your vacation home to prepare it. There’s nothing better than sharing a meal with loved ones, especially in a place as magical as SGI. We look forward to seeing you in paradise!

St. George Island is a fisherman’s heaven! Completely surrounded by clear, blue water, the island beckons you to come cast your line. Whether you are looking to get a charter or fish from the shore, there is enough opportunity for you to fish for days! So, when are the best fishing times on St. George Island, FL?

If you’re planning a fishing adventure, we can help plan the rest of your trip. Collins Vacation Rentals has been on SGI for more than 40 years, so we are experts in the area! Start your planning with our Things to Do page. You’ll find all the information you need about the best businesses in the area, fun activities, the best restaurants, and more! We know that planning a vacation can be challenging, so we created this handpicked list of local recommendations to save you from hours of research.

When Are the Best Fishing Times on St. George Island, FL?

Year-Round 
You can fish year-round on St. George Island! Our southern location means that we experience great weather almost every day of the year. Even in the dead of winter, you can easily spend some time outdoors. No matter what time of year you fish, you can expect to reel in redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, and black drum from the bay. If you are surf fishing , you’ll find whiting, flounder, and redfish. You’ll most likely catch some red snapper, grouper, amberjack, cobia, jack crevalle, kingfish, mahi-mahi and more if you are offshore.

Warm Water
When the water around the island warms up, even more fish come through. As the warm weather sets in and the water reaches at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, Spanish mackeral and sharks can be caught while surf fishing. June, July, and August are peak tarpon times!

Check the Charts
If you want a more in-depth analysis of when the best fishing times are on St. George Island, FL, you can always check the fishing charts. This particular chart will show you the exact times the fish are likely to bite the most and the least in the morning and the evening. If you cast your line during these peak times, you’re more likely to catch a fish!

St. George Island Fishing Spots 
When you stay at Collins Vacation Rentals, you have tons of options for where to fish. With miles of uncrowded beaches, surf fishing is one of the most popular options. If you choose to rent a beachfront home, you can even cast your line right outside your own front door! Plus, many of our bay front and canal front homes have private docks you can fish from. You can also go to the St. George Island fishing pier to fish out of the bay. Another popular option is to get a charter. Journey’s of SGI is a popular company to go on a fishing excursion with, and they’ll provide bait, tackle, rods, reels, licenses, and fish cleaning so you won’t have to worry about a thing!

Book Your Fishing Adventure Today
Whether you consider yourself a fishing expert or just enjoy reeling in the day’s catch for fun, St. George Island is the place for you. With the best fishing times in St. George Island being year-round, you can book a stay at Collins Vacation Rentals at any time of the year! Take a break from the cold when you come to our island in the winter or make it your summer vacation. Browse through our rentals , then book your stay! We look forward to seeing you!

When it comes to the best fishing destinations in Florida, St. George Island should be at the top of your list. From Apalachicola Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the entire island is an anglers dream. While there are tons of amazing fishing holes on the island, one of the best-kept-secrets is Pelican Reef. This hidden gem off the coast of St. George Island is only reachable by charter, but the trip is well-worth it. Here’s why you must fish Pelican Reef during your next visit!

After you fish Pelican Reef, check out the other amazing attractions on St. George Island.  Head over to our Things to Do page for recommendations about the best local boat tours, excursions, dining, shopping, and more. It’s full of tips to help you plan the ultimate St. George Island getaway!

3 Reasons to Fish Pelican Reef off St. George Island

Discover the Best Flounder Fishing 
Pelican Reef off St. George Island is one the best places to go fishing offshore. Stock your boat with plenty of bait before you head out onto the water. Anglers who fish this spot are known to bring in large quantities of flounder. Pelican Reef off St. George Island has two ends: West and East. For the best flounder fishing, head to the western end. Be aware that the fish move up and down the bar with the tide. Also, they are most active when the current is at its peak.

Enjoy a More Secluded Angling Experience
Because Pelican Reef is a lesser-known fishing destination, you can enjoy a more intimate experience. You will never have to worry about tons of boats or other fisherman crowding the reef!  Enjoy the peace and quiet while you cast a line into calm waters.

Have Quality Bonding Time With Friends and Family
Navigating your own boat to a beautiful secluded reef, reeling heaps of fish, and enjoying quality time together: is there a better way to spend a day with your loved ones? Bring your family and friends to Pelican Reef and enjoy a fabulous day together on the water. Afterwards, haul your catch home to your Collins Vacation Rental and cook your fresh flounder for dinner. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Other Great Fishing Spots on St. George Island
Once you’ve tried your hand at fishing Pelican Reef off St. George Island, venture out to some of the other amazing fishing areas on and around SGI. St. George Island State Park is another great place for flounder, as well as whiting, pompano, redfish, whiting, and more. Also, the St. George Island Fishing Pier is well-loved by local anglers and visitors alike. If it’s your first time, we also highly recommend taking a fishing charter. Enjoy the best of St. George Island angling under the guidance of experienced professionals who will take you out to all the best fishing spots.

Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Home
After a day of fishing Pelican Reef off St. George Island, or one of our area’s other premier fishing spots, come relax at a Collins Vacation Home. Our waterfront homes are the ideal place to spend your next fishing trip. Many of our rentals are just steps from the beach, making them perfect for anglers who want to wake up and cast their lines from the shore.

Take full advantage of your beach vacation when you stay in one of our premier oceanfront properties. So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to check out our current vacation specials and book your stay today!  Once you find your perfect vacation home, you can start the countdown to a fantastic trip. Then just arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life!
Book Now!