Top-Rated St Augustine Flats Fishing Charters

St. Augustine Flats: Redfish Heaven Awaits

Ready to get your line wet in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Captain Dan's got you covered with this 3-hour sight fishing adventure on the legendary St. Augustine flats. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, you're in for a treat as we stalk redfish, trout, and more in skinny water. With top-notch gear, live bait, and years of local knowledge, we'll put you on the fish and create memories that'll have you itching to come back.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The flats around St. Augustine are a sight fisher's paradise – crystal clear shallows where you can spot fish before they see you. Captain Dan knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll head straight to the hot spots. You'll be armed with high-quality rods and reels, plus a mix of live bait and artificial lures to tempt even the wariest fish. Keep your eyes peeled for telltale signs of redfish tailing in the grass or trout busting bait on the surface. When we spot 'em, it's game on!

Sight Fishing 101

If you've never tried sight fishing before, you're in for a real treat. It's like hunting on the water – we'll cruise the flats, scanning for fish, then stealthily move into position for the perfect cast. Captain Dan will coach you on the finer points of presentation and retrieval to maximize your chances of a hookup. There's nothing quite like the rush of watching a big red cruise up and inhale your bait. Even if you're an old hand at this game, the quality of the fishery here in St. Augustine will keep you on your toes. We use light tackle to really feel the fight, so hang on tight when that drag starts singing!

Top Catches This Season

The flats around St. Augustine have been on fire lately. Anglers have been reporting consistent action with slot-sized redfish in the 18-27 inch range, with some real bruisers mixed in. The sea trout bite has been steady too, with plenty of "gator" trout over 20 inches coming to the boat. We've even been getting into some nice flounder and sheepshead on the right tides. No matter what's biting, Captain Dan will put you in the right spot at the right time to maximize your chances of a memorable catch.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The star of the show on the St. Augustine flats. These copper-colored beauties are known for their powerful runs and delicious meat. We target them year-round, but fall is prime time when big schools invade the shallows. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail – some fish have multiple spots, making for a unique trophy photo.

Sea Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a blast on light tackle. They've got soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. We find them around grass flats and oyster bars, often striking topwater lures with explosive surface strikes. The bigger ones, called "gator" trout, can top 5 pounds and put up one heck of a fight.

Black Drum: The redfish's cousin, black drum can grow to monster sizes. We usually target the smaller "puppy drums" in the 5-15 pound range, which are perfect for the table. They love crustaceans, so we'll often use shrimp or crab to entice them. Look for them tailing in shallow water, especially around oyster beds.

Sheepshead: These striped battlers are known for their tough fights and tricky bites. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles. We find them around structure like docks and bridges. They're seasonal visitors, with the best action in late winter and early spring.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait to ambush prey on the bottom. We target them with live bait or jigs, working sandy areas near drop-offs. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're considered one of the best-eating fish in the sea. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the flats around St. Augustine. Maybe it's the way the morning light paints the marsh gold, or the heart-stopping moment when you see a big red cruising your way. Could be the satisfaction of a perfect cast, or the full-body jolt when a gator trout explodes on your topwater lure. For many, it's the peaceful time on the water, away from the hustle and bustle, just you and the fish. Whatever draws you in, Captain Dan's local expertise and enthusiasm will ensure you have the best possible day on the water. And let's not forget – at the end of the trip, he'll clean and fillet your catch so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor at home.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the flats and tangle with some of St. Augustine's finest inshore species, don't wait! These 3-hour trips are perfect for fitting some quality fishing time into a busy vacation schedule or for locals looking to scratch that fishing itch. Remember to bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and don't forget the sunscreen – the Florida sun can be intense out on the water. Captain Dan provides all the gear, bait, and expertise you need for a successful day, so all you have to do is show up ready to have a blast. Whether you're after your personal best redfish or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so lock in your date now. Get ready to experience some of the best sight fishing the Sunshine State has to offer!