Morning Fishing Trip - St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Morning inshore fishing targeting mackerel, redfish, wahoo, and cobiaAll equipment provided including rods, reels, tackle, and baitAccommodates up to 6 guests with Game On Fishing Charters
Nothing beats getting on the water early when the fish are actively feeding and the morning bite is hot. This St. Augustine inshore fishing charter with Game On Fishing Charters puts you right in the action where redfish cruise the flats and mackerel run the nearshore waters. You'll be targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species in waters that have been producing consistent catches for decades. The best part? All your gear is handled, so you just need to show up ready to fish and bring your own snacks and drinks for the trip.
Your morning starts early when the conditions are prime and the fish are most active. St. Augustine's inshore waters offer an incredible mix of structure, grass flats, and nearshore reefs that hold different species throughout the tides. You'll be fishing with up to 5 other anglers, making this a social trip where you can learn from fellow fishermen while chasing some serious catches. The captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will position you over productive spots based on tide, wind, and recent fish activity. Morning trips typically run cooler and calmer, giving you comfortable conditions to focus on your fishing technique and enjoy the scenery of historic St. Augustine from the water.
Game On Fishing Charters provides all the rods, reels, tackle, lures, and bait you'll need for a successful morning on the water. Depending on what's biting, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks for redfish, trolling spoons for mackerel, or working jigs around structure for cobia. The inshore waters around St. Augustine require different approaches - from sight fishing the flats to bottom fishing near the inlet. Your captain will match the tackle to the target species and conditions, whether that means lighter spinning gear for finicky redfish or heavier conventional setups when the king mackerel are running. Live bait plays a huge role in these waters, and having fresh bait properly presented often makes the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of St. Augustine's inshore scene, especially during the warmer months when they school up in massive numbers. These aggressive feeders hit fast and fight hard for their size, making them perfect for anglers of all experience levels. They typically run 1-3 pounds and absolutely crush small spoons, jigs, and live bait. You'll find them around structure, bait schools, and anywhere the current is moving. The bite can be so hot that you'll have multiple hookups at once, which makes for some exciting action on the boat.
King Mackerel step up the game significantly with their size and power. These toothy predators can range from smaller "schoolies" around 10-15 pounds up to true trophy fish pushing 30+ pounds in these waters. Kings are notorious for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, giving you a real test on the rod. They're most active during the cooler months and early mornings, which makes this trip timing perfect. Live bait presentations and slow trolling are typically most effective for connecting with these apex predators.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida's inshore fishing and St. Augustine has some of the most consistent red drum fishing in the state. These copper-colored fighters love the grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow structures throughout the area. Slot-sized reds typically run 18-27 inches and provide incredible fights in shallow water, often making multiple runs and using their broad sides to leverage against you. Bull reds over 27 inches are catch-and-release only but offer some of the most memorable battles you'll find in these waters.
Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are the wild cards of this fishery. When they show up, usually around floating debris or weed lines, they bring incredible colors and acrobatic fights that make every angler smile. These fish can appear in schools and once you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Their bright yellow, green, and blue colors make them some of the most photogenic catches you'll land, and they're excellent table fare too.
Cobia are the bruisers that can really test your tackle and technique. These brown sharks lookalikes cruise the shallows and around structure, often following rays and other bottom disturbers. When a cobia eats, you know it immediately - they make powerful runs and use their broad heads to leverage against you. Fish in the 20-40 pound range are common, and larger specimens are always possible. Sight fishing for cobia is one of the most exciting ways to target them, watching these curious fish approach your bait before committing to the bite.
St. Augustine's morning inshore bite offers some of the most consistent and diverse fishing you'll find on Florida's east coast. With all tackle provided and room for up to 6 anglers, this top-rated charter gives you everything needed for a successful day on the water except your snacks and drinks. The combination of species variety, scenic waters, and expert local knowledge makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or add to your personal best list, these productive waters deliver. Book your morning fishing adventure with Game On Fishing Charters and experience why St. Augustine remains one of Florida's premier inshore fishing destinations.
Our well-equipped motorboat cuts through St. Augustine's inshore waters with everything you need for a productive morning on the water. The onboard fish finder helps locate those prime fishing spots where Redfish, Mackerels, Wahoo, and Cobia are biting. GPS keeps us on course to the hottest areas, while the multimedia system adds entertainment between catches. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers and an onboard restroom, you can focus on what matters most - getting lines in the water. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring your appetite for action and maybe some snacks to fuel the day. This boat gets you where the fish are and keeps you comfortable while you're reeling them in along Florida's historic coast.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - big, brown, solitary fish that cruise alone and can hit 50+ pounds. They've got that distinctive flat head and single dorsal fin that fools people into thinking "shark" at first glance. You'll spot them cruising wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-100 feet, often just under the surface. Spring migration (April-June) is money time when they move through our waters heading north. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight fishing aspect and their bulldogging fight once hooked. They're also premium table fare with firm, white meat. Pro move: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live crab well ahead of where it's swimming. They're curious but spook easily, so one shot is usually all you get.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the ocean's golden beauties, flashing brilliant blues and greens underwater before fading to yellow-gold when boated. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, but we see bigger ones offshore. They love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually 20+ miles out. Late spring through early fall is prime season when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - these fish go airborne like they're trying to fly. Plus, they're among the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat. Key tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water as long as possible. The splashing often brings the whole school up, and you can catch multiple fish from the same group.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the big brothers of the mackerel family, averaging 20-40 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These torpedo-shaped fighters have olive backs with silver sides and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through regular line like butter. You'll find them in 40-150 feet around wrecks, reefs, and temperature breaks. Summer months are prime time when baitfish concentrate offshore. What makes kings special is their blistering speed and drag-screaming runs - they're built like underwater rockets. Plus, they're fantastic eating when prepared fresh. Here's the key: always use wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section first, so that trailing treble hook saves the day when they come back for the head.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bruisers of shallow water, typically running 20-35 inches and sporting that distinctive black eyespot near their tail. These drum family members love super shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds - sometimes in water so skinny their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here in St. Augustine, but fall and spring give you the best action when they school up. What guests love most is sight fishing these bronze torpedoes in crystal clear water and feeling that bulldogging fight. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to trick: look for nervous water and "V" wakes in the shallows. Cast your gold spoon or live shrimp well ahead of where they're heading, not right on top of them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, silver streakers that run 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds on average. You'll spot them by their yellowish spots scattered along silvery sides. They travel in massive schools near the surface, making them perfect for light tackle action. Look for them around jetties, piers, and nearshore structures in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when water temps hit the 70s. These speedsters put up a great fight for their size and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast but drift quietly into the school. Spook them with the motor and they'll vanish in seconds. Small spoons and live shrimp work magic.
St. Augustine, FL