Captain's Choice Morning Trip - St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Morning inshore fishing targeting Wahoo, Cobia, and Mahi speciesAll fishing equipment included with accommodations for six guestsGame On Fishing Charters provides guided St. Augustine experience
Picture this: you're on the water before the sun gets too hot, lines in the water, and the fish are biting. That's exactly what you'll get with Game On Fishing Charters' Captain's Choice Morning Trip out of St. Augustine. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about a productive half-day adventure where you'll have shots at some serious gamefish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish based on what's biting best that morning. Whether it's running offshore for wahoo and mahi or working the nearshore structure for cobia and mackerel, you're in for a top-rated fishing experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
When you step aboard with Game On Fishing Charters, you're getting the real deal. The captain makes the call on where to fish based on current conditions, recent reports, and what species are most active that morning. This flexibility is what separates the good trips from the great ones. Some days that might mean heading out to the offshore structure for pelagic species like wahoo and mahi mahi, while other mornings you'll work the nearshore reefs and wrecks targeting cobia and mackerel. The beauty of the Captain's Choice format is that you're always fishing the hottest bite of the day. You'll be fishing with up to 5 other anglers, creating that perfect mix of camaraderie and space to work your lines. The morning start time puts you on prime fishing hours when the fish are most active and before the afternoon heat and boat traffic pick up. All your tackle, bait, and fishing gear are included in the trip price, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Don't forget to pack your own snacks and drinks – there's nothing like a cold beverage and some good food after landing a nice fish.
The fishing methods on this trip vary based on the target species and conditions, but you'll likely experience a mix of trolling, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing techniques. When targeting pelagic species like wahoo and mahi, the captain will set up a trolling spread using a combination of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers designed to attract these fast-moving predators. The tackle is scaled appropriately – heavy enough to handle a screaming wahoo run but manageable for anglers of different experience levels. For cobia and bottom species, you'll switch to live bait rigs or heavy jigs worked around structure. The captain and crew will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish rather than tying knots. St. Augustine's unique position gives access to both Gulf Stream influenced waters and productive nearshore structure, meaning the fishing options change with the seasons and conditions. The boat is equipped with quality rods and reels, circle hooks for better fish survival, and all the terminal tackle needed for whatever bite you encounter. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, the crew will get you set up for success.
The waters around St. Augustine offer some of the most diverse fishing on the East Coast, and this trip targets the cream of the crop. Redfish are the bread and butter of the nearshore scene here, and these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll test your drag system. They're most active during the cooler morning hours and can be found around structure, drop-offs, and bait schools. What makes redfish so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll make multiple runs and use their broad sides to fight you all the way to the boat. Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish, are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in this area. These electric blue and gold speedsters are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. They're most common during the warmer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore, and they're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and blazing runs, plus they're fantastic table fare. Wahoo fishing here is world-class, especially during the fall and winter months when these torpedo-shaped predators move through in good numbers. A wahoo strike is unmistakable – they'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands with their initial run that can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds. They're one of the fastest fish in the ocean and provide an adrenaline rush that keeps anglers coming back. Cobia are another customer favorite, known as the brown shark to some anglers due to their appearance and curious nature. These fish can grow over 50 pounds in these waters and are incredibly strong fighters that will test both angler and equipment. Spanish mackerel round out the target list and while they might be smaller than the other species, they make up for it in numbers and action. They're excellent for getting kids or inexperienced anglers into fish, and they're also great bait for larger predators.
If you're looking for a morning fishing trip that delivers both action and variety, this Captain's Choice adventure with Game On Fishing Charters is exactly what you need. The combination of an experienced captain who knows how to find fish, quality equipment, and access to some of Florida's best fishing grounds makes this a no-brainer for anyone wanting to get on the water. The morning timing means you'll be fishing during prime hours while avoiding the heat and crowds of later in the day. With everything from tackle to bait included, all you need to bring is your Florida fishing license, snacks, drinks, and the desire to catch some fish. Whether you're a local angler looking for a productive trip or a visitor wanting to experience what St. Augustine fishing is all about, this trip delivers the goods. The 6-person capacity keeps things manageable while still allowing you to bring family or friends along for the adventure. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious anglers targeting St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. This 6-person vessel comes loaded with everything you need for a successful morning on the water - a reliable fish finder to locate schools of Wahoo, Cobia, Mahi, and Mackerel, plus GPS navigation to hit the hottest fishing spots along Florida's historic coast. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, while the toilet ensures comfort during longer fishing sessions. With all tackle and gear included, just bring your favorite snacks and drinks for a productive day chasing whatever's biting in these fish-rich waters. The boat's layout gives everyone plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and enjoy the action as you work the inshore grounds where these waters consistently produce quality catches.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most unique targets around St. Augustine - dark brown sharks lookalikes that average 50-60 inches and pack serious power. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, buoys, and structures in 30-70 feet of water, though they often cruise just under the surface. Spring migration and summer months offer the best action when they're moving through our area. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight-fishing opportunity - spotting these solitary fish cruising near the surface before making your cast. They're also phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that's highly prized. These fish are curious and aggressive, often following boats or checking out anything that moves. Here's what works: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where they're swimming and work it slowly - they'll usually investigate and hit hard.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure excitement when they're around St. Augustine waters, typically running 15-29 pounds with that golden flash and electric blue-green coloring. These offshore beauties hang around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're most abundant. What guests love about mahi fishing is the acrobatic show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a real spectacle once hooked. Their firm, mild white meat makes them perfect for the dinner table too. Schools often travel together, so when you hook one, keep your lines ready because there's usually more nearby. Here's a tip that works well for us: when trolling, keep your speed up around 8-12 knots and watch for frigate birds working the surface - they'll lead you right to the fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of my favorite species to target here in St. Augustine's shallow waters. These copper-backed beauties typically run 20-30 inches and love hanging out in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings. You'll spot them by those distinctive black spots near their tail - nature's way of confusing predators. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially on moving tides when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight in shallow water - they'll make long runs and use every bit of structure to their advantage. Plus, they're excellent eating with that mild, sweet flavor. My local tip: look for nervous water or tails sticking up in skinny areas. When you see that, make a quiet approach and drop your bait just ahead of where they're heading.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are action-packed fish that keep our trips lively here in St. Augustine waters. These silver speedsters with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet long and swim in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structures, flats, and near shore areas, especially when the water's warm. Fall and spring provide consistent action when they're migrating through our coastal waters. What guests love about spanish mackerel is the non-stop action - when you find a school, you can catch them one after another. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Their speed makes for exciting fights on light tackle. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your line in the water because the school usually sticks around. Use small, shiny spoons or jigs and fish them fast - these guys like lures that move with some speed through the water column.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-5 feet long around St. Augustine. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise the offshore waters, usually within 66 feet of the surface near current breaks and floating debris. Summer months, especially July through November, offer the best chances at these striped rockets. What makes wahoo fishing special is that bone-jarring strike when they hit your lure at full speed - it'll test your drag and your nerves. Their white, flaky meat is considered premium table fare, often compared to high-end restaurant fish. Since they're typically solitary or in small groups, each hookup feels like a trophy. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through anything else. Pull multiple lures and be ready for that sudden explosion.
St. Augustine, FL