Unit Four Beach is a bayside fishing option on St. George Island. Think small shrimp, light lures and oyster edges rather than heavy surf lead. Its limited access space also makes a compact kit more useful than a beach cart loaded for a full day.
Featured image: Red drum species reference, also called redfish. This is not a catch from this location. Credit: NOAA. Public domain (United States). Image source. Resized and converted to WebP.
Find the bayside access at East 6th Street
The local tourism authority identifies Unit Four at East 6th Street. Parking and facilities are limited, so check signs carefully and leave neighboring access clear. Bring water, insect protection and everything you need for a short visit.
Keep to the established approach and respect the shore's bird habitat. Pools and shell edges are places to observe, not shortcuts through vegetation. If the tide leaves the accessible margin too shallow to fish, do not force a route through mud to reach deeper water.
Fish beside oysters, not through them
Redfish and black drum may feed around shell habitat. Present a small shrimp next to a visible edge and keep the hook point clear. A float can hold it above snags. Adjust depth until the bait drifts freely rather than dragging.
Spotted seatrout are another possible inshore target. A small paddletail retrieved across sand openings can cover water efficiently. Keep it high enough to avoid shell and grass. Repeated snagging is a signal to change angle or rig weight.
Give leader condition more attention than distance
A 7-foot medium rod, 2500-3000 reel and 10-15 lb braid suit this close work. Start with a 20-25 lb leader. Run your fingers gently along it after any scrape and replace damaged sections. Carry spare leader so you are not tempted to keep fishing a frayed rig.
Use small hooks, light jig heads and a landing net if the spot allows it. Avoid lifting a larger fish by a thin line. Wet your hands for a release and keep the fish close to the water.
Leave room for birds and other visitors
This shore is also used for nature walks and birdwatching. Cast away from people and birds, and reel in if they enter the line's path. Pick up stray line before leaving. If the bay conditions are poor, the island's public Gulf beach offers a different habitat and a different tackle plan, subject to its swimming and access rules.
A compact packing list
| Pack | Starting choice |
|---|---|
| Rod and reel | 7-foot medium spinning rod; 2500-3000 reel |
| Main line / leader | 10-15 lb braid; 20-25 lb leader |
| First presentation | Shrimp under a float or small paddletail |
| Bottom contact | Keep bait and lures above grass and shell |
Fish to recognize
These references help identify possible targets in the habitats discussed above. They do not document catches at this beach or guarantee that a fish is present on your visit.
Plan another nearby fishing stop
- St. George Island Fishing: Beach, Bay and Park Guide
- St. George Island State Park Fishing: Surf or Bay?
- St. George Island Public Beach Fishing: Simple Baits
Access research checked September 24, 2026, using Franklin County tourism. Recheck closures and posted rules before traveling. Confirm your fishing license and current species-specific harvest rules with FWC before keeping fish.