SGI Weather, Tides & Moons
Are you making plans for your vacation on St. George Island? Check the weather, tides and moons right here for beach trips, fishing and shell collecting.
When is the Best Time to Fish on St. George Island?
It’s best to avoid high and low tides if your looking for the best times to fish on the island. You’ll find more fish activity and interest between the tides and during the rising and falling tides. During the rising tide the water has begun to move again and there is a pull towards the shore. Your fishing line and lures will end up closer to the shore because of the tide movement as well. During the falling tides, the movement of the water will drag insects and other items from the beach back into the water and will increase the interest and activity of fish. Generally this is a great time out be out there!
Because of the warmth of the Gulf Waters there are over 500 varieties of fish swimming the waters around St. George Island. Some of the most popular with local and visiting fisherman are:
- Grouper
- Mahi Mahi
- Red Drum
- Swordfish
- Pompano
- Snapper
- Bluefish
- Flounder
- Cobia
- Amberjack
- Kingfish
- Spanish Mackerel
- Wahoo
“The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths, it has its pearls too.” ~Vincent van Gogh
When is the Best Time to Go Shelling on St. George Island?
You’ll find all the shells you can carry over a week long stay at a vacation rental on St. George Island. In fact, you’ll see all the oyster shells and other scallops, olives and other shells I’ve collected on recent walks around the charcoal and gas grills and also circling our 4 palms at our SGI Beach Rental, Beach, Love & Happiness.
While you can find shells by walking the SGI beaches just about anytime of day, there are generally better times to search. For the best shelling, go during low tide. This is when the most beach is exposed. Optimally, time the low tide with a full moon. You’ll also find a lot of shells after a storm.
Shelling on St. George Island you can find a great variety of sea life including:
- Scallop Shells
- Cockles
- Arks
- Oyster Shells
- Cardita Shells
- Lightning Whelk
- Fig
- Olives
- Sand Dollars
- Angel Wing Shells
- Starfish
- Seahorses
We recommend a visit to the St. George Island State Park for the gorgeous views and a fun day of shelling. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring some water. You can walk a very long way on this stretch of the beach.