6-Hour Inshore Charter in St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targets multiple trophy fish speciesSmall group capacity ensures personalized fishing experienceTiming optimized around tides for maximum catch potential
St. Augustine's inshore waters are hands-down some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, and this 6-hour charter with 310 Charters puts you right in the heart of the action. With more time on the water than shorter trips, you'll have serious opportunities to connect with multiple species while exploring the diverse flats, creeks, and structure that make this area a magnet for trophy fish. The extended hours mean we can work different tides and spots, giving you the best shot at filling your cooler with quality catches.
This isn't your typical half-day quickie – six hours gives us real fishing time to do things right. We'll start by reading the tide charts and weather to plan our attack, then head out to target the most active zones. The beauty of St. Augustine's inshore scene is the variety: one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish on shallow grass flats, the next you're dropping bait around dock pilings for hefty black drum. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will adjust tactics throughout the day based on what's biting. Expect to cover good ground, from the Matanzas River system to the Salt Run area, with plenty of structure and grass beds holding fish. The longer trip duration means we can chase the bite as conditions change, maximizing your chances of getting into some serious action.
We'll be rigged and ready with medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle that can handle everything from finicky sheepshead to bulldogging black drum. Live bait is king out here – expect to fish with live shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows depending on what we're targeting. For the redfish and trout, we'll also throw some artificial lures like gold spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs when conditions are right. The boat comes equipped with all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need, plus a fish finder to locate structure and bait schools. We'll be fishing a mix of techniques: drift fishing over grass beds, anchoring up on productive structure, and doing some sight fishing when the water's clear and fish are shallow. Circle hooks are standard for catch-and-release fishing, though you're welcome to keep what's legal and in season for dinner.
Redfish are the crown jewel of St. Augustine inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in these waters and fight like freight trains. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, but summer fishing can be dynamite early and late in the day. Reds love the shallow grass flats around low tide and move to deeper edges as water levels rise. What makes them so special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm, and their drag-peeling runs will test your tackle and technique.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish in these waters, but they're absolutely worth the effort. These black-and-white striped fighters hang around any structure with barnacles and oysters, using their human-like teeth to crush crustaceans. Peak season runs from December through April when they stack up for spawning. They average 2-4 pounds but can push 6-8 pounds if you're lucky. The key is using small hooks, light line, and hair-trigger reflexes – sheepshead are notorious bait thieves. When you hook one, expect a series of head-shaking runs that'll keep you guessing.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish regularly pushing 20-40 pounds in St. Augustine waters. These bottom-dwellers love oyster bars, bridge pilings, and deep holes in the river system. They're year-round residents but fish best from fall through spring when they're most active. What sets drum apart is their power – they don't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll pull straight down with bulldozer strength that'll make your arms burn. Fresh shrimp and blue crab are their favorite meals, and once hooked, it's a true test of angler versus fish.
Sea Trout are the perfect action fish when you want consistent bites and good eating. These spotted beauties love grass beds and sandy potholes throughout the area, and they're active year-round with peak action in spring and fall. Most fish run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 24 inches are always possible. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, jigs, and topwater lures with equal enthusiasm. Trout are also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers looking to take home dinner.
Crevalle Jack are the ultimate adrenaline rush fish – they fight way above their weight class and never give up. These silver bullets show up in schools and will attack anything that moves. Spring and summer bring the best action, especially around bait schools and structure. Jacks average 5-15 pounds but can reach 20-plus pounds, and they'll test every knot and connection on your tackle. They're pure muscle and attitude, making screaming runs and never quitting until they're in the boat. While not typically kept for eating, they're catch-and-release gold for anglers who love a good fight.
Six hours on St. Augustine's inshore waters with 310 Charters gives you the time and opportunity to experience some of Florida's best fishing. The extended trip length means more chances at multiple species, more flexibility with tides and conditions, and ultimately more fish in the boat. Whether you're after that trophy red drum, a mess of trout for dinner, or just want to feel your drag scream against a crevalle jack, this charter delivers
Your fishing machine for St. Augustine's productive inshore waters is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious angling. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of redfish and black drum hiding in the shallows, while GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots throughout your 6-hour charter. When you need to sneak up on spooky sheepshead around structure, the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly without spooking fish. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long Florida fishing days. This boat handles the inshore waters perfectly - from grass flats to oyster bars where trophy fish feed. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to fight fish and work different techniques as your captain follows the tides to find the best bite. Whether you're sight casting to cruising reds or bottom fishing for drum, this setup puts you in prime position to make the most of St. Augustine's diverse inshore fishery.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species here in St. Augustine waters. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails average 20-30 inches, but we regularly see 40+ inch bulls. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike in skinny water, plus they fight like freight trains. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. My favorite approach: sight-cast gold spoons or topwater plugs to tailing fish on the flats during incoming tides. Keep your casts ahead of cruising fish and work baits steadily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters - gray with black stripes and human-like teeth that'll give you a laugh. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we occasionally hook 20-pounders around dock pilings, bridges, and jetties. They're year-round residents but spring brings the best action when they move to structures for spawning. What makes them special is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you feeling it. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the table. My trick: use fiddler crabs on a small hook and get as close to structure as possible. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard - they've got tough mouths and won't give up easily.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the big bruisers of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - much easier to target than when they scatter afterward. You'll find them in everything from super shallow water to 100-foot depths. Guests love the heavy pull these fish give, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with firm white meat. My local tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near structure. They're notorious for subtle bites, so watch your rod tip closely.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of our inshore waters and pure adrenaline on light tackle. These brassy-colored bruisers average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds, with shoulders that'll test your drag system. Look for bird activity - when jacks push baitfish to the surface, gulls and pelicans dive in for easy meals. They roam grass flats, around structure, and open water year-round, but summer brings the most consistent action. What guests love is the raw power and aggressive strikes, though most release them since the meat can be strong. My secret weapon: silver spoons cast beyond the school and retrieved fast. When you see that surface commotion, get your lure in there quickly - they move constantly and won't wait around.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are some of our most popular inshore targets. These silver beauties with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. You'll find them over grass flats, around docks, and in shallow bays - especially at night when they move up to feed. Spring through fall offers the best action, with winter schools holding in deeper channels. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics, plus they're outstanding table fare with delicate white meat. My go-to technique: work a shrimp-colored jig head with a paddle tail slowly across grass beds during moving tides. They'll often follow before striking, so keep that bait moving naturally.
St Augustine, FL