St. Augustine Fishing Charters
St. Augustine fishing charters give anglers access to tidal creeks, Matanzas River flats, and quick Atlantic runs for redfish, tarpon, and offshore pelagics.
Top Rated Charters in St. Augustine
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in St. Augustine, Florida —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
St. Augustine, FL Fishing Guide
St. Augustine fishing charters cover a lot of ground—literally. You’ve got shallow inshore action in the ICW and surrounding creeks, beachside tarpon runs, and bluewater trips heading 30+ miles offshore. Most guides offer half-day inshore or 6-hour nearshore trips, but full-day runs are common if you’re chasing big mahi or bottom fish out past the ledge.
Inshore, the Matanzas and Tolomato Rivers feed into a web of marshes, oyster bars, and grass flats. Redfish are the mainstay here, especially around low-tide pockets and flooded grass edges. You’ll also see sea trout, flounder, and black drum, with tarpon showing up in the summer. Common rigs include live shrimp under popping corks or jigheads with paddle tails, though cut bait works well when redfish get tight-lipped.
Just outside the inlet, the nearshore reefs in 20–80 feet offer steady action for kingfish, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and snapper. Slow trolling with live pogies or drifting sardines are go-to techniques. For deep sea fishing, it’s a 25–40 mile run to reach the ledge, where mahi, sailfish, and wahoo patrol the dropoffs. Spring and summer are peak months offshore, with many boats leaving out of the Conch House Marina or Camachee Cove.
Seasonal shifts really shape the bite. Winter can be slow offshore but lights up the inshore drum. Summer is the big show, with tarpon crashing bait pods off the beach and mahi thick offshore. With the historic city at your back and open ocean ahead, St. Augustine’s fishery offers something solid year-round—whether you’re poling flats or running wide.
Fishing Seasons in St. Augustine
Spring
As water temps rise, redfish and trout start moving across the flats more actively, and flounder show up near creek mouths. Offshore trips pick up in March and April with kingfish, blackfin tuna, and the start of mahi season. Most charter captains switch from winter structure fishing to more active tactics, like trolling and sight-casting.
Summer
This is prime time for St. Augustine fishing. Tarpon stack up along the beaches and inlet, especially July through September. Offshore, mahi, sailfish, and wahoo are in full swing along the ledge. Inshore, early mornings are best for redfish, trout, and even jacks hunting the shallows. Expect lots of full-day offshore trips and early departures to beat the heat.
Fall
Redfish school tight in the shallows and flood tides offer some of the best tailing action of the year. Flounder fishing also peaks before the offshore migration. Kingfish and cobia still linger on nearshore reefs, while the offshore bite starts to shift toward bottom species like vermilion snapper and triggers. Fall’s cool-down makes for great fishing all around.
Winter
Inshore charters focus on deep holes and creek bends where redfish and black drum gather in numbers. Trout are still catchable but tend to stay in the ICW. Offshore trips are limited by weather, but calm days still offer chances at snapper, sea bass, and sheepshead on wrecks. Half-days and inshore routes are more common this time of year.
Gamefish in St. Augustine
- Redfish – 18–30" Caught year-round inshore, especially near oyster bars and grass flats. Target with live shrimp, cut mullet, or paddle tail jigs.
- Sea Trout – 12–24" Found in the Matanzas River and adjacent creeks. Topwater plugs at dawn or soft plastics near drop-offs are productive
- Tarpon – 40–120+ lbs Seasonal (summer). Hunted off the beaches and inlet during bait runs. Use live mullet or pogies on circle hooks.
- Flounder – 12–24" Caught near docks, creek mouths, and sandy bottoms. Best with mud minnows or finger mullet on jigheads.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Common on nearshore reefs. Troll live bait or spoons around structure or bait schools.
- Cobia – 15–50 lbs Spring and fall nearshore. Sight-cast with jigs or live bait when they follow rays or surface structures.
- Sailfish – 30–60 lbs Occasionally caught in summer offshore runs. Troll ballyhoo rigs along the ledge or current edges.
- Mahi-Mahi – 10–40+ lbs Peak offshore species in summer. Found 30–50 miles out. Troll ballyhoo or skirted lures near weed lines.
- Black Drum – 5–40 lbs Inshore winter staple. Target with dead shrimp or crabs in deep channels and structure.
St. Augustine Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in St. Augustine?
St. Augustine offers inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing charters. You’ll find everything from 4-hour creek trips to full-day bluewater runs targeting mahi and sails.
Where do fishing charters typically depart from?
Most St. Augustine fishing charters launch from Camachee Cove Marina, the Conch House Marina, or ramps near the Vilano Bridge and downtown.
Do I need a fishing license?
No, you’re covered under the captain’s license when fishing aboard a registered charter vessel.
What’s the best time of year to fish in St. Augustine?
Summer is peak season for offshore and tarpon fishing, while fall and winter offer excellent inshore action for redfish and black drum
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, most species can be kept if they meet Florida’s size and bag limits. Your captain will guide you on what’s legal and ethical to keep.
How far offshore do charters go?
Nearshore trips stay within 10 miles, but deep sea charters may run 30–50 miles out to reach the ledge and bluewater pelagics.
Are kids welcome on fishing charters?
Absolutely. Many inshore charters are kid-friendly and offer calmer waters with plenty of action for younger anglers.
Is the fishing good near the inlet?
Yes, the St. Augustine Inlet is productive for tarpon, flounder, and kingfish, especially on moving tides and during bait runs.
What should I bring on a charter trip?
Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, snacks, and drinks. Most charters provide all gear, bait, and ice.
