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Port guide / Florida Panhandle / Florida
St. George Island fishing guide
St. George Island is the barrier island that shelters Apalachicola Bay, with Gulf surf on one side, bay flats and marsh on the other, and its own ramp and free pier at the foot of the bridge. The Apalachicola guide covers the river town and the bay from the mainland; on the island you work the surf for whiting, flounder and reds all year and add pompano, trout and Spanish once the water passes 70 degrees, walk the 600-foot bayside pier, or launch at the bridge ramp or inside the state park on the east end. Island-based captains fish the bay flats and also run 10 to 55 miles offshore.
10 ft, conditions now
Conditions now
Live from NOAA and the National Weather Service. Times show in your own time zone.
Today’s bite
A forecast built from live data and the calendar below. Not a catch report.
Working out today from the tides, water and calendar.
Tides
- Loading the next highs and lows from NOAA.
On the water now
- Water
- Checking
- Wind
- Checking
Marine forecast
Loading the National Weather Service forecast.
7 day forecast
National Weather Service, for St. George Island. Updates through the day.
- Loading the 7 day forecast.
NOAA tides, St. George Island, Bayside, FL (opens in a new tab) NOAA station Apalachicola, FL (opens in a new tab) NWS 7 day forecast (opens in a new tab) NWS marine forecast, Coastal waters from Ochlockonee River to Apalachicola FL out to 20 NM (opens in a new tab)
12 ft, the chart
Chart and depths
The official NOAA chart, centered on St. George Island. Depths, channels, reefs and markers, live from NOAA.
The NOAA chart loads when you scroll here.
15 ft, fishing reports
Fishing reports
What people are catching, on what, and where. Every report links to whoever wrote it. We do not write these ourselves.
Latest reports
From local captains, shops and outdoor writers. Newest first, last 14 days.
- Checking the latest reports.
Report sources: The Apalachicola Times Forgotten Coast Fishing Report (opens in a new tab)
Straight from the dock
Reports sent to us by shops and captains on this guide. We check each one before it posts.
Checking for reports.
20 ft, what is biting
What is biting, month by month
When each fish is at its best around St. George Island. This month is marked.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good |
| Speckled trout | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
| Flounder | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Slow |
| Whiting | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Florida pompano | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
| Spanish mackerel | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Slow | Slow |
| Tarpon | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Slow |
| Tripletail | Slow | Slow | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
| Sheepshead | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Good | Peak | Good | Good |
| Red snapper | Slow | Slow | Slow | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Good | Slow |
Redfish
Peak: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
A year-round fish in the island surf and on the bay grass flats and oyster bars.
Speckled trout
Peak: April, May, June, October
In the bay all year and in the surf once the water is 70 degrees or warmer; harvest is closed in February.
Flounder
Peak: May, June, October
Caught in the surf and the bay all year, but harvest is closed Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.
Whiting
Peak: May, June, July, August
The most dependable surf fish on the island, there all year.
Florida pompano
Peak: April, May, June, October
A surf fish once the Gulf warms past 70 degrees.
Spanish mackerel
Peak: May, June, July, August
In the bay March through November and in the surf when the water is 70 degrees or warmer.
Tarpon
Peak: May, June, July, August, September
June, July and August are tarpon time around the island and bay.
Tripletail
Peak: May, June, July, August
A bay fish from March through November.
Sheepshead
Peak: March, April, May, October
A year-round bay fish around the oyster bars and structure.
Red snapper
Peak: May, June, July, August
An offshore bottom fish for the island's federally permitted charter boats; keep only during the open 2026 days listed below.
30 ft, seasons and rules
Seasons and rules
Open and close dates we could confirm from official sources, plus where to check limits before you keep a fish.
Red snapper, private recreational, Gulf state and federal waters
Summer season May 22 to July 31 daily. Fall season Sept. 1 to Oct. 4 daily, Oct. 9 to 22 daily, then Oct. 23 to 25, Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, Nov. 7 to 8, 14 to 15 and 21 to 22, Nov. 26 to 29, Dec. 5 to 6, 12 to 13 and 19 to 20, Dec. 25 to 27, and Jan. 1 to 4, 2027. Also applies to charter boats without a federal permit fishing Florida Gulf state waters.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red snapper, federal for-hire (charter boats with a federal reef fish permit)
Opened 12:01 a.m. June 1, 2026 and closed 12:01 a.m. Oct. 26, 2026.
