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Renowned St Augustine Flats Fishing Adventures
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- St. Augustine, FL
- $400 - $700 price range
Summary
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Redfish on the Flats
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!
Fired-up redfish action!
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!
Fired-up redfish action!
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!
St. Augustine's Shallow Water Fishing Paradise
Ready to hit the flats and reel in some monsters? Captain Dan's got you covered with this 6-hour fishing trip that'll have you casting lines and pulling in fish before you can say "tight lines." Whether you're a seasoned pro or still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this trip's perfect for everyone looking to experience the best of St. Augustine's inshore fishing scene.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're gliding across crystal-clear Florida flats, the sun's warming your face, and you're surrounded by some of the best fishing grounds in the Sunshine State. Captain Dan's your go-to guy for this adventure. He's got all the gear, bait, and local know-how to put you on the fish. No need to stress about licenses or equipment – it's all covered. And when you land that trophy redfish? Cap'n Dan's got you sorted with cleaning and filleting, so you can take home your catch ready for the grill. It's six hours of non-stop action, perfect for making the most of your day on the water.
Tackling the Flats
We're talking shallow water fishing here, folks. That means light tackle, stealth mode, and sight fishing for some of the coolest species in Florida. You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's biting. Captain Dan's an expert at reading the water, so he'll have you drifting over sand spots, working the grass edges, and maybe even poling into some secret honey holes. Keep your eyes peeled for those tell-tale signs of feeding fish – you might just spot your dinner before you catch it!
Target Species
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and a real treat to catch. They love to hide in the sandy bottoms, waiting to ambush their prey. Flounder fishing is all about finesse – a slow retrieve and a keen eye for that subtle take. Spring and fall are prime times to target these tasty fish, and they put up a surprising fight for their pancake-like appearance.
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the flats, black drum are hard-fighting and can grow to impressive sizes. They love hanging around structure and oyster beds. Listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound underwater – it's how they got their name! These guys are great to target year-round, but they really turn on in the cooler months.
Sheepshead: With their human-like teeth and zebra stripes, sheepshead are as fun to look at as they are to catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling for that bite takes some practice. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons. They hang around pilings and bridges, using those chompers to crush crabs and barnacles.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these guys are a staple of inshore fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will hit topwater lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Sea trout fishing is good year-round, but it really heats up in the warmer months. They love to hang out in deeper holes on the flats, especially during tide changes.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Florida flats fishing. Redfish, or red drum, are known for their copper color and that distinctive spot on their tail. They're like the bonefish of the South – tailing in shallow water, ready to give you a run for your money. Fall is the peak season when big schools of bull reds come inshore to spawn. Sight-fishing for reds in clear water is an experience you won't forget.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
St. Augustine's waters are like a buffet for fish – and that means non-stop action for you. One minute you're battling a hard-charging redfish, the next you're finessing a flounder off the bottom. It's this variety that keeps folks coming back for more. Plus, with Captain Dan at the helm, you're not just catching fish – you're getting schooled in the art of inshore fishing. He's got those local spots dialed in, so even when other boats are coming up empty, you'll be on the fish.
Time to Get Your Lines Wet
Look, the fish aren't going to catch themselves. Whether you're dreaming of that perfect cast to a tailing red or just want to bend a rod and fill the cooler, this trip's got your name on it. Captain Dan's got the skills, the gear, and the local intel to make it happen. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on St. Augustine's legendary flats. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. Let's go fishing!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the flats, often weighing 5-30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. They're easy to spot with their distinctive chin barbels and black stripes. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in estuaries. These fish love structure, so look for them near pilings, bridges, and reefs. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, making some impressive drumming sounds underwater. Anglers enjoy the strong, steady pull of a big Black Drum - it's like hooking a tractor! They're also great eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. For bait, try fresh crab or shrimp - Black Drum can't resist 'em. Here's a tip: when you're fishing the flats, keep an eye out for their tails sticking up as they root around for food. It's a dead giveaway and a perfect chance to make a targeted cast.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the crown jewels of our flats fishing. These copper-colored beauties, known for the distinctive black spot near their tail, typically range from 20-30 inches in our waters. You'll find them tailing in super shallow areas, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize Redfish for their strong fights and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of baits, from live shrimp to artificial lures. For a real thrill, try sight-fishing for them in clear, shallow water. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats slowly and look for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs. It's an exciting way to target these fantastic fish.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple in our waters. They typically run 14-24 inches and love hanging out in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Look for them around seagrass beds, oyster bars, and creek mouths. These fish are known for their delicate, white flesh and put up a good fight on light tackle. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temperatures are just right. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. To catch Sea Trout, try using artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs. Work them slowly over grass flats or along drop-offs. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, listen for their distinctive "popping" sound as they feed on the surface. It's a dead giveaway to their location and a perfect chance to cast right to them.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a favorite target here in St. Augustine. These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster beds. They're known for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush barnacles and crabs - their favorite snacks. Spring is prime Sheepshead season when they gather to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching these bait-stealers; they're notorious for nibbling without getting hooked. The fight is solid, and the meat is delicious - sweet and flaky. For the best shot at landing one, use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local secret: when you feel a bite, wait a beat before setting the hook. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, so give them time to really take it in.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with the sandy bottom. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait, using their unique ability to change color to match their surroundings. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as flounder move between inshore and offshore waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild white meat and the challenge of their subtle bite. To hook one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: when you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily. Their wide, flat bodies put up a unique fight, making for an exciting catch in our shallow 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
