Quick Cast Guided Fishing Trip In St. Augustine
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses includedExpert Captain Hector guides up to six guests
Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure without breaking the bank? Captain Hector Marquez has you covered with his Quick Cast guided trips right here in St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. This 3-hour shared charter targets some of the area's most reliable species - Sheepshead, Redfish, Black Drum, King Mackerel, and Sea Trout - in the beautiful Intercoastal waters that make this historic town a fishing hotspot. With morning and afternoon departure times, you can easily fit this trip into your vacation schedule or weekend plans.
Captain Hector runs a well-organized operation that takes the guesswork out of your fishing day. You'll meet at 101 Vilano Causeway for either the 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM departure, depending on which slot works better for your schedule. The morning trips often offer calmer conditions and active fish coming off their nighttime feed, while afternoon outings can be perfect for those who prefer sleeping in or want to fish during the warmer part of the day. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, creating a shared experience that's both social and budget-friendly. Everything you need is provided - rods, reels, tackle, live bait, water, ice chest, and even your fishing license. Just bring yourself, some sunscreen, and maybe a snack if you get hungry. The Intercoastal waters around St. Augustine offer excellent year-round fishing with plenty of structure, grass flats, and drop-offs that hold fish consistently.
Captain Hector knows these waters like the back of his hand and adjusts techniques based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. For Sheepshead around the docks and pilings, you'll be using light tackle with small hooks and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs - these guys are notorious for their light bites, so Captain Hector will coach you on feeling for that subtle tap. When targeting Redfish on the flats, expect to use medium spinning gear with cut bait or live shrimp under popping corks. The Sea Trout fishing often involves working artificial lures like soft plastics or small jigs around grass beds and sandy pockets. If the King Mackerel are running, you might find yourself trolling with live bait or casting to surface activity. Black Drum fishing typically means bottom fishing with cut bait near structure. The beauty of this trip is the variety - Captain Hector reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan to put you on the most cooperative fish of the day.
Sheepshead are the bread and butter of St. Augustine inshore fishing, especially around the abundant dock pilings and bridge structures. These black-and-white striped fighters typically run 2-4 pounds with some reaching 6+ pounds during peak season from late fall through early spring. They're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. What makes them exciting is the finesse required - you need to set the hook at the first sign of movement or they'll clean your hook. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing and St. Augustine's grass flats and oyster bars hold some beauties. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 18-27 inches (slot size) and provide some of the best fights you'll experience on light tackle. They're most active during moving tides and can be caught year-round, though fall and spring produce the most consistent action. Reds are famous for their powerful runs and head-shaking fights that'll test your drag system. The sight fishing opportunities for tailing reds in shallow water add an extra element of excitement.
Black Drum often surprise anglers with their size and power. While the smaller "puppy" drum fight similarly to redfish, the larger specimens can exceed 40+ pounds and provide arm-burning battles. They're bottom feeders that love structure and are most active during cooler months. These fish are masters at using their weight and the current to their advantage, often making long, steady runs that test your patience and equipment.
King Mackerel bring the speed and aerial acrobatics when they're in the area, typically during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. These silver bullets can reach 20-40+ pounds and are famous for their blistering runs and jumping ability. When kings are around, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups common. They're also excellent eating when properly prepared, making them a favorite target species.
Sea Trout are the most reliable fish in these waters, providing consistent action throughout the year with peak activity during spring and fall. These spotted beauties typically run 12-20 inches with occasional "gator" trout exceeding 4-5 pounds. They're perfect for beginners due to their willingness to bite and relatively easy fighting style, but they're also prized by experienced anglers for their delicate table quality and the skill required to consistently catch the larger specimens.
Captain Hector's Quick Cast trips offer exceptional value for both experienced anglers and families new to saltwater fishing. The 3-hour format gives you plenty of time to experience different techniques and target multiple species without the commitment of a full-day charter. With all gear and licenses included, it's an easy way to get on the water and experience what makes St. Augustine such a renowned fishing destination. The shared charter format keeps costs reasonable while still providing personalized attention and expert guidance. Whether you're visiting St. Augustine for the history and want to add some fishing to your itinerary, or you're a local looking for a convenient way to get on the water, this trip delivers consistent action and memorable experiences on some of Florida's most productive inshore waters.
Captain Hector's 2004 19' Action Craft Coastal Bay is your ticket to productive inshore fishing around St. Augustine's prime waters. This reliable motorboat runs on a smooth 150hp Suzuki engine and comfortably handles up to 6 anglers while staying nimble enough to access those shallow redfish haunts and sheepshead structure. The boat comes fully rigged with GPS and fish finder to keep you on the fish, plus a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the bite gets finicky. An onboard livewell keeps your bait lively, while the icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those warm Florida afternoons. Whether you're targeting black drum around the docks or chasing sea trout in the grass flats, this well-equipped vessel has everything you need for a successful day on St. Augustine's intercoastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These silver-gray bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the best action. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater, which is pretty cool for first-timers. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, but keep anything under 15 pounds for the table since the big ones get tough. My tip: use fresh crab on a heavy sinker and let it sit right on the bottom. They're picky eaters, so be patient and watch for that subtle tap-tap before they commit to the bite.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our waters, typically weighing 10-30 pounds with some reaching 50+ pounds. These silver bullets cruise the deeper edges of channels and inlets, usually 40-100 feet deep, following baitfish schools. They're most active during warmer months when the water temperature hits 70+ degrees. What guests love is the raw power - when a king hits, it's game on with screaming runs and aerial jumps. They make decent eating when kept fresh on ice, though watch the mercury content. My go-to technique is slow trolling live bait on a wire leader with dual hooks - one through the nose, one free-swinging behind. Kings often attack from the rear, so that trailing hook is crucial for solid hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter inshore species, running 18-27 inches in the slot with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round in St. Augustine's backcountry. What makes reds special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights in shallow water. They're also great table fare with mild, sweet meat. My favorite approach is sight fishing with topwater plugs early morning - watching a red explode on a surface lure never gets old. Fish slow and make long casts; they spook easily in skinny water but eat aggressively when they don't see you coming.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action in our grass flats and shallow bays. Most run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds, with occasional "gator trout" pushing 5+ pounds. They're most active during cooler months, especially fall and winter when they school up in deeper channels. Dawn and dusk are prime times when they move shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Guests appreciate their willingness to bite and their excellent eating quality - soft, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The trick is working grass flats with topwater plugs early morning or switching to soft plastics when the sun gets high. Keep your retrieve slow and steady; trout don't like to work too hard for their meals.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese striped beauties are nicknamed "convict fish" for good reason - those black bars make them easy to spot around dock pilings and bridge structures. Most run 1-8 pounds, but we occasionally hook into 20-pounders that'll surprise you. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is when they really turn on around St. Augustine's countless docks and jetties. Guests love them because they're plentiful, fight well for their size, and make excellent table fare with sweet white meat. Here's the trick: get your bait tight to structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They'll pick at your bait trying to steal it, so don't hesitate when you feel them nibbling.
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