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Elite St Marks Charter Fishing | 8-Hour Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Crystal River
- $400 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: September 11, 2025
Summary
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Big Catches of the Day
Adventures await on Crystal River waters
Sun, sea, and fishing fun in Crystal River
Reeling in excitement on the Gulf Coast
Crystal River moments worth capturing
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Florida gulf coast fishing for Groupers like this.
Casting lines under the Crystal River sun
Scenic waters and big catches in Crystal River
Crystal River fishing at its finest
Hooking memories in Crystal River
Adventures await on Crystal River waters
Sun, sea, and fishing fun in Crystal River
Reeling in excitement on the Gulf Coast
Crystal River moments worth capturing
null
Florida gulf coast fishing for Groupers like this.
Casting lines under the Crystal River sun
Scenic waters and big catches in Crystal River
Crystal River fishing at its finest
Hooking memories in Crystal River
Adventures await on Crystal River waters
Sun, sea, and fishing fun in Crystal River
Reeling in excitement on the Gulf Coast
Crystal River moments worth capturing
Full Day St. Marks Fishing: Bass, Cobia & More
Hey there, anglers! Ready for a serious day of fishing in St. Marks? We're talking 8 full hours on the water, just you and a buddy, with a chance to hook into some real beauties. From the hard-fighting cobia to the tasty black sea bass, we've got a smorgasbord of species waiting for you. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're about to get after it!
What to Expect on the Water
Listen up, folks - this ain't no leisurely cruise. We're hitting the water hard for a full 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. We'll be targeting a mixed bag of inshore and nearshore species, so be ready to switch it up throughout the day. You might start off sight-casting for redfish in the shallows, then move out to deeper water for some cobia action. The beauty of St. Marks is the variety - one minute you're finessing a trout, the next you're muscling in a chunky grouper. Just remember to bring some grub and plenty of water - it's gonna be a long, awesome day!
Fishing Techniques & Gear
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what we're after and where we're fishing. For the inshore stuff like reds and trout, we might be throwing soft plastics or live bait under a popping cork. When we move out for cobia or grouper, we'll likely switch to heavier tackle and maybe even do some bottom fishing. Don't worry if you're not familiar with all the methods - that's what I'm here for! I'll get you dialed in on the right gear and show you the ropes. Just be ready to learn and have some fun with it. And hey, if you've got a favorite rod or reel you want to bring along, by all means! Just make sure it can handle some saltwater abuse.
Top Catches This Season
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been absolutely crushing the redfish - I'm talking bull reds over 40 inches! The trout bite has been steady too, with lots of keeper-sized fish and a few gators mixed in. But the real stars lately have been the cobia. These bruisers have been showing up in force, and let me tell you, when a 50-pounder decides to eat your bait, you better hold on tight! We've also been getting into some nice pompano, which are always a crowd-pleaser. And for you bottom-fishing enthusiasts, the grouper and black sea bass have been keeping the rods bent. It's a great time to be on the water, that's for sure!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Alright, let's break down some of the key players you might tangle with on this trip:
Sea Trout: These guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. They're aggressive feeders and put up a nice little fight on light tackle. Look for them around grass flats and oyster bars. They love a well-presented soft plastic or live shrimp.
Redfish: Now we're talking! Reds are one of my personal favorites. They can be finicky at times, but when they're on, hold onto your hat! They love to cruise the shallows, and there's nothing quite like sight-casting to a big copper-colored red tailing in skinny water. They'll test your drag and your arm strength, especially the big bulls.
Cobia: If you've never hooked into a cobia, you're in for a treat. These fish are like brown torpedoes, and they fight like crazy. We usually find them around structure or following big rays. They're curious fish, so sometimes you can sight-cast to them on the surface. Just be ready for a long, drag-screaming run when they realize they're hooked!
Tripletail: These oddball fish are a real treat to catch. They love to hang out near floating debris or markers, often looking like a piece of trash themselves. But don't be fooled - they're lightning-fast and put up a great fight. Plus, they're absolutely delicious if you're looking to take home a meal.
Gag Grouper: When we hit some deeper spots, we might tangle with these brutes. Gags are known for their powerful first run - they'll try to break you off in the rocks if you give them half a chance. But if you can turn their head and get them coming up, you're in for some fine eating.
Florida Pompano: These silver speedsters are a blast on light tackle. They're not huge, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and flavor. We often find them in the surf or just off the beaches. They love small jigs or sand fleas.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you - these little guys can put a serious bend in your rod. They're abundant around rocky areas and reefs. They're aggressive feeders and make for some fast action when we find a school. Plus, they're mighty tasty!
