Wreck Fishing St. Augustine with Summer School
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target redfish, trout, and flounder on 46 hour tripsAll bait, tackle, licenses, and fish cleaning includedIntimate 2guest capacity with experienced local captain
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a sturdy 23′ Pathfinder, watching your captain fire up the engines as the sun starts painting the Atlantic horizon. That's exactly what you'll get with Summer School Charters' wreck fishing trips out of St. Augustine. We're talking serious offshore action where the big boys hang out—king mackerel, wahoo, cobia, and even bull sharks cruising around the countless shipwrecks scattered along Florida's First Coast. This isn't your typical inshore redfish trip. We're heading to where the water turns that deep blue and the fish get heavy enough to make your arms burn.
Your day kicks off with a ride out to some of the most productive wreck sites off St. Augustine's coast. We're talking about artificial reefs and sunken vessels that have become underwater cities for game fish. The captain knows these spots like the back of his hand—GPS coordinates memorized, fish finder dialed in, and tackle rigged perfectly for whatever's biting that day. With just two anglers max, you're getting personalized attention that bigger boats simply can't offer. No fighting for rail space or waiting your turn to get a line in the water. The 23′ Pathfinder handles the Atlantic swells beautifully, getting you to the fish fast while staying comfortable enough for a full day of fishing. Everything's included—bait, tackle, licenses, even bottled water to keep you hydrated under the Florida sun. When you're done battling fish, the crew handles the cleaning so you can head home with fillets ready for the dinner table.
Wreck fishing is all about vertical presentation and knowing how to work structure. These artificial reefs and shipwrecks create perfect ambush points where predators wait for baitfish to get confused in the current. We'll be dropping live bait and chunks right into the strike zone, using heavy enough tackle to pull fish away from the wreckage before they can cut you off. The captain will position the boat perfectly, accounting for wind and current to keep your baits in the productive zone. Expect to see circle hooks, wire leaders for the toothy critters, and weights heavy enough to get down fast in 60-120 feet of water. Bottom fishing dominates here, but don't be surprised if we switch to trolling between spots or work the water column when the fish are suspended. The key is reading the fish finder and adjusting tactics based on what the sonar is showing. Some days they're glued to the bottom, other days they're cruising mid-water looking for an easy meal.
King mackerel are the bread and butter of St. Augustine wreck fishing, and these silver bullets can absolutely scream line off your reel. Most kings around the wrecks run 15-30 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they stack up on the deeper wrecks in massive schools. What makes kings so exciting is that initial run—they'll take 100 yards of line in seconds, testing your drag and your nerve. The meat is fantastic when prepared right, with a firm texture that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the wreck scene, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These torpedoes usually show up in the 20-50 pound range around St. Augustine, with their distinctive tiger stripes and razor-sharp teeth. Fall and winter are prime time, especially when the water temperature drops into the mid-70s. Catching a wahoo is like hooking a freight train—they make blistering runs that will have you wondering if your reel is going to explode. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with white, flaky meat that's incredible sashimi-style or seared with a little seasoning.
Crevalle jacks might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These bulldogs average 10-25 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're around year-round but really turn on during the warmer months when they school up around the wrecks. Jacks are notorious for their stamina—they'll pull drag for what feels like forever, using every ounce of structure to try and break you off. While they're not the best table fare, they're absolutely addictive to catch and make fantastic live bait for bigger predators.
Cobia are the gentleman of the wreck world, often cruising just above the structure looking curious about everything. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) typically run 20-50 pounds around St. Augustine's wrecks, with spring and summer being the hot months. What makes cobia special is their intelligence—they'll follow hooked fish to the boat and often stick around long enough for multiple shots. They're also phenomenal table fare, with firm white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. Sight fishing for cobia around floating debris or following rays is some of the most visual fishing you'll experience offshore.
Bull sharks bring the adrenaline factor to wreck fishing in a big way. These apex predators can show up any time of year but are most common in the warmer months. St. Augustine bulls typically range from 100-300 pounds, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know immediately you're connected to something serious. They're incredibly strong, surprisingly fast, and absolutely relentless fighters. While most anglers practice catch and release with bulls, the experience of battling one of these prehistoric predators around structure is something every serious angler needs to experience. Just make sure your tackle is up to the task—these fish will find any weakness in your setup.
St. Augustine's wreck fishing scene is world-class, and Summer School Charters
This 23' Pathfinder HPS runs on a reliable Yamaha 250 SHO and comes loaded with everything serious anglers need for productive wreck fishing around St. Augustine. The 36V Minn Kota wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while the Humminbird Solix12 helps you mark productive spots and navigate safely to offshore wrecks. Dual 8' Power-Pole anchors keep you locked in position when the current's running strong. The boat handles rough water well and has plenty of deck space for two anglers to work comfortably. Your captain provides all tackle, bait, licenses, and water, plus cleans your catch at the end of the day. Whether you're targeting redfish around inshore structure or heading out to deeper wrecks for bigger fish, this setup gets you there and keeps you fishing effectively. Standard Horizon VHF and full safety equipment ensure peace of mind on longer runs to productive fishing grounds.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the tough guys of our coastal waters - thick, powerful fish that typically run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. What makes them unique is they'll cruise right into brackish water and shallow flats where you'd never expect a shark. Summer months bring them closer to shore here in St. Augustine, especially around inlets and river mouths. These fish are pure power - once hooked, they make long, steady runs that'll test your tackle and nerves. While catch-and-release only for us, the fight alone makes it worthwhile. They're ambush predators that respond well to cut bait and chum. My secret weapon? Fresh eel - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook. Always use heavy tackle and wire leaders because these guys don't mess around when they decide to eat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the submarines of our waters - big, brown, solitary fish that cruise just under the surface looking for structure. These guys average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, and they're often mistaken for sharks with that dark profile. Spring and early summer is peak time when they're moving through on their migration. You'll find them around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-50 feet. What makes cobia special is they're excellent table fare - firm, white meat that rivals grouper - plus they put up a solid fight. Being curious fish, they'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances. My best tip: keep a bucktail jig ready when you're running between spots. Sight-cast to any dark shadow you see near structure - cobia love those 4-8 ounce jigs bounced along the bottom.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats - thick, muscular fish that average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ when you find the right school. They patrol shallow seagrass beds, sandy flats, and around structure in both inshore and offshore waters. Year-round fishing here in St. Augustine, but they really turn on during warmer months. What makes jacks fun is their pure aggression - they hit hard and fight dirty with powerful runs that'll test your drag. While not the best table fare, they're perfect for catch-and-release action when other species are slow. Here's the trick: watch for diving birds hitting the surface. Jacks push baitfish up from below while birds attack from above. Cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the school and retrieve fast - they love the chase.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll encounter off St. Augustine, typically running 20-40 pounds with the occasional giant pushing 50+. These silver bullets cruise in 40-150 feet of water, often following baitfish along drop-offs and wrecks. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip drag like nothing else and test your gear. The meat is excellent grilled or blackened, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. My go-to trick? Always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section first, so that stinger hook saves the day more often than you'd think.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the offshore world, averaging 3-5 feet and capable of hitting 60 mph when they take off. These pelagic speedsters cruise open water around 60 feet deep but will come shallow to chase bait. July through November is when they're most active near St. Augustine's waters. What gets people hooked is that first run - pure adrenaline as your reel screams. Plus, wahoo makes some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or fish tacos. Speed is everything with these fish, so troll fast around 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Watch for diving birds - they'll point you to the bait schools where wahoo are likely hunting underneath.
St. Augustine