Afternoon Fishing Trip - St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targeting Cobia, Wahoo, and MackerelsAll fishing equipment provided for up to 6 guestsGame On Fishing Charters operates in St. Augustine waters
Looking to get your lines wet in some of Florida's most productive waters? Game On Fishing Charters has you covered with an afternoon fishing adventure that'll have you and up to five friends battling some serious gamefish just off the coast of historic St. Augustine. This isn't your typical pier fishing – we're talking about getting out where the big boys swim and putting some real bend in your rod. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this charter is designed to put fish in the boat and smiles on faces.
Your afternoon starts with meeting the crew at the marina, where you'll get a quick rundown of the day's game plan. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have already scouted the best spots based on current conditions, bait activity, and recent fish reports. St. Augustine's inshore and nearshore waters offer incredible variety – one minute you might be working structure for cobia, the next you're trolling for kings or casting to a school of mahi pushing bait on the surface. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and maybe some snacks. The crew will handle everything from rigging baits to gaffing fish, but don't worry – you'll be doing all the fighting once that drag starts screaming.
The beauty of fishing St. Augustine is the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the trip. Depending on what's biting, you might find yourself trolling with live bait or lures along weed lines and temperature breaks where pelagics like wahoo and mahi congregate. When targeting cobia, expect to sight-fish these curious bruisers around buoys, wrecks, and even following rays in shallow water. The mackerel bite often calls for fast trolling with spoons or small plugs, while mahi fishing can range from trolling to casting when you find them under debris or working bait schools. The captain will adjust tactics throughout the trip based on what's happening – that's the difference between a good charter and a great one. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, from light spinning gear for Spanish mackerel to heavy conventional setups for the bigger predators.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of St. Augustine fishing, and for good reason. These silver bullets can reach 40+ pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your drag and your arms. Best action typically runs from late spring through fall, with fish moving closer to shore during cooler months. Kings love slow-trolled live bait or fast-pulled spoons, and when you hook one, get ready for a fight – they're known for their acrobatic jumps and long runs that can peel off hundreds of yards of line in seconds.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and the crazy to any fishing trip. These golden beauties are absolute dynamite on the end of a line, jumping clear out of the water and changing colors as they fight. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi typically show up in warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore, and they're suckers for anything that floats – weed lines, debris, even trash unfortunately. Their firm white meat makes them a favorite on the dinner table too.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the sea, capable of hitting lures at 60+ mph and stripping line faster than you can blink. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They're typically caught trolling at higher speeds with wire leaders, and their runs are so fast and powerful they'll lock up your drag if you're not careful. Spring and fall offer the best wahoo action in these waters.
Cobia are the gentle giants that often surprise first-time charter guests. These brown, shark-looking fish are actually curious and intelligent, often following the boat or swimming right up to anglers. They can grow huge – 50+ pounds isn't uncommon – and they fight with raw power rather than speed. Spring brings the cobia migration, when these fish move inshore to spawn, making for some of the year's most exciting sight-fishing opportunities.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but they make up for it with numbers and attitude. These feisty fighters are perfect for kids and light-tackle enthusiasts, hitting small jigs and spoons with aggressive strikes. They're excellent table fare and often save the day when bigger fish aren't cooperating. Spanish mackerel are around most of the year in Northeast Florida waters, with peak action in spring and fall.
St. Augustine's fishing scene is world-class, and afternoon trips offer some distinct advantages – the morning boat traffic has usually settled down, afternoon bites can be hot, and you'll still have evening plans intact. Game On Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a blast doing it. With all gear provided and a crew that knows how to find the bite, all you need to do is show up ready to fish. The six-person capacity keeps things comfortable without overcrowding, so everyone gets plenty of rod time. Whether you're looking to check some bucket-list species off your list, introduce someone to offshore fishing, or just spend an afternoon doing what you love, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot and word gets around the docks.
Step aboard this well-equipped motorboat built for serious fishing action in St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines while targeting Cobia, Wahoo, and King Mackerel. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation keeps you on the hottest spots. Between hookups, enjoy the multimedia system or take a break using the onboard facilities. All your fishing gear comes included, so just bring your crew and get ready to put fish in the cooler. The captain knows these waters inside and out, putting you on the bite from the moment you leave the dock.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious, shark-looking fish that average 20-50 pounds and can reach 6 feet. They're loners, hanging around buoys, wrecks, and floating debris in 20-60 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action when they move north along our coast. What makes cobia special is their approachable nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat, letting you sight-cast to them. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. The fight is strong and steady, not flashy but determined. My go-to trick is using a bucktail jig in any color - cobia aren't picky about color but they love the action. Just drop it down and work it slowly near structure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolute crowd-pleasers with their brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they're brought to the boat. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds and are found under floating debris, weed lines, or around current breaks in warmer months. They're surface dwellers, so we often spot them from a distance. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make multiple runs. The meat is fantastic too - firm, white, and mild-flavored. Here's a local trick: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water because mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will often keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the most sought-after fish off St. Augustine. These speed demons typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen monsters over 60. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around wrecks, reefs, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes Kings special is their blistering runs - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish out there. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. One key tip: always use a wire leader. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, and you'll lose the fish of a lifetime.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are scrappy little fighters that typically run 1-3 pounds with silver sides covered in yellow spots. They school up near shore around piers, jetties, and grass flats in 10-30 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they're feeding aggressively. Guests love these fish because they're perfect for kids and beginners - they bite readily and fight hard for their size. They're also delicious eating with mild, flaky meat that's great grilled or smoked. The secret to consistent success is small spoons or jigs fished fast. Spanish mackerel are speed feeders, so retrieve your lure quicker than feels natural. They'll often hit it right at the boat.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long. These silver bullets with blue stripes patrol the blue water, usually in 40-200 feet, around structures or temperature breaks. Best fishing happens during our warmer months when they move closer to shore. What makes wahoo fishing special is the speed - their initial run is absolutely mind-blowing. They're also prime table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. The key to hooking these speed demons is high-speed trolling with wire leaders. Their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Pro tip: troll fast, around 12-15 knots. Most fish won't hit at that speed, but wahoo love it.
St. Augustine, FL