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, folks - if you're looking for a day of non-stop fishing action in one of Florida's most beautiful spots, this is it. We've got the fish, we've got the boat, and I've got the know-how to put you on 'em. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to tangle with some big game or a newbie just wanting to feel that first tug, we've got you covered. And remember, it's not just about the fish - it's about the whole experience. The salty air, the sound of gulls, maybe even a dolphin or manatee sighting... it's all part of the package. So what are you waiting for? Grab a buddy, pick a date, and let's get out there and make some memories. The fish are biting, and your next big catch is waiting. Book now and let's make it happen!
Learn more about the animals
Black Sea Bass
Black sea bass are fun to catch and great eating too. These chunky fish average 1-3 pounds but can reach 8. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring to fall is prime time when they move closer to shore. Sea bass are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits and lures. Try squid strips or cut bait on a two-hook bottom rig. For artificials, small jigs tipped with soft plastics work well. Here's a tip - when you find a good spot, drop a marker buoy. Sea bass often school up, so you can catch a bunch once you locate them. They put up a decent fight for their size, with strong initial runs. The white, flaky meat is excellent and versatile for cooking. Just be sure to check size and bag limits before you head out.
Cobia
Cobia are like the linebackers of the sea - big, strong, and always looking for a fight. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, though 20-40 is more common. You'll often spot them near buoys, wrecks, or even free-swimming on the surface. Spring and early summer are prime, when they migrate along the coast. Cobia will test your tackle and your arms with powerful runs. They'll take live bait, but sight-casting with big jigs or eels is a rush. Pro tip: always have a ready rod with a bucktail jig - cobia often show up unexpectedly. Once you hook one, be ready for acrobatic jumps and long runs. The firm, white meat is excellent grilled or blackened. Just make sure you've got a good ice chest - you'll need it for these hefty fighters.
Florida Pompano
Florida pompano are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These silvery speedsters typically run 2-4 pounds, though they can reach 8. You'll find them cruising sandy beaches and passes, often in schools. Spring and fall are prime as they migrate along the coast. Pompano fight hard for their size, with quick runs and acrobatic leaps. They have small mouths, so use small hooks baited with sand fleas or pieces of shrimp. For artificials, try small jigs tipped with shrimp or Fishbites. Here's a local secret - look for darker patches of water near the beach, which often indicate a feeding school. The sweet, white meat is considered some of the best eating around. Just remember to release the small ones to keep the population healthy.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are hard-fighting fish that'll test your tackle and your back. These bruisers average 10-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they move closer to shore. Gags are ambush predators, so dropping live bait or big jigs near structure is the ticket. Be ready for a brutal first run - they'll try to wrap you around anything they can. Here's a local tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and pull hard to get their head turned. Otherwise, they'll hole up and you're in for a tug-of-war. The firm, white meat is excellent eating. Just check regulations, as seasons are limited to protect the population.
Redfish
Redfish are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These copper-colored brutes average 5-10 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising near oyster bars. Look for their trademark spot near the tail. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish give a great fight, often making long runs when hooked. They'll eat just about anything, but live shrimp or cut mullet are hard to beat. For artificials, gold spoons or soft plastics work well. Here's a local trick - on calm days, look for 'pushes' of water created by cruising reds. Cast ahead of them and hang on! The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Just remember the slot limit is 18-27 inches in most areas.
Sea Trout
Sea trout are a blast to catch and great eating too. These silvery fish average 2-5 pounds but can get up to 10. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang out near structure and current breaks. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are in the 60s and 70s. Sea trout put up a good fight on light tackle and will hit a variety of lures and live bait. Try a slow-retrieved jig or topwater plug early morning or evening. One tip - work your lure erratically with twitches and pauses to trigger strikes. Sea trout have soft mouths, so set the hook gently. Their delicate white meat is prized for the dinner table. Just be careful not to overcook it or it'll get mushy fast.
Tripletail
Tripletail are odd-looking fish that put up a surprisingly good fight. They typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach 30. You'll often find them lounging near floating debris or buoys, looking like a big leaf. Late spring through fall is best, when water temps warm up. Tripletail are ambush predators, so present your bait or lure right in front of their nose. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly. For artificials, try a slow-sinking soft plastic. Here's a tip - approach quietly and make a long cast, as they spook easily. Once hooked, tripletail fight hard with strong runs and head shakes. The white, flaky meat is excellent - some say it rivals grouper. Just remember to check regulations, as seasons and limits can vary.
About the Scout (Bay boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 42
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
