Full Day Offshore Fishing Charter in St. Augustine
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour Atlantic offshore charter targeting kingfish and mahi mahiTwin Yamaha 150HP engines provide speed and stability offshorePremium tackle, ice, and lures included with expert instruction
When you're looking for serious offshore action around St. Augustine, this eight-hour deep sea charter with Ridin Dirty Charters delivers the real deal. Captain Rick knows these Atlantic waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish in some of the most productive offshore grounds along Florida's northeast coast. This isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking about a full commitment to chasing kings, mahi, and whatever else is biting out there. With a brand new 2024 center console powered by twin Yamaha 150s, you'll cover serious ground while staying comfortable and stable even when the seas pick up.
Your day starts early with a pre-dawn departure from St. Augustine's marina, giving you maximum fishing time during the prime bite windows. Captain Rick runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll make sure you're set up for success. The boat handles beautifully in offshore conditions, and those twin 150s get you to the fishing grounds fast so you can spend more time with lines in the water instead of burning fuel getting there. You'll be targeting structure and drop-offs anywhere from 15 to 40 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are showing up. The captain monitors the reports daily and adjusts the game plan based on current conditions, water temps, and what's been producing. All your premium tackle, ice, and lures are included, so you just need to bring your fishing license, snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to offshore fishing methods. You'll spend time trolling for pelagic species like kings and mahi, working the spread with high-speed lures and rigged baits. When you find structure or mark fish on the bottom machine, Captain Rick switches gears to vertical jigging and bottom fishing techniques. The boat carries top-shelf spinning and conventional gear sized appropriately for the target species – think 30 to 50-pound class tackle that can handle anything from a 20-pound king to a bruiser amberjack. Live bait is often the ticket for cobia and big snapper, while heavy jigs work magic on the deeper wrecks and ledges. The captain reads the water constantly, adjusting depths, speeds, and presentations based on what the fish want that day. Don't worry if you've never worked a butterfly jig or rigged a ballyhoo – Captain Rick walks everyone through the techniques and helps you dial in your presentation.
Great Barracuda are year-round residents in these waters and absolute blast on lighter tackle. These toothy predators typically run 10 to 25 pounds and are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. You'll often find them around structure in 40 to 80 feet of water, and they're suckers for fast-moving lures and live bait. What makes cuda fishing so exciting is their unpredictability – they'll follow a lure for hundreds of yards before deciding to attack, and when they do, it's pure chaos. The bigger fish often show up during the cooler months, but you can count on action pretty much any time of year.
Cobia are the holy grail of St. Augustine offshore fishing, especially during their spring migration from March through May. These brown sharks (as locals call them) can exceed 40 pounds and are known for their curious nature and bulldogging fights. They're often found around floating debris, other hooked fish, or cruising near the surface where you can sight-cast to them. Summer and fall bring resident fish that hang around wrecks and structure, and they're absolute suckers for live bait and large jigs. What makes cobia special is that they're excellent table fare and put up a fight that's more about power than speed.
Red Snapper fishing peaks during the federal seasons, typically late spring through early fall, though regulations change yearly. These bottom dwellers are found around hard structure in 60 to 120 feet of water and are famous for their hard strike and determined fight. A good red snapper runs 5 to 15 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing 20-plus. They're aggressive feeders that respond well to cut bait, live pinfish, and heavy jigs worked near the bottom. The trick is getting your bait down fast before the smaller fish can steal it, and being ready for that distinctive red snapper thump.
Mutton Snapper are year-round targets that really turn on during the warmer months. These colorful fish typically range from 3 to 8 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're prized for their excellent eating quality and sporty fight. Muttons are found around both natural and artificial reefs in 30 to 100 feet of water, and they can be finicky feeders that require lighter leaders and natural presentations. They're often mixed in with other snapper species, making for diverse action on the bottom rigs.
