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There’s so much to do on your trip to the Florida coast. For starters, you can relax on the sandy beaches, bike under the Florida sun, and try out some local cuisine. One of our favorite things to do here is to take a fishing trip. Imagine yourself out on the open water, fishing rods in hand! Out of all the offshore spots to cast a line, one of the best is the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico. The underwater structure of this tower creates a prime habitat for fish! With so many opportunities for a great catch during your stay at one of our Collins Vacation Rentals, you absolutely have to get out on the water and cast a line.

Fishing at the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico is just one of the many things you should plan to do while staying at one of our St. George Island properties. After your day out on the water, head back to the island and take some time to explore the sights and sounds of the area. For ideas on island activities, explore our Things to Do page. Find everything from outdoor activities to some of our favorite restaurants. Let Collins Vacation Rentals make planning easier by giving you helpful recommendations that you can use to have an unforgettable vacation!

What is the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico?
The Department of Defense maintains 5 towers spread along the Forgotten Coast. While their full purpose is unknown, they are mainly used for training exercises. The towers create the ideal habitat for fish to live underneath, as they have been designed as artificial coral reefs. These ocean fortresses are easy to find as long as you have the coordinates; you can find the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico at 25 02.0’N, 82 22.0’W. Dock your boat at this tower, then enjoy your day of fishing!

Fishing Tips for the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico
You have very little chance of catching fish without knowing where they are! Luckily for you, we know that the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico is a treasure trove of underwater creatures. Fish usually flock to this tower in the spring as the waters warm up. Some of the most effective methods for success in this area are chumming and live bait. Your best bet is to start your day off by catching live bait, then use it throughout the day. If you’re not an experienced fisherman, you can always go through a fishing charter like Island Charters. They’ll have everything you need to have a successful fishing excursion!

Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
After your day of fishing at the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico, come back and relax at your luxurious Collins Vacation Home. Our gorgeous rentals have all the amenities you’ll need to have a perfect island getaway. Choose from multiple locations to create your perfect stay; we have everything from oceanfront to bay view homes just waiting for you to come make some memories.

It’s time to start planning your trip to St. George Island! Contact us anytime; we’d be happy to help you with your next steps. Come enjoy the island life!

Nothing compares to the thrill of Apalachicola Bay fishing! Known as one of the world’s best fishing holes, these waters are teeming with more than a hundred species of colorful fish. Whether you choose to hop on a charter or cast a line right from the dock, you’re sure to enjoy the angling adventure of a lifetime. Are you ready to reel in your next trophy catch? Read on to learn how you can experience some of the best fishing Florida has to offer!
Apalachicola Bay is bordered by the beautiful shores of St. George Island, FL. If you’re planning an Apalachicola Bay fishing trip, this island paradise offers the ideal accommodations for your getaway. Make sure to check out our Things to Do page for recommendations about the best lodging, dining, and activities on St. George Island. It’s full of tips to help you plan the ultimate vacation!

Apalachicola Bay Fishing Charters
If you’re looking to get out on the open water, a charter is the way to go! While there are dozens of amazing fishing charters to choose from, here are some of our top recommendations.

1. Island Charters
Island Charters will take you on an amazing fishing trip that will be fun for the whole family. Choose from 3 main excursions including Apalachicola Bay fishing. During your tour, everything you need will be provided from licenses to bait and tackle. Captain Krista and her crew will not disappoint!

2. Apalachicola Charters
Would you like to experience a fishing trip that’s tailored to you? Embark on a custom journey with Apalachicola Charters! Choose anywhere from a three-hour trip to a full day of fishing. They provide all of the gear, licenses, and bait for bay charters.

3. Robinson Brothers Guide Service
Whether you’re a pro angler or a beginner looking to hone your skills, Robinson Brothers Guide Service offers experiences for every skill level. This is a great option for families, couples, and experienced fisherman alike. Enjoy a fabulous day catching heaps of fish in Apalachicola Bay!

4. Williams Charter Fishing Adventures
Get ready for an angling excursion like no other! Williams Charter Fishing Adventures will guide you to the many bayous and oyster bars of the Apalachicola Bay. You’ll be in good hands from the moment you climb aboard Captain Bruce’s 21 foot Mako center console.

5. Journeys of SGI
Another awesome charter service is Journeys of SGI. Your captain will guide you to the hottest spots of the bay where the fish are biting. Licenses, bait, tackle, water, cleaning, and packing are all included in your trip. Get ready for a fun day out on the water!

Shore Fishing
You don’t have to go far to cast a line! Enjoy some Apalachicola Bay fishing right from the shore. There are many fishing spots on St. George Island that are easily accessible so you don’t have to worry about securing a charter. One of the best and most popular spots is the St. George Island Fishing Pier. This long pier spans 600 feet into the water to provide plenty of room for anglers to gather and cast.
If you didn’t bring your fishing gear with you on your trip, don’t worry! There are many stores on the island like Island Adventures that have everything you need to cast a line. Rent fishing poles here, buy some bait, then sit back and relax until the fish start biting!

What You’ll Catch
With more than 100 different Apalachicola Bay fish species, the amount of fish you can catch is astounding. There is so much variety in landscape here, allowing many species to thrive in the different habitats. You’ll find certain fish like flounder, redfish, and speckled trout year-round, but others are seasonal. Just check an Apalachicola Bay fishing report to see what’s in season while you’re saying in one of our Collins Vacation Rentals!

Haul Your Catch to a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
After you’ve enjoyed your day of Apalachicola Bay fishing, come back and relax at one of our gorgeous Collins Vacation Homes. If you’re interested in a fishing stay, you’ll love one of our beachfront or bayfront homes. Imagine being able to wake up and walk straight out your front door to the beach! With your choice of over 250 homes, we know we’ll have the best one to create your perfect vacation. Browse all properties and contact us to start planning your fishing trip today. We can’t wait to welcome you to St. George Island!

St. George Island’s balance of leisure, adventure, and coastal fun make your vacation an experience you will never want to forget. During your stay in one of our Collins Vacation Rentals, you’ll want to relax on the beach, cast a line off the pier, and of course, do some shopping! Whether you’re looking for that perfect souvenir to remember your stay, a great gift to bring back home to a loved one, or something fun that you can enjoy during your vacation, we’ve got you covered. We know the best places for St. George Island shopping!

Doing some St. George Island shopping is just one of the many things you should plan to do while staying on the Forgotten Coast. Vacation is all about making memories, so take a look at our Things to Do page to learn more about activities on the island. We have everything from our favorite restaurants to our favorite excursions listed. Discover the best ways to experience SGI and make lasting memories during your time in paradise!

4 of the Best Places for St. George Island Shopping

1. Island Outfitters
Island Outfitters has everything you need for a day on SGI. Here, you can find useful items like sun protective apparel. If you’re planning to be out on the water for the day, protection from the sun is important. This extra layer could be the difference between you and sunburn! They also have gorgeous resort wear, accessories, and jewelry. You’re sure to find some unique memorabilia here!

2. Sea Oats Art Gallery
If you’re looking for some local works, check out Sea Oats Art Gallery! You’ll have a wonderful time browsing through art created by more than 80 artisans and crafters. There is a wide variety of mediums featured, and many of the works are for sale. Here, you will find paintings, photographs, jewelry, glassware, and ceramics. Get something inspired by the Forgotten Coast to remember your trip by!

3. SGI Trading Company
SGI Trading Company has everything you need to go to the beach! Browse for a new bathing suit to show off on the sand or grab some beach toys for the kids. We recommend this to be one of your first stops when you come to your Collins Vacation Rental so you can stock up on all you need for some fun in the sun!

