Pick the Fishing Method That's Right for You

• 1). Hire a charter boat. This is the easiest and safest way to fish in the waters off St. George Island. Although they are expensive, private charter services come with the considerable experience and expertise of fishing boat captains. The charters often include all the equipment that novice and experienced anglers need to have an enjoyable time on the boat. Capt. Charles Charters & Guide Services takes groups of up to six for 4- or 8-hour fishing trips. Charisma Charters offers two-day fishing trips. For more charter ideas, check the Bay Navigator website at baynavigator.com.
  
  
• 2). Visit a bait and tackle shop to rent equipment. St. George Island is home to dozens of shops that rent kayaks and boats. To have a good day of fishing, you will need a fishing rod with a reel, fishing tackle to throw in the water, lures to bring the fish in and bait to put on a hook to attract the kind of fish you want. Island Outfitters, located at 235 E. Gulf Beach Drive, sells and rents equipment suitable for flats, surf, bay and offshore fishing, and the advice is free. Jolly Roger Beach Shop, at 139-A W. Gorrie Drive, rents equipment for shark fishing and oystering. Fisherman's Headquarters, at 40 W. Bayshore Drive, provides equipment suitable for professional as well as recreational anglers.
  
  
• 3). Buy a map and consider a guide if you're renting a boat, so you can hook the fish you want the most. Certain fish are available at only certain times, and certain areas around St. George Island are better for certain kinds of fish. St. George Island is a starting point to explore Apalachicola Bay, where Indian Pass is very good for finding trout and redfish; where Pickalene Bar is perfect for shrimp and oystering; and where redfish and tarpon show up off St. George Island from June to September. If you don't have the right place and time, you're likely to go home empty-handed. Make sure you have a fishing license before you go out--a bait and tackle shop can handle this for you.
  
  
• 4). Find a good place to stay on land. Easy, free access to many fish is found on the north side of the island, where a pier stands 100 feet out into the water. You can hook mackerel, trout, tripletail, bluefish and ladyfish there.