Expert-Guided Flats Fishing in St Augustine

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

St. Augustine, FL
$400 - $700 price range

Summary

Get ready for a half-day of flats fishing in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. Our 4-hour charter takes you to prime spots where redfish are known to lurk. You'll use sight fishing techniques to spot and cast to these powerful fighters in shallow waters. While redfish are the main target, you might also hook into speckled trout, snook, or even tarpon if you're lucky. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing – our guides will show you the ropes and provide all the gear you need. We use top-quality rods and reels, and supply live bait to increase your chances of success. Your fishing license is covered too. At the end of the trip, we'll clean and fillet your catch so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. The flats offer a unique environment where you can really hone your angling skills. It's a perfect trip for both experienced fishermen looking for a challenge and newcomers wanting to try something different. Just keep in mind that deposits can't be refunded, so pick a day when you're sure to make it.

Expert-Guided Flats Fishing in St Augustine

Flats Fishing Action

Angler fishing with rod and reel in Florida

Fired-up redfish action!

Angler with big 24-inch fish caught in St. Augustine

Powerful redfish hookup!

Redfish caught while fishing in St. Augustine

Redfish Fishing!

Best catch!

St. Augustine Flats: Redfish & More Await

Ready to hit the skinny water and sight-cast to tailing reds? Our 4-hour flats fishing trip in St. Augustine is the real deal. We'll pole through crystal-clear shallows, stalking fish and making pinpoint casts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time on the flats, our local guides know every oyster bar and grass flat where the big ones lurk. Bring your A-game and let's go stick some fish!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. We'll cruise to prime fishing grounds where redfish, trout, and more prowl the shallows. Our skiffs are designed for stealth, letting us sneak up on fish without spooking them. You'll stand on the bow, scanning for tell-tale signs of feeding fish – a copper-colored tail waving above the surface or a "push" of water as a red cruises by. When we spot one, it's time for a precise cast and the thrill of the hookup. Don't worry if you're new to this – our guides will coach you through every step, from spotting fish to setting the hook.

Flats Fishing 101

Flats fishing is all about finesse and patience. We'll use light tackle and artificial lures most of the time, though we'll have live bait on hand if the bite is tough. You'll learn to work a soft plastic jerk bait or twitch a topwater plug to entice strikes. The key is a stealthy approach and accurate casting – get it right, and you'll feel that distinctive thump as a fish inhales your lure. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to your fishing license, so just bring your sunscreen and a good hat. And don't forget a camera – the backdrop of St. Augustine's historic skyline makes for some killer fish pics.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the stars of the show on St. Augustine's flats. These copper-colored bruisers can grow to over 40 inches and put up a fantastic fight on light tackle. They love to cruise in shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they hunt for crabs and shrimp. The best part? They'll readily take artificial lures, making for some heart-pounding sight fishing action.

Speckled trout are another flats favorite. These spotted beauties are known for their delicate flavor and willingness to strike topwater lures. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for specks, especially around grass flats and oyster bars. A gator trout (over 20 inches) is a true trophy that'll test your drag.

While less common, snook are a prized catch when they show up on the flats. These streamlined predators are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. They love to ambush bait around mangroves and dock pilings. Hooking one is thrilling – landing one is an accomplishment.

Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they fight hard and taste great. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with some topping 50 pounds. They love hanging around structure and will eagerly take a well-presented crab or shrimp bait.

Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are the ultimate bait stealers. These crafty fish have powerful jaws lined with human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. Catching them requires finesse and patience, but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea.

Top Catches This Season

St. Augustine's flats have been on fire lately. We've been seeing schools of slot-sized redfish (18-27 inches) cruising the shallows, often tailing in less than a foot of water. The trout bite has been steady, with most fish in the 15-20 inch range and a few gators mixed in. Sheepshead have been thick around the oyster bars, with some true convicts in the 5-7 pound class. As we move into warmer weather, we're starting to see more snook showing up, which always adds an extra level of excitement to our trips.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about flats fishing in St. Augustine. Maybe it's the rush of seeing a big red push a wake across a calm flat. Or the satisfaction of perfectly presenting a lure to a cruising fish and watching it pounce. Our repeat customers tell us they love the variety – one minute you're sight casting to tailing reds, the next you're working a topwater for trout over a grass flat. And let's be honest, it's hard to beat the feeling of battling a fish while surrounded by the natural beauty of Florida's coast and the historic backdrop of America's oldest city.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the flats and tangle with some of Florida's hardest-fighting inshore species, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 4-hour charters are perfect for both seasoned anglers looking to scratch that fishing itch and newcomers wanting to experience the thrill of sight fishing. Remember, we provide all the gear, bait, and licenses – you just need to bring your game face and maybe a snack. And don't worry about cleaning your catch – we'll fillet your fish at the end of the trip so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check your calendar and book with confidence. The flats are calling – let's go fishing!

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often reaching 30-50 pounds in our waters. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds, pier pilings, and in brackish estuaries. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so listen for that distinct drumming sound they make while feeding. Spring's the hot time to target them, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight these big boys put up - it's like pulling in a bulldozer. Plus, the smaller ones make great table fare. Here's a local tip: use fresh peeled shrimp or fiddler crabs on a fish-finder rig. Drop it right by structure and wait for that telltale thump. Just be ready to hold on tight when a big one hits!

Redfish

Redfish are the stars of our flats fishing. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive tail spots, typically run 28 to 33 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time when big schools push into the flats. Anglers love sight-fishing for them - there's nothing like watching a big red crush your lure in clear water. They put up a great fight and taste fantastic too. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails breaking the surface in shallow grass flats. Quietly approach and toss a gold spoon or shrimp imitation just ahead of them. Hold on tight when they hit!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. They typically run 14 to 24 inches, but can hit 5 pounds or more. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're ambush predators, so they love hanging around structures and dropoffs. Fall and spring are excellent seasons, as they're actively feeding. Anglers can't get enough of their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Plus, they're tasty on the dinner table. Here's a local secret: try using a popping cork rig with a live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it with short, sharp jerks to mimic wounded bait. The trout can't resist!

Sheepshead

Sheepshead, or "convict fish" thanks to those black stripes, are the ultimate structure-lovers. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and oyster reefs, usually 1-8 pounds but can hit 20. They're notorious bait-stealers with those weird human-like teeth, perfect for crunching barnacles and crabs. Early spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - hooking these guys takes finesse. Their white, sweet meat is delicious too. Here's a pro tip: use a small, strong hook with fiddler crabs or oysters. Get as close to the pilings as you can, let it sink, and wait for that subtle nibble. Set the hook hard when you feel weight - these guys have tough mouths!

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches and weigh over 20 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait, using their flattened bodies to their advantage. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. To improve your chances, try using a Carolina rig with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Let it drift slowly along the bottom, and be ready for that subtle bite - flounder are known for their light takes before they swallow the bait whole.

About the Beavertail

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 70

Get ready for an awesome day on the water with our 4-hour flats fishing trip in St Augustine, Florida! We'll take you out to explore the shallow waters and hunt for some of the area's most sought-after fish. Our skilled guides know all the best spots to find redfish, and you might even hook some speckled trout, snook, or tarpon along the way. This trip is perfect whether you're a pro angler or trying fishing for the first time. We provide all the gear you need, plus live bait and fishing licenses, so you can just focus on having fun. There's nothing quite like the rush of spotting a fish in the clear water and casting your line. At the end of the day, we'll clean and fillet your catch so you can take it home and enjoy a delicious fresh seafood dinner. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable. So grab a friend and come join us for a fantastic day of Florida flats fishing!

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