Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesCaptain Hector provides all equipment and expert guidancePrivate boat accommodates up to six guests comfortably
There's nothing quite like hooking into a trophy redfish in the shallow waters around St. Augustine, and Captain Hector Marquez knows exactly where to find them. This top-rated 5-hour inshore fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best fishing grounds, where the Matanzas River meets the Atlantic and creates the perfect storm for productive angling. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your species count or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the sport, this private charter accommodates up to 6 guests and provides everything you need for a world-class fishing experience. You'll launch from 101 Vilano Causeway at either 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM, giving you flexibility to choose the bite that works best for your schedule.
Captain Hector runs a tight ship when it comes to customer satisfaction, and his local knowledge of St. Augustine's inshore waters is second to none. Your private charter comes fully loaded with quality rods, reels, tackle, live bait, ice, water, and all required fishing licenses – you literally just need to show up ready to fish. The boat is designed for inshore work, allowing access to the shallow flats, creek mouths, and structure where these species love to hang out. You'll spend your day targeting prime spots around the Matanzas Inlet, Salt Run, and the expansive grass flats that make this area a renowned fishing destination. Captain Hector tailors each trip to the group's experience level, so whether you're learning to cast for the first time or you're a tournament angler, he'll put you on fish and help you improve your technique along the way.
Inshore fishing around St. Augustine requires a versatile approach, and Captain Hector has it dialed in. You'll primarily be using light to medium spinning tackle with live shrimp, pinfish, and mud minnows – the holy trinity of Northeast Florida bait fishing. Depending on the tide and target species, you might find yourself sight fishing the flats with artificial lures, bottom fishing around structure for sheepshead and black drum, or working the deeper channels for king mackerel and sea trout. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – one drift might produce a hefty black drum, while the next could see you fighting a screaming king mackerel. Captain Hector reads the conditions daily and adjusts tactics accordingly, whether that means working oyster bars on the incoming tide for redfish or targeting deeper holes during slack water for sea trout. He'll teach you the nuances of each technique, from proper bait presentation to reading fish-holding structure, ensuring you leave with knowledge that'll make you a better angler.
Sheepshead are the crafty veterans of St. Augustine's inshore scene, and they're absolute masters at stealing bait without getting hooked. These black-and-white striped convict fish hang around oyster bars, docks, and any structure with barnacles or crabs to munch on. They're most active during cooler months from October through April, and landing one requires patience and quick reflexes. What makes sheepshead so appealing to anglers is their fight – they'll use every piling, rock, and piece of structure to try and break you off. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Northeast Florida inshore fishing, and St. Augustine's grass flats hold some real bulls. These copper-colored bruisers can range from schoolie-sized 20-inchers up to slot busters pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Peak redfish action happens year-round here, but fall and winter months often produce the biggest fish as they stage for their spawning runs. What gets anglers fired up about reds is their aggressive nature and powerful runs – a big redfish will make multiple blistering runs and use its broad tail to put serious pressure on your drag. Watch for them tailing in shallow water or cruising the grass edges, especially on moving tides.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore arena, and St. Augustine's deeper channels and oyster bars hold some monsters. These bottom-dwelling powerhouses can exceed 50 pounds and are most active during their spring spawning season from February through May. Black drum fight like underwater bulldozers, using their weight and strength to test your tackle and patience. They're bottom feeders that love crabs, shrimp, and oysters, making them perfect candidates for bottom fishing around structure. The bigger specimens are catch-and-release due to their age and reproductive importance, but the fight alone makes them a customer favorite.
King mackerel bring the speed and aerial acrobatics to your St. Augustine fishing adventure, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These silver missiles patrol the deeper channels and inlet areas, ambushing baitfish with explosive strikes. Kings are most abundant from April through June and again from September through November. What makes king mackerel fishing so addictive is their unpredictability – they might hit a live bait on the bottom or crush a spoon being trolled at the surface. When hooked, they're known for spectacular jumps and blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming.
Sea trout are the bread-and-butter species that keep action consistent throughout your trip. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and drop-offs around St. Augustine, feeding actively on shrimp, mullet, and small baitfish. While they're catchable year-round, the best sea trout fishing typically occurs during spring and fall when water temperatures are optimal. Sea trout are perfect for anglers learning the ropes – they're aggressive biters, fight well for their size, and make excellent table fare. The bigger gator trout that lurk in deeper holes provide a worthy challenge for experienced anglers looking to land a trophy.
Captain Hector's 2004 19' Action Craft Coastal Bay is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing around St. Augustine. This reliable motorboat runs on a smooth 150hp Suzuki engine and easily handles up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for family trips or fishing with friends. The boat's equipped with everything you need - GPS to find the hot spots, fish finder to locate where the Sheepshead and Redfish are hanging out, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on those spooky fish without spooking them, while the livewell keeps your bait active all day. Whether you're after Black Drum around the docks or Sea Trout on the grass flats, this setup has you covered with all rods, reels, tackle, and live bait included.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and shallow flats where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring brings the best action when they school up during spawning season around February through May. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear them underwater sometimes. They're great fighters that pull hard and steady. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: when you're fishing oyster bars, use fresh blue crab for bait and keep it right on the bottom. These fish are picky eaters but once they commit, hang on tight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are pure speed demons that'll test your tackle and reflexes. These silver bullets typically weigh around 30 pounds but can push 90+ pounds, with the bigger fish usually found in deeper water from 40-150 feet. They're voracious predators that chase anything from blue runners to menhaden. Best action happens during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is that blistering run when hooked - there's nothing quite like it. They're also excellent eating with rich, oily meat perfect for the grill. For trolling, we run live bait on a two-hook rig with a wire leader - one hook through the nose, treble hook trailing behind. Kings love to bite the back half of baitfish, so that second hook is crucial for hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by that distinctive black eyespot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. They typically run 18-30 inches and 3-15 pounds, living in super shallow water where you'll see their backs and tails sticking out. These fish cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges looking for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is that powerful, bulldogging fight and the thrill of sight-fishing in shallow water. They're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. Here's my go-to technique: look for nervous water or wakes in the shallows, then cast a gold spoon or topwater plug well ahead of where they're heading. Let it sit, then work it slowly back.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are beautiful fish with silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 1-5 pounds and 14-24 inches, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. These fish love grass flats and shallow bays where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they school up, especially around dawn and dusk. What guests love most is how they hit topwater lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters with tender, flaky white meat. Here's a local secret: fish the grass flats on an incoming tide with a popping cork and live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it slow and steady - specks can't resist that combination.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are their human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 20-pounders. They live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings, jetties. These fish are notorious bait thieves with incredible table fare, sweet white meat that rivals snapper. Best fishing happens late winter through early spring when they move in to spawn around structures. They'll eat barnacles, small crabs, and shrimp, but fiddler crabs work best. Here's the trick: get your bait as close to the structure as possible and when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard immediately. They'll steal your bait every time if you hesitate.
undefined, undefined