Near Coastal Fishing - St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Tarpon, Redfish, and Black Drum in coastal watersAll fishing equipment included with family-friendly experienceSmall group charter accommodates up to two guests
Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard for this near coastal fishing adventure, you're getting access to some of the most productive fishing grounds along Florida's First Coast. St. Augustine's coastal waters offer the perfect sweet spot – close enough to shore that you won't spend all day traveling, but far enough out to hit the structure and drop-offs where the big fish hang out. This is fishing at its finest, where you'll have shots at everything from hard-fighting tarpon to table fare like red snapper, all while enjoying the comfortable ride that comes with staying in protected waters.
You'll be fishing the prime coastal zones where St. Augustine's ancient reefs, ledges, and grass flats create the perfect habitat for multiple species. Captain Chris runs a top-rated operation that focuses on putting you on fish while keeping the experience comfortable and educational. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, so all you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the day. This is a customer favorite trip because it delivers variety – you never know if the next bite will be a monster tarpon rolling on the surface or a chunky black drum pulling drag near the bottom. The 2-person capacity means you get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod space like on those big head boats.
The beauty of near coastal fishing around St. Augustine is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the day. Captain Chris will have you bottom fishing over structure for red snapper and black drum, then switch gears to live bait fishing for tarpon when they're rolling. The boat stays equipped with circle hooks for the bottom species, and you'll be using everything from cut bait to live pinfish depending on what's biting. When targeting king mackerel, expect to troll with spoons or pull live bait behind the boat at just the right speed. The redfish bite often happens sight fishing over grass flats, where you'll watch these bronze-backed beauties cruise before making your cast. All the gear is tournament-grade stuff that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait, and Captain Chris will walk you through each technique as conditions change throughout the day.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers love the hard structure and ledges just offshore from St. Augustine, typically holding in 60-120 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that will slam cut bait, and a good-sized snapper will give you a solid fight on the way up. The best action usually happens during summer months, and there's nothing quite like seeing that bright red fish come over the gunwale – plus they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of the inshore scene, and the ones you'll encounter near the coast can push 20-40 pounds easily. These fish are bulldogs that will test your drag system and your back muscles. They feed heavily on crabs and shellfish around structure, so expect to fish with cut bait near the bottom. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, and landing a big black drum is something every angler should experience at least once. They're not the prettiest fish in the ocean, but they make up for it with sheer power.
Tarpon fishing around St. Augustine is world-class, especially during the spring and summer migration when massive schools move through the area. These silver kings can reach 100+ pounds and will give you the fight of your life, complete with gill-rattling jumps and long runs that will have your arms burning. Captain Chris knows how to position the boat when tarpon are rolling on the surface, and watching one of these giants eat your bait is pure adrenaline. Most tarpon are catch and release, but the photos and memories last forever.
King mackerel are speed demons that patrol the offshore waters looking for schools of bait fish. These toothy predators can reach 20-30 pounds and will make blistering runs that can empty your reel in seconds. The best king fishing happens when water temperatures are right and bait is thick, typically spring through fall. They're excellent eating when prepared fresh, and their aggressive nature makes them a blast to catch on lighter tackle.
Redfish are the most reliable target in these waters, and St. Augustine's grass flats and marshy coastline provide perfect habitat year-round. These copper-colored fighters are known for their strong runs and stubborn nature once hooked. You'll find them in shallow water feeding on crabs and baitfish, and they're famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. Reds are great for beginners because they're forgiving and fight hard, but they'll also challenge experienced anglers when you hook into a bull red over 30 inches.
This near coastal fishing trip with Captain Chris delivers everything you want in a Florida fishing adventure – variety, action, and the chance to land some serious fish without the long boat ride to deep water. The intimate 2-person setup means you get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. St. Augustine's coastal fishery is trending upward, and Captain Chris's local knowledge puts you on the most productive spots when they're firing. Whether you're after dinner or just looking to bend some rods, this trip covers all the bases. The gear is provided, the captain knows where to find them, and all you have to do is show up ready to fish. Book your spot now and get ready for some of the best near coastal fishing Florida has to offer.
This well-equipped motorboat gets you to the prime fishing spots along St. Augustine's productive coastal waters. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow areas where redfish and black drum cruise without spooking them. GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing grounds, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Perfect for two anglers who want to target tarpon, redfish, and other species that call these Florida waters home. All your fishing gear comes with the boat, so just bring your cooler with snacks and drinks. The boat handles offshore runs smoothly and positions perfectly for casting to structure and drop-offs. Kids 4+ welcome - great way to get the family into some serious coastal fishing action around one of Florida's most productive fishing areas.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bruisers of the shallow water - these chunky fighters average 10-20 pounds but can easily hit 40+ pounds around St. Augustine. They love oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water, especially on incoming tides. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the power - they'll peel drag and make long runs in shallow water. Plus, the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The bigger ones are better released as breeding stock. Pro tip from these waters: use fresh blue crab cut in half for bait. The scent drives them crazy, and it stays on the hook better than shrimp when the current's moving.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These torpedo-shaped fighters typically run 15-30 pounds off St. Augustine, with some bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. You'll find them in 40-100 feet of water along ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks, especially during fall and spring migrations when water temps are in the 70s. What makes kings so exciting is their blistering runs - they can hit 35 mph and strip line like nothing else. Plus, they're fantastic eating with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The key to consistent king fishing here is trolling large spoons or live bait with wire leaders. Their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, so always use at least 40-pound wire.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of the most prized catches off St. Augustine. These deep-water fighters typically run 15-25 pounds, though we've seen some monsters push 35+ pounds. You'll find them holding around structure in 60-120 feet of water - think wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom. They're year-round residents here, but fall and winter months are prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes snapper so popular is their combination of a serious fight and table fare that can't be beat - firm, white meat with a sweet flavor that's restaurant quality. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them chew on that bait for a few seconds, then drive it home hard. Their bony mouths require a solid hookset.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in St. Augustine. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-28 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They bite year-round, but fall and winter offer the best action when they school up in big numbers. What makes redfish so popular is their aggressive strikes and strong fights in shallow water, plus they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The fish are also beautiful with that bronze coloration. My go-to trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on calm mornings, then cast a gold spoon or live shrimp just ahead of them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish here in St. Augustine - these silver kings average 80-120 pounds and put on aerial shows that'll leave you speechless. We find them in 10-40 feet of water around bridges, inlets, and along the beaches, particularly during late spring through early fall when water temps hit 75+ degrees. What makes tarpon special isn't just their acrobatics, but the pure adrenaline rush of hooking into something that can jump 8 feet out of the water and run for hundreds of yards. They're catch-and-release only since the meat's full of bones, but the fight is legendary. Local secret: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward them. This gives slack and prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild head shakes.
St. Augustine, FL