Half Day Inshore Fishing in St. Augustine, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip with Captain Mike McGeehanFish coastal creeks, flats, docks, and jetties around St. AugustineAll fishing gear and licenses provided by Island Fishing Charters
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning your whole day? Captain Mike McGeehan at Island Fishing Charters has you covered with this top-rated half-day trip that'll put you on fish in some of St. Augustine's most productive waters. Four hours might not sound like much, but trust me – when you're working these flats and creeks right, that's plenty of time to load the cooler and make some memories. Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got everything dialed in so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and putting some bend in that rod.
This isn't your typical "park and cast" kind of trip. You'll be moving around St. Augustine's diverse inshore ecosystem, hitting everything from shallow grass flats where the water's so clear you can spot fish from 50 yards out, to structure-loaded creeks where the action happens fast and furious. Captain Mike runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – he's the kind of guide who'll put you on fish first, then teach you the why behind it all. The boat's rigged for two anglers max, which means you're getting personalized attention and plenty of elbow room. No fighting over the good spots or waiting your turn to work that perfect piece of structure. Mike handles all the licensing headaches and brings quality gear, so you can roll up empty-handed if you want. Though if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, bring it along – most captains appreciate anglers who care about their tackle.
St. Augustine's inshore fishing is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what's happening that day. You'll likely start working the flats with live bait under popping corks – it's a deadly combo when fish are cruising the shallows looking for an easy meal. Mike's got the local bait sources dialed in, so you're fishing with the freshest shrimp, finger mullet, or whatever's working best that week. When the bite's on around structure, you might switch to jigs or soft plastics, bouncing them along dock pilings or working them through the shadows where predators like to ambush. The jetties are a whole different game – current, structure, and baitfish create a perfect storm for hungry gamefish. Depending on the tide and conditions, you might find yourself casting into the wash or working the calmer back sides where fish stage before making their move. Mike reads these spots like a book and positions the boat so you're always casting into the productive water, not just hoping something swims by.
Redfish are the bread and butter of St. Augustine inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers know how to put up a scrap. They cruise the flats in schools during cooler months, but summer finds them scattered around structure and deeper creek mouths. What makes reds so special here is their size – you're looking at fish anywhere from slot-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds that'll test your drag and your patience. They're smart fish that spook easily in shallow water, but once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that'll have your reel singing. The best part? They're curious enough to investigate a well-presented bait, but smart enough to keep you honest with your technique.
Spotted seatrout patrol these same waters with a completely different attitude. These silvery speedsters love grass flats and drop-offs, especially when there's moving water to bring them food. Trout are more finicky than reds – they want their bait presented just right, and they'll let you know real quick if your technique is off. But when you dial it in, they'll reward you with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Spring and fall are prime time for bigger trout, with fish pushing 20+ inches not uncommon around the right structure. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table.
Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're masters of disguise and ambush tactics that make them a blast to target. St. Augustine's sandy bottoms and creek mouths are flounder heaven, especially where current creates edges and drop-offs. These flatfish bury themselves in sand with just their eyes showing, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. The bite feels like you've hooked into a wet blanket at first, but don't be fooled – flounder are strong fighters that know how to use their flat profile to fight the current. Summer through early fall is prime time, and the bigger "doormat" flounder that show up in fall are worth their weight in gold for both the fight and the table fare.
Four hours with Captain Mike McGeehan isn't just fishing – it's a masterclass in reading St. Augustine's inshore waters from someone who's been putting clients on fish for years. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to learn new water or someone who just wants to catch fish without the hassle, this trip delivers. The intimate two-person capacity means you're getting guide-quality instruction and prime positioning all day long. Mike's reputation speaks for itself, and his repeat customer base proves that this isn't just another charter – it's the kind of fishing experience that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't sleep on booking early, especially during peak season when the good guides fill up fast. Island Fishing Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and creating the kind of days that turn into stories you'll be telling for years.
Jump aboard this reliable 2005 Pathfinder Bay boat and get ready to chase some fish around St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. With Captain Mike at the helm, this 150HP Yamaha-powered vessel will cruise you at up to 45 knots to prime fishing spots along coastal creeks, shallow flats, and around the jetties. The onboard GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper pockets. Perfect for two anglers, this setup gives you plenty of room to work lures around docks and cast into the grass beds where redfish and trout like to hang out. The livewell keeps your bait fresh and your catch alive, so you can focus on putting fish in the boat during your half-day adventure on Florida's historic coast.
St. Augustine