NOAA Fisheries, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gag grouper, Gulf state and federal waters
Open Sept. 1 to 30, 2026; harvest closed Oct. 1 for the rest of the year.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Red, black and scamp grouper, Gulf
Open year-round in state waters; in federal waters closed Feb. 1 to March 31 seaward of 20 fathoms.
FWC, current Official page (opens in a new tab)
Greater amberjack, Gulf state waters
Open Sept. 1 through Oct. 13 and closed at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 14, matching adjacent federal waters.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Gray triggerfish, Gulf state and federal waters
Open March 1 to May 31 and Aug. 1 to Dec. 31.
FWC, 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Flounder, state and federal waters off Florida
Closed every year Oct. 15 through Nov. 30.
FWC, annual, applies to 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Spotted seatrout, Panhandle Region
Closed in February; open March 1 through Jan. 31.
FWC, annual, applies to 2026 Official page (opens in a new tab)
Bay scallops, Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County zone (includes St. George Island)
Open July 1 through Sept. 24. The zone starts at the west tip of St. Vincent Island; the St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County zone to the west is closed for 2026.
FWC, 2026 season as listed by FWC Official page (opens in a new tab)
40 ft, where to fish
Where to fish
- Pier
St. George Island bayside fishing pier
A free pier on the north side of the island that runs 600 feet into Apalachicola Bay and reaches all the bay species.
- Beach
St. George Island surf
Whiting, flounder and reds all year, plus trout, pompano, bluefish, Spanish and sharks once the water is 70 degrees or warmer.
- Flats
Apalachicola Bay flats and oyster bars
Grass flats, channels, oyster bars and sand bars behind the island hold trout, reds, flounder, sheepshead and black drum year-round, and kayak fishing works well here.
- Marsh
State park bayside marshes
The bay side of St. George Island State Park on the east end is healthy marsh with plenty of saltwater fish and a canoe and kayak launch.
- Offshore
Offshore out of St. George Island
Federally permitted island charters run 10 to 55 miles offshore for grouper, snapper, kings and other reef and blue-water fish.
50 ft, launch and piers
Ramps and piers
Public launches and fishing piers. Fees and hours change, so check the link before you tow.
| Name | Type | Fee | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George Island Boat Ramp (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Check | 1001 Franklin Boulevard, St. George Island, FL 32328 |
| Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park boat ramp (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Paid | 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328 |
| Patton Drive Public Boat Ramp (Eastpoint) (opens in a new tab) | Ramp | Check | Patton Drive, Eastpoint, FL |
| St. George Island bayside fishing pier (opens in a new tab) | Pier | Free | North side of St. George Island, FL |
60 ft, bait, tackle and charters
Bait, tackle and charters
Where to get live and fresh bait, tackle and a guide. We are not paid to list anyone here.
Bait and tackle (7)
Showing all 7 shops
- Bait and tackleLive bait
Fisherman's Choice
Bait: live shrimp, fresh shrimp, frozen bait
330 US Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328
Just across the bridge in Eastpoint; full line of bait, tackle and seafood, sells fishing licenses and books charters.
- Bait and tackle
Survivors Bait & Tackle
Bait: fresh bait, frozen bait
28 West Pine Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328
The island's bait shop, with fresh and frozen bait, tackle, lures and rods.
- Tackle shop
Island Outfitters
235 East Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328
Outfitter in the middle of the island selling rods, reels and tackle along with beach and paddle gear.
- Marina
The Point Marina & Outfitters
447 US-98, Eastpoint, FL 32328
Eastpoint marina with bait and tackle, boat rentals and local captains.
- Store
Beach Pros Charters & Rentals (Jolly Roger Beach Shop)
35 Island Drive Unit 10, Eastpoint, FL 32328
Island beach shop and rental outfit that carries rods, reels, hooks, lures and bait and runs guided fishing trips.
- Tackle shop
Bayside Tackle
Local maker of hand-tied surf fishing tackle.
