St. George Island State Park Pavilion 2 Fishing

St. George Island State Park Pavilion 2 is the farther of the park's two main beach-use areas, set where the island narrows toward its eastern end. It is a quieter place to surf fish, with a lot and restrooms behind the dunes.

• Open Gulf shore with bars, troughs and little foot traffic
• Whiting, pompano, Spanish mackerel and redfish
• Restrooms and parking beside the access
• A quieter stretch toward the park's far east end

The pavilion area is on the park road east of the first pavilion, inside Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, Franklin County. The Florida Park Service manages it.

• Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, every day
• Fee: a per-vehicle entrance fee at the park gate, with parking included
• Parking: two small paved lots by the restrooms
• Walk: a short carry over sand to the Gulf; bring a cart if you have heavy gear

The beach sees the Big Bend coast's seasonal runs.

• Spring (Mar-May): Spanish mackerel and pompano begin to run, with whiting in the trough
• Summer (Jun-Aug): whiting and Gulf kingfish, ladyfish, and small sharks near the bars
• Fall (Sep-Nov): the best season, with pompano, mackerel, bluefish and redfish gathering along the bars
• Winter (Dec-Feb): a slow month with the odd sheepshead or black drum in the trough

Light spinning gear with 10 to 15 lb braid or mono covers most of what bites.

• Bottom fish: a two-hook rig with a small pyramid sinker and bits of fresh shrimp, cast just past the first bar
• Mackerel and bluefish: a gold or silver spoon, or a small jig, retrieved fast on a short wire leader
• Redfish: a gold spoon or grub at the start of the tide, then heavier lures as the current builds
• Wade only to your knees, and carry a bucket and sand spike

Franklin County has two uneven highs and lows on most days; use the NOAA Apalachicola station as a guide.

• Start at first light, when the beach is empty and the water cool
• A falling tide drags bait over the bars and draws fish to the edges
• Calm, clear mornings after a north wind are best
• Muddy water follows a strong south wind or heavy rain

The beach is remote and unguarded.

• Rip currents form next to the bars; stay in shallow water
• Carry water and sun protection, as there is no shade on the sand
• Shuffle your feet for stingrays and keep clear of swimmers
• Leave at the first thunder; lightning is common on summer afternoons
• Access: paved parking and restrooms, then a sandy walk with no ramp

Facilities are basic and state-park standard.

• Restrooms by the parking
• A picnic pavilion with tables and grills
• Paved parking included in the entrance fee
• No tackle or bait that we could confirm inside the park; stock up in Eastpoint or on the island

• Come early and plan your whole day; the park closes at sundown
• Walk toward the empty stretches of beach and look for birds working bait
• Fresh shrimp outfishes frozen for whiting and pompano
• If the surf is slow, walk farther along the beach; the East End fishing area has been closed to vehicles, so check with the park before planning on it
• Pack out all line; shorebirds nest on this beach
• Bring a long-handled net or a pair of pliers for mackerel teeth

The Florida Park Service manages the park.

• Open 8 a.m. until sundown; a per-vehicle entrance fee applies
• The park does not list a fishing rule for this exact beach, so read the posted signs and stay clear of any swim area
• Bait digging is not allowed in a state park; bring or buy bait
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt
• Shore-based shark fishing needs a free FWC permit
• Check current FWC rules for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything