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Top-Rated St Augustine Flats Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 16, 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's Top Flats Fishing Adventure
Get ready for a killer day on the water with Captain Dan, fishing the pristine flats around St. Augustine. This 3-hour trip is all about sight fishing - that heart-pounding moment when you spot a tailing redfish and make the perfect cast. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Cap'n Dan's got you covered with top-notch gear and the local know-how to put you on fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: you're gliding across gin-clear shallows, eyes peeled for the telltale signs of redfish feeding in just inches of water. Cap'n Dan's at the helm, poling the skiff silently into position. He'll hand you a rod rigged with live bait or a lure (your choice), and coach you on making that perfect presentation. When a big red crushes your offering, hold on tight! These bulldogs of the flats put up one heck of a fight. And don't worry if you're new to this - Dan's patience and teaching skills are legendary. By the end of the trip, you'll be casting like a pro and reading the water like a local.
Flats Fishing 101
Sight fishing the flats is a whole different ballgame from deep sea trolling or pier fishing. We're talking shallow water, often less than 2 feet deep, where stealth is key. Cap'n Dan's specialized flats skiff lets us access skinny water where the big boys hang out. We'll use light tackle - usually 7-foot medium-action rods paired with 3000-size reels spooled with braided line. For redfish, we might toss a gold spoon, a weedless jerk bait, or a perfectly rigged live shrimp. The real magic happens when you spot a fish, make the cast, and watch it inhale your bait. It's addictive stuff, folks.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the stars of the show on St. Augustine's flats, but they're not the only game in town. Let's break down what you might tangle with:
Redfish (Red Drum): These copper-colored bruisers are what flats dreams are made of. They range from "rat reds" of a couple pounds up to trophy "bull reds" pushing 40 inches and 30+ pounds. Look for their signature tail poking above the surface as they root for crabs in the shallows. Fall is prime time for big schools, but we catch 'em year-round.
Sea Trout (Spotted Seatrout): Also called specks, these tasty predators love to ambush bait in slightly deeper potholes on the flats. They're suckers for a well-presented artificial lure, especially topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. The "gator" trout over 20 inches will give you a real tussle.
Black Drum: Like redfish's bigger, uglier cousin. These bottom-feeders can grow to monster sizes, but the "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range are perfect for the dinner table. They love crabs and shrimp, and you'll often feel them thumping the bottom before they bite.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - these striped convicts are masters of bait-stealing. But hook into one, and you're in for some of the best eating fish in the ocean. We target them around docks and oyster bars using fiddler crabs or shrimp.
Southern Flounder: The ninjas of the flats. These ambush predators bury in the sand, waiting to pounce on passing bait fish. Drift a live mud minnow or finger mullet across the bottom, and hang on when that "thump" comes.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about stalking fish in skinny water that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush of seeing a big red finning in 6 inches of water. Or the satisfaction of making that perfect cast and watching a trout explode on your topwater plug. Cap'n Dan's trips are more than just catching fish - it's a chance to connect with nature, learn new skills, and make memories that'll last a lifetime. Plus, at the end of the day, he'll clean and fillet your catch so you can enjoy the freshest seafood dinner in town.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, the St. Augustine flats are no secret, and prime dates book up fast. If you're itching to experience world-class sight fishing without having to trek to the Bahamas or Florida Keys, this is your chance. Cap'n Dan's knowledge of these waters is second to none, and he's got the patience of a saint when it comes to teaching newcomers. Remember to bring your favorite snacks and drinks, maybe a hat and some polarized sunglasses, and get ready for one heck of a good time. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check those calendars and lock in your date. The redfish are waiting - let's go get 'em!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of the drum family, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find these bruisers around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings in brackish waters. They've got a distinctive look with those barbels under their chin and those powerful, shellfish-crushing teeth. Spring's the best time to target them when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight these fish put up, especially the bigger ones. They'll test your gear and your stamina. For bait, you can't beat a fresh crab or piece of shrimp. Here's a tip: if you're after table fare, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big boys can be tough and not as tasty. When you hook one, be ready for some serious pull – these fish don't give up easily.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our local flats. You'll spot 'em by that trademark black dot near the tail. Most run 28-33 inches, but some bruisers can hit 50 pounds. They love hanging in shallow water, often so shallow their backs break the surface. Look for 'em around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall's prime time as they school up before heading offshore. Anglers can't get enough of the fight these fish put up – they'll test your drag and your patience. They're also fantastic eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. To hook one, try sight fishing with topwater lures or live bait. Here's a local secret: on sunny days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the shallows. It's a sight that'll get your heart racing every time.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Spotted or Speckled Trout, are a favorite among anglers here in St. Augustine. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches, but some can grow up to 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're most active in cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are known for their soft, delicate flesh, making them a prized catch for the dinner table. They put up a good fight too, often making spectacular leaps when hooked. To land one, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Here's a local tip: when the water's cold, slow down your retrieve. These fish get sluggish in chilly temps, so a slower presentation often does the trick.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the toothy convicts of the sea, sporting those distinctive black and white stripes. You'll find these crafty fish hanging around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They typically run 1-8 pounds, but some bruisers can hit 20 pounds. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers with those human-like chompers, perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Spring's prime time when they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge – these fish require finesse and patience. For the best shot, use light tackle and natural baits like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Here's a local trick: when you feel a nibble, wait a beat before setting the hook. Sheepshead are masters at stealing bait, so timing is everything. Once you've got one, you're in for a tasty meal – their white, sweet meat is hard to beat.
Southern Flounder
These flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll typically find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Most Southern Flounder run 15-18 inches, but the big ones can stretch to 33 inches and weigh up to 20 pounds. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild white meat. To catch one, try slow-drifting with live bait or lures along the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before swallowing it headfirst. Patience pays off with these crafty bottom-dwellers.
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