- Bait and tackle
Allen Seafood Bait & Tackle
Seafood, bait and tackle on the waterside of Highway 98 near Apalachicola, about 20 minutes away; open Thursday to Monday 6 am to 4 pm.
Live bait comes and goes with the weather and the season. Call before you drive.
Charters and guides
| Charter | Fishing |
|---|---|
| Bay View Charters of SGI (Capt. Wes McCall) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore and offshore |
| Fish King Charters (opens in a new tab) | Offshore |
| SGI Guide Service (Capt. Rhino) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore and offshore |
| Southern Salinity Guide Service (opens in a new tab) | Inshore |
| Forgotten Floridas (surf and wade fishing) (opens in a new tab) | Inshore |
70 ft, on the calendar
Tournaments and events
Annual events on this water. Dates move, so confirm with the organiser.
Florida Seafood Festival (Apalachicola) (opens in a new tab)
early November
2026: November 6 to 7 (63rd annual, Battery Park)Kingfish Shootout (Carrabelle) (opens in a new tab)
usually June
2026: June 20 (23rd annual)C-Quarters Marina Free Youth Fishing Tournament (Carrabelle) (opens in a new tab)
usually July
2026: July 18 (22nd annual)
80 ft, asked and answered
Fishing St. George Island, asked and answered
Is there free pier fishing on St. George Island?
Yes. The bayside pier on the north side of the island runs 600 feet into Apalachicola Bay and has no fee.
Where do I launch a boat on St. George Island?
The public concrete ramp sits near the St. George Island fishing bridge at 1001 Franklin Boulevard. The state park on the east end also has a ramp, with a $6 per vehicle park entry fee.
What can I catch in the St. George Island surf?
Whiting, flounder and redfish are in the surf all year. Trout, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and sharks show up once the water is 70 degrees or warmer.
Is scallop season open near St. George Island?
St. George Island is in FWC's Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County zone, listed as open July 1 through Sept. 24. The St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County zone to the west is closed for 2026.
Where can I get live bait near St. George Island?
Fisherman's Choice in Eastpoint, just across the bridge, sells live bait and fishing licenses. On the island, Survivors Bait & Tackle carries fresh and frozen bait.
When is tarpon season at St. George Island?
June, July and August are tarpon time, with May and September also strong.
90 ft, the kit
What we would take to St. George Island
Sources for this guide (23), last checked 2026-10-27
- thefishermanschoice.net/ (opens in a new tab)
- captainexperiences.com/locations/florida/apalachicola/seasonality (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/flounder/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spotted-seatrout/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/news/all-news/gray-triggerfish-0226/ (opens in a new tab)
- myfwc.com/news/all-news/greater-amberjack-0826/ (opens in a new tab)
- apalachicolabay.org/business/bayside-tackle/ (opens in a new tab)
- apalachicolabay.org/business/beach-pros-charters-rentals/ (opens in a new tab)
- apalachicolabay.org/business/island-outfitters/ (opens in a new tab)
- apalachicolabay.org/business/survivors-bait-tackle/ (opens in a new tab)
- apalachicolabay.org/business_category/fishing-bait-tackle/ (opens in a new tab)
- apalachicolabay.org/business_category/fishing-charters/ (opens in a new tab)
- apalachicolabay.org/things-to-do/boating-fishing/ (opens in a new tab)
- carrabelle.org/wp-json/tribe/events/v1/events?search=fish&start_date=2026-01-01&end_date=2 (opens in a new tab)
- fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-announces-2026-gulf-america-red-snapper-recreat (opens in a new tab)
- floridaseafoodfestival.com/ (opens in a new tab)
- floridasforgottencoast.com/business/st-george-island-boat-ramp/ (opens in a new tab)
- floridasforgottencoast.com/business/the-point-marina-outfitters/ (opens in a new tab)
- floridasforgottencoast.com/things-to-see-do/boating/ (opens in a new tab)
- floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-julian-g-bruce-st-george-island-state-park (opens in a new tab)
100 ft, the seabed
Gear up for St. George Island
UPF 50+ fishing shirts, hats and gloves for the Gulf Coast. Free shipping over $100. Ships from Texas, usually within 1 to 2 business days.