Half Day Advanced Fishing Trip in St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Advanced sight fishing techniques for redfish and sea troutCaptain adjusts strategy based on tide conditions and structureIncludes fly tackle, equipment, and licenses for three guests
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip. Captain Cullen Traverso runs a technical operation designed for anglers who know the difference between a strip set and a trout set. Over 4 hours on the water, you'll work the flats, creeks, and oyster bars around St. Augustine with fly tackle, targeting species that require skill and patience to fool. This top-rated charter accommodates up to 3 anglers aboard a Maverick technical skiff – built specifically for sight fishing in skinny water. Everything's included except your drinks and snacks, so you can focus on what matters: making those clean presentations count.
Captain Cullen doesn't fish the same spot twice unless the conditions are perfect. He reads the tide, wind, and water clarity to position you where the fish are feeding – whether that's a flood tide pushing redfish onto the grass flats or low water concentrating trout in deeper pockets. The Maverick skiff draws just inches, letting you reach water other boats can't touch. You'll launch from one of four convenient ramps: Lighthouse Park, Vilano, Usina, or Frank Butler, depending on conditions and target areas. This isn't a numbers game – it's about quality shots at quality fish. Expect long, quiet poles across shallow water, sudden whispered instructions when fish appear, and the kind of technical fishing that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers.
This charter runs on sight fishing principles. You'll spend time on the casting platform, working on presentations to fish you can see cruising, tailing, or feeding in specific zones. Captain Cullen provides all fly tackle and has patterns tied specifically for St. Augustine's finicky species. The approach changes with each target – long leaders and small flies for spooky trout, heavier patterns stripped fast for aggressive cobia, and precise placement for drum working oyster bars. Wind management becomes critical, and you'll learn to read fish behavior in real time. False casting is kept to a minimum. When a fish shows interest, you get one or two shots before it moves on. This world-class fishery demands accuracy, and Captain Cullen's local knowledge of structure, current breaks, and feeding patterns puts you in position to succeed.
Redfish are the bread and butter of St. Augustine's inshore scene. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in water so shallow their backs show, making them perfect sight fishing targets. They average 20-28 inches here and hit flies with authority. Spring and fall bring the biggest concentrations, but you'll find fish year-round if you know where to look. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat well-presented flies and their bulldogging fights in shallow water.
Sea Trout require a completely different approach. These spotted beauties suspend over grass beds and structure, often in small schools. They're pickier eaters than reds, demanding smaller flies and more delicate presentations. The 15-20 inch fish are common, with occasional gator trout pushing 25+ inches. Cool months produce the best trout fishing, and their soft mouths mean you'll lose a few even when you do everything right.
Black Drum show up around oyster bars and structure, often in surprising numbers. These bottom-huggers can reach impressive sizes – 30+ pound fish aren't uncommon in St. Augustine waters. They're strong, stubborn fighters that test your backing and patience. Winter months bring the big drum inshore, and they're notorious for testing tackle to its limits.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge every angler needs to experience. These convict-striped fish have crushing power in their jaws and lightning-fast reflexes. They pick up crabs and small baits around structure with surgical precision. Landing a quality sheepshead on fly tackle is a badge of honor – they're that difficult to hook and hold.
Cobia are the wild card species that can show up any time conditions are right. These brown sharks of the flats grow large fast and eat with aggressive confidence. A 30+ pound cobia will test every knot, every connection, and every ounce of skill you possess. They're curious fish that often follow the skiff, giving multiple shot opportunities to anglers ready to make quick, accurate casts.
Captain Cullen's advanced trips fill up fast because experienced anglers know quality when they see it. This customer favorite combines technical fishing with productive waters and professional guiding. The Maverick skiff, included tackle, and fishing licenses remove any barriers between you and the fishing. Four hours gives you enough time to work multiple areas and adapt to changing conditions without feeling rushed. Whether you're looking to sharpen your sight fishing skills or test yourself against St. Augustine's renowned inshore species, this charter delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Cullen's Maverick technical skiff puts you right where the fish are feeding in St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. This specialized shallow-water boat handles the flats, creeks, and oyster bars with precision, getting you into casting position for redfish, sea trout, and drum without spooking the fish. The elevated casting platform gives you clear sight lines for spotting tailing reds and cruising trout, while the quiet poling setup lets Captain Cullen position you for clean presentations. Built for serious angling, this skiff carries up to 3 fishermen and all the fly tackle you'll need. You'll launch from convenient ramps like Lighthouse Park or Vilano and spend your time working the prime feeding zones where these fish hunt.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are powerful bottom feeders that run 5-30 pounds, though the real monsters can hit 90. You'll find them crushing oysters and crabs around shallow flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths - anywhere there's structure and food. They get their name from the drumming sounds they make, especially during spring spawning when they school up and become much easier to target. What makes them fun is the fight - these fish have serious pulling power and won't give up easy. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's the key: get your bait right on the bottom near oyster structure and use fresh crab when possible - it stays put better than shrimp and drum can't resist it.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, dark fish that cruise alone and can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds. They hang around structure like buoys, channel markers, and wrecks, usually in 30 feet or less during warmer months. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters and more active. What makes cobia special is the sight fishing opportunity - spotting these giants just under the surface and making the perfect cast. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. The fight is strong and stubborn too. Here's my go-to technique: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of the fish and work it back slowly. Cobia are curious and will often follow before committing, so stay patient and keep that jig moving.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water sight fishing, running 18-35 inches with that signature copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths in water so shallow their backs show. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding and easier to spot. What gets anglers hooked is watching these fish eat - whether it's a topwater explosion or tailing in 12 inches of water, it never gets old. They're also excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The trick around St. Augustine is patience and quiet approaches. These fish spook easily in skinny water, so kill your engine early and pole or drift into position. A weedless gold spoon worked slowly past an oyster bar is hard to beat.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are beautiful fish with spotted sides that typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow, especially during moving tides when they're actively feeding. Spring through fall are your best months, with early morning and late evening producing the most action. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit topwater lures and flies, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with delicate, flaky meat. The key is not overcooking them. My local trick: work the deeper edges of grass flats with a slow-sinking soft plastic on light jigheads. Trout sit on those drop-offs waiting for bait, and a subtle presentation often triggers strikes when nothing else will work.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of inshore waters with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, perfect for the dinner table with sweet, white meat. They live around any structure - docks, pilings, oyster bars - feeding on barnacles, crabs, and whatever they can crunch with those teeth. Spring months are prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What guests love is the challenge - these fish are notorious bait thieves who'll steal your offering without you feeling a thing. My tip: use fiddler crabs on a short leader and get as close to structure as possible. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't hesitate - set the hook hard and fast.
Saint Augustine, FL