Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're looking to test your skills against some of Florida's most prized catches, you've come to the right place. Our St. Augustine Flats Fishing trip is tailor-made for those who know their way around a rod and reel. We're talking four solid hours of sight casting and stalking fish in crystal-clear shallows, where every cast counts and the action can be non-stop.
Picture this: You're gliding across gin-clear waters, the sun's barely up, and you spot the telltale signs of a tailing redfish. That's the kind of excitement you're in for on this trip. We keep it small - just you and up to three of your fishing buddies - so we can really dial in on the hot spots. Your captain's got years of experience reading these waters, so you'll be putting your lures right where they need to be. We're targeting reds primarily, but don't be surprised if you hook into some speckled trout, snook, or even a tarpon if the stars align.
Alright, let's talk technique. Flats fishing is all about finesse and precision. We'll be sight casting most of the time, which means you'll need to be on your toes, ready to make that perfect cast when a fish shows itself. Light tackle is the name of the game here - we're talking 7-foot medium-action rods paired with 2500-3000 size reels. We'll be using a mix of artificial lures and live bait, depending on what the fish are keyed in on that day. Don't sweat the gear though - we've got top-notch equipment covered, along with the licenses. Your job is to bring your A-game and be ready to put those skills to the test.
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Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be after on these flats:
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the stars of the show. They can range from "rats" (under 18 inches) to bull reds pushing 40 inches or more. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs - it's a sight that'll get your heart racing every time. They put up a stubborn fight, often making several strong runs before you can get them to the boat.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are the bread and butter of flats fishing. They're not the biggest fish out there, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and willingness to bite. Look for them around grass flats and oyster bars. A topwater lure at dawn can lead to some explosive action with these spotted predators.
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the flats, black drum can grow to massive sizes. While the bigger ones can be tough eating, the "puppy drums" in the 5-15 pound range are just right. They love hanging around structure and will often give themselves away with a distinctive "thump" sound as they feed on crustaceans.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - sheepshead are no joke when it comes to putting up a fight. These striped convicts are masters at stealing bait, so hooking one is a real test of skill. They're typically found around pilings, rocks, and other structure, and they make for some mighty fine eating.
Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the flats, flounder are masters of camouflage. Spotting one requires a keen eye, but once you do, you're in for a treat. They may not run like a redfish, but their aggressive strikes and delicious fillets make them a prized catch. Look for them around drop-offs and sandy bottoms adjacent to structure.
Alright, folks, here's the bottom line: If you're serious about your fishing and want to put your skills to the test in some of the best inshore waters Florida has to offer, this St. Augustine Flats Fishing trip is calling your name. We've got the knowledge, we've got the spots, and we've got the fish - all we need is you. Remember, we keep these trips small and personalized, so spots fill up fast. Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of the Sunshine State's finest gamefish. Grab your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back for more. Tight lines!
Black Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, with some monsters pushing 90 pounds. Most catches run 5-30 pounds, perfect for a good fight and a tasty meal. You'll spot these bruisers by their distinctive "croaking" sound and powerful, crushers-like teeth. They hang around oyster beds, mudflats, and brackish estuaries, often in just a few feet of water. Spring's the hot season when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their hard-hitting strikes and bulldog strength. Plus, the smaller ones make excellent table fare with light, flaky meat. To hook one, use fresh crab or clams on the bottom. Here's a local trick: fish the incoming tide around pier pilings or bridge supports. The drum gather there to feast on crustaceans, and that's when you can land a real trophy.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of St. Augustine's flats. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive black spot near their tail, typically run 20-30 inches in our waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in just a foot or two of water. They love hanging around oyster beds and grass flats, especially during falling tides. Redfish put up a hell of a fight, often making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. Anglers prize them for their hard-hitting strikes and excellent table fare. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round here. Try sight-casting with live shrimp or gold spoons. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs in the shallows. It's an exciting way to target these bulldogs of the flats.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in St. Augustine's waters. These silvery, spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches, with some lunkers hitting 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're suckers for live shrimp or artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll often leap clear out of the water. Plus, their mild, flaky meat is fantastic on the grill. Here's a local secret: try drifting grass flats with a popping cork rig. The noise attracts trout, and when that cork goes under, hold on tight!
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black stripes, are the tricksters of St. Augustine's waters. These crafty fish typically range from 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're famous for their human-like teeth, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs - their favorite snacks. Spring's the prime time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers get a kick out of Sheepshead for their light, tricky bites and the challenge of setting the hook just right. Once you've got one, they put up a scrappy fight. The sweet, white meat makes excellent table fare too. Here's a pro tip: use a small, sharp hook with fiddler crab or oysters. Get your bait right up against the pilings - that's where these striped bandits love to hide.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Typically 15-18 inches long, these flatfish are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries around St. Augustine. Fall is prime time as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. To land one, try slow-trolling or drifting with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. Keep your line tight and be ready for a subtle bite - flounder are known for their light touch. When you feel weight, give a sharp hook set. These fish put up a good fight once hooked, making for an exciting catch in our local waters.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
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