Advanced Sight Fishing in St. Augustine Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Advanced sight fishing for redfish, trout, and cobiaTechnical fly presentations with expert Captain Cullen TraversoFourhour trips accommodate up to three experienced anglers
Captain Cullen Traverso's half-day advanced fishing trip is built for serious anglers who know the difference between casting to structure and making precision shots at tailing redfish. This 4-hour experience aboard a Maverick technical skiff puts you in prime position to target St. Augustine's most sought-after inshore species using sight fishing techniques and fly presentations. With local knowledge spanning decades of fishing these waters, Captain Cullen reads tide conditions like a playbook and adjusts tactics whether you're fishing flood tide oyster bars or low water creek channels. The trip accommodates up to 3 experienced anglers and includes all fly tackle, equipment, and fishing licenses. You'll launch from convenient ramps including Lighthouse Park, Vilano, Usina, or Frank Butler depending on conditions and target areas.
This trip is designed for anglers who already understand the fundamentals and want to elevate their inshore game. Captain Cullen focuses on technical sight fishing opportunities where you'll spot fish before making targeted presentations. The Maverick skiff's shallow draft and poling platform give you access to skinny water flats where redfish cruise and feed, plus the stability needed for accurate fly casting when shots count. You'll work a variety of structures including oyster bars, grass flats, and tidal creeks as Captain Cullen positions the boat based on real-time conditions. Whether it's a flood tide pushing baitfish over the bars or low water concentrating fish in deeper pockets, the strategy adapts to maximize your opportunities. The captain's local knowledge means you're fishing productive water throughout the 4-hour window, not burning time searching for fish. Expect to make sight-based casts to specific targets rather than blind casting, which demands focus but delivers more rewarding hookups.
The technical aspect of this trip centers on fly fishing presentations tailored to St. Augustine's inshore environment. Captain Cullen provides quality fly tackle suited for the species you're targeting, from intermediate lines for deeper creek fishing to floating lines for shallow flats work. Fly selection varies with conditions and target species - expect to throw crab patterns for tailing redfish, shrimp imitations for trout over grass, and larger baitfish patterns when cobia are cruising. The captain coaches on presentation techniques specific to each scenario, whether it's leading a moving fish properly or dropping flies into feeding zones without spoiling the shot. Tidal timing plays a crucial role in strategy, with flood tides opening up shallow feeding areas and outgoing water concentrating baitfish in predictable channels. The Maverick's design allows for effective poling in skinny water and quick repositioning when conditions change. Captain Cullen's approach emphasizes reading water conditions, fish behavior, and making the most of quality opportunities rather than rushing through spots.
Redfish remain the crown jewel of St. Augustine inshore fishing, and Captain Cullen's local expertise puts you in prime position for sight fishing opportunities. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18 to 28 inches in these waters, with larger specimens pushing 30-plus inches during certain seasons. Fall months bring exceptional redfish action as schools move through the area, while spring offers excellent sight fishing as fish cruise shallow flats during warmer periods. What makes redfish so exciting for fly anglers is their aggressive feeding behavior and the visual aspect - you'll often see fish tailing, cruising, or pushing water before making your cast. Their powerful runs and stubborn fights make every hookup memorable, especially on fly tackle where you feel every head shake and direction change.
Sea trout provide consistent action throughout the year and respond well to properly presented flies over grass flats and sandy potholes. These spotted fighters typically measure 14 to 20 inches with occasional larger specimens exceeding 24 inches. Spring and fall offer peak trout fishing as water temperatures hit their preferred range, though skilled anglers find success year-round by adjusting depths and presentations. Trout are particularly exciting on light fly tackle because of their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, shake their heads, and make quick directional changes that keep you on your toes. Their willingness to eat well-presented flies makes them a favorite target for technical presentations.
Black drum bring a different dimension to the trip with their powerful, bulldogging fights and tendency to inhabit specific structure areas. These dark-bodied fish range from smaller specimens around 16 inches to larger bruisers exceeding 30 inches that will test your tackle and technique. Peak black drum fishing typically occurs during cooler months when fish concentrate around oyster bars and deeper creek areas. What makes black drum special for experienced anglers is their selective feeding behavior - they require precise presentations and quality fly patterns to trigger strikes. Once hooked, they use their broad bodies and strength to pull hard toward structure, making the fight a true test of angling skill.
