Afternoon Fishing Trip - St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing charter targeting Cobia, Wahoo, and Mackerels off St. AugustineAll fishing equipment and gear provided by Game On Fishing ChartersPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests for afternoon trips
Picture this: you're out on the historic waters of St. Augustine with Game On Fishing Charters, lines in the water, feeling that familiar tug that gets every angler's heart racing. This afternoon fishing adventure puts you right in the action where kings, cobia, and wahoo cruise these productive inshore waters. Captain and crew know these spots like the back of their hand, and they're fired up to put you on fish. With all your tackle provided and room for up to 6 anglers, this trip delivers exactly what serious fishermen and casual weekend warriors are looking for – solid action and good times on Florida's First Coast.
Game On Fishing Charters runs a tight ship when it comes to putting clients on fish. Your afternoon starts with a quick rundown of the day's game plan – where the bite's been hot, what baits are producing, and how to handle the gear. The waters around St. Augustine offer incredible variety, from grass flats where cobia cruise to deeper edges where kings patrol. You'll be fishing productive structure and current breaks that hold baitfish, which means predators aren't far behind. The crew keeps things moving, repositioning when the action slows and reading the water conditions to stay on productive spots. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your catch count, the vibe stays relaxed but focused on results.
The beauty of this charter lies in the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the afternoon. Trolling remains the bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish – you'll pull spoons, diving plugs, and live bait rigs at different speeds to match what the fish want. When you mark schools or structure, the crew switches gears to vertical jigging or live bait fishing to capitalize on concentrated fish. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle come with the trip, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and sunscreen. The captain runs quality gear that can handle everything from screaming wahoo runs to the bulldogging power of a big cobia. Bait selection changes based on conditions – sometimes it's live pilchards or blue runners, other days artificial lures get the nod when fish are aggressive and feeding actively.
King mackerel represent the crown jewel of St. Augustine's inshore fishing scene. These silver bullets typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in local waters, with larger fish showing up during peak season from April through October. Kings love structure and baitfish concentrations, often found along the edges of channels or near wrecks in 30 to 80 feet of water. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and blistering initial run – when a king hits your bait, you know it immediately. The fight combines speed with endurance, making every hookup a genuine contest between angler and fish.
Mahi mahi bring tropical excitement to St. Augustine waters, especially during summer months when warm water pushes closer to shore. These colorful fighters typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds, though larger bulls occasionally show up to test your tackle. Mahi are known for their acrobatic fights, jumping repeatedly and changing colors as they battle. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks where small baitfish gather. The key to consistent mahi fishing is covering water until you locate schools, then working the area thoroughly since they travel in groups.
Wahoo fishing in St. Augustine offers some of the most exciting action you'll find anywhere. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can exceed 50 mph and typically weigh between 20 and 60 pounds in local waters. Wahoo prefer deeper water along drop-offs and current edges, usually in 60 to 150 feet. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, though scattered fish show up year-round. The strike is legendary – wahoo hit baits with such force they often hook themselves, then proceed to strip line at incredible speeds. Their razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs make every wahoo a trophy fish regardless of size.
Cobia provide a different type of fishing excitement with their curious nature and impressive fighting ability. These chocolate-colored bruisers range from 20 to 60 pounds and are famous for approaching boats to investigate. Peak cobia season runs from March through June when they migrate north along Florida's coast. You'll often spot them following rays or sharks, or simply cruising shallow structure in gin-clear water. Cobia fights are all about power – they don't jump much but use their broad tail and stubborn nature to test your drag system. Sight fishing for cobia ranks among the most exciting inshore fishing experiences available.
Spanish mackerel round out the target species list with fast action and excellent table fare. These smaller cousins of the king mackerel typically weigh 2 to 5 pounds and school in large numbers during fall and winter months. Spanish mackerel are perfect for lighter tackle and provide consistent action when larger species are finicky. They respond well to small spoons, jigs, and live bait fished around grass flats and nearshore structure. While they may not provide the raw power of kings or cobia, Spanish mackerel make up for it with numbers and willingness to bite throughout the day.
St. Augustine's afternoon fishing trips with Game On Fishing Charters deliver exactly what every angler wants – quality time on the water with legitimate shots at multiple species. The combination of experienced crew, productive local waters, and top-notch equipment creates the perfect recipe for fishing success. Whether you're planning a family outing, celebrating a special occasion, or just need to get your fishing fix, this charter provides the platform to make it happen. The afternoon timing works perfectly for avoiding early morning rushes while still hitting prime fishing hours when fish are active and feeding. Don't wait too long
Hit the productive inshore waters around St. Augustine aboard this well-equipped 6-person motorboat. She's rigged with everything serious anglers need - GPS to mark your hot spots, fish finder to locate schools, and a multimedia system for those moments between bites. The onboard facilities include a toilet, so you can stay out longer chasing Cobia, Wahoo, and Mackerels without cutting your day short. All your tackle and gear are provided, so just bring your crew and get ready to fill the cooler. Perfect for families or groups wanting to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing without the hassle of bringing your own equipment.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious brown sharks that aren't actually sharks at all. These 30-80 pound bruisers cruise shallow waters around structure, buoys, and wrecks, often right at the surface where you can sight-fish them. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their spawning runs when they stack up in 30-70 feet. What makes cobia special is their inquisitive nature - they'll swim right up to the boat to investigate. They're also phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. The fight is steady and strong too. Here's the key with cobia: when you see one, don't cast directly at it. Lead them by 10-15 feet with a bucktail jig or live bait, then work it slowly. They'll usually follow and inhale it if you don't spook them first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolutely stunning fish that put on a color show like no other - brilliant blues, greens, and golds that shift as they fight. These 15-30 pounders love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in our deeper waters. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit the 70s. What guests love most is their aerial show - mahi jump repeatedly and fight hard right to the boat. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm white meat that's perfect grilled or in tacos. When you spot floating sargassum or debris, slow down and work the edges carefully. Mahi spook easily, so make your first cast count. A skipping ballyhoo or bright diving lure usually does the trick around here.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are one of the most sought-after gamefish off St. Augustine, typically running 15-40 pounds with some bruisers hitting 60+. These speed demons cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes them special is that explosive first run - they'll peel line like nothing else and keep fighting all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened too. Here's a local tip: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Put one hook through the bait's nose and let a trailing treble hang free - kings love to grab prey from behind, and that second hook will nail them every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, scrappy fighters that school up in huge numbers, making them perfect for family trips. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds and love shallow waters around piers, jetties, and nearshore structure. Fall through spring offers the best action when they're feeding aggressively. What guests enjoy is the constant action - where there's one spanish, there's usually dozens more. They're also great eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect fried or smoked. The key to spanish mackerel success is speed and flash. Use small silver spoons or jigs and retrieve them fast near the surface. When you find a school, work it quickly before they move on. Light tackle makes these little speedsters feel like much bigger fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of our waters, hitting speeds up to 60 mph and averaging 20-60 pounds. These torpedo-shaped fish patrol the blue water and edges, usually in 60+ feet around structure or current breaks. Fall through spring gives us our best wahoo fishing when they're most active. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - nothing hits a trolled bait harder or faster. The meat is top-shelf too, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for the grill. For wahoo success, high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots is key. Always use wire leader because their razor teeth will slice through anything else. My go-to setup is a bright bullet head lure or diving plug - keep it moving fast and hold on tight when one hits.
St. Augustine, FL