Half Day Nearshore Fishing in St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day nearshore fishing targeting tarpon, shark, and kingfishCaptain Mike McGeehan leads trips for up to two guestsFully equipped boat with gear and fresh seafood included
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that puts you on some serious fish without eating up your whole day? Captain Mike McGeehan's nearshore charter out of St. Augustine is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical inshore flats fishing – we're talking about heading out into the deeper waters of St. Johns County where the big boys hang out. You'll be targeting tarpon, kingfish, bonito, and bull sharks in some of Florida's most productive nearshore waters. With just two anglers max on this trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to fight these hard-pulling fish.
Captain Mike knows these St. Augustine waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the boat rigged perfectly for nearshore action. You'll launch from one of the area's premier fishing ports and make a short run to where the continental shelf starts dropping off – that's where the magic happens. The boat comes loaded with all the tackle you need, from heavy spinning gear for the kingfish to the big rods required when a tarpon decides to eat your bait. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks since meals aren't included on this trip. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, plus he'll clean and bag whatever you decide to keep for the table.
This nearshore fishing game is all about covering water and putting baits where the fish are feeding. Captain Mike runs a mix of trolling and anchored fishing depending on what's biting. When we're trolling, you'll see him pulling a spread of spoons, diving plugs, and live bait behind the boat at different depths to find where the kingfish and bonito are cruising. The key is matching the bait to what these predators are feeding on – some days they want a fast-moving spoon flashing through the water, other days they're more interested in a slow-trolled live bait. For the tarpon and sharks, we'll often anchor up over structure or near bait schools and fish with circle hooks and heavy leaders. The captain's got all the right terminal tackle, including wire leaders for the kings and heavy mono shock leaders for when those tarpon start jumping.
Tarpon are the crown jewel of this fishery, and St. Augustine's nearshore waters host some fantastic silver king action. These fish typically run 80 to 150 pounds in our area, with some real giants mixed in during peak season from May through September. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps, long runs, and a battle that'll test your tackle and your arms. They're catch-and-release only, but getting that grip-and-grin photo with a St. Augustine tarpon is something you'll never forget. King mackerel are the bread and butter of this fishery, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 15-pounders up to smoker kings pushing 40 pounds or more. These fish hit hard, make screaming runs, and they're absolutely delicious on the grill. Spring and fall are prime time, but you can find kings year-round in our nearshore waters. Atlantic bonito might not be the biggest fish out there, but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fighters you'll tangle with. These 5 to 15-pound speedsters are built for one thing – going fast. When bonito are in the area feeding on bait schools, the action can be non-stop. Bull sharks add some serious excitement to any nearshore trip. These bruisers can show up anytime, anywhere, and when one grabs your bait, you know it immediately. They're powerful, aggressive, and will give you a tug-of-war you won't soon forget. Most of the bulls we see run 100 to 200 pounds, though bigger ones cruise these waters too.
Captain Mike's half-day nearshore trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the tarpon and kings are really biting. This is hands-down one of the best values in St. Augustine fishing – you get world-class nearshore action without committing to a full day on the water. Whether you're a local angler looking to get bent on some quality fish or a visitor wanting to experience what makes Florida's First Coast such a renowned fishing destination, this trip delivers. The boat's equipped, the captain knows where to find them, and all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Book your spot now and get ready to see why St. Augustine's nearshore waters are becoming a customer favorite among serious anglers.
Step aboard this reliable 2005 Pathfinder Bay boat, powered by a strong 150HP Yamaha engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds quickly and smoothly. This versatile fishing machine cuts through St. Augustine's nearshore waters at speeds up to 45 knots, putting you right where the tarpon, kingfish, and big jacks are biting. The onboard GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate schools beneath the surface. With a built-in livewell to keep your bait fresh and active, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock. This dependable bay boat handles the coastal waters with ease, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a feisty bonito or waiting for that shark to take the bait. Perfect for up to two anglers who want to experience some of Florida's best nearshore fishing action.
Sarda SardaBonito are the fun-sized members of the tuna family, typically running 3-8 pounds with silver sides and distinctive dark stripes. They school up in large numbers during their fall migration, creating some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find. Look for diving birds - that's your sign bonito are pushing bait to the surface. They're built for speed, hitting 40 mph, so the fights are fast and furious on light tackle. While they're oily and not great eating in the US, they make fantastic live bait for bigger fish. The best part is once you find a school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Pro tip: when you see them feeding on top, cast small metal jigs or spoons right into the commotion and retrieve them fast - bonito can't resist a quick-moving target.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers of our nearshore waters - thick, powerful fish that typically run 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. What sets them apart is their ability to hunt in both salt and brackish water, so we find them around inlets, river mouths, and shallow flats. Summer months are best when they move into our warmer coastal waters to feed. Guests love the raw power these sharks bring - once hooked, they make strong, determined runs that'll test your drag system. They're pure adrenaline on heavy tackle. While we practice catch-and-release, the fight alone makes it worthwhile. Local secret: fresh eel is hands-down the best bait for bulls. Its high oil content creates a scent trail they can't ignore, and the tough skin stays on the hook even when smaller fish try to steal it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are speed demons that'll give you a workout - these sleek predators average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds in our waters. They cruise the 40-80 foot depths offshore, hunting schools of baitfish along temperature breaks and structure. Spring through fall is prime time, with the bigger fish showing up when water temps hit the 70s. What guests love is the blistering runs and drag-screaming fights - kings are built for speed and they use every bit of it. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's a local trick: when trolling, use a stinger hook rig with your live bait. Kings often hit the tail section first, and that second hook will save you from a lot of short strikes and cut-offs from their razor-sharp teeth.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of St. Augustine waters - these prehistoric giants can grow up to 6 feet and weigh 80-100 pounds. What makes them special is their famous jumping ability, often leaping 10 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in our shallow coastal waters and around inlet mouths, especially during late spring through summer when they migrate through. The fight is pure adrenaline - they're fast, acrobatic, and will test your skills. While they're catch-and-release only due to poor eating quality, landing one is a bucket-list experience. My tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it keeps slack in the line and prevents them from throwing the hook. Most tarpon are lost during those spectacular jumps, so stay ready.
St. Augustine