Sheepshead represent the ultimate technical challenge with their notorious bait-stealing reputation and structure-hugging habits. These black-and-white striped fish typically measure 12 to 18 inches with occasional larger specimens that are true trophies. Winter months offer the best sheepshead opportunities as fish concentrate around docks, pilings, and oyster structure in predictable patterns. Fly fishing for sheepshead demands precision casting and quick hook sets, as these fish are notorious for picking up flies and dropping them instantly. Successfully landing sheepshead on fly tackle is a badge of honor among technical inshore anglers due to their finicky nature and strong initial runs toward structure.
Cobia sightings add an element of excitement and opportunity for trophy-class fish during their seasonal migrations. These brown, shark-like fish can range from 20 pounds to 50-plus pound specimens that will provide the fight of a lifetime on fly tackle. Spring and fall migrations bring the best cobia opportunities as fish move along the coast and into inshore areas. What makes cobia fishing so thrilling is the visual aspect - you'll often see fish cruising near the surface or following rays before making targeted presentations. Their
Captain Cullen's Maverick technical skiff is built for serious anglers who want to get after redfish and sea trout in St. Augustine's backcountry waters. This nimble boat draws just inches of water, letting you slip into skinny flats and tight creeks where the fish hide. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of casting space without crowding the deck. The shallow draft design means you can work oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges that bigger boats can't touch. Whether you're sight casting to tailing reds on the flood tide or working structure on the low water, this skiff gets you positioned for clean shots. Captain Cullen runs this technical platform to put you on fish - from the productive waters around Lighthouse Park to the remote flats accessible from Vilano and Usina ramps.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 90+ pounds. These dark-colored bottom feeders love crushing oysters and crabs around shallow flats, creek mouths, and oyster bars. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning - you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're incredibly strong fighters that will test your drag, plus the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The bigger fish get tough and stringy, so most folks release those giants. My go-to tip: use fresh crab bait fished right on the bottom near oyster structure, and be ready for a long, grinding fight when you hook up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown torpedo-shaped fish that often get mistaken for sharks when cruising near the surface. These solitary hunters average around 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds and stretch 6 feet long. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water, though they'll venture into shallower areas chasing bait. Spring through fall offers the best shots when they migrate through our waters and cruise structure. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll follow the boat and inspect lures - plus they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish. They fight like freight trains once hooked. The trick is sight fishing: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or large soft plastic ahead of them and work it slow. They're picky but once committed, hang on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of sight fishing with their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. These fish range from schooling juveniles around 20 inches up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches and 30-50 pounds. They cruise shallow flats, oyster bars, and marsh creeks in water so skinny their backs stick out. Year-round fishing stays consistent, but fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up. What draws anglers is their aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and willingness to eat everything from topwater plugs to fly patterns. Plus, slot-sized fish (usually 18-27 inches) are fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. The secret to consistent hookups is making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish and working your lure slowly - they'll follow and inspect before committing to the bite.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout are beauties with silver sides covered in distinct black spots and a soft mouth that requires a gentle touch. Most fish run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and creek mouths where they ambush shrimp and baitfish. Cool weather months and early morning/evening sessions produce the best action, especially around moving tides. Trout are popular because they hit artificial lures aggressively and make great table fare with delicate, white meat - just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. The tricky part is their paper-thin mouths that tear easily. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't horse them, use barbless hooks when possible, and net them quickly to avoid losing fish at the boat.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders show up around dock pilings, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. They're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and pick at your offering trying to steal it clean off the hook. Spring months from February through April are prime time when they gather to spawn around jetties and channel structures. What makes them special is their excellent eating quality - mild, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also a real challenge to hook consistently. Here's the key: get your bait tight against the structure, use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and set the hook hard the instant you feel weight.
Saint Augustine, FL