Private 6 Hour Inshore Fishing Trip In St. Augustine
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish, trout, and sheepsheadUSCG licensed captain guides trips through historic St. Augustine watersSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests maximum
Looking for a full day on the water in one of Florida's most historic fishing destinations? This 6-hour private charter puts you right in the heart of St. Augustine's legendary inshore fishing grounds. You'll have a USCG licensed captain all to yourself and up to two other anglers, exploring the productive salt marshes and Intracoastal Waterway that have been feeding locals and visitors for centuries. The extended time on the water means you can really dial in on different spots, adjust tactics as conditions change, and give everyone plenty of shots at multiple species. Whether you're bringing the family or a couple buddies for a guys' trip, six hours gives you that perfect balance of action and relaxation without feeling rushed.
St. Augustine's inshore waters are about as user-friendly as it gets - protected from ocean swells but still offering that authentic saltwater fishing experience. Your captain knows these marshes like the back of his hand, from the oyster bars that hold sheepshead to the grass flats where trout love to ambush bait. The Intracoastal here winds through some gorgeous scenery too, so even when the fish are being finicky, you're cruising past historic landmarks and pristine salt marshes. Don't expect to be bouncing around in rough seas - these are the calm, fishable waters that make St. Augustine such a top-rated destination for anglers who want productivity without the seasickness. The boat's equipped with everything you need, and your captain will have you rigged up and ready before you know it.
Inshore fishing here is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish are doing. Your captain will likely start you off with live or cut bait around structure - think dock pilings, oyster beds, and channel edges where the current brings food to waiting fish. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water, or working soft plastics through grass beds for trout. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is having time to try different techniques. Maybe you'll start the morning with bottom rigs for drum and sheepshead, then switch to topwater plugs when the trout get active later. Your captain will handle the boat positioning and help with rigging, but don't be shy about asking questions - most guides love sharing what they know about reading water and fish behavior.
Bluefish are some of the most aggressive fighters you'll encounter in these waters. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Spring and fall are prime times when they're moving through in big numbers, and they'll absolutely demolish anything that looks like a baitfish. Blues typically run 2-8 pounds here, and they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and headshakes. Just remember to use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and St. Augustine's structure-rich waters are perfect for them. These bruisers love to hang around bridge pilings, docks, and oyster bars where they can root around for crabs and shellfish. You'll typically find them in the 5-20 pound range, though bigger fish are definitely possible. They're not flashy fighters, but they use every ounce of their weight to try and get back to structure. Fresh shrimp or cut crab on a Carolina rig is hard to beat, and patience pays off - drum take their time inspecting baits.
Summer flounder, or fluke as many anglers call them, are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. The Intracoastal's channels and drop-offs are prime real estate for these flatfish. They're most active during warmer months and love areas with good current flow. Flounder can be tricky - they often just mouth the bait initially, so you need to give them time to fully commit before setting the hook. A successful flounder trip means fresh fillets for dinner, as these are some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the inshore world - they'll steal your bait so cleanly you might not even know they were there. These black-and-white striped fish love structure and have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. Around St. Augustine's many docks, bridges, and oyster bars, sheepshead are a year-round target with peak action in cooler months. They're challenging but rewarding fish that require finesse and quick reflexes. Fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp are go-to baits, and a light touch is essential.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and St. Augustine's grass flats and marsh edges provide world-class red fishing opportunities. These copper-colored bruisers are built for the shallows, with powerful tails and the ability to make long, determined runs. Reds are year-round residents that can be caught using everything from live shrimp under popping corks to artificial lures worked through the grass. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the table, while oversized "bulls" over 27 inches provide the fight of a lifetime before being released to spawn.
A 6-hour private charter gives you the time and flexibility to really experience what St. Augustine inshore fishing is all about. You're not watching the clock, you're not sharing the boat with strangers, and you've got a local expert dedicated to putting you on fish. The extended time means better odds of hitting multiple species, trying different techniques, and maybe even relocating if one area isn't producing. With a guest capacity of just three anglers, everyone gets personal
Meet your fishing machine for the day – the 2015 Xpress H20 Bay Redfish SS Edition. This 20-foot flats boat was built specifically for prowling St. Augustine's shallow backwaters where the big redfish like to cruise. With its sleek design and 115HP Yamaha pushing you along at up to 45 knots, you'll cover serious water during your 6-hour adventure. The boat's shallow draft lets you slip into those marshy spots where other boats can't go – that's where the fish hide. When you need to sneak up on spooky trout or tailing reds, the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper quiet. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and baitfish, while GPS keeps you on track through the maze of creeks and flats. Pack your lunch in the onboard icebox – you'll want to stay out there chasing fish all day. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. This boat knows these waters like the back of its hull, from the Intracoastal to the salt marsh backcountry.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love oyster beds, shallow mudflats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters that use their weight and power rather than speed. Smaller drum under 15 pounds make excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. You'll find them in 2-6 feet of water around structure, especially during moving tides. My go-to tip: use fresh cut crab on a circle hook and fish it right on the bottom. The drum's mouth is underneath, so they need to pick up the bait from below.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in St. Augustine waters during warmer months, typically weighing 3-15 pounds with some reaching 20+. These blue-green predators have razor-sharp teeth and feed in frenzied schools, creating exciting "bluefish blitzes" where the water churns like a washing machine. You'll find them in open water near baitfish schools, around inlet mouths, and along the beach surf. They hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs that test your drag. The smaller "snapper blues" are perfect for kids to catch. Meat from fish under 10 pounds is mild and flaky - great table fare. Pro tip: use wire leaders since their teeth will slice through mono, and when you see diving birds, head that direction fast - there's probably a feeding frenzy happening underneath.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - bronze-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, but we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 30+ inches. 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. These fish fight with power and endurance, making long runs and using their broad sides against you. Slot-sized reds are fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. You'll spot them tailing in skinny water or see their wakes as they cruise. My favorite technique: cast a gold spoon or live shrimp just ahead of a cruising fish and let it settle. Don't retrieve too fast - they like to inspect their meals.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters - easily spotted by their black and white stripes and those freaky human-like teeth. Most weigh 2-6 pounds, though we occasionally land 10+ pounders around bridge pilings and dock structures. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months when they're more active. These guys are notorious bait thieves, nibbling your shrimp or fiddler crab clean off the hook before you know it. They fight smart, using structure to their advantage and testing your drag around pilings. The white, flaky meat rivals snapper for table quality. You'll find them anywhere there's barnacle-covered structure - bridges, docks, jetties. Secret weapon: use the smallest hook you can get away with and keep your bait tight to the structure. The moment you feel weight, set that hook hard - they've got tough mouths.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of disguise - these flatfish lie buried in sand waiting to ambush prey with their sideways bite. Most run 2-5 pounds and 15-20 inches, but we catch some nice 6-8 pounders that make for great table fare. They're active from late spring through fall, moving into deeper water when it gets cold. You'll find them on sandy bottom near inlet mouths, channel edges, and anywhere baitfish congregate. They're not huge fighters, but they're smart and will test your patience. The white, mild meat is some of the best eating you'll find - perfect for fish tacos or fried up whole. Here's the key: use live finger mullet or mud minnows and drift them slowly along the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait around.
St. Augustine