Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter in St Augustine
St. Augustine's inshore waters are nothing short of spectacular for anglers looking to hook into some serious fish. This full-day charter with Back At It Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of where the action happens – from grass flats to oyster bars, creek mouths to deeper channels. You'll spend your day working the productive waters that locals have been fishing for generations, targeting everything from aggressive redfish to sneaky flounder. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're casting your first line or you've been at this for decades.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early, which is exactly when you want to be out there. The morning bite is often the best bite, especially when you're targeting species like snook and redfish that love to feed in low light. You'll launch from one of St. Augustine's well-positioned ramps and head to wherever the fish are holding that day – could be shallow grass beds, structure-rich areas around docks and bridges, or deeper cuts where baitfish are schooling. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast might get you a hard-fighting red, the next could be a silver king that'll test your drag system. All your tackle is provided, from spinning gear perfect for sight fishing to heavier setups when you need to pull fish out of structure. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and maybe some extra clothes if the weather looks iffy.
Techniques That Get Results
Inshore fishing in St. Augustine means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. You'll likely be throwing live bait – shrimp, pinfish, or finger mullet – around structure where these species love to ambush prey. Artificial lures play a huge role too, especially soft plastics worked along grass edges or topwater plugs when fish are busting bait on the surface. The captain will have you casting to visible fish when conditions allow, which is about as good as it gets for any angler. You'll learn to read the water, spot nervous baitfish, and understand how tides affect where fish position themselves. The gear setup varies based on what you're targeting – lighter tackle for smaller species lets you feel every head shake, while you'll want something with more backbone when a big tarpon decides to take your offering.
Customer Stories
"Mike is a great guy. Made the effort to get us on fish on a cold day. Super company and looked after the two of us all day. Also provided first class recommendations for food and things to do. A top man." - Joel
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of St. Augustine inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18 to 27 inches and fight like they're twice that size. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though you can catch them year-round. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their habit of feeding in shallow water where you can actually see them. Watch for their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp – it's sight fishing at its finest.
Southern Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolutely delicious and surprisingly fun to catch once you get the hang of it. These flatfish hang out on sandy bottoms and around structure, typically running 14 to 20 inches with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 5 pounds or more. Fall is prime time for flounder, especially when they're staging for their offshore spawning run. They're ambush predators that require a different approach – slow presentations with live bait or jigs bounced along the bottom.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and St. Augustine sits right in their wheelhouse. These silvery predators with the distinctive black lateral line are incredibly structure-oriented, hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines. They're most active during warmer months and absolutely explode on topwater lures during low-light periods. A 28-inch snook is a keeper, but many anglers release these fish to keep the population healthy. Their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs make every hookup memorable.
Tarpon earn their nickname "silver king" through sheer power and acrobatics. Even juvenile tarpon in the 20 to 40-pound range will test your tackle and your skills with their aerial displays. St. Augustine's waters host these fish primarily from late spring through early fall, with peak action during summer months. They're often found rolling on the surface, giving away their location to observant anglers. While many tarpon are released due to their protected status, the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in the inshore lineup, but also some of the best table fare you'll find. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. They're most abundant during cooler months and require finesse – light tackle, small hooks, and a gentle touch to detect their subtle bites. A 3-pound sheepshead is a solid fish, with occasional 5-pounders that'll surprise you with their strength.
Time to Book Your Spot
St. Augustine's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent and diverse fishing on Florida's east coast, and this full-day charter gives you the time to really experience what makes this fishery special. With all tackle provided and a captain who's dedicated to putting you on fish, you're set up for success whether you're after your first redfish or your fiftieth. The small group size means personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust techniques based on what's working. These productive waters combined with expert local knowledge create the kind of fishing day that keeps anglers coming back season after season.