Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals Give You Access
Fishing on Cape San Blas
Cape San Blas is one of Florida’s premier fishing destinations, offering opportunities for surf fishing, bay fishing, offshore adventures, and family-friendly shoreline fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing trophy fish or a beginner casting from the beach, the Forgotten Coast provides year-round fishing opportunities in some of Florida’s most scenic waters. The waters of the Apalachicola Bay & the Gulf of Mexico from Carrabelle to Mexico Beach are known to be among the richest in marine life in the world due to the nutrients carried down on the Flint, Chattahoochee, Oclocknee, St. Marks & Apalachicola Rivers! What can you catch?
If you’re planning a fishing-focused vacation, browse our available Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals
Popular Fish Species Found Near Cape San Blas
The waters surrounding Cape San Blas, St. Joseph Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico are home to a variety of sought-after game fish.
Spring
- Spanish Mackerel
- Pompano
- Redfish
- Speckled Trout
- Sheepshead
Summer
- Red Snapper
- King Mackerel
- Cobia
- Tarpon
- Flounder
Fall
- Redfish
- Speckled Trout
- Black Drum
- Pompano
- Tripletail
Winter
- Sheepshead
- Black Drum
- Redfish
- Speckled Trout
The variety of species available throughout the year makes Cape San Blas a favorite destination for anglers in every season.
Fishing Charters and Local Guides
For visitors looking to maximize their fishing experience, local charter captains provide guided trips for anglers of all skill levels.
Popular charter options include:
Inshore Fishing Charters
Target species such as:
- Redfish
- Speckled Trout
- Flounder
- Black Drum
Nearshore Fishing Trips
Target species such as:
- Spanish Mackerel
- King Mackerel
- Cobia
- Snapper
Offshore Deep Sea Fishing
Target species such as:
- Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Amberjack
- Mahi-Mahi
Visitors can find local charter operators through: Gulf County Fishing Guide
LICENSE INFORMATION: A Florida Fishing License is required for fishing, whether in the Gulf or the Bay. You can get one from Scallop Cove on Cape San Blas, just a few miles from Barrier Dunes, or you can get it online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The cost is listed on their website.
Fish ‘N Xpress 49 Passenger Party Fishing Boat. 850-227-8200
Book Me A Charter 850-653-2622
Fishing Port St. Joe with Captain Gary Goodrich. 850-229-3474.
Cape Sufaris: 304-582-4853
Best Public Fishing Access Points
One of the biggest advantages of fishing on Cape San Blas is the abundance of public access.
Cape San Blas Beaches
The beaches along the Gulf provide excellent opportunities for:
- Surf fishing
- Pompano fishing
- Redfish fishing
- Whiting fishing
St. Joseph Bay
The bay offers calm waters ideal for:
- Kayak fishing
- Speckled trout
- Redfish
- Flounder
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
A favorite location for both shore fishing and kayak anglers, with access to both the Gulf and St. Joseph Bay.
If you’re interested in exploring the bay by kayak, visit our:
Boating, Canoeing & Kayaking Guide
Fishing Tips for Beginners
New to fishing? Cape San Blas is a great place to learn.
Helpful beginner tips:
- Fish during sunrise or sunset for the best activity.
- Use live shrimp when possible.
- Watch for birds diving, which often indicate baitfish nearby.
- Start in St. Joseph Bay for calmer conditions.
- Bring polarized sunglasses to help spot fish and underwater structure.
Common beginner bait choices:
- Live shrimp
- Sand fleas
- Cut bait
- Artificial soft plastics
Tips for Experienced Anglers
Experienced anglers often find success by:
- Matching bait to seasonal fish migrations
- Fishing moving tides
- Targeting grass flats in St. Joseph Bay
- Monitoring water temperatures and weather patterns
- Booking offshore charters during peak snapper and grouper seasons
Many anglers combine a day of fishing with other outdoor activities found on our:
Things To Do, Events & Live Music Guide
Why Anglers Love Cape San Blas
Unlike many crowded Florida fishing destinations, Cape San Blas offers uncrowded beaches, pristine waters, and easy access to both Gulf and bay fishing. Whether you’re casting from the shoreline, fishing from a kayak, or heading offshore with a local guide, you’ll find some of the best fishing opportunities on Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
