East End Fishing Beach, St. George Island State Park

East End Fishing Beach is the remote tip of St. George Island State Park, where the Gulf beach curves around into East Pass and the currents carry bait past the sandbars. It is the island's best-known surf spot, and it rewards anglers willing to walk or get the park's permission to drive.

• A sandy cape beside East Pass with sandbars and drop-offs
• Spanish mackerel and pompano runs in spring and fall, redfish through the year
• Set aside for fishing, since swimming is unsafe here
• No facilities, so bring everything

The fishing beach is at the east end of the state park, past the end of the paved park road near the Sugar Hill visitor area. The Florida Park Service runs it.

• Walking or biking: follow the stabilized sand road east from the end of the pavement, a long walk of several miles each way
• Driving: the park issues a limited special-use permit at the ranger station for vehicles, and a small number of cars are allowed, so ask at the park before you plan around it
• Entry: the park charges its usual entry fee, and extra fees may apply for the east end
• Parking: a parking area is designated for anglers near the beach

Strong tides and sandbars make this a classic pass-side surf spot.

• Spring (Mar-May): Spanish mackerel and pompano move along the beach on the warming water, with redfish and whiting
• Summer (Jun-Aug): whiting, small sharks and redfish at first light, with trout in the grass edges behind the beach
• Fall (Sep-Nov): the big run of mackerel and pompano, with redfish stacking up on the sandbars
• Winter (Dec-Feb): slower, with a few redfish, whiting and flounder on mild days

Plan for a long cast and a long carry, so travel light with a spinning rod and a sand spike.

• Whiting and pompano: a two-hook bottom rig with small pieces of fresh shrimp or sand fleas, bought or brought
• Redfish: cut mullet or a live bait drifted over the sandbars on the falling tide
• Spanish mackerel: a gold spoon or a small jig, retrieved fast
• Flounder: a jig bounced along the bottom beside the sandbars
• Use 10 to 20 lb line and a short wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader for mackerel

The tides run uneven, with two highs and lows on most days, and the pass moves a lot of water.

• Fish the falling tide, when bait is pulled across the sandbars
• Redfish often sit on the down-current side of a bar or drop-off
• Clear, calm Gulf water is best for pompano and mackerel
• A steady east wind muddies the beach quickly
• Summer storms build in the afternoon and there is no shelter, so start early

This is the hardest to reach of the park's beaches, and help is far away.

• The sand road is long and exposed with no shade; carry plenty of water, food and sun protection
• Currents in East Pass are strong; do not swim or wade into the cut
• Rip currents and drop-offs shift with each storm
• Tell someone your plan, and keep a charged phone
• Shuffle your feet in the shallows for stingrays
• Access: soft sand, no ramps or boardwalks, not suited to wheelchairs

There is nothing on the beach itself.

• No restrooms, water, shade or lights at the east end
• Restrooms and showers are at the developed areas near the park's main beach and pavilions
• No bait shop in the park; buy bait on the island or in Eastpoint
• Bring a cart, a sand spike, a cooler and your own water
• Cell coverage may be weak

• The east end has been reported closed at times; confirm it is open and ask the ranger station about vehicle permits before you go
• Go in spring or fall for the mackerel and pompano runs
• Start before dawn to beat the heat and fish the early bite
• Pack a cart with big wheels for the soft sand if you walk
• Bring enough bait for the day, since there is no backup out here
• Watch the tide table for your walk back, as high water pushes you toward the dunes

St. George Island State Park is managed by the Florida Park Service.

• The east end is reached on foot or bicycle, or by vehicle with a special-use permit, and rules can change after storms, so confirm with the park
• The park sets this beach aside for fishing because swimming is unsafe here
• Pets are not allowed on the park's beaches
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Shore-based shark fishing needs a free FWC permit
• Do not dig bait in the state park; bring or buy it
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything