St George Island

[skrez]

Hi Guys,
I`m new to this site and I`m intrested in learning more about St George Island fishing. Our family has vactioned 3 times at SGI, last year was the 1st time at the Plantation. I surf fished with live Pinfish and caught a few nice Sea Trout.
This year in Mid August we will stay at the Plantation again , about 300 yards from the cut. I heard of alot of people cathing Redfish there, is live bait the best? I plan on buying a drop net and netting my own bait this year? Where is the best place to catch bait fish, in the bays? Thank you in advance for your help.
Regards,
Frank

[Duayne]

Bait is almost always hanging out somewhere close to the cut. Whether its close enough to net from the rocks is the question. You also have to make sure the bait is high and that you pull it quickly. The cut side will steal your net in a heart beat if you aren't careful. It can be done and I've done it. USUALLY, the absolute best spot to fish for reds is on the very tip of the rocks and out toward the bay side. You have to compete with other shore fishermen and people in boats to fish the hole but if you get it,
You can also catch bait from the surf. You'll need to choose between fishing for the ladies eating the bait or netting the bait as it will be moving quickly. You'll also need to learn a method for casting the net high as you'll probably have to wade out upper thigh deep to get to them. I know and have used many of the guides in the area so let me know if you want information on a guided trip. There are some world class guides there and the local guides are just as good if you get the right one and the options are spectacular. River tarpon, flats reds, bay trout, inshore spanish and blues, off shore grouper, snapper, and whatever....

[timmbur22]

Wading the Bay side can be very productive, especially for Reds & Flounder. There are several spots near the State Park that are excellent and all along the east side. The bridge fishing can be good at times also.
Hope to make it down there this fall.

[skrez]

Thanks guys for your help. How about fishing with lures or jigs or is live bait the best?
Frank

[Duayne]

You definetly want to have a lure tied on another pole just in case. A mirrorlure, spoon, etc. Something you can really sling. Schools of ladies will probably be moving within wading/casting distance. You can also rig up gulp alive's shrimp and bounce it off the bottom. Pomps may be in the area so pomp jigs tipped with fish bites (look it up, you can get it in the tackle stores there cheap) will probably work. If you fish the bay side, check out the popping corks. Oh, early mornings on the bay side you can probably pick up some specs on a top water mirrorlure.

[skrez]

Bait is almost always hanging out somewhere close to the cut. Whether its close enough to net from the rocks is the question. You also have to make sure the bait is high and that you pull it quickly. The cut side will steal your net in a heart beat if you aren't careful. It can be done and I've done it. USUALLY, the absolute best spot to fish for reds is on the very tip of the rocks and out toward the bay side. You have to compete with other shore fishermen and people in boats to fish the hole but if you get it,
You can also catch bait from the surf. You'll need to choose between fishing for the ladies eating the bait or netting the bait as it will be moving quickly. You'll also need to learn a method for casting the net high as you'll probably have to wade out upper thigh deep to get to them. I know and have used many of the guides in the area so let me know if you want information on a guided trip. There are some world class guides there and the local guides are just as good if you get the right one and the options are spectacular. River tarpon, flats reds, bay trout, inshore spanish and blues, off shore grouper, snapper, and whatever....

Duayne,
I will be at SGI in mid Ausgust , you said you know of some good guides?I may decide to take my brother in law out while we are staying there . What species of fish are good that time of year on shore and off?
thanks,
Frank

[Duayne]

They have both river tarpon and gulf tarpon there. If you haven't fished for Tarpon before, it's a total challenge to land one. Tarpon hookups are measured in how long you had it on and number of jumps, more so than how many you landed. They have some awesome flats there that could have any number of species on them, but the star of the show is your red fish. It isn't uncommon to pole up on huge schools of reds. The bay will hold a very good population of speckled trout with the possibility of other fish like flounder, triple tail or black drum (to name a few). Inshore you will have Spanish, blues and lady fish along with bull sharks (if you are so inclined).

