St Augustine Flats Fishing with Captain Dan
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Target redfish and trout in shallow Florida flats watersCaptain Dan provides all gear, bait, and fish cleaning servicesSmall group experience limited to two guests maximum
If you're looking for world-class sight fishing in Florida, you've found the right guide. Captain Dan knows these St Augustine flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This isn't your typical deep-water charter – we're talking about stalking redfish in crystal-clear shallows where you can see every fin, every tail, and every heart-stopping moment when a fish decides to take your bait. With all gear, live bait, and lures included, plus fish cleaning at the end of the day, this top-rated 3-hour trip delivers everything you need for an amazing day on the water.
Captain Dan runs a tight ship, but the vibe is relaxed and focused on putting fish in the boat. You'll launch into some of the most pristine flats around St Augustine, where the water runs shallow and clear – perfect conditions for sight fishing. This isn't about casting blind and hoping for the best. We're hunting fish with our eyes first, then making precise casts to feeding redfish, cruising trout, and whatever else the flats serve up that day. The boat maxes out at 2 anglers, so you're getting personalized attention whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod. Captain Dan provides all the tackle, from live shrimp to proven lures that these fish can't resist. Just bring your drinks, snacks, and get ready to see why so many anglers consider the St Augustine flats some of Florida's best fishing grounds.
Flats fishing is all about stealth and precision. Captain Dan poles the boat quietly through water that's often just 2-3 feet deep, scanning for tailing redfish, nervous water, or the telltale signs that fish are feeding. When he spots your target, it's game on – but you've got to make your cast count. These fish are spooky in shallow water, and one bad cast can send them bolting for deeper water. The gear setup is straightforward but effective: light spinning tackle that can handle the fight these fish put up, with leaders tough enough to handle their sandpaper mouths. Live bait works great when the fish are finicky, but there's nothing quite like watching a red slam a topwater lure in 18 inches of water. Captain Dan reads these flats like a book, knowing where fish hold during different tides, weather conditions, and times of day. His local knowledge is what separates a good day from a great one.
Redfish are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are built for the flats, with broad tails that let them cruise shallow water and enough attitude to make every hookup memorable. St Augustine reds typically run 18-27 inches, perfect slot-size fish that fight hard and taste even better. They feed most actively during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. You'll spot them tailing in the grass, cruising the edges, or ambushing baitfish in the shallows. What makes them special is how they eat – sometimes they'll slam your bait aggressively, other times they'll mouth it so gently you barely feel the bite.
Sea trout love these same flats, especially around deeper potholes and grass edges. They're not as visual as redfish, but when you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on. Trout hit fast and jump like crazy, making them a blast on light tackle. The best trout fishing happens during cooler months when they school up in predictable spots. They're also excellent table fare – some say the best eating fish on the flats.
Black drum are the bulldozers of the flats. These bottom feeders can get surprisingly large, with fish over 30 inches common in these waters. They're not the prettiest fish, but they'll test your drag system and your patience. Drum love to dig hard and make long runs, especially the bigger ones. They're most active around oyster bars and structure where they can root around for crabs and shellfish.
Southern flounder are the ambush predators here, lying motionless on sandy bottoms until something edible swims by. They're masters of camouflage and can be tough to spot until they move. Fall and winter are prime time for doormat flounder, with fish over 20 inches showing up regularly. They fight differently than other flats species – more bulldogging than running – but they're fantastic on the dinner table.
Sheepshead are the bait thieves of the group, with human-like teeth that can strip a hook clean in seconds. They hang around structure like docks, pilings, and oyster bars, picking off crabs and barnacles. These black-and-white striped fish are incredibly finicky, but once you figure out their bite pattern, you can often catch several. They're also some of the best eating fish you'll find, with firm white meat that's perfect for any recipe.
Captain Dan's flats trips book up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. The combination of his local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and fish cleaning service makes this a customer favorite among both locals and visitors. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, want to introduce someone to flats fishing, or just need to get your fishing fix, this 3-hour sight fishing adventure delivers. The flats around St Augustine fish well year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and challenges. Book now and get ready to experience some of Florida's most renowned shallow water fishing. Just remember – deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit.
Your fishing platform for St Augustine's shallow waters is a 2008 Beavertail flats boat powered by a reliable 60HP Evinrude engine. This specialized shallow-water craft can cruise at 33 knots, getting you to prime redfish spots quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Dan position the boat silently when you're sight fishing - no engine noise to spook wary fish in crystal-clear flats. GPS navigation pinpoints productive waters while the fish finder reveals what's lurking below. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and any drinks cold during your 3-hour adventure. Built specifically for flats fishing, this boat draws minimal water, accessing skinny areas where trophy redfish and trout cruise. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space and personalized attention from Captain Dan as you target fish in St Augustine's productive coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldozers of the flats - powerful fish that can range from 5-30 pounds, with monsters hitting 50+ in deeper water. They're bottom feeders with crushing jaws perfect for oysters and crabs, which makes them great around structure. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning in shallow muddy areas and oyster bars. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during this period. They fight hard and steady, making long runs that test your drag. The smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Bigger fish get tough and aren't worth keeping. Best tip: use fresh blue crab or fiddler crabs on a fish-finder rig. These fish are spooky, so approach quietly and let your bait sit still on the bottom. When they pick it up, give them time to get it in their mouth before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our sight fishing trips here in St. Augustine. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-35 inches and love cruising the shallow flats in just 1-4 feet of water. You can spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail and that red-bronze back. They're year-round residents but really shine during cooler months when they school up. What makes them special is watching them cruise the shallows - sometimes with their backs out of the water. They fight hard with powerful runs and are great eating when kept in the slot. Spring and fall offer the best action around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths. Here's my tip for sight fishing: approach them from the front, cast your bait 2-3 feet ahead of their path, and let them come to it. Use live shrimp or gold spoons for best results.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks," are a staple on these flats, typically running 14-24 inches with occasional bigger fish pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. Early morning and evening are prime times, and they're active year-round here in St. Augustine waters. These fish hit topwater lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're also excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Just don't overcook them or they'll get mushy. During cooler months, look for them in deeper channels and around docks. Best approach: work topwater plugs or soft plastics over grass beds early in the morning. Make long casts and work your lure slowly - when they hit topwater, you'll know it.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're smart and tough to catch. Running 1-8 pounds typically, they hang around any structure with barnacles: docks, bridges, pilings, and jetties. Their human-like teeth are perfect for crushing shellfish. Winter through early spring is when they're most active around here, especially February through April during spawn. They're notorious bait stealers with light bites, so you need to stay sharp. The payoff is worth it though - they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, firm white meat. My go-to technique: get as close to structure as possible with a small hook, split shot, and fresh shrimp or fiddler crab. Keep your bait tight to the pilings and set the hook fast when you feel them nibbling.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that bury themselves in sandy bottoms, waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches and about 5 pounds, though bigger ones around 20+ pounds show up. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure where they can camouflage perfectly. Both eyes sit on their left side, which freaks out first-timers but makes them fun to target. Fall and winter are prime time when they move toward inlets before heading offshore. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. These fish are notorious bait thieves, so here's the key: use a slip sinker rig with live mud minnows or shrimp, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, wait a second before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first, then turn it to swallow.
St. Augustine, FL