History of St. Marks Party Boat Fishing

[lordsfisher]

I heard a pastor speaking about the old days when they took their jon boat to fish beside a party boat out of St. Marks. It got me curious. Does anyone know about the history of fishing party boats in St. Marks? I wonder how far they went out? I wonder if fishing was lots better in those days? I'm only an amateur historian, but it'd be good to keep some local history of our sport.

[Sir reel]

Good afternoon LF.

Here is an excerpt from the Fl Sea Food web site that may help. I'm sure there is other information but this may get you started.

In the mid-20th century, recreational and commercial fishing were a very important economic part of the small town. At one time there was a plant for processing blue crabs, and plentiful mullet were salted for preservation. Along the Wakulla River the Shell Island Fish Camp still remains for present-day fishermen and as a reminder of the style of those early camps when some guests brought their own “kickers” (motors) and rented boats. Today you can rent cabins or rooms and arrange for storage of your boat. Along the docks of the St. Marks River in the 1950s hundreds of people would gather in the late afternoons to watch the party boats return, anxious to see the great catches hanging along the gunnels.

http://www.fl-seafood.com/stmarks.htm
Here is the link

[Reel Cowboy]

Thanks SR, that was a pretty cool read.