Captain's Choice Afternoon Fishing - St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing adventure targeting Mahi, Wahoo, Cobia, and RedfishAll fishing equipment included for groups up to six guestsBYOB trip exploring St. Augustine's productive coastal waters
St. Augustine's waters are calling, and there's no better way to answer than with Game On Fishing Charters' Captain's Choice afternoon trip. You'll be fishing some of Florida's most productive inshore waters, where the action heats up as the day rolls on. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a legitimate fishing adventure that puts you on fish while soaking up the natural beauty of America's oldest city from the water. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, grab your crew of up to six anglers, and get ready for an afternoon that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
The afternoon bite in St. Augustine can be absolutely electric. While morning trips get all the hype, seasoned anglers know that fish often turn on hard as the sun starts its descent. You'll launch from one of St. Augustine's premier marinas and head out into the Matanzas River system or venture into the Atlantic depending on conditions and where the captain's been marking fish. The beauty of a Captain's Choice trip is exactly that – your guide calls the shots based on real-time conditions, recent catches, and what's been producing. One day you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, the next you could be battling cobia around channel markers. The variety keeps every trip fresh and gives you the best shot at consistent action. Don't worry about bringing tackle – all your rods, reels, bait, and terminal tackle are included. Just show up ready to fish.
Your captain will have the boat rigged with quality spinning gear perfect for everything from finicky trout to bruising bull reds. Depending on the target species and conditions, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along grass lines, or pitching cut bait to structure. The versatility of St. Augustine's fishery means you'll likely use multiple techniques throughout the trip. When targeting redfish, expect to work shallow flats with both artificial lures and live bait – these fish can be spooky in clear water, so your guide knows how to position the boat for the best presentations. For cobia, you'll often be sight-fishing around markers and structures, requiring quick reactions and solid hooksets. The captain will coach you through each technique, making sure even novice anglers can get in on the action. All bait is provided, though the type varies based on what's working – live shrimp, finger mullet, or cut bait are all possibilities depending on the game plan.
Redfish are the crown jewel of St. Augustine's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs average 20-30 inches in local waters, with slot fish providing fantastic table fare and oversized bulls offering arm-burning fights. Reds are year-round residents here, but fall and spring see the biggest concentrations as they school up for spawning runs. What makes them so popular is their willingness to eat – they'll crush live shrimp, inhale cut bait, and absolutely demolish a well-placed soft plastic. The shallow grass flats around St. Augustine are perfect red habitat, and watching one blow up on a topwater plug in two feet of water never gets old.
Cobia might be the most underrated gamefish in these waters. These brown sharks (as locals call them) show up around channel markers, bridges, and nearshore structures from spring through fall. Average fish run 25-40 pounds, but 50-pounders are always a possibility. Cobia are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you shots at sight-fishing these powerful predators. They're also phenomenal eating – firm, white meat that's been called the ribeye of the sea. When conditions are right and the cobia are around markers, it can turn into some of the most visual and exciting fishing you'll find anywhere.
While the description mentions mahi and wahoo, those are typically offshore species. Your inshore adventure is more likely to produce trout, flounder, and black drum alongside the reds and cobia. Speckled trout are abundant in the grass flats and provide excellent light-tackle action, especially on topwater plugs during low-light periods. These spotted beauties are also some of the best eating fish in the ocean when kept on ice properly.
St. Augustine's fishing scene has that perfect blend of consistent action and trophy potential that keeps reels screaming and anglers planning return trips. The area's unique geography – where ancient rivers meet the Atlantic – creates an incredibly productive ecosystem. You've got extensive grass flats, deep channels, oyster bars, and nearshore structure all within a short boat ride. This variety means your captain can always find a backup plan when Plan A isn't producing. The fish populations here are healthy and well-managed, so you're not just rolling the dice hoping for a bite. Local guides like the crew at Game On have spent years learning these waters, and that knowledge shows in their catch rates. Plus, there's something special about fishing in waters that have been productive for centuries – you're casting in the same spots where Native Americans and early settlers pulled dinner from the sea.
St. Augustine's afternoon fishing trips offer the perfect escape from the tourist crowds and a real taste of what makes Florida fishing legendary. With all gear included and space for six anglers, it's an ideal setup for families, buddy trips, or anyone looking to experience world-class inshore fishing with minimal hassle. The captain-choice format means you're fishing the hottest spots with proven techniques, not just following a cookie-cutter route. Remember to bring your own food and drinks, pack sun protection, and don't forget the camera – these St. Augustine fish are worth showing off. Book your afternoon adventure with Game On Fishing Charters and discover why savvy anglers are choosing afternoon trips over the early
Your fishing adventure launches aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for St. Augustine's inshore waters. This 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - a fish finder to locate schools of redfish and cobia, GPS navigation to hit the best fishing spots, and a multimedia system for those moments between bites. The onboard restroom means you can stay out longer chasing mahi and wahoo without cutting your trip short. All fishing gear is provided, so just pack your cooler with snacks and drinks. The boat's setup is perfect for casting lines in the shallows where St. Augustine's prize fish love to feed, giving everyone plenty of space to work their favorite techniques while staying comfortable on the water.
St. Augustine, FL