Lets start with what you can catch in this sportfishing paradise. Holes along the corners of creeks. During winter months, the water becomes clear and the fish will school together. St. Augustine Fishing Piers For a bit of a boost in fishing locations, head to one of St. Augustine's piers. The anglers who get the most out of kayak fishing trips are those that welcome the challenges that this type of adventure brings with it. Picking the best spot for deep sea fishing, of course. | fishing in Crescent Beach (5 mi.) Saint Augustine Inlet is a channel located just 1.8 miles from Saint Augustine, in St. Johns County, in the state of Florida, United States. During the fall months, migratory species are still present and fish are eating excessively preparing for the winter months. Using a guide will be safer, allow you to learn about the area, and typically catch more fish. A popular spot for knowledgeable surfcasters is around the inlet at Vilano Beach, especially in the area from the jetty on the Atlantic side west to Porpoise Point. Many of our fishing spots were gathered with the assistance of local guides; consequently, producing excellent fishing locations and guaranteeing an exciting day on the water. For the sight fishermen, the best months to fish St. Augustine will be during the winter, where the water is the clearest. Consistently ranked No. In the spring months, redfish will be coming off of conservation mode from cold winters. Now that you know whats on Augustines deep sea fishing menu, its time to talk about how you can catch these species. Mac (Adam), a Florida native, is here to get you on some fish and to make sure you have fun doing it. Local anglers prefer fishing for them from Christmas until Easter, however, you can still find Blackfins during the summer months. These fish will be extremely spooky as they now have the visibility they dont have during other months. The SD option will be obvious once the fishing spots are added to the cart. Call 1 (904) 814-2442 or About. Fishing for Mahi Mahi is always a pleasure for anglers and captains around the world, and St. Augustine is no exception. There are closed seasons for several popular targets that you need to be aware of if youre planning on targeting one of them on your trip. A small finger mullet or mud minnow on a jig head will work best. The water depth should be at least 100 feet for it to be considered a deep-sea fishing area. Backwater Fishing. Being close to the inlet, youll see anything from Flounder and Snook to Red Snapper passing through the waters below. I have been fishing these waters since I was a kid and have been making a living fishing as a guide for quite some time now. St. Augustine is an awesome place to visit! Drop Down also offers special services to includ Read more Ask the Community The scenery isnt the only thing the piers got going for it, though. Garnish with watercress and orange slices. As we mentioned earlier, there are various reefs, shipwrecks, and ledges ideal for some trolling action in St. Augustine. Once you've caught them, here are a couple of great ways to cook them: Melt butter with 2 tablespoons water and lemon juice. I specialize in shallow water fly fishing and light spin. These areas are accessible by boat and with a little effort, can be accessed from shore. Sailfish hang out around the reefs, wrecks, and natural ledges close to shore during the summer months and all the way through September and October. Before you decide to take your fishing adventure offshore, there are a few things you need to know. Sea Love Charters is also a great guide and very affordable. Just as the Mahi numbers start to dip towards the end of the summer, a new challenger makes an appearance in St. Augustines offshore grounds. Fishing Hot Spots, FL St. Augustine - Palm Coast to South Ponte Vedra Beach Another year-round magnet for anglers, drawn to the unspoiled beauty and top-notch fishing. This month is synonymous with insane striped marlin fishing in Magdalena Bay, a body of water that opens to the Pacific some 180 miles north of Cabo San Lucas. Fish these baits on a jig head or a 1/0 hook with a split shot. For example, youll see more Amberjack and Mangrove Snapper near the reefs and wrecks as the ocean gets a bit warmer. As the vast amount of water from marshes and creeks flows in and out of our single inlet, water will be flowing like a river in areas near the inlet and bridges. | fishing in Palmetto Bluff For instance, the federal Red Snapper season only runs for a few days during the year. Popular with locals and visitors alike, its the perfect spot to test the bite and target a variety of inshore and nearshore species. St. Augustine boasts a large tarpon fishery, especially from June through September. Deep Sea Fishing in Sarasota: The Complete Guide. I love what I do, and couldnt imagine doing anything else. Clean ocean water coming in during an