Half Day Nearshore Fishing Trip in St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday 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 adventure without the commitment of a full-day charter? Captain Mike McGeehan's nearshore trip out of St. Augustine hits the sweet spot for anglers who want to target some serious fish without burning the whole day on the water. This isn't your typical inshore redfish and trout grind – we're talking about getting after tarpon, sharks, big jacks, bonito, and kings in the productive waters just off the St. Johns County coast. With just two anglers max on this trip, you'll get plenty of personal attention from one of the area's most experienced captains, plus all the elbow room you need when that 100-pound tarpon decides to go airborne right next to the boat.
This trip launches from the heart of America's oldest city and heads out to the nearshore waters where the real action happens. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the boat dialed in with everything you need to tangle with some of St. Augustine's top gamefish. The beauty of this half-day setup is that you can knock out a productive morning on the water and still have your afternoon free – perfect for families or anglers who want to sample what this area has to offer without the full commitment. The boat's rigged with quality tackle, and Mike provides all the gear, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The waters off St. Augustine offer a unique mix of structure, current, and baitfish that creates perfect conditions for multiple species, and you'll likely see some variety during your time out there. The nearshore zone here is where the Gulf Stream influence really starts to kick in, bringing in pelagic species while still being close enough to shore structure to hold resident fish.
Captain Mike runs a fully equipped operation with the right gear for each target species. For the tarpon and sharks, you'll be using heavy spinning or conventional tackle that can handle long runs and serious drag pressure. The kings and bonito typically get targeted with trolling setups – think planers, wire leaders, and fast-moving baits or lures that mimic the speedy baitfish these predators are hunting. When the big jacks are fired up, you might switch to lighter tackle for more sport, but don't let that fool you – a 20-pound amberjack will still test your limits on spinning gear. Live bait is often the ticket for tarpon and sharks, while the pelagic species usually prefer trolled offerings. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics accordingly – some days it's all about finding the right depth with downriggers, other days it's sight-casting to rolling tarpon or free-lining baits in the current. The nearshore structure here includes wrecks, reefs, and ledges that hold baitfish, and knowing how to fish these spots efficiently is what separates the weekend warriors from the pros like Captain Mike.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of St. Augustine's nearshore waters, especially during their peak season from May through September. These silver missiles can range from 50 pounds up to well over 150, and they're famous for their acrobatic fights that include multiple jumps and long, powerful runs. What makes tarpon fishing here special is the combination of resident fish and the massive migrations that pass through – some days you might hook a dozen or more. The thrill of watching a six-foot tarpon go completely airborne just boat-length away never gets old, and even experienced anglers get their hearts racing when one of these giants inhales their bait.
King Mackerel are another nearshore favorite that really gets anglers fired up. These speedsters typically run 15-40 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish are always possible. Kings are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth, known for their initial screaming runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. They're most active from spring through fall, and the waters off St. Augustine offer perfect conditions with good current flow and plenty of baitfish. What anglers love about kings is their willingness to bite and their consistent fight – you know exactly what you're getting when you hook one.
Atlantic Bonito might be smaller than the other target species, but don't underestimate these little bullets. Typically ranging 3-8 pounds, bonito are pure muscle and fight way above their weight class. They travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. These fish are perfectly built for speed, and their runs are incredibly fast and determined. Many anglers consider bonito pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in these waters, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few.
Bull Sharks round out the target list and provide a completely different kind of excitement. These apex predators can range from small juveniles up to monsters over 200 pounds, and they're present in these waters year-round. What makes bull sharks special is their incredible power and endurance – they don't give up easily and will use every ounce of strength to break you off. The nearshore waters of St. Augustine provide perfect bull shark habitat with good structure, current, and plenty of food sources. Landing a big bull shark is a true accomplishment that most anglers remember for years.
This half-day nearshore trip with Captain Mike offers the perfect introduction to St. Augustine's world-class fishing scene without the full-day commitment. With only two spots available, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to learn from one of the area's most experienced guides. The combination of target species means you're likely to see some variety, and the nearshore waters here are productive year-round with different species peaking at different times. Whether you're a local angler looking to expand your horizons or a visitor wanting to sample what makes St. Augustine such a renowned fishing destination, this trip delivers the goods. The boat's fully equipped, the captain knows his stuff, and the fish
This reliable 2005 Pathfinder bay boat is your ticket to productive nearshore fishing around St. Augustine's waters. Powered by a strong 150HP Yamaha engine from 2021, she'll cruise at 45 knots to get you to the fish fast and back to dock comfortably. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate those tarpon, kings, and jacks hiding beneath the surface. With a livewell to keep your catch fresh and space for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines without crowding. This bay boat handles the choppy nearshore waters like a champ, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a big shark or targeting bonito schools. Perfect for half-day trips when you want to maximize fishing time.
Sarda SardaBonito are like small torpedoes - all speed and aggression packed into a 5-10 pound package. These silver bullets with dark stripes cruise our nearshore waters in huge schools, often with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. We find them in 30-80 feet of water, usually chasing baitfish along temperature breaks and current edges. Fall and spring are prime time when they're feeding heavily during migration. What guests love about bonito fishing is the non-stop action - when you find a school, every cast can produce a strike. They hit hard and fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs on light tackle. While they're oily and not great eating here in the States, they're pure fun on spinning gear. Watch for birds diving - that's your sign the bonito are pushing bait to the surface and feeding aggressively.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of our nearshore waters - thick, aggressive predators that average 8-12 feet and can push 300 pounds. What makes them unique is they'll move into brackish water near inlets and river mouths, especially around the Matanzas Inlet area. We target them year-round, but summer months are best when they're most active in our warmer coastal waters. These sharks provide an intense battle with their bulldogging runs and sheer power - no fancy jumps, just raw strength that'll make your arms burn. We practice catch and release, focusing on the thrill of tangling with one of the ocean's top predators. Fresh cut bait works well, but here's my secret weapon: whole eel makes the best bull shark bait due to its high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook even when smaller fish try to steal it.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are speed demons that'll smoke your drag and test your tackle. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds in our waters, though we see some pushing 50+ during peak season. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks about 8-15 miles offshore. Best fishing runs from late spring through fall when water temps hit the mid-70s and baitfish are thick. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they can hit 35 mph and strip 200 yards of line before you know it. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect on the grill. My go-to trick is running two hooks on a wire leader with live bait - one through the nose, another free-swinging behind it, since kings love to bite the tail end first.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are the ultimate bucket list fish - watching a 6-foot tarpon launch itself 10 feet out of the water is something you'll never forget. Most fish we catch run 80-100 pounds, but they can hit 200+ easily. Around St. Augustine, we find them in shallow coastal waters and the deeper channels near the inlet, especially during their spring and summer migration from May through September. They're pure muscle and acrobatics once hooked, jumping repeatedly and making screaming runs that'll test your drag. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating - too many bones and high mercury. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward the water to keep slack in the line and prevent them from throwing the hook.
St. Augustine