Whole Day Fishing Trip - St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine's waters are calling, and Game On Fishing Charters has the perfect setup for serious anglers looking to make the most of a full day on the water. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a genuine fishing adventure where you'll have time to really dial in on the bite and explore what these productive waters have to offer. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish using techniques that have been proven time and again in these parts. Whether you're chasing pelagics or working structure for bottom dwellers, this whole day charter gives you the flexibility to adapt to conditions and follow the action wherever it leads.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early – that's when the fish are most active and you'll beat the afternoon crowds. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to work. The captain comes equipped with all the tackle you'll need, from heavy spinning gear for the big pelagics to lighter setups for spanish mackerel and whatever else might be biting. Don't worry about bringing rods or reels – they've got quality gear that can handle anything from schoolie mahi to trophy cobia. What you will want to pack is your own food and drinks for the day. A whole day on the water works up an appetite, and you'll appreciate having your favorite snacks and beverages on hand. The boat has cooler space and ice, so pack smart and you'll be set. St. Augustine's location gives us access to both nearshore structure and offshore opportunities, so depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself working artificial reefs, trolling the blue water, or drifting live bait around structure.
Proven Techniques & Tactics
The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety of techniques that produce fish. Your captain switches things up based on conditions, season, and what's showing on the fish finder. Trolling is a staple here – pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits to cover water and locate schools of mahi, wahoo, and kings. When the captain marks fish, you might switch to live bait fishing, drifting pilchards or blue runners around structure where cobia and big kings like to hang out. For spanish mackerel and smaller pelagics, light tackle with small spoons or jigs keeps the action fast and fun. The gear provided includes quality spinning reels spooled with appropriate line weights, from 20-pound test for spanish mackerel up to 50-pound for the big stuff. Circle hooks are standard for live bait work – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and make catch-and-release much more effective if you want to let some go. Wire leaders are essential when targeting wahoo and kings, since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Your captain reads the water constantly, watching for bird activity, current breaks, and temperature changes that indicate where fish are likely to be feeding.
Species You'll Want to Hook
King mackerel are the backbone of fishing around St. Augustine, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive, fight hard, and make excellent table fare when prepared right. Kings typically run from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish are always possible. They love structure – artificial reefs, ledges, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish moving closer to shore during cooler months. What makes kings so exciting is their initial run when hooked – they'll peel drag and often jump, giving you a real battle on appropriate tackle.
Mahi mahi bring the color and acrobatics that make offshore fishing special. These bright yellow and green beauties are incredibly athletic, known for their jumping ability and hard-fighting nature. In St. Augustine waters, mahi typically range from small school fish around 5 pounds up to bigger bulls and cows pushing 20-30 pounds. They're structure-oriented but also cruise open water, especially around floating debris or weed lines. Late spring through summer is prime time for mahi, when water temperatures climb and these tropical species move into our area. What anglers love most about mahi is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on.
Wahoo represent the speed demons of the offshore world. These fish are built for velocity, with torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth that can slice through baitfish instantly. Wahoo in these waters typically run 15 to 40 pounds, and they're absolutely explosive when hooked. Their initial run is lightning-fast, and they have a habit of jumping clear of the water in spectacular fashion. Fall and winter months tend to produce the best wahoo fishing as these fish follow baitfish migrations. What makes wahoo fishing so addictive is the surprise factor – they often hit when you least expect it, turning a quiet trolling spread into chaos in seconds.
Cobia are the bruisers of the nearshore scene, and St. Augustine's waters hold some quality fish. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called) can reach impressive sizes, with fish from 20 to 60 pounds not uncommon. Cobia are curious fish, often approaching the boat to investigate, which makes sight fishing for them incredibly exciting. They love structure but also cruise open water, especially during their spring migration. What sets cobia apart is their dogged fighting style – they don't jump much, but they pull hard and long, testing your tackle and endurance. Spring months bring the best cobia action as these fish move through our area heading north.
Spanish mackerel might be smaller than their king mackerel cousins, but they make up for size with numbers and action. These fish typically run 1 to 3 pounds and are perfect for light tackle fun. Spanish mackerel are aggressive feeders, hitting small lures and baits with enthusiasm. They school up