St. Augustine's Premier Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Join Captain Dan for an 8-hour inshore fishing adventure in St. Augustine, FL. You'll head out in the morning to explore the rich waters teeming with marine life. The main target is Redfish, but you might hook into other species too. This trip is great for anglers of all levels – whether you're a seasoned pro or holding a rod for the first time. Captain Dan provides all the gear, so you just need to bring snacks and drinks. As you cast your line, take in the beautiful coastal scenery around St. Augustine. With a max of 2 guests, you'll get plenty of attention and tips from the captain. It's a hands-on day of fishing that lets you experience the local waterways like a true Floridian. By the end of your trip, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully some impressive catches to show for it.

St. Augustine's Premier Inshore Fishing Charter

Inshore Action Shots

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's Best Inshore Fishing Adventure

Ready for a day on the water you won't forget? Captain Dan's 8-hour inshore fishing charter in St. Augustine, FL is the real deal. We're talking prime fishing grounds, world-class targets like redfish and tarpon, and a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip is all about having a blast and hopefully landing some impressive catches.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, setting out as the sun's just peeking over the horizon. That's when the fish are most active, and the waterways are nice and calm. Captain Dan's got all the gear you need, so just bring some snacks, drinks, and a good attitude. We'll cruise through St. Augustine's stunning inshore waters, hitting up spots where the big ones love to hang out. Redfish are our main target, but don't be surprised if you hook into some hefty black drum or acrobatic tarpon along the way. The beauty of inshore fishing is you never know what might bite next!

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

On this trip, we'll use a mix of techniques to maximize our chances. We might start off sight fishing in the shallows, looking for those tell-tale signs of feeding redfish. As the day heats up, we might switch to drifting live bait near oyster beds or trolling along drop-offs. Captain Dan's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks to mimic the sound of feeding fish and attract the big boys. We'll hit up some local honey holes - places like the Matanzas Inlet, Guana River, or the backwaters of the Intracoastal Waterway. These spots are teeming with fish and offer some jaw-dropping scenery to boot.

Target Species Breakdown

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the stars of the show in St. Augustine. Known for their powerful runs and that distinctive black spot on their tail, redfish put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up in big numbers.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, these flatfish are a delicious catch. We'll look for them around sandy bottoms and structures. They might not fight as hard as some other species, but the challenge is in spotting them and getting that perfect cast.

Black Drum: The bulldogs of the inshore world, black drum can grow to monster sizes. They love hanging around bridges and deep holes. When you hook into a big one, hold on tight - they'll test your arms and your gear!

Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the holy grail for many anglers. These acrobatic fish can top 100 pounds and put on a show with their spectacular leaps. We usually target them in the warmer months when they migrate through our waters.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes, sheepshead are as fun to catch as they are to look at. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one is a real badge of honor for any angler.

Cobia: These curious fish often follow larger animals like rays or sharks. They're strong fighters and can grow to impressive sizes. When cobia are in town (usually spring and summer), they're always a welcome catch.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks love fishing with Captain Dan because he's not just about putting you on fish - he's about making sure you have a great time doing it. He's got a knack for reading the water and finding where the fish are biting, even on those tough days. Plus, he's always happy to share tips and tricks to help you improve your fishing game. Whether you're looking to land your personal best or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, Captain Dan's got you covered.

Time to Book Your Spot

So there you have it, folks - a full day of top-notch inshore fishing in one of Florida's most beautiful coastal areas. With Captain Dan at the helm, you're in for a treat. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big red or just want to soak in the sights and sounds of St. Augustine's waterways, this 8-hour charter is the ticket. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Captain Dan a call, and let's get you out on the water for a day of fishing you won't soon forget. Tight lines and see you soon!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are hefty cousins of redfish, usually 5-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, pier pilings, and other structures in brackish waters. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting black drum for their strong fights and good table fare, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They make a distinctive drumming sound underwater. To catch one, use fresh crab, shrimp, or clams on the bottom. Here's a tip - black drum have sensitive barbels they use to detect food. Try peeling the shrimp to release more scent. Be ready for some stubborn battles, especially with the big ones. And watch out for those powerful jaws when unhooking them.

Cobia

Cobia are the lone wolves of coastal fishing. These powerful fish average 6 feet and 100 pounds when fully grown. You'll find them around buoys, reefs, and other structure in 30-70 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time as they migrate up the coast. Anglers prize cobia for their hard fights and excellent eating quality. They're often mistaken for sharks due to their shape. To catch one, try live eels or large jigs around structure or look for free-swimming fish near the surface. Here's a tip - cobia are curious and will often investigate baits, so be patient. When they do commit, hang on tight - these fish can make blistering runs. Just be careful handling them in the boat, as they're known for wild thrashing.

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. They average 28-33 inches but can top 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in shallow flats, oyster beds, and around structure in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love reds for their strong runs, copper color, and excellent table fare. That distinctive black spot near the tail helps fool predators. To catch one, try live bait like shrimp or mullet, or artificial lures like gold spoons. Here's a local trick - look for "tailing" redfish with their backs out of water as they feed in the shallows. Sight casting to these fish is a blast. Just remember to release the big breeders over 27 inches.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convict fish of the coast, with distinctive black and white stripes. They average 1-8 pounds but can reach 20 pounds. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, and reefs. Winter and early spring are prime seasons as they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting sheepshead for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these bait stealers. They have human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. To catch one, use fiddler crabs, oysters, or barnacles on a small sharp hook. Here's a tip - when you feel the telltale nibbles, wait until you feel weight on the line before setting the hook hard. Their tough mouths make them tricky to hook, but the fight and the feast are worth it.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. They average 15-18 inches but can reach 33 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in and out of inshore areas. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these ambush predators. They put up a good fight on light tackle too. To land one, try drift fishing or still fishing near structure using live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick is to use a light drag setting - flounder have soft mouths and can easily tear free. Be patient when you feel a bite and let them take the bait before setting the hook.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of saltwater fishing. These prehistoric beasts can top 8 feet and 280 pounds, though 100 pounds is more common. They're famous for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. Look for them in coastal waters, estuaries, and even up rivers. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon time in St. Augustine as they migrate. Anglers prize tarpon for the challenge - they're notoriously difficult to hook and land. To catch one, try live bait like mullet or crabs near bridges or in coastal channels. Here's a local secret - watch for rolling tarpon on calm mornings. Cast well ahead of them and be ready for explosive strikes. Just remember, these giants are catch-and-release only. The fight alone is worth it.

About the Beavertail

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 70

Ready for a full day of fishing fun in St. Augustine? Join Captain Dan on an 8-hour inshore charter where you'll explore the rich waters around this historic Florida city. With room for two anglers, this trip is perfect for a buddy fishing day or quality time with your favorite fishing partner. You'll be targeting the prized Redfish, but don't be surprised if you hook into other exciting catches along the way. Captain Dan's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you'll need, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing. Just bring some snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. As you cast your lines, take in the beautiful coastal scenery and keep an eye out for the diverse marine life that calls these waters home. From calm backwaters to productive fishing spots, you'll get a real taste of what makes St. Augustine's inshore fishing so special. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Book now and let's go fishing!

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