4. Two Gulls for Mermaids
Two Gulls for Mermaids is a quaint little gift shop you’ll love doing some St. George Island shopping at. They are stocked full of artwork, souvenirs, and gifts you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a great place to come if you are looking for something to remember your trip by!

After Doing Some St. George Island Shopping
After doing some St. George Island shopping, make your way back to your Collins Vacation Rental. Relax in one of our gorgeous vacation homes or get ready for your next excursion! Whether you are looking for a home right on the beach or one a little closer to town, we have the perfect rentals for you to discover. Enjoy beauty and comfort during your stay from gorgeous ocean views to convenient locations. We are sure your rental will feel like a home away from home in paradise!

One of our favorite parts of St. George Island is its rich nautical history. Its first inhabitants, the Creek Indians, used its coast and seas for survival. As times went on, fishing fleets and other vessels began to access the Gulf of Mexico through Apalachicola Bay. Because of this, lighthouses were erected on SGI as well as the neighboring Dog Island and the coast of the Florida mainland. You’ll see some during your stay at one of our Collins Vacation Rentals, like the famous Crooked River Lighthouse!

You’ll most likely come across landmarks like the Crooked River Lighthouse as you explore the island. If you’re unsure of other activities to enjoy during your stay, check out our Things to Do page! We know planning a vacation can be time consuming and challenging, so we’ve put together a list of our favorite things to do so you can spend more time choosing your perfect Collins Vacation Rental. You’ll find restaurants, shops, excursions, and more!

Crooked River Lighthouse History
Crooked River Lighthouse was erected on the Florida coast in 1895 as a replacement to a lighthouse that had been destroyed on Dog Island. Its light has stood for over 100 years as a beacon to guide ships and fishing vessels through the dangerous passage between Dog Island and SGI. The grounds of the tower originally included a house for the light keeper and his family, but when the light switched to automated electricity in 1952, there was no more need for light keepers. The buildings on the grounds were sold and removed.

The Crooked River Lighthouse was decommissioned in 1995. A struggle commenced between the town and the government when the U.S. Coast Guard attempted to sell the lighthouse. In response, the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association was formed by residents so the lighthouse could be restored to its former glory and opened to the public.

Visiting the Crooked River Lighthouse

Not only is the Crooked River Lighthouse gorgeous to view, it is open to the public! Climb to the top of the tower Wednesday through Sunday. All you have to do to climb the 138 steps is make a $15 donation to the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association that goes towards keeping up the grounds. After climbing, make sure to check out the museum with relics from the past, then browse through the gift shop for a souvenir. The park area around the tower has picnic tables and a small playground in case you would like to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy some time outdoors there.

Come Back and Relax at Your Collins Vacation Home
After you climb the Crooked River Lighthouse and explore its history, come back and relax at one of our gorgeous Collins Vacation Homes. If you want to be close to the water, you’ll love staying at one of our beachfront or bayfront homes. With gorgeous views of the sparkling ocean, you can’t go wrong! With more than 200 properties to choose from that vary in location and size, we know we have the perfect rental for you. Start planning your unforgettable vacation today!

When you’re staying on St. George Island, everything you need is right at your fingertips. You don’t have to leave the island at all if you don’t want to! However, the mainland offers plenty of other activities to enjoy during your vacation. St. George Island is located just off the coast of Apalachicola, so you can easily cross the bridge and enjoy all the things to do near Apalachicola, FL.

Do you want to know more about all the things to do on our island and in areas around SGI like Apalachicola? Take a look at our Things to Do page! We want guests of Collins Vacation Rentals to have the best experience possible, so we listed out our most trusted businesses and favorite activities in the area.

5 of the Best Things to Do near Apalachicola, FL

Take a Kayak Tour
Explore the bay by kayak! Watch nature at work and observe the patterns and behavior of the area’s birds and wildlife. Rent a kayak or take a guided tour with Journey’s of St. George Island. Whether you are a beginner kayaker or just want to learn the best spots to paddle, a tour with Journey’s is fun for all ages. Trips range from two to eight hours so there is something for everyone.

