World Class Half Day Redfish and Trout Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fly fishing charter targeting redfish and troutCaptain Cullen provides all equipment, licenses, and local expertiseSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests maximum
Captain Cullen Traverso knows these St. Augustine waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put that local knowledge to work for you. This top-rated inshore fly fishing charter takes you into the heart of northeast Florida's most productive fishing grounds, where redfish cruise the flats and sea trout hang in the grass beds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time, Captain Cullen tailors each trip to match your skill level and target the species you're after. With all gear and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish.
Your half-day adventure starts with Captain Cullen reading the conditions and choosing the perfect spot based on tide, weather, and what's biting. St. Augustine's inshore waters offer incredible variety - from shallow grass flats where redfish tail in two feet of water to deeper channels where cobia cruise along structure. The boat accommodates up to three anglers, keeping groups small so everyone gets plenty of hands-on attention. Captain Cullen works the tides strategically, positioning you where fish are most active whether that's on the flood tide pushing bait into the shallows or the outgoing tide concentrating fish in cuts and channels. The relaxed atmosphere means you can ask questions, learn new techniques, and actually enjoy the process instead of feeling rushed.
This charter specializes in sight fishing with fly rods, which means spotting fish before you cast to them. Captain Cullen provides top-quality fly rods matched to the conditions and target species - lighter setups for trout and redfish, heavier gear if cobia or big black drum show up. You'll learn proper casting mechanics, how to read water, and when to strip fast versus letting your fly sink. The captain ties on proven local patterns like shrimp imitations, baitfish streamers, and crab flies that match what these fish are eating. Polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting fish, and Captain Cullen will point out subtle signs like nervous water, tailing fish, or shadows moving across the bottom. Even beginners pick up the basics quickly with his patient instruction, while experienced fly fishers appreciate his insights into local patterns and presentations.
Redfish are the bread and butter of St. Augustine inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters are active year-round in these waters. They average 20-30 inches and put up a fantastic fight on fly gear, making long runs and using their broad tails to thrash at the surface. Fall and winter months are peak times when schools of reds work the flats during warmer parts of the day. What makes them so exciting is the visual aspect - watching a redfish eat your fly in shallow water gets your heart pumping every time.
Sea trout love the grass beds and sandy potholes throughout the area, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. These spotted beauties are excellent on light fly rods, and Captain Cullen knows exactly which flats hold the biggest fish. They're sight-feeders that respond well to slow presentations, and a good day can produce dozens of strikes. The best action usually happens on moving tides when baitfish get pushed around.
Black drum show up in good numbers during their spring and fall migrations, with fish ranging from smaller "puppy drum" to massive 40-pound bulls that will test your backing. They're bottom feeders that cruise shallow flats looking for crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for well-presented crab patterns. Landing a big black drum on fly gear is a true accomplishment that creates lasting memories.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps expert anglers coming back. These black-and-white striped fish have incredible eyesight and are notoriously picky about presentations. They hang around structure like docks and oyster bars, requiring precise casts and perfect timing. When you do hook one, they fight hard and make excellent table fare.
Cobia are the wildcard species that can show up any time during warmer months, often following rays or cruising in small groups. These brown sharks-looking fish can reach 30-50 pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag when hooked on fly gear. Captain Cullen has a keen eye for spotting these fish, and landing one is often the highlight of the entire trip.
Captain Cullen's local expertise and patient teaching style make this charter perfect for anyone wanting to experience world-class inshore fly fishing. The small group size means personalized attention, and the all-inclusive approach removes any barriers to getting on the water. St. Augustine's year-round fishery means there's never a bad time to book, though spring and fall offer the most consistent action across multiple species. Whether you're looking to learn fly fishing basics or target specific species with an experienced guide, this half-day trip delivers the goods. Don't wait - the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot.
Jump aboard Captain Cullen's motorboat and get ready to chase redfish and trout through St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. This nimble fishing machine comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention on the water. Captain Cullen knows these backwaters like the back of his hand and will position you over the best fishing spots whether you're working the flood tide flats or deeper channels. The boat's shallow draft gets you into those skinny water honey holes where the big reds like to cruise. All your fly fishing gear and licenses are covered, so just bring yourself and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time, this setup puts you in prime position to connect with St. Augustine's finest gamefish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with monsters pushing 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love crushing oysters and crabs with their strong jaws around shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and smaller ones under 15 pounds make solid table fare. For fly fishing, get your weighted flies like Merkins or Clouser Minnows right on the bottom where they feed. Pro tip: fish the incoming tide around oyster bars - the sound of their feeding often gives away their location before you even see them.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - these solitary predators cruise near the surface and can hit 6 feet and 100 pounds. Around St. Augustine, we find them near reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving north to spawn. What makes cobia special is their curious nature - they'll often approach the boat to investigate, giving you perfect sight-fishing opportunities. They fight like freight trains and the meat rivals any fish in the ocean. These fish are mostly loners, so patience pays off. When you spot one cruising, drop a bucktail jig or large fly right in front of them. They're aggressive feeders and usually won't pass up an easy meal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails cruise the flats in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes with their backs exposed. They average 20-35 inches and put up bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most active in the shallows around oyster bars and grass flats. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything - from topwater plugs to crab flies. The meat is firm and flavorful, though catch-and-release keeps the fishery strong. My go-to trick: look for "nervous water" or slight wakes on calm days. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let your fly sink before starting a slow strip.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are bread-and-butter fish around St. Augustine's grass flats and shallow bays. These speckled beauties typically run 14-24 inches and love feeding in 2-6 feet of water over sandy bottoms with scattered grass. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, evening, and overcast days. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their acrobatic fights when hooked. The meat is delicate and flaky, perfect for a fish fry. Winter months can be outstanding when they school up in deeper channels. For consistent success, work your flies slow and steady over the grass - a white Clouser or shrimp pattern usually does the trick. Don't horse them; that soft mouth tears easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of inshore waters - those black and white stripes make them unmistakable. They're famous for their human-like teeth and reputation as bait thieves. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure. Early spring is when they really turn on, gathering around jetties and channel passes. What makes them fun is the challenge - they nibble delicately before committing, so you need quick reflexes to set the hook. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the table. My advice: get your bait tight to the pilings and be ready - when you feel that subtle weight, don't wait. Set the hook hard because those crusher jaws won't give you a second chance.
Saint Augustine, FL