Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas are two of Florida’s hidden gems. Tucked away on the Forgotten Coast, these two small towns offer visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a slice of Old Florida. Here’s a brief history of how these two towns came to be.
The history of Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas is a fascinating story of early exploration, development, and decline. Today, these places are once again on the rise, as travelers rediscover their unique charms.
Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life? Head to Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas, Florida where you can relax on pristine beaches, fish for your dinner, and explore these charming small towns.
Here’s a brief history of how these two towns came to be.
Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida, the town of Port St. Joe is a charming blend of old and new. The town has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, and today, it’s a popular destination for travelers who want to experience a slice of “Old Florida.”
Port St. Joe was originally settled in 1834 by David Ward and John Gorrie. Ward was a planter from Georgia, and Gorrie was a doctor from South Carolina. The two men built a wharf on the site that would eventually become Port St. Joe, and they began shipping cotton and lumber from the area.
In 1835, Ward and Gorrie were joined by another man named John Muir. Muir was an entrepreneur from Scotland, and he helped the town grow by establishing businesses and attracting more settlers. By 1837, the population of Port St. Joe had grown to nearly 100 people.
During the Civil War, Port St. Joe was occupied by Union troops. After the war, the town began to grow again, thanks in part to the construction of a railroad line that ran through the area. In 1910, Port St. Joe officially became a city.
Today, Port St. Joe is known for its beautiful beaches, its quaint downtown area, and its friendly residents. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Cape San Blas Lighthouse and Museum and the Gulf County Coastal Heritage Trail.
Cape San Blas is a peninsula in Gulf County, Florida. It is known for its white sand beaches and emerald waters. But Cape San Blas is more than just a pretty face; it has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Here’s a brief overview of the cape’s fascinating past.
Cape San Blas was originally inhabited by the Apalachee Indians. The name “San Blas” is thought to be derived from Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa, who was the first European to see the Pacific Ocean. The cape was also home to a number of shipwrecks, which attracted pirates and treasure seekers from all over the world.
In 1818, the cape was acquired by the United States as part of the Adams-Onis Treaty with Spain. Gulf County was established in 1925 and Cape San Blas became its county seat. However, in 1955, Hurricane Diane caused extensive damage to the area and prompted the county seat to be moved inland to Port St. Joe.
In 1982, Cape San Blas was designated as a National Seashore. Today, it is a popular tourist destination for people who love nature and fishing activities.
Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas, Florida also offer some of the best fishing spots in the state. Here are just a few of the best places to go fishing.
Tucked away in the far reaches of Port St. Joe, Florida, is a hidden gem known as Indian Pass Lagoon. This secluded spot is a nature-lover’s paradise, and it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Here, you can find peace and quiet amongst the towering pines and cypress trees, and you can catch a glimpse of some of the area’s wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and herons.
But the best part of Indian Pass Lagoon is definitely the fishing. This lagoon is teeming with redfish, trout, flounder, and more. And whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, you’re sure to have a successful day out on the water.
Indian Pass Lagoon is located just south of Port St. Joe off Highway 98. From town, head east on Monument Avenue until it dead-ends at Highway 98. Turn left (heading south) and drive for about 12 miles until you reach the lagoon. There is a small parking area on the right-hand side of the road where you can leave your car.
The lagoon is home to both freshwater and saltwater fish species. The most popular fish to catch in the lagoon are redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and tarpon. For redfish, trout, and flounder, live bait works best—shrimp or minnows are always good options. For sheepshead and tarpon, cut bait works best—baitfish or crabs will do the trick.
When it comes to tackling, we recommend using light to medium spinning gear with a 10-20 pound braided line for redfish, trout, flounder, and sheepshead. For tarpon, we recommend using heavy spinning or conventional gear with a 20-50 pound braided line.
This bay offers some of the best fishing in the state, with a variety of fish species to be caught including redfish, trout, and flounder.
St. Joseph Bay is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. The bay is fed by three rivers – the Apalachicola, Chipola, and Flint – which provide the perfect habitat for a variety of fish species. The mild climate of the Panhandle region also means that you can fish year-round in St. Joseph Bay.
If you’re planning on visiting St. Joseph Bay for some fishing, there are a few things you need to know before you go. First, you’ll need to obtain a Florida fishing license if you’re 16 years of age or older. You can purchase a license online or at most bait and tackle shops. Second, be aware of the bay’s tides as they can affect your fishing experience. Tides in St. Joseph Bay are moderate, with an average range of 1-2 feet. Finally, be sure to pack insect repellent as mosquitoes can be a problem in the warmer months.
For the angler in search of solitude, look no further than the Dead Lakes. This remote fishing spot, located in Port St. Joe, Florida, is well-known among locals for its challenging fishing conditions. But for those willing to put in the work, the rewards are plentiful.
The Dead Lakes are actually two lakes that are connected by a narrow channel. The East Lake is slightly larger than the West Lake and is considered to be the better fishing lake of the two. The East Lake is also where most of the fish spawning takes place.
Despite their names, the Dead Lakes are teeming with life. The lakes are home to a variety of fish including largemouth bass, catfish, panfish, and gar. The best time to fish is in the spring when the water temperatures are warmer and the fish are actively feeding. In the summer, the lakes can get quite hot and the fishing can be slow.
One of the challenges of fishing the Dead Lakes is that there is very little structure to speak of. There are no docks or submerged trees to provide cover for the fish. As a result, anglers must get creative in their approach.
The Dead Lakes may not be for everyone but those who enjoy a challenge will find plenty of rewards waiting for them at this remote Florida fishing spot. So pack your tackle box, grab your rods and reel, and head on down to Port St. Joe for some of the best (and most challenging) fishing around.
Cape Harbor Marina offers visitors the chance to fish in some of the most beautiful waters in the country. The clear blue waters are teeming with marine life, making it the perfect place to drop a line and see what you can reel in. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, you’re sure to have a great time at Cape Harbor Marina.
One of the best things about this fishing spot is that it’s easily accessible. The marina offers both boat and kayak rentals, so you can choose your preferred method of transportation. Once you’re out on the water, there are plenty of places to explore. You can stick close to shore or venture out into deeper waters – it’s up to you! No matter where you end up, you’re sure to have a great time fishing at Cape Harbor Marina.
If you’re looking for a great place to go fishing, be sure to add Cape Harbor Marina in Cape San Blas, Florida to your list!
As the seasons change, so do the fish that are biting in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas, Florida. Here’s a guide to some of the best fish to target this season.
Redfish – Redfish are one of the most popular fish to target in the area. They can be found in both inshore and offshore waters and are fun to catch whether you’re fishing from a boat or from the shore. Redfish can be caught year-round, but they are especially plentiful in the fall.
Speckled Trout – Speckled trout are another popular target for fishermen in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas. They can be found in inshore waters and are most active in the spring and summer months. Speckled trout are a delicious eating fish, so if you’re lucky enough to catch one (or more!), be sure to take them home for dinner.
Flounder – Flounder is a type of flatfish that is found in inshore waters around Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas. They are most active in the spring and fall, making them a great fish to target during those transitional seasons.
As you can see, the history of Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas is rich and full of interesting stories that deserve to be shared with future generations.
These two areas have seen their share of good times and bad, but they continue to thrive thanks to the community spirit of the people who call them home.
If you ever get a chance to visit either one of these charming towns, I highly recommend it – you won’t be disappointed!