Cast a Line
There are tons of fishing spots in the area! You can cast your line from pretty much anywhere on St. George Island. We recommend heading to a spot like St. George Island State Park so you can fish in the Apalachicola Bay. Pull in flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting, Spanish mackerel and more when you fish from the shores here. You can also hop on a boat to go further out into the water.

Go out to Eat
If your stomach is rumbling but you’re not back on St. George Island yet, don’t worry! Owl Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants in the area. Beautiful views of the bay give this eatery an outstanding atmosphere, and the menu is full of fresh and local ingredients. The dishes change depending on the season, and they have everything from pasta to seafood. Plus, the Owl Cafe Tap room is right next door so you can grab a beer!

Visit the Apalachicola Maritime Museum
It feels good knowing you learned something while you are on vacation! Head to the Apalachicola Maritime Museum to learn all about the history of the Forgotten Coast. This collection of exhibits immerses you in the history and culture of our area; find out what made our area into what it is today.

Book Your Getaway Today
Now that you know some of the amazing things to do near Apalachicola, FL, it’s time to plan your getaway! Collins Vacation Rentals are the perfect place to relax and restore. Convenient locations mean easy access to all the best activities in the area. Plus, when you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. Browse our properties to start planning your stay!

If you’re looking for an amazing fishing destination, look no further than St. George Island. Walk out the door of your beachfront Collins Vacation Rental to cast a line off the pristine white sand, or venture out onto the ocean. There are many places on and off the island that offer charters. If you’re looking to get out onto the open waters, try some Carrabelle, FL, deep sea fishing!

Carrabelle, FL, deep sea fishing is just the beginning of what our area has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to the Forgotten Coast, start with our Things to Do page. We know planning a vacation can be challenging, so we created a list of our favorite activities and businesses on the island to start off your planning. Whether you’re looking for things to do on a date night or excursions the whole family will enjoy, we have suggestions for you!

What You’ll Catch While Carrabelle, FL, Deep Sea Fishing
There are tons of fish you can catch while Carrabelle, FL, deep sea fishing. Imagine yourself miles from shore surrounded by open water as you cast your line. You will have the opportunity for a big catch during offshore fishing. Some fish you may find are grouper, snapper, mackerel, sea bass, and more! Feel the tug on your line and embrace the excitement of Carrabelle, FL, deep sea fishing.

Carrabelle, FL. Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Somethin’  Fishy Fishing Charters

When you choose Somethin’ Fishy Fishing Charters, you will be in good hands. You can hop on the boat at either Carrabelle or St. George Island, so it’s perfect for your stay at a Collins Vacation Rental! When you book with Captain Tim Edwards, a fisherman with 28 years experience, you’ll be provided with everything you need for a day out on the water. Bait, tackle, and all other equipment are included as well as the incredible knowledge the captain and first mate hold about deep sea fishing.

Sea Breeze Fishing
The captain of Sea Breeze Fishing, Johnny Irwin, has been a fishing guide to the Florida coast for over 50 years. Hop aboard the 22’ Sea Chaser bay boat and let Captain Irwin guide you through the Carrabelle, FL, deep sea fishing. You may have up to 4 people fish on this boat, so it’s perfect for small families. Choose from different excursions of varying lengths and locations; they offer full days of fishing and even a Tarpon Sunset Trip. Reels, tackle, and live bait are included, and they’ll even clean and fillet your fish!

Enjoy Your Catch at a Collins Vacation Rental
After enjoying your day Carrabelle, FL, deep sea fishing, come back and relax at your Collins Vacation Rental. A variety of our vacation rentals feature breathtaking views of the coast; gaze out at pristine beaches and sparkling waters from your window or beachfront deck. We have everything you need to create vacation memories that will last a lifetime! First, browse through our gorgeous homes. Then, start planning your sun-filled Florida getaway!