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Expert-Guided Flats Fishing in St Augustine
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- St. Augustine, FL
- $300 - $700 price range
- Updated Date: September 5, 2025
Summary
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Flats Fishing Action
Customers enjoying their tasty Catch
A big redfish caught in Florida's inshore waters.
Florida Marsh is abundant in Redfish!
Try your luck at catching Redfish
Powerful redfish hookup!
Redfish Fishing!
Best catch!
Redfish in St. Augustine, FL
Florida's Top Redfish fishing
A large redfish reeled off the backcountry waters.
Customers enjoying their tasty Catch
A big redfish caught in Florida's inshore waters.
Florida Marsh is abundant in Redfish!
Try your luck at catching Redfish
Powerful redfish hookup!
Redfish Fishing!
Best catch!
Redfish in St. Augustine, FL
Florida's Top Redfish fishing
A large redfish reeled off the backcountry waters.
Customers enjoying their tasty Catch
A big redfish caught in Florida's inshore waters.
Florida Marsh is abundant in Redfish!
Try your luck at catching Redfish
St. Augustine Flats: Redfish Heaven Awaits
Get ready to wade into some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Our 4-hour St. Augustine flats trip puts you right in the middle of prime redfish territory. We're talking skinny water, tailing reds, and the kind of sight fishing that'll get your heart racing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time chasing reds, our local guides know these waters like the back of their hand. We'll get you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're gliding across crystal-clear shallows, scanning for that telltale orange tail breaking the surface. Our top-rated flats boats are perfect for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking 'em. We provide all the gear you need – from light tackle rods to live bait that the local fish can't resist. Your guide will be right there to help you spot fish, perfect your cast, and land that trophy red. And don't worry about licenses – we've got you covered there too. By the end of the day, you might just be hooked on flats fishing for life.
Sight Fishing 101
If you've never tried sight fishing before, you're in for a treat. This ain't your grandpa's bait-and-wait game. We're talking active, visual fishing where you'll spot your target before you cast. Your guide will teach you how to read the water, spot those subtle signs of fish, and make the perfect presentation. It's like hunting, but on the water. You'll learn to pole the flats quietly, spot those nervous baitfish, and make that perfect cast when a big red shows itself. Trust me, once you hook into a tailing redfish you've been stalking, you'll understand why anglers get so fired up about the flats.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the stars of the show on St. Augustine flats, but they're not the only game in town. Let's break down what you might encounter:
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored beauties are what flats dreams are made of. They love to cruise the shallows, often with their backs and tails out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Redfish in the 20-30 inch range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a real bruiser. They fight hard and make for some excellent table fare.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are a flats staple. They're not as tough as reds, but what they lack in power they make up for in numbers and taste. Look for them around grass flats and oyster bars. A trout over 20 inches is considered a "gator" and will give you a good fight.
Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're ambush predators that can grow to impressive sizes. Southern flounder in our area can reach up to 5 pounds or more. They love to hang around structure and will often follow a bait right up to the boat before striking.
Black Drum: Like redfish's cousin, black drum can grow to massive sizes. While the bigger ones aren't great eating, a slot-sized drum puts up a great fight and tastes delicious. They love crustaceans, so if you see what looks like a big redfish tailing, it might just be a black drum rooting for crabs.
Sheepshead: These striped convicts are known for their human-like teeth and their ability to steal bait. They're challenging to hook but well worth the effort. You'll find them around structure like docks and bridge pilings. They're excellent eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about flats fishing in St. Augustine that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of seeing a big red cruise by in water so shallow you can almost reach out and touch it. Or perhaps it's the challenge of making that perfect cast when the pressure's on. Whatever it is, once you experience it, you'll understand why die-hard anglers plan their whole year around flats season.
Our trips are perfect for all skill levels. Newbies will get a crash course in the art of sight fishing, while experienced anglers can test their skills against some of the wiliest reds in Florida. And let's not forget the scenery – the flats around St. Augustine are downright gorgeous. Even on a slow fishing day, you're bound to see all sorts of wildlife, from ospreys diving for fish to dolphins cruising the shallows.
