6-Hour Inshore Charter in St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore charter targeting multiple trophy fish speciesSmall group capacity with maximum two guests per tripTideoptimized fishing schedule for enhanced catch opportunities
St. Augustine's inshore waters are some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, and this 6-hour charter gives you the time you need to really get into the fish. Working with 310 Charters, you'll have plenty of opportunity to target multiple species while exploring the backwaters, grass flats, and structure that make this area a magnet for trophy fish. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and the flexibility to move around when the bite heats up. The extended time on the water means you can work different tide phases and really dial in on what's feeding.
Six hours gives you a serious advantage over shorter trips. You'll start by reading the conditions – wind, tide, and bait movement – then work your way through prime spots based on what's happening that day. The Matanzas River system and surrounding flats offer incredible variety, from oyster bars loaded with sheepshead to grass beds where redfish cruise in skinny water. Your captain knows how to time the tides, so you might hit the falling water early for trout, then switch to structure fishing as the tide turns. The beauty of a longer charter is adapting to the fish instead of rushing through spots. When you find active fish, you can stay put and make the most of it.
Inshore fishing here is all about versatility. You'll work with medium-action spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky trout to bull redfish. Live shrimp is the go-to bait – it's like fish candy in these waters. You'll also use cut bait for drum and bigger reds, plus artificial lures when fish are actively feeding. Techniques vary by target and conditions. Sight fishing for reds in shallow water gets your heart pumping, while bottom fishing around docks and pilings produces steady action with sheepshead and drum. Popping cork rigs work great for trout over grass beds, and free-lining live bait near structure can trigger explosive strikes from jacks and bigger predators.
Redfish are the crown jewel of St. Augustine inshore fishing. These bronze bulldogs love the shallow flats and oyster bars, especially during moving tides. Fall and spring offer the best action, when schools of slot-sized fish cruise the backcountry. Reds fight hard and dirty – they'll drag you into structure and make long, powerful runs. The thrill of watching a red's back break the surface as it crushes your bait never gets old, and the copper flash as they turn during the fight is pure magic.
Sheepshead are the area's most challenging target, but that's what makes them so rewarding. These black-and-white striped convicts hang around docks, pilings, and oyster bars, picking crustaceans off the structure with human-like teeth. They're notorious bait stealers – you'll feel tiny taps before they commit. Winter months are prime time when they stack up for spawning. A good sheepshead requires finesse and patience, but their firm white meat makes them a dinner table favorite.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene. These bottom-huggers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon in St. Augustine waters. They feed primarily on crabs and shellfish, making them perfect targets around oyster beds and hard bottom areas. Spring brings the big spawning fish into shallow water, where you can hear them drumming – literally making noise with their swim bladders. The fight from a big drum is all about power and endurance.
Sea trout, or spotted seatrout, are action fish that keep the day interesting. They school up over grass beds and along channel edges, especially during cooler months. Trout have soft mouths, so the fight is about finesse rather than brute force. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to both live bait and artificials. The bigger "gator trout" show up in deeper water during winter, providing trophy opportunities for patient anglers.
Crevalle jack bring pure excitement to any trip. These silver torpedoes hunt in schools and hit baits with reckless abandon. When you hook into a jack, get ready for a workout – they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the water. They show up year-round but are most active during warmer months. Jacks often travel with other species, so finding them usually means finding action. Their aggressive nature makes them perfect for anglers who want consistent bites and hard fights.
A 6-hour inshore charter with 310 Charters puts you in prime position to experience St. Augustine fishing at its finest. The extended time means you're not rushing – you can work spots thoroughly, adapt to conditions, and really get dialed in on productive patterns. With only 2 anglers, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. The variety of species and techniques keeps things exciting from start to finish, and the extra hours often make the difference between a few fish and a trip you'll talk about for years. St. Augustine's inshore waters are waiting – book your charter and get ready to see why this area has earned its reputation as one of Florida's top fishing destinations.
Your fishing platform for this 6-hour St. Augustine adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious inshore action. This nimble vessel cuts through Florida's coastal waters with ease, getting you to those prime Redfish and Black Drum spots where the big ones hide. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures you hit every productive flat and creek mouth. When stealth is key for spooky Sheepshead, the wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently into position without spooking your targets. The spacious ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long hours on the water. Built for two anglers, this boat gives you plenty of room to work the rods and fight fish without getting tangled up. Perfect for covering serious ground and putting multiple species in the cooler.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most range 20-35 inches and love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges in just 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer peak action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes them special is the visual aspect - seeing their backs out of water as they "tail" in skinny water gets everyone fired up. They're strong fighters and excellent eating. My local trick: look for nervous baitfish and birds working, then cast topwater lures just past the school and walk them back slowly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish around here - gray with black stripes and human-like teeth that'll creep you out. Most run 1-8 pounds and love any structure with barnacles: docks, pilings, bridges. They're notorious bait thieves, nibbling to steal your offering, so stay alert. Spring months are best when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them special is the challenge - they're smart fish that require finesse. Plus, they're some of the best eating you'll find with sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: get your bait tight to structure and use fiddler crabs or shrimp. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season when they school up - that's prime time to target them. They're amazing fighters that'll test your drag, though keep fish under 15 pounds for eating since the big ones get tough. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab and fish right on the bottom near oyster bars. The bite feels like a steady pull, not aggressive hits like other species.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of our inshore waters - built like football players with attitude to match. They average 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds of pure muscle. You'll find them around structure, grass flats, and especially following bait schools in 5-30 feet of water. Summer months bring the best action when they're most active. Guests love the raw power - these fish fight harder pound-for-pound than anything else we catch. They're not great eating, but the adrenaline rush is worth it. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools, then cast silver spoons or topwater plugs and retrieve fast - they love the chase.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, running 14-24 inches and covered in distinctive black spots. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but summer nights under lights can be phenomenal. Guests love them because they hit hard, jump, and make great table fare with tender white meat. They're also perfect for beginners since they're aggressive and forgiving. Local secret: work a soft plastic shrimp slowly over grass beds during moving tides. They often school up, so where you catch one, expect more.
St Augustine, FL