5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Half-day Inshore Fishing in St. Augustine
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Sixhour extended inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutCaptain Clay guides through Matanzas River flats and oyster barsLight tackle fishing with live bait accommodates up to four anglers
St. Augustine's Matanzas River system offers some of Florida's most consistent inshore fishing, and Captain Clay Philips knows these waters like the back of his hand. This 6-hour charter gives you plenty of time to work the flats, oyster bars, and backwater creeks where quality fish hang out year-round. With the extra hours on the water, you're not rushed – Clay can adjust to the tides, chase active fish, and put you on the spots that are producing. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting into saltwater fishing, this extended trip lets you really get dialed in and enjoy a full day of what makes inshore fishing so addictive.
You'll launch into the Matanzas River system, which connects to a maze of productive fishing areas around St. Augustine. Clay runs a clean, well-equipped boat that can handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you've got room to fish without bumping elbows. The 6-hour timeframe is perfect for covering different types of structure – maybe starting on some shallow flats during the incoming tide, then moving to deeper creek mouths or oyster bars as conditions change. Clay's approach is laid-back but focused; he's not going to rush you through spots or push you to fish in ways that don't feel natural. The extended time means you can really settle into the rhythm of inshore fishing and learn to read the water like a local.
This charter is all about light tackle fishing, which makes every hookup more exciting and gives you a better feel for what's happening underwater. Clay provides quality rods and reels spooled with appropriate line for the conditions – usually in the 10-15 pound range that's perfect for inshore species. You'll work with both live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish are responding to that day. Live shrimp and finger mullet are go-to baits in these waters, but don't be surprised if Clay breaks out some soft plastics or topwater plugs when the bite calls for it. The beauty of having 6 hours is that you can experiment with different techniques and really dial in what's working. Clay will teach you how to work a DOA shrimp along an oyster bar or how to sight-cast to tailing redfish on the flats.
"Fished with Capt Clay. Worked hard to put us on fish. Expert on the local waters and best spots. We all caught fish. Very chill vibe but still focused on our experience. Would not hesitate to book again." - Greg
Southern Flounder are one of the most rewarding catches in these waters, and the Matanzas system holds some quality fish. These masters of disguise hang out along sandy bottoms near structure, especially around creek mouths and channel edges. Fall and winter are prime time for flounder, when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes them so fun to catch is their aggressive strike – when a flounder commits to your bait, there's no mistaking it. Plus, they're excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to bring dinner home.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the flats, and St. Augustine's waters produce some real bruisers. These fish love to root around oyster bars and shallow grass beds, using their pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. You'll often hear them before you see them – that distinctive drumming sound they make is unmistakable. Black drum are available year-round but really light up during the spring spawn. They're incredible fighters that will test your drag and your patience, often making long, stubborn runs toward the nearest structure.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing, with their human-like teeth and notorious bait-stealing abilities. These convict-striped fish hang tight to structure – pilings, docks, and oyster bars are their preferred real estate. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action in St. Augustine, when they school up for spawning. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience and skill; they'll pick your bait clean if you're not paying attention. But when you hook one, their hard-fighting nature and excellent eating quality make all that effort worthwhile.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing, and the Matanzas River system holds healthy populations of these copper-colored fighters. Reds are year-round residents, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. What makes redfish so special is their versatility – you might find them tailing in 18 inches of water on the flats or cruising deeper creek channels. Their powerful runs and bulldog fighting style keep things exciting, and their distinctive spot pattern makes every fish photo-worthy. Clay knows the seasonal patterns and can put you on both slot-sized fish and the occasional oversized bull red.
Blacktip Shark add some serious excitement to any inshore trip, and St. Augustine's waters see good numbers during warmer months. These athletic predators are known for their aerial displays when hooked, often jumping multiple times in spectacular fashion. Blacktips typically show up in late spring through early fall, cruising the flats and creek mouths in search of baitfish. While they're catch-and-release only, the experience of battling a blacktip on light tackle is something you won't forget. They're fast, strong, and absolutely fearless – the perfect way to add some adrenaline to your fishing day.
An extended half-day with Captain Clay gives you the best of both worlds – enough time to really experience inshore fishing without committing to a full day on the water. The 6-hour format lets you sleep in a bit but still get serious fishing time when conditions are prime. Clay's knowledge of
This nimble 19-foot Polar skiff cuts through St. Augustine's shallow backwaters like it was built for them. The reliable 115HP Yamaha gets you to the fish fast, cruising at 30 knots across the Matanzas River flats and into those productive creeks where redfish and trout like to hang out. Perfect size for up to 4 anglers who want to get serious about inshore fishing without feeling cramped. The shallow draft design lets Captain Clay slide into oyster bars and tight spots where bigger boats can't go, giving you access to prime fishing water that stays productive year-round. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working artificial lures around structure, this skiff puts you right where the action is.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs around structure. You'll find them year-round in the Matanzas, particularly around oyster beds, creek mouths, and shallow flats in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning - that's when the action gets hot. What guests love is their bulldogging fight and those drumming sounds they make underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Bigger fish are fun to catch but better released. Here's my go-to technique: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a Carolina rig, keep it right on the bottom, and be patient. When they pick it up, give them time to swallow before setting the hook.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip Sharks are high-energy fighters averaging 3-5 feet but capable of reaching 6+ feet. They're easily identified by those distinctive black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clear out of the water when hooked. We find them in 10-30 feet of water around inlet mouths, nearshore reefs, and drop-offs, especially during warmer months from late spring through fall. What guests love is their aerial show and raw power - they'll test your tackle and skills. They're catch-and-release fish that provide pure adrenaline. These sharks are constantly moving and often travel in small groups, feeding on anything from sardines to small jacks. For best results, use live or cut bait on circle hooks with wire leaders. Start a chum line with oily fish like mackerel to draw them in. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and be ready for multiple jumps - they're athletic and unpredictable.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter species, typically running 18-27 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. They love shallow water from 1-4 feet deep, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in the Matanzas system. Fall and spring offer the best action, though we catch them year-round. What makes reds special is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and strong runs in shallow water - they'll put your drag to the test. They're also great eating in the slot size with mild, flaky meat. The smaller "rat reds" school up while bigger "bull reds" often cruise solo. My favorite approach is sight fishing with topwater plugs early morning or late afternoon. Cast ahead of cruising fish, let the lure sit, then twitch it once. When they blow up on it, wait a split second before setting the hook to avoid pulling it away.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, running 2-8 pounds typically but capable of reaching 15+ pounds. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles off dock pilings and bridge supports. You'll find them around any hard structure in 5-20 feet of water - docks, bridges, oyster bars, and jetties are prime spots. Winter through early spring is best when they're schooled up for spawning. What makes them fun to target is their notorious bait-stealing habits and strong fight once hooked. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals snapper. The trick is getting close to structure without spooking them and using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. When you feel those subtle taps, set the hook hard and fast - they'll rob you blind if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are fascinating flatfish that run 15-18 inches on average, though we catch them up to 25+ inches in our waters. They're masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud bottoms where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. You'll find them year-round in the Matanzas River, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is that unique flat body with both eyes on one side - guests always get a kick out of that. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My tip: use a light jig with live shrimp and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and swim off a bit first.
5.0 out of 5.0Fished with Capt Clay. Worked hard to put us on fish. Expert on the local waters and best spots. We all caught fish. Very chill vi...
St. Augustine