Grey Snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are abundant around St. Augustine's offshore structures. These crafty fish range from small lane snapper size up to 5-pound specimens, and they're notorious for their light bites and line-shy behavior. What makes them fun to target is that they require finesse – lighter leaders, smaller hooks, and precise presentations. They're active feeders during low-light periods and are often the most consistent producers when other species are being stubborn. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner plate.
This full-day offshore experience with Ridin Dirty Charters represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on productive water. Captain Rick's local knowledge, combined with a fast, stable platform and quality tackle, gives you the best shot at a memorable day on the Atlantic. The four-person capacity keeps things comfortable an
Captain Rick's 2024 25-foot Contender is built for serious offshore fishing in St. Augustine's Atlantic waters. This center console fishing machine cuts through swells with twin 150HP Yamahas pushing you to the productive structures where kingfish and mahi mahi roam. The boat handles four anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space for fighting fish and moving around during long battles. GPS and radar keep you on target even when conditions get sketchy, while the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure. Outriggers spread your trolling spread wide for better coverage when hunting kings and mahi. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish below. All the premium tackle, ice, and lures you need are already aboard, so you can focus on putting fish in the boat during your eight-hour deep sea adventure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often mistaken for sharks with their dark brown color and single dorsal fin, but these powerful fish are pure muscle. They average around 30-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds off St. Augustine. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-200 feet of water, usually cruising solo near the surface. Spring migration from April through June is prime time, with fish moving north along our coast. What makes them special is the incredible fight they put up - strong runs and stubborn resistance - plus they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Firm, white meat that rivals any fish. Here's the trick: sight fishing works great since they're often visible just below the surface. A bucktail jig or live eel worked slowly is deadly effective.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese apex predators are built for speed with their streamlined bodies, reaching up to 6 feet and hitting 35 mph in short bursts. Around St. Augustine, you'll find them near the surface over reefs and wrecks, typically in 20-80 feet of water. They're visual hunters with razor-sharp teeth that make for an intense fight once hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. While the meat isn't always recommended due to ciguatera risk, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. My tip: they're curious fish attracted to shiny objects, so chrome spoons and wire leaders are essential. When you hook one, be ready for explosive runs and possible jumps - they'll test your drag and your nerves. Just watch those teeth when landing them.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are one of the smartest fish we target - they'll test your patience and skill. Most run 12-16 inches inshore, but offshore fish can reach 5+ pounds. You'll find them around any structure: docks, piers, reefs, and wrecks from shallow water out to 100+ feet. They're active year-round in our warm Florida waters, with summer evenings being particularly productive since they're more active at night. Guests enjoy them because they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat, plus they're challenging to catch. These fish are extremely cautious and will inspect your bait carefully. The secret is using the smallest hook possible with live shrimp, keeping the bait near bottom but off the structure. No jerky movements - let them take it and run before setting the hook gently.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of the tougher snappers to land, which makes them a favorite among serious anglers. They typically run 15-25 inches with that distinctive pinkish coloration and blue streaks around the eyes. Around St. Augustine, look for them on deeper reefs and ledges in 100-200 feet, though they'll move shallow during certain conditions. They're usually solitary or in small groups, making them less predictable than other snappers. Spring and summer provide the most consistent action. What sets them apart is their wariness - they're much more finicky than red snapper, requiring lighter tackle and perfect bait presentation. The reward is some of the best eating fish you'll find. Pro tip: use a knocker rig with the freshest bait possible and minimal weight. Let it drift naturally in the current - any unnatural movement will spook them.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the prize of bottom fishing - beautiful fish with bright red coloration and excellent table fare. Most run 15-25 inches around St. Augustine, though big ones can hit 30+ inches. They live on hard bottom structures, wrecks, and reefs in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months offer the best fishing when they're most active and regulations allow. What guests love most is the combination of steady action and outstanding eating quality - sweet, firm white meat that's restaurant quality. These fish fight hard too, making strong runs toward structure when hooked. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom with enough weight to stay put in current. Use circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish. Once you hook up, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks.
Flagler Beach, FL