Flats/Tarpon Captains
Tommy Robinson
http://flaredfish.com/captains.cfm?id=80
Probably the premier flats captain in Northern Fl. He is IMPOSSIBLE to get though as a first time client. I've taken countess trips with Robinson Brothers and Tommy is never availible.
Chris Robinson
http://flaredfish.com/captains.cfm?id=81
Tommy's younger brother. Probably just as good as Tommy but not quite as well known. I've taken several trips with him and he is world class.
David Heinke
http://flaredfish.com/captains.cfm?id=83
Dave is a very interesting person. One of his passions are striped bass and he's chased them almost everywhere they swim (except Cumberland!) so we had a lot to talk about. He also works in the research side of the Florida marine biology dept. While not world class, Dave does know his stuff and he put us right on countless tarpon hookups.

Bay/family
Dave Armentrout
http://flaredfish.com/captains.cfm?id=88
Dave is a great guy if you want to take the family over to Little St George and/or do some trout fishing. He's also perfect for fishing the cut for reds by boat or fishing inshore or near shore on a good day.

Off Shore
Charles Logue Charlies Off Shore Charters (850) 927-3351
Charlie is the only guy I'll take off shore. He's from Alabama but his family has had a place on St George all his life and he grew up fishing these off shore waters. There are others who can take you out, and most might do it for less. Some a lot less. But trust me on this, Charlie is the guy. I have horror stories.. If you find someone else you want to use, just let me know who it is and if I know anything or have used them, I'll give you my scoop.

[skrez]

Thank you again for all your help.

[Duayne]

No Problem. Anything at all, just let me know. I grew up fishing the region and used to live right on the Choctawhatchee bay. I try to get down to SGI at least once a year.

[skrez]

This will be our 4th time at SGI, second time on the Plantation and we love it. I am from the Midwest and freshwater fish the lakes and streams out here. I really love saltwater fishing but have alot to learn.
Kind Regards,
Frank

[Budro3434]

All,
i have never fished salt water before and I'm looking for all the info I can get.

i.e.: rod reel combo, bait, weight, tips, line, just pretend I've never fished anywhere before.

Im going the second week of August and I'm leaning on the experts on here, any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time.

Ps: I have $150.00-$200.00

[Duayne]

Survivors is the best tackle shop on the Island. Your best bet is to get what you need from them. The basics: Seven foot plus surf spinning rig. You can get a functional one from them for 30-40 bucks. A little better one will last longer but how often will you use it? Mine cost $200+ each but I plan to use them every year. A rod tube. Stick it in the sand and stick the butt of your rod in it to keep the rig out of the sand. Dual hook Pompano rigs. These will be pre-rigged with two hooks on leaders and a snap to add weight. Pyramid weights 1-3 ozs. Get 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 oz weights. You won't need a lot of them if fishing the surf. One or two each. Tie the pomp rig to your line, snap a weight on the bottom based on how heavy the surf is or how far out you want to fish. Add bait and cast it out there. Drive your rod tube in good or hold the rig in your hand but keep rod tube handy to hold the rig when re-baiting. Bait to use: Fresh shrimp, squid, sand fleas (if they have them) live shrimp (also, if they have them). The sinker will dig into the sandy surf. Keep the line pretty tight so the breakers don't mess with it much. Fish at different distances from the beach until you find what they want. Some cast as far as possible and slowly bring it in giving it a few minutes after each retrieve. I prefer to cast to the different distances so I know exactly where I am. If the surf is really calm, the better rig would be a 1 oz barrel weight on a Carolina rig with a 2/0 hook on 20-40 pound floro or mono leader. Concentrate on the tide changes, dawn and dusk.

Wash your rig(s) out with fresh water completely immediately after each use. Wash everything. Reel, rod, guides, line, hooks, swiviles, everything. That's the best tip in this post.