6-Hour St Augustine Shallow Water Fishing
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
6hour shallow water fishing targeting redfish on Florida flatsCaptain provides all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning servicesSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per charter
Captain Dan knows these St Augustine flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your day. This 6-hour charter targets the productive shallow waters where redfish, sea trout, and other inshore favorites hang out year-round. You'll fish prime spots that locals have been hitting for generations, using techniques that work when others don't. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, plus fish cleaning at the end, this is as turn-key as fishing gets around here.
You'll meet Captain Dan at the dock early, ready to hit some of the best shallow water fishing St Augustine has to offer. These flats are famous for holding big redfish, and Dan knows exactly where they're feeding depending on the tide and season. The boat can handle two anglers comfortably, so you'll have plenty of room to work without getting lines tangled. Dan provides everything - rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and even your fishing license. The shallow water fishing here is sight fishing at its finest, where you can actually see the fish before you cast to them. Dan will position the boat perfectly and coach you through each cast, whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before. When the bite is on, these flats come alive with tailing redfish, jumping trout, and the occasional big drum cruising the edges.
Flats fishing is all about being quiet and precise. Dan runs a shallow draft boat that can get into skinny water where the big fish feel safe. He'll pole or use the trolling motor to stay stealthy, positioning you for the best shots at cruising fish. Live shrimp and finger mullet are the go-to baits here, rigged on light jigheads or under popping corks depending on what the fish want. Artificial lures work great too - soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs all have their place in Dan's arsenal. The key is matching the technique to the conditions and the fish's mood. When the water's clear and fish are spooky, you'll be sight casting to individual targets. When it's murky or the fish are scattered, you'll cover more water with search baits. Dan reads the water constantly, adjusting tactics as needed to keep you connected to fish. The light tackle used for flats fishing makes every catch feel bigger, and even a 20-inch redfish will give you a workout on the proper gear.
Redfish are the crown jewel of these St Augustine flats, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches and pack serious power for their size. They're here year-round but get especially active in fall when they school up for their spawn. What makes redfish special is how they feed - you'll see their tails sticking up as they root around oyster bars and grass beds. The take is usually subtle, then they make that first bulldogging run that tests your drag. They're also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for blackening or grilling.
Sea Trout hang around the grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. These spotted beauties average 15-20 inches, with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 25 inches or more. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. Trout fishing is often fast-paced, with multiple hookups common when you find a school. They're excellent eating and one of the most reliable species on these flats.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the shallow water game. These bruisers can push 30-40 pounds and will test every knot you've tied. They're bottom feeders that love crab and shrimp, often found around structure and oyster beds. Spring is prime time for big drum, when they move shallow to spawn. The fight is all about power - long, steady runs that'll make your arms burn.
Sheepshead are the tricky ones, with mouths full of human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off pilings. They're notorious bait stealers, but once you figure out their subtle bite, they're a blast to catch. These black-and-white striped fish are some of the best eating you'll find, with sweet, flaky meat that rivals snapper.
Southern Flounder are the ambush predators of the flats, lying buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. They're more common in cooler months and provide a nice change of pace from the other species. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right presentation, but they're worth the effort for their delicate, mild flavor.
Captain Dan's 6-hour shallow water fishing trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot. This world-class fishing experience gives you the best shot at multiple species while learning from someone who's been working these waters for years. The all-inclusive approach means you just show up ready to fish - Dan handles everything else, including cleaning your catch so you can head straight to the kitchen. Whether you want to put dinner on the table or just enjoy some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer, this trip delivers. The St Augustine flats have been producing trophy fish for decades, and with Dan's local knowledge, you'll be fishing the spots that consistently hold fish. Don't wait until your trip to start planning - these dates book up weeks in advance, especially during the cooler months when the fishing is at its peak.
Captain Dan's 2008 Beavertail flats boat gets you into those skinny waters where the big redfish hang out. This shallow-draft beauty draws just inches, letting you slip into backcountry spots that bigger boats can't reach. The 60HP Evinrude pushes you along at a smooth 33 knots when running between fishing holes, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're stalking fish in the shallows. The fish finder shows you exactly what's below, and GPS keeps you on track through St Augustine's maze of marshes and oyster bars. An ice box keeps your catch fresh for the ride home. Built for serious flats fishing, this boat handles two anglers comfortably with plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish have crushing jaws perfect for their favorite foods - oysters, crabs, and clams. You'll find them around oyster bars, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths year-round, but spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. They're famous for the drumming sounds they make, especially during mating season. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating with flaky white meat, while the big bruisers are better released. Pro tip: fresh crab bait works best, and don't set the hook too quick - let them really grab it before you lean into them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow flats, easily spotted by their copper-red color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most fish run 18-27 inches, perfect for a great fight and dinner. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs showing - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action, but they bite year-round in our waters. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that test your drag. They're also fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. These fish aren't picky eaters - live shrimp, cut bait, and artificials all work. Local tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during moving tides, and always approach quietly since they spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout, or Sea Trout, are beautiful fish with spotted silver sides that love our grass flats and shallow bays. Most run 14-20 inches and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. They're active year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper holes and channels. Early morning and evening are prime times, especially around moving water. What guests love most is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - they're perfect for beginners but still challenge experienced anglers. The eating quality is outstanding - tender, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. My local trick: during summer, fish the grass flats at first light with topwater plugs, but switch to deeper water with live shrimp when the sun gets high.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound fish love hanging around any structure - docks, bridges, and barnacle-covered pilings where they scrape off their favorite meals. They're notorious bait thieves with incredible finicky bites, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all levels. Spring months are best when they move into shallow water to spawn. The reward is some of the finest eating you'll find - sweet, white, flaky meat that's worth the effort to clean around those tough scales. My go-to trick: use fiddler crabs or live shrimp on small hooks, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibble.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey like shrimp and small baitfish. You'll typically find them in 15-18 inches, though some reach over 30 inches. They love shallow coastal waters, especially around creek mouths and grass flats during warmer months. Fall and winter are prime time when they move toward inlets before heading offshore to spawn. What makes them exciting is their perfect camouflage - they change colors to match the bottom. Plus, they're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My tip: use a slow drift with live finger mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, and watch for subtle taps - they're notorious bait stealers who nibble before committing.
St. Augustine, FL