Whole Day Near Coastal Fishing - St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing targeting King Mackerel, Cobia, Black DrumAll fishing equipment provided by Captain Chris Fishing ChartersFamilyfriendly trip welcomes children ages 4 and older aboard
Looking for a full day on the water without heading too far offshore? Captain Chris has you covered with this near coastal adventure that puts you right in the heart of St. Augustine's prime fishing grounds. You and one other angler will have the boat to yourselves for an intimate day of fishing where the action stays hot and the variety keeps things interesting. We're talking King Mackerel runs, hungry Cobia cruising the surface, and Black Drum that'll test your drag system. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, bring the kids if they're 4 or older, and get ready for a day that reminds you why St. Augustine is one of Florida's top-rated fishing destinations.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. We're dedicating a full day to putting you on fish, which means we can afford to be strategic about our approach. We'll start early to beat the crowds and work our way through different zones based on what's biting. The near coastal waters off St. Augustine offer the perfect sweet spot – close enough to avoid the long haul to blue water, but far enough out to hit structure and drop-offs where the big fish hang out. Captain Chris knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with just two anglers on board, you'll get personalized attention that bigger charter boats simply can't provide. The relaxed pace means we can take time to work productive areas without feeling rushed, and if the kids get restless, we can always switch up tactics or move to a new spot.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Live bait fishing with pogies and sardines is always a solid play for the Kings and Cobia, especially when we're working the nearshore reefs and wrecks. Bottom fishing with cut bait puts us in the game for those chunky Black Drum and Red Snapper. All your tackle is provided – we're talking quality rods and reels spooled with fresh line, not the beat-up gear some operations try to get away with. Captain Chris runs circle hooks for the bottom fishing to improve survival rates on released fish, and we've got wire leaders ready when the Kings show up with their razor-sharp teeth. If conditions are right, we might even break out some light tackle for the Redfish and smaller Tarpon that love to cruise these flats. The boat is equipped with a fish finder and GPS to locate structure, but don't be surprised if we also rely on old-school methods like watching for diving birds or feeling for current breaks.
Red Snapper remain the crown jewel of near coastal fishing here in St. Augustine. These beautiful fish hang around structure in 40-80 feet of water and put up a respectable fight on medium tackle. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, though we see them year-round on the deeper reefs. What makes Red Snapper so special is their combination of fight and table fare – they'll make your rod bend with their initial run and head shakes, then reward you with some of the finest eating fish in the Atlantic.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the near coastal scene, and St. Augustine's waters produce some real tanks. These fish can push 40-50 pounds and they know how to use every ounce of that weight. They're bottom huggers that love oyster beds and hard structure, making them perfect targets for our area. Spring and fall see the best Black Drum action, and while they're not the prettiest fish in the sea, they make up for it with pure pulling power that'll have you questioning your gym routine.
Tarpon fishing near St. Augustine is something special, especially during their spring and summer migrations. These silver bullets can range from 50-150 pounds and they're famous for their aerial displays when hooked. We typically find them rolling on the surface near the inlet or cruising the deeper channels. What gets anglers hooked on Tarpon isn't just their size – it's their attitude. They'll jump, they'll run, and they'll test every knot and connection on your tackle.
King Mackerel are speed demons that patrol our near coastal waters from spring through fall. These fish can stretch over 40 inches and they hit baits like freight trains. What makes Kings so addictive is their unpredictability – they might slam a slow-trolled live bait or chase down a fast-moving spoon. When the bite is on, you can boat multiple Kings in a session, making for some of the most action-packed fishing our waters offer.
Redfish are the workhorses of our inshore and near coastal fishery. These copper-colored bruisers love structure and they're willing to eat just about anything you put in front of them. St. Augustine Redfish typically run 20-30 inches and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action without the long waits. They're also great for kids since they don't require pinpoint accuracy or perfect technique – just get your bait near the bottom and hang on.
A whole day near coastal fishing trip with Captain Chris Fishing Charters gives you the best of both worlds – serious fishing without the offshore commitment. You'll target world-class species in waters that have been producing consistently for decades, all while enjoying the personal touch that comes with a two-person maximum capacity. Whether you're introducing someone to saltwater fishing or looking to put together a customer favorite experience with your fishing buddy, this trip delivers the variety and excitement that keeps anglers coming back. The fact that kids 4 and up are welcome makes this perfect for creating those fishing memories that last a lifetime. Don't wait for the perfect weather window – the best days on the calendar fill up fast, and Captain Chris's reputation for putting clients on fish means his schedule stays busy year-round.
Your fishing machine for the day is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious offshore action around St. Augustine's productive waters. This boat comes loaded with a wireless trolling motor that lets you glide silently into position without spooking the fish, plus GPS navigation to keep you on track to the best fishing spots. The fish finder is your secret weapon for locating schools of King Mackerel, Cobia, and Black Drum hiding beneath the surface. Perfect for two anglers who want to focus on fishing instead of fighting crowds, this boat gives you the mobility to chase whatever's biting. Whether you're working the nearshore reefs or pushing out to deeper water, you'll have the tech and comfort needed for a full day on the water. All the fishing gear is handled, so just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks to keep your energy up during those long fights with trophy fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. You'll hear them before you see them - they make drumming sounds that carry underwater. We target them in shallow water around oyster beds, mudflats, and creek mouths where they cruise looking for crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to locate. Guests love the challenge because these fish are bulldogs - they'll use every ounce of weight to fight you. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. The crab shell helps avoid bait stealers, and drum can't resist it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system, typically running 10-30 pounds with occasional fish hitting 40+ pounds. We find them in 40-150 feet of water over structure, drop-offs, and along temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is our prime season when water temps stay above 68 degrees. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll scream off 200 yards of line in seconds and fight all the way to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flavorful meat that grills perfectly. The trick with kings is using a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through anything else. When trolling, I like to run a mix of spoons and live bait. If you see birds working, get there fast - kings often feed just under diving pelicans.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are beautiful fish that start pink when young and turn bright red as adults, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds around here. We find them in 30-200 feet of water near structure like wrecks, reefs, and ledges. They're bottom dwellers with strong jaws, so expect a solid fight when you hook one. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot. People love targeting them because they're scrappy fighters and absolutely delicious - mild, sweet meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My local tip: when you feel that first tap, give them a second to really take the bait before setting the hook. They like to mouth it first, and patience pays off with better hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter inshore species, averaging 18-28 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Fall and spring are prime, but we catch them year-round in our marshes and back bays. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat and fight hard in skinny water. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. You can sight-fish them on calm days, watching their copper backs cruise the shallows. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of moving fish. Gold spoons and live shrimp are my go-to baits, but they'll hit topwater plugs when feeding aggressively. Work the bait slow and steady.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters, averaging 80-100 pounds and reaching up to 6 feet long here in St. Augustine. These ancient fish live in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and around structure where they gulp air at the surface. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - most folks release them - but the fight. When hooked, they'll jump 8-10 feet out of the water in spectacular displays that'll get your heart racing. Their runs are long and powerful, testing every knot and drag setting. The key to landing one is keeping steady pressure and your rod tip down when they jump. Too much tension during those aerial shows and they'll throw the hook. It's a chess match that can last an hour with bigger fish.
St. Augustine, FL