Full Day St. Augustine Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eight-hour Atlantic offshore charter targeting kingfish and mahi mahiTwin engine center console provides speed and stability offshoreAll tackle, ice, and lures included with expert instruction
If you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing in St. Augustine, this eight-hour charter with Ridin Dirty Charters is exactly what you need. Captain Rick knows these Atlantic waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear and experience to put you on fish all day long. We're talking about a proper deep sea adventure here - not some tourist trap where you sit around hoping for a bite. This is active fishing over productive bottom structure where the big fish actually live.
You'll start your day early, heading out on a brand new 2024 center console that's powered by twin Yamaha 150HP engines. This boat setup gives you the speed to reach prime fishing grounds quickly and the stability you need when you're fighting a 40-pound king mackerel. Captain Rick structures the day around three main techniques: trolling for pelagic species, bottom fishing over structure, and vertical jigging when the fish are holding tight to the reef. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is that you're not rushed - if the kingfish are biting in the morning, you can stay on them. If the afternoon bite fires up over a wreck, you've got time to capitalize. This flexibility is what separates a full day charter from those shorter trips where you barely get your lines wet before it's time to head back.
All your premium tackle is provided, which means you're fishing with quality gear that can handle whatever comes up from the depths. For trolling, Captain Rick runs a spread of lures designed to attract kingfish, cobia, and the occasional sailfish that cruise these waters. The boat carries an arsenal of jigs for vertical presentations over structure, plus circle hooks and heavy bottom rigs for snapper fishing. When you're targeting amberjack around wrecks, you need serious drag and backbone in your rod - and that's exactly what you'll have. Ice is provided to keep your catch fresh, and Captain Rick brings backup everything because offshore fishing can be hard on gear. Whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time past the three-mile mark, you'll get hands-on instruction tailored to your experience level.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of these waters, and St. Augustine's offshore grounds hold some impressive specimens. These fish typically run 15-35 pounds and are absolute rockets when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, with barracuda often showing up while you're trolling for other species. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and blistering runs - they'll test your drag and your reflexes. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared properly, despite what some people think.
Cobia are the prize fish that many offshore anglers specifically target in these waters. These brown sharks of the fishing world can reach 30-50 pounds and are known for their curious nature around boats and structures. Peak season runs from April through October, with the biggest fish typically showing in late spring. Cobia fight like freight trains and are considered some of the best eating fish in the ocean. They often cruise just under the surface around floating debris or following rays, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities.
Red Snapper represent the holy grail of bottom fishing in the Atlantic, and when the season is open, St. Augustine's offshore waters produce quality fish. These deep-bodied fighters typically range from 5-15 pounds in these waters, though larger specimens are always possible. They're structure-oriented fish that live around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas in 60-120 feet of water. Red snapper are prized not just for their fighting ability but for their exceptional table quality - firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Mutton Snapper are the colorful cousins of red snapper, featuring distinctive blue and yellow markings that make them unmistakable. These fish are year-round residents of St. Augustine's offshore waters, though summer months typically produce the best action. They're smart fish that require finesse and quality bait presentation, making them a favorite target for experienced bottom fishermen. Mutton snapper in the 3-8 pound range are common, with occasional larger fish that will really test your bottom fishing skills.
Grey Snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are the scrappy underdogs of the snapper family but don't let their size fool you. These fish are abundant around St. Augustine's offshore structure and provide consistent action throughout the year. They're excellent for anglers looking to build confidence and learn bottom fishing techniques, as they're willing biters when presented with the right bait. At 1-4 pounds, they're perfect for lighter tackle and make excellent table fare.
This full day offshore charter represents serious value for anglers who want to experience the best of St. Augustine's deep water fishing. With only four spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention from Captain Rick and plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with other anglers. The combination of modern equipment, local knowledge, and genuine fishing expertise makes this a top-rated charter option for both visiting anglers and locals looking to up their offshore game. Whether you're after bragging rights, a cooler full of fillets, or just want to experience what real offshore fishing feels like, this eight-hour adventure delivers on all counts. Book now and get ready to see why St. Augustine's offshore waters have such a strong reputation among serious fishermen.
Captain Rick's 2024 25-foot Contender is built for serious offshore action in St. Augustine's Atlantic waters. Twin 150HP Yamahas give you the speed to reach the best fishing grounds and the power to handle whatever the ocean throws at you. This center console fishing machine comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight those big kings and mahi. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to mark those honey holes, radar for safe navigation, and a quality fish finder to locate the bait schools. Outriggers are rigged and ready for trolling, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure when you're jigging for amberjack or dropping baits for cobia. Captain Rick knows these waters inside and out, from the nearshore reefs to the deep blue where the sailfish cruise. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, this setup puts you in the best position to hook up with St. Augustine's finest gamefish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of the offshore world, usually swimming solo except during spawning season. These brown, shark-looking fish average around 30-50 pounds but can hit 100-plus. They love hanging around structure - wrecks, buoys, and reefs in 30-200 feet of water. Spring migration brings the best action when they're moving north along our coast. What guests love is the strong, steady fight and that premium white meat - it's like eating a fish steak. They're often mistaken for sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. Here's my go-to trick: when sight fishing, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of them and let it sink naturally. Too close and you'll spook them every time.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are some of the ocean's most impressive predators, reaching 4-6 feet and hitting speeds up to 35 mph. These silver torpedoes love our warm Atlantic waters and can be found anywhere from shallow reefs to deeper structures. They're curious fish that often follow divers and will investigate shiny lures. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the wild fight they put up - pure adrenaline. The meat's decent but most folks release them. My tip: use wire leaders and bright spoons or tube lures. When you see one following your bait, speed up the retrieve - that sudden acceleration usually triggers the strike.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll test your patience. These greyish-red fighters typically run 1-4 pounds inshore, but offshore specimens can hit 15-20 pounds. They love structure - docks, mangroves, reefs, and wrecks where they can ambush prey. Year-round fishing is good, but summer nights are prime time since they feed more actively after dark. What makes them popular is their excellent white, flaky meat and the challenge they present - they're spooky and line-shy. Most folks prize them for the dinner table over the fight. My advice: use light tackle with live shrimp hooked through the tail, and resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds first.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are the colorful cousins in the snapper family, showing off olive-green backs with that distinctive pink tinge. Most run 15-20 inches but can push 25-30 pounds when you find a good one. They prefer sandy areas near reefs in 80-250 feet, often hanging on the edges where the sand meets the structure. Summer months are prime time when they're most active. Anglers love them for their strong fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's restaurant quality. Here's what works: use fresh bait on a knocker rig and let it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through clear water, you know you've got a good one hooked.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the holy grail of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that can reach 20-30 pounds, though most run 3-10 pounds. These tasty fighters live on hard bottom and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Season timing depends on regulations, but when it's open, they're worth the wait. What makes them special is that stubborn fight straight down to the rocks, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat. They'll try to cut your line on structure, so use heavy tackle and get them up quick. Pro tip: fresh cut bait works better than frozen, and circle hooks reduce gut-hooking. Keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the bottom.
Flagler Beach, FL