St. Augustine Inshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter with Captain Michael in St. Augustine.Target redfish, flounder, and trout in pristine coastal waters.Small group experience with maximum three guests per trip.
Captain Michael knows these St. Augustine waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This half-day charter targets the holy trinity of inshore fishing – redfish, flounder, and trout – in some of Florida's most productive shallow waters. You'll launch from America's oldest city and work the grass flats, oyster bars, and creek mouths where these fish love to feed. With just three anglers max, you get personal attention and plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows.
Your morning starts early at the dock where Captain Michael will have everything rigged and ready to go. We're talking light tackle setups perfect for the sight fishing and structure work that makes inshore fishing so addictive. The boat's designed for shallow water access, so we can get into those skinny spots where the big reds cruise and flounder lay in ambush. Expect to cover a lot of water – from the salt marsh creeks around Rattlesnake Island to the grass beds near the Matanzas Inlet. The scenery's pretty sweet too, with the historic St. Augustine skyline as your backdrop and dolphins often joining the party. Captain Michael reads the tides, wind, and fish movement patterns daily, so your trip gets customized based on what's biting and where they're holding.
We fish smart here, not just hard. Depending on conditions and what species we're targeting, you'll be throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics on jig heads. When the redfish are tailing in skinny water, we'll switch to sight fishing mode with weedless spoons and paddle tail baits. For trout, it's all about working the grass edges with suspending baits and topwater plugs during the right conditions. Flounder fishing means bouncing jigs along the bottom near structure and drop-offs. Captain Michael provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait – he's got setups for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The boat's equipped with a trolling motor for stealthy approaches and a shallow draft that lets us access water other boats can't reach.
Redfish are the crown jewel of St. Augustine inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers range from slot-sized 18-inchers up to bull reds pushing 40+ inches. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they school up in massive numbers. Watch for their distinctive black spot near the tail as they cruise the flats with their backs out of water. What makes reds so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to put serious bend in your rod. Plus, they're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live bait to artificials.
Spotted seatrout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishery. These silvery gamefish with distinctive black spots love the grass flats and can be found in good numbers year-round, with peak action in spring and early summer. They typically run 14-20 inches, though trophy trout over 24 inches show up regularly in cooler months. Trout are ambush predators that relate to structure and grass beds, making them perfect targets for soft plastic presentations. They've got a soft mouth, so the fight is more finesse than brute strength, but their willingness to hit topwater baits makes for some explosive surface strikes.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in our local waters, laying flat against sandy bottoms and oyster bars waiting to ambush passing prey. These flatfish are most active during cooler months, with fall migration producing some real doormat-sized fish. Most of our flounder run 15-18 inches, but 20+ inch specimens show up regularly for those who know where to look. What's cool about flounder fishing is the technique – you're essentially playing detective, reading bottom structure and using your rod tip to feel for that distinctive thump when they inhale your bait. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for those looking to bring dinner home.
This half-day charter hits the sweet spot for both time and action. You'll get a real taste of what makes St. Augustine inshore fishing so special without committing to a full day on the water. Captain Michael's local knowledge and dedication to putting clients on fish has made XScape Fishing a go-to choice for both visitors and locals. The three-person limit means you're not fighting for rod space or the captain's attention – it's quality fishing, not quantity of people. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or a beginner wanting to learn proper inshore techniques, this trip delivers. Book early, especially during peak seasons, because word gets around fast about consistently productive charters.
Captain Michael's 17-foot Mitzi is your ticket to St. Augustine's productive inshore waters. This reliable 2004 skiff handles like a dream with its 70HP Yamaha, getting you to the honey holes where redfish cruise the flats and speckled trout hunt the grass beds. The compact design lets us slip into skinny water where the big fish hide, while the fish finder keeps us on top of the action. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The GPS ensures we make the most of our half-day on the water, hitting multiple spots along this historic coastline. Whether you're sight-fishing for tailing reds or working the deeper channels for flounder, the Mitzi puts you right where you need to be.
St. Augustine, FL