The waters off St. Joe Beach offer anglers a rewarding experience, where calm surf, accessible inshore areas, and nearby deep-sea spots combine to create excellent fishing conditions. Whether you’re an experienced angler chasing large game fish or a beginner hoping for your first catch, this guide provides everything you need to know about fishing in St Joe Beach.
From seasonal species and optimal times of day to where and how to fish, this comprehensive guide is designed to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Why Fish at St. Joe Beach?
St. Joe Beach is located along Florida’s Gulf Coast and is known for its uncrowded shores, shallow grass flats, and easy access to deep water just offshore. This stretch of the coast offers a unique combination of bay and Gulf ecosystems that attract a wide variety of fish species throughout the year. With fewer crowds than larger destinations, the waters are less pressured, making it easier for anglers to reel in quality catches. The proximity to both Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe adds to the appeal, offering convenient launch points, bait shops, and gear rentals.
For travelers, our St Joe Beach, FL, rentals offer easy access to the shoreline, so anglers can walk out the door and start fishing in minutes. Whether you’re casting from the surf, heading out in a boat, or exploring the bay, the area provides year-round opportunities for productive fishing trips.
Best Time to Fish at St. Joe Beach
Fishing in St. Joe Beach is abundant all year, but understanding the seasonal patterns and optimal times of day can increase your chances of landing the fish you’re after. Specific species migrate during different months, and temperature changes play a major role in fish behavior.
Fishing Seasons
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings warming water temperatures and an increase in fish activity. Redfish and speckled trout begin to feed aggressively inshore, while cobia start their northward migration offshore. Surf fishing becomes more productive as baitfish return to the shallows. This is also one of the best times to target flounder in grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Summer (June to August)
Summer marks the height of fishing activity in St. Joe Beach. Tarpon begin appearing in large numbers near the shoreline and in the passes, while snapper season usually opens in early summer, making it a prime time for offshore excursions. King mackerel are also active during this time, especially near bait pods. Inshore, trout and redfish remain consistent, and the calm Gulf waters make it easier to reach deeper fishing spots.
Fall (September to November)
Fall offers some of the most reliable fishing of the year. Redfish school up in large numbers inshore and along the beaches. Cooler water temperatures also bring flounder back into the shallows. Offshore, king mackerel and grouper are still active. With fewer visitors, anglers enjoy more solitude and less boat traffic during this productive season.
Winter (December to February)
Winter fishing slows slightly due to cooler water, but opportunities still exist. Speckled trout can be found in deeper holes and residential canals, while redfish remain active on warmer days. Offshore trips become more weather-dependent, but grouper and snapper are still options when conditions allow.
Time of Day
Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times for St Joe Beach fishing, especially during warmer months. During these hours, fish are more active and feed closer to shore. On cooler days in fall and winter, midday hours with warmer temperatures may provide better success.
What Species Can You Catch at St. Joe Beach?
St. Joe Beach offers a wide variety of inshore and offshore species—understanding where these fish can be found and their preferred conditions will help you plan your trip accordingly.
Inshore Species
Redfish
Redfish are one of the most popular inshore gamefish in the area. They are often found along grassy flats, near oyster beds, and around piers. These strong fighters can be caught year-round, with peak activity during spring and fall.
Speckled Trout
Speckled trout prefer grassy shallows and drop-offs near sandbars. They respond well to live shrimp and soft plastic lures. Early-morning topwater bites are especially productive during the warmer months.
Flounder
Flounder lie in wait along sandy bottoms and channels, ambushing prey. Fall is the best time to target them as they begin to move offshore, but they are available inshore throughout the year in lesser numbers.
Offshore Species
Tarpon
Often referred to as the “silver king,” tarpon are a prized target along the Gulf Coast. They migrate through the area during the summer and are most often seen rolling near the surface, close to shore. Anglers target them with live bait, artificial lures, or fly rods.
Cobia
Cobia are most active in spring and early summer. They follow rays and sharks inshore and can often be sighted near buoys and channel markers. These powerful fish are known for their long runs and strong fights.
Snapper and Grouper
Red snapper season draws anglers offshore in early summer. These reef-dwelling fish are typically found around underwater structures, reefs, and wrecks. Grouper are often deeper and require heavier tackle but are available throughout the year.
King Mackerel
King mackerel, or kingfish, are fast, aggressive predators often found near schools of baitfish in open water. Trolling is the most effective method for targeting them, particularly during summer and early fall.
Plan Your Visit
Browse our St. Joe Beach vacation rentals and start planning your coastal getaway. Book with Forgotten Coast Property Management today for a relaxing stay by the shore.
Best Fishing Spots at St. Joe Beach
The area’s geography offers several productive fishing locations, from the surf to offshore reefs.
Surf Fishing
St. Joe Beach provides easy access to surf fishing right from the shoreline. Anglers can cast into the troughs beyond the breaking waves where fish often feed. Pompano, redfish, and whiting are common catches here. Early morning is ideal, especially when the tide is rising.
Boat Fishing
For those with access to a boat, St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico open up a wide range of options. Launching from nearby Mexico Beach or Port St. Joe allows quick access to both inshore and offshore waters. The grass flats of the bay are excellent for targeting trout and redfish, while deeper Gulf waters provide opportunities for snapper, grouper, and pelagic species.
Tips for Fishing Success
Preparation is key to a successful fishing trip. Start by checking local regulations and licensing requirements, as these can change with the seasons and species. Tides and moon phases also play a critical role in fish behavior; fishing around moving water often yields better results.
Live bait such as shrimp, mullet, and pinfish are effective for most species in the area, though artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs also work well. Match your gear and tackle to the species you’re targeting, and be ready to adjust your strategy depending on water clarity, weather, and temperature.
If you’re new to fishing in St Joe Beach, consider hiring a local guide. They can provide insight into current conditions and take you directly to the most productive spots, whether you’re interested in fly fishing inshore or trolling offshore.
Book Your St Joe Beach Vacation Rental With Forgotten Coast
After a successful day on the water, return to comfort with one of our St Joe Beach vacation rentals. At Forgotten Coast Property Management, we offer a wide selection of St Joe Beach, FL, vacation rentals, and rentals in Mexico Beach and Indian Pass nearby. Whether you’re traveling with family, a fishing buddy, or your four-legged friend, we have accommodations to suit your needs.
Our rentals in St Joe Beach include options with boat slips for easy water access, pet-friendly homes for those bringing their furry companions, and properties located just steps from the beach. With convenient amenities and close proximity to prime fishing spots, our St Joe Beach, FL, rentals make it easy to plan a seamless fishing trip. Start planning your coastal getaway today and discover why anglers return to the Forgotten Coast year after year.