Whole Day Inshore Trip - St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing targeting redfish, kingfish, and flounderCaptain Chris provides all gear and guides to local hotspotsFamilyfriendly charter welcomes children ages four and older
Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer? Captain Chris knows these St. Augustine waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish all day long. This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking a full day on the water, hitting multiple spots, and giving you plenty of chances to bend that rod. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps folks coming back year after year.
Captain Chris runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun. You'll launch early from St. Augustine's historic waters and spend the entire day working the flats, grass beds, and structure that hold fish in this area. The captain provides all your tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, food, and drinks. This is perfect for families since kids as young as 4 are welcome aboard - there's nothing quite like watching a youngster hook their first redfish. The boat maxes out at 2 guests, which means you get personalized attention and won't be fighting crowds for the best fishing spots. Captain Chris will put you on the productive water and coach you through the fight when you hook up with something special.
Inshore fishing around St. Augustine means working shallow water structure, oyster bars, and grass flats where fish come to feed. Captain Chris runs live bait most of the time - shrimp, pinfish, and finger mullet are staples that produce consistent results. You'll also throw artificials when the fish are aggressive, especially topwater plugs during dawn and dusk feeding periods. The boat stays in protected waters, so you won't deal with rough seas, but you'll cover plenty of ground throughout the day. Expect to fish everything from 2-foot flats where you can see the fish's backs to deeper channels and creek mouths where bigger fish patrol. The captain reads the tides, wind, and structure to put you in the right place at the right time. During moving tides, the action can be non-stop as fish position themselves to ambush baitfish.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of this fishery, and when they're biting, you'll know why anglers get so fired up about them. These fish fight hard and taste even better. They typically run 15-25 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones show up regularly. Red snapper love structure and will slam a well-presented bait without hesitation. The best action usually happens during moving water when they're actively feeding. Southern flounder are another customer favorite because they're tricky to target and absolutely delicious. These flatfish bury in sandy bottoms near grass edges and structure, waiting to ambush passing prey. They can be finicky, but once you figure out their pattern, you can load the cooler. Flounder fishing peaks during cooler months when they're staging for their offshore spawning runs. Tarpon bring the pure adrenaline rush that every angler craves. These silver kings can reach 100+ pounds and will test your endurance with their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. Summer months offer the best tarpon action as they roll through the area in good numbers. King mackerel provide fast action and smoking runs that will burn drag in a hurry. These toothy predators cruise the edges of structure looking for baitfish schools. They're excellent eating when handled properly and can reach 30+ pounds in local waters. Redfish are the bread and butter species that make this fishery so reliable. These copper-colored bulls prowl the flats year-round and will eat just about anything you put in front of them. Sight-fishing for reds in shallow water is as good as it gets - watching a 30-inch fish crush your bait in 3 feet of water never gets old.
This whole day inshore trip gives you the best shot at experiencing everything St. Augustine's waters have to offer. You'll have time to work different areas, adjust tactics based on conditions, and really dial in the bite. Captain Chris knows how to find fish and will work hard to put you on them all day long. The small group size means you get personal attention and won't spend the day watching other people catch fish. If you're ready to experience world-class inshore fishing with a top-rated local captain, don't wait around - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season.
Captain Chris's motorboat is perfectly rigged for hunting redfish, kingfish, flounder, and black drum in St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip quietly into shallow spots where the big fish hide, while the GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing grounds. With a fish finder onboard, you'll locate schools and structure that hold trophy catches. This setup handles two anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to cast and fight fish without tangling lines. The boat's shallow draft gets you into those backcountry creeks and grass flats where inshore species love to feed. All your tackle is provided, so just bring snacks and drinks for a full day on the water targeting whatever's biting in these famous Florida fishing grounds.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. These sleek predators average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds when conditions are right. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, temperature breaks, and wherever baitfish are schooling. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding in our area. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they can strip 200 yards of line in seconds and jump like small tarpon. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling. The key to landing kings is using a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. I like trolling large spoons or rigging live bait with a stinger hook, since kings typically attack from behind. When you get a bite, don't horse them - let that drag work and enjoy the ride.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are solid fighters that average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. These deep-water warriors live around structure and hard bottom in 30-200 feet of water. In St. Augustine waters, they're most active during cooler months when bait concentrates near reefs and wrecks. What makes them special is their scrappy fight - they'll dive for cover the second they feel the hook, testing your drag and patience. The meat is outstanding too, sweet and firm with that classic snapper flavor everyone loves. Here's a local trick: when you feel that telltale thump-thump bite, don't jerk hard right away. Let them take it for a second, then set the hook with steady pressure. They have bony mouths, so a good hook set is crucial for landing these tasty bottom dwellers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the backbone of our inshore fishing, running 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds in the shallows. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots love oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up heavily. What guests love most is watching these fish cruise the shallows - you can literally see their backs and tails above water on low tides. They fight hard and smart, using their broad sides to pull drag, and the meat is sweet with a mild flavor that's hard to beat. The real magic happens with topwater plugs early morning or late evening - nothing beats watching a big red blow up on the surface. Here's a local secret: look for birds diving or mullet jumping. Redfish are usually right underneath, feeding on the chaos.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy flats. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and weigh 2-5 pounds, though we catch some pushing 8+ pounds during prime season. They bury themselves in shallow bays, around oyster bars, and near creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. What guests love is the challenge - spotting that perfect outline on the bottom, then watching them put up a surprisingly strong fight for a flatfish. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My go-to technique is drifting live mud minnows or shrimp on a light jig head near structure. Keep your bait moving slowly along the bottom - flounder are ambush predators, so you want to trigger that strike instinct as you pass over them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of inshore game fishing, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds in our waters. These silver giants patrol shallow flats, harbors, and inlets from late spring through fall, following warm water and baitfish schools. What makes them special isn't just their acrobatic jumps - it's the combination of power, speed, and that heart-stopping moment when 100+ pounds of fish goes airborne. They're pure adrenaline on the end of your line. While they're not great eating due to their bony structure, the fight is worth every minute. Most guests are amazed by their stamina - a good tarpon can battle for 45 minutes or more. Here's the key to success: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line during their aerial show and prevents them from throwing the hook. Patience wins with these giants.
St. Augustine, FL