What's Included in Your Trip
When you book with us, we take care of everything except your sunscreen and your sense of adventure. Here's what you get:
- Top-quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for flats fishing - Live and artificial bait (we know what the local fish are biting) - All necessary licenses and permits - An experienced, local guide who knows these waters inside and out - A super-comfortable, shallow-draft boat perfect for navigating the flats - Fish cleaning and filleting service (so you can enjoy your catch at home)
We recommend bringing: - Polarized sunglasses (crucial for sight fishing) - Hat and sun protection - Weather-appropriate clothing - Snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) - Camera to capture your trophy catches
Best Times to Hit the Flats
While we fish year-round, each season brings its own magic to the flats:
Spring (March-May): As the water warms up, the fishing heats up too. This is prime time for big spawning redfish and the start of the trout bite.
Summer (June-August): Early mornings are key to beat the heat and find tailing redfish. The tarpon run can provide some epic battles for those looking for a real challenge.
Fall (September-November): Many locals' favorite time. The weather is perfect, and the fish are feeding heavily to fatten up for winter.
Winter (December-February): Don't let the cooler weather fool you – winter can provide some of the best sight fishing of the year, with clear water and fish congregating in predictable spots.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about how awesome the flats fishing is here in St. Augustine, but the best way to understand is to experience it yourself. Our 4-hour trip is the perfect intro to the flats fishing world, and I guarantee you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock.
Remember, we only take two anglers per trip to ensure you get the personal attention and the best shot at landing fish. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new skills, or just enjoy a beautiful day on the water, we've got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? The reds are tailing, the flats are calling, and your next big catch is out there waiting. Book your St. Augustine flats fishing adventure today, and let's make some memories on the water!
Learn more about the animals
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically 5-30 pounds but can hit 90 pounds. Look for them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in estuaries. They love muddy flats and shallow water, but you can find big ones in depths up to 100 feet. Spring's the prime time, as they school up for spawning. Anglers get a kick out of their powerful fight and the distinct drumming sound they make. Their meat is best when they're under 15 pounds – bigger ones get tough. To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. Here's a pro tip: if you're not getting bites, try crushing some oyster shells nearby. The noise and scent can draw them in. Just be ready for a battle when they hit – these fish pull hard!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the prize of our flats. They typically range from 20-40 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two. They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawning run. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and copper-red color. To catch one, try sight-fishing with live bait or artificial lures. Here's a local tip: look for "push water" – a V-shaped wake that shows where a redfish is moving in shallow water. Cast ahead of the wake and hold on tight. These fish fight hard, so make sure your drag is set right!
Sea Trout
Also known as Speckled Trout, these fish are a staple in our shallow waters. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with some monsters hitting 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch them, try live shrimp under a popping cork or artificial lures like jigs and topwater plugs. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for them creating "slicks" on the surface – areas of smooth water where they've been feeding. Cast just beyond the slick and work your lure through it. Remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently to avoid tearing it.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the oddballs of our local waters, with their human-like teeth and prison-stripe bodies. They usually run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, but can hit 20 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. Spring's the best time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-stealers, and their sweet, white meat is a real treat. To hook one, get your bait right up against the structure. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small, strong hook. Here's a local trick: when you feel the lightest nibble, wait a second, then set the hook hard. These guys are pros at stealing bait, so you've got to be quick!
Southern Flounder
These flat, oval fish are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. Typically 15-18 inches long, they can grow up to 33 inches and weigh over 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Southern Flounder are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. They're most active in fall as they migrate offshore to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try drift fishing or still fishing near the bottom with live bait or artificial lures. A local trick: use a slip lead rig with a live mullet or shrimp. Be patient and set the hook quickly – these guys are notorious bait stealers. Winter's the toughest time to catch them, as adults move to deeper offshore waters.
About the Beavertail
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70
