Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in St. Augustine

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Jacksonville
$405 - $700 price range

Summary

Get ready for a fantastic morning of fishing in St. Augustine! Our 4-hour charter takes you right to where the fish are biting. Captain Ty Sikes knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on top of a variety of species. Whether you're new to fishing or an old pro, you'll have a blast reeling them in. The boat's perfect for small groups, with room for up to 3 guests. We'll cruise the inshore waters, giving you a chance to see St. Augustine from a whole new angle. And hey, if you're having too much fun to call it quits after 4 hours, no problem – we can always extend the trip. Just remember to grab your sunscreen and camera – you'll want to capture those big catches and beautiful views. Book now and let's get out on the water!

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in St. Augustine

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Reel in the Fun: 4-Hour St. Augustine Fishing

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to wet a line in the fish-rich waters of St. Augustine? Captain Ty Sikes here, and I'm stoked to take you out on a 4-hour fishing adventure you won't forget. We'll hit the hottest spots where the fish are biting, and trust me, there's nothing like the thrill of feeling that first tug on your line. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. So grab your hat and let's make some waves!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out as the sun's coming up, cool breeze in your face, and the anticipation of what's swimming below. We'll spend 4 solid hours targeting some of St. Augustine's most prized catches. I'll be right there with you, sharing local knowledge and helping you land the big one. And hey, if you're having a blast and don't want the trip to end, no sweat – we can always extend our time on the water. Just a heads up, we can take up to 3 guests, so it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Oh, and while we don't provide meals, feel free to bring some snacks to keep your energy up. Trust me, you'll need it when you're reeling in the big ones!

Fishing Techniques & Gear

Alright, let's talk shop. On this trip, we'll be using a mix of techniques to maximize our chances of hooking up. We might start off bottom fishing with live bait for those tasty Black Drum and Sheepshead. Then, we could switch it up and try some sight casting for Redfish tailing in the shallows – that's always a crowd-pleaser. For our shark enthusiasts, we'll set up some heavier tackle and maybe even chum a bit to bring in the Bonnetheads and Blacktips. Don't worry about gear; I've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a pair of polarized sunglasses to help spot those fish!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the awesome fish we'll be targeting on this trip:

Black Drum: These bruisers can grow to over 50 pounds, but we usually catch them in the 5-20 pound range. They love hanging around structure and put up a great fight. Plus, they're delicious if you decide to keep one for dinner.

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – these striped battlers are a blast to catch. They're masters at stealing bait, so hooking one is a real accomplishment. Spring is prime time for big Sheepshead.

Redfish: The poster child of inshore fishing, Redfish are known for their copper color and black spot near the tail. They'll test your drag system and provide some of the best light tackle action around. Fall is fantastic for big bull Reds.

Bonnethead Shark: These smaller cousins of the Hammerhead are perfect for anglers wanting to tangle with a shark without the intimidation factor. They're quick, spirited fighters and pretty common in our waters year-round.

Blacktip Shark: Now we're talking some serious action! Blacktips are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Landing one of these will definitely be the highlight of your trip. Summer is prime time for Blacktips in our area.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

You know what keeps folks coming back to fish with me in St. Augustine? It's not just the fish – it's the whole package. The historic views of the old city as we head out, the chance to spot dolphins or manatees, and those moments of pure peace when it's just you and the rod in your hand. But let's be real, it's also about the fish! There's nothing like the rush of hooking into a big Red or the surprise of pulling up a Sheepshead when you least expect it. And the best part? Every trip is different. The tides, the weather, the fish behavior – it all changes, keeping things exciting trip after trip. Plus, I'm always happy to share some local fish tales and maybe even a secret spot or two if you promise to keep it under your hat!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's get you out on the water! This 4-hour trip is the perfect taste of what St. Augustine fishing is all about. Remember, we can always extend if you're having too much fun to head back in. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a morning on the water, I've got you covered. So what do you say? Ready to make some fishing memories in St. Augustine? Give me a shout, and let's get your trip on the calendar. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are real bruisers, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but sometimes pushing 90. You'll find 'em around oyster beds, mudflats, and other structure in brackish waters. These guys love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. They put up a heck of a fight and make that signature drumming sound. Spring's prime time when they school up to spawn. Look for 'em in shallow water, but they can hang in depths up to 100 feet too. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are best eating - the big boys get tough. Here's a local trick: use a crab-scented soft plastic if you're having trouble finding live bait. The scent drives 'em crazy. Just remember to set the hook hard - these fish have bony mouths.

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their high-flying jumps. They average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet. You'll find 'em patrolling near artificial reefs and in coastal waters. These sharks are fast and put up one heck of a fight. Use heavy gear - at least 50-pound test line and circle hooks. Oily fish like mackerel or herring make great bait. Chum helps bring 'em in, but watch out - they can get pretty excited during a feeding frenzy. Spring and summer are prime time. Blacktips are good eating if you want to keep one, but most folks do catch and release. Pro tip: when you see them feeding on the surface, cast a popper lure into the fray for explosive topwater strikes.

Bonnethead Shark

Bonnethead Sharks are the puppies of the shark world - small, usually 3-4 feet, and pretty chill as sharks go. You'll find 'em in shallow coastal waters, especially around sandbars and grass flats. They're here in summer but head south come winter. These little guys put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Best bait is fresh cut blue crab - they can't resist it. Use a stout rod and at least 20-pound test line. Circle hooks work great and make for easy release. Bonnetheads are fun to catch and release, but they're actually decent eating if you want to keep one. Local tip: look for them cruising in schools during high tide. Cast ahead of them and let the bait sit - they'll find it.

Redfish

Redfish are a St. Augustine favorite, usually running 28-33 inches but can get much bigger. Look for 'em in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs sticking out! They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up. These fish put up an awesome fight, especially on light tackle. They'll hit everything from live bait to artificials. That spot near their tail? It's not just for looks - it helps fool predators. Here's a local secret: on sunny days, sight-casting to tailing reds in clear shallows is hard to beat. Just approach slowly and make a quiet cast ahead of their path.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are some characters - those human-like teeth give 'em a face only a mother could love. They hang around docks, bridges, and oyster beds, usually 1-8 pounds but can get up to 20. Spring's the time to target 'em when they school up to spawn. These guys are notorious bait stealers, so you gotta be quick on the hook set. Light tackle and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are the way to go. Cast as close to structure as you can without snagging. Sheepshead put up a solid fight and make excellent table fare. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum 'em up. Just watch those fins when you're handling 'em - they're sharp as razors.

About the Skiffs And Flats Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Ready for some reel action in St. Augustine? Hop aboard our 4-hour fishing charter and get ready to cast your line! We'll cruise the inshore waters, hitting up the local hotspots where the fish are biting. Our savvy guides know just where to find speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and more. With room for three guests, it's the perfect outing for a small group or family. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - our crew will help you learn the ropes. And if you're having a blast out there, no problem! We can easily extend your trip so you can keep reeling 'em in. From the historic sights of St. Augustine to the natural beauty of the coastline, you'll soak in amazing views while waiting for that next big catch. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot and get ready for a fantastic day on the water!

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