incoming tide will help clear up the water. Popular surf fishing spots can be found at Vilano Beach, Anastasia State Park, and St. Augustine Beach. The best offshore fishing spots in St. Augustine Florida are right off the coast of Matanzas! Remove fish from broiler, cover to keep hot. Along the main ICW, there are navigation markers. Close to the Matanzas Inlet, this shop offers fresh and live shrimp and other baits as well. St. Augustine Florida offshore reef destinations. Rods need to have feel and a sufficient amount of bend to make casting further easier. Here are just a few of the many excellent fishing services in the local area. Watch the tides on the tidal side to prevent getting stranded in low-tide conditions. Like most other inshore species, Tarpon can also be targeted year-round. Fishing Coordinates Florida St. Johns County St. Johns County GPS Coordinates for Fishing The locations below are primarily artificial reefs and shipwrecks. Give us a call today to schedule your day out in the water with your friends. Florida GPS fishing spots for the Atlantic and Gulf coast of Florida. Have you ever been deep sea fishing in St. Augustine? Anastasia State Park 117 Closed until 10:00 AM "I have had many great experiences here fishing, picnicking, finding mussels, camping and bbqs." more 2. If youre after big Amberjack, Snapper, and Grouper, youll probably search for them around deep offshore wrecks and reefs. IE. Deep sea fishing in St. Augustine isnt only about legendary battles with huge game fish. Besides the usual pier, other amenities at St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier include sports courts and pedestrian ramps. Nearshore and offshore fishing are done in waters between 20 and 100 feet deep, usually 10 to 30 miles offshore in the Atlantic. Sarasota is one of the most renowned fishing destinations in Florida. The Vilano Beach Pier (pictured above) is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, facing back towards St. Augustine. Whenever you work the bottom, you can also find Black Bass, Amberjack, and even Sharks, while Kingfish, Barracuda, and Cobia might show up during your trolling action. How was it? Before you rush out on the water, you need to be mindful of safety. Do you enjoy trolling, drift fishing, or bottom fishing? (pictured above) is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, facing back towards St. Augustine. Read about what each type of fishing brings table below, and make your choice from there. From calm inshore waterways, where the action is focused on tailing Redfish, to legendary battles on the waves offshore, St. Augustine fishing is an experience you cant miss! MacDaddy Offshore Charters. On average, the base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter is $682 for 2 anglers. These files work with many mobile devices and all computers. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. (904) 315-4758, One of the most well-respected fishing guides in northeast Florida, Captain James Dumas of Drum Man Charters excels at light tackle fishing on the flats. Fishing Charters St Augustine Florida. He and his wife, Jodie Lynn, have been in the fishing charter business since 1990, offering charters for family fishing as well as several options for groups, including overnight trips, all departing from the Conch House Marina. Click on a location on the map to see its description and coordinates, or scroll down to the list to see all the details. From the ultra-shallow water . The overwhelming sight, combined . Please note, GPS views will vary depending on the brand, model, and age of your GPS. Captain Tommy Derringer is a staff writer for Coastal Angler, a redfish tour professional, and an all-round expert in inshore and nearshore fishing. Unless youre going after a specific fish, theres usually going to be more than one way to accomplish your goal. Smell the Florida breeze with a stop at St. Johns County Ocean & Fishing Pier. Fly fisherman should use small olive baitfish imitations or tan shrimp patterns with a bit of flash. Vacationers can rent skiffs for nosing around in the shallows, pontoon boats for larger groups, and kayaks for nature lovers and kayak fishermen. We include a regular satellite view with these fishing spots and a built in NOAA chart is also included on the second Google Earth file! (904) 217-3486, The Avid Angler, at 3101 N. Ponce Blvd. Depending on what youre after, you can expect to spend your time offshore trolling, bottom fishing, deep dropping, jiggingor all at the same time. However, what some may not know is that deep sea fishing in Marco Island also has plenty going for it. They also offer fishing charters, both inshore and offshore. There are three fishing piers on the historic Bartram Trail (County Road 13) along the river in St. Johns Countythe Alpine Groves Pier in Fruit Cove, the Riverfront Park Pier, and Shands Pier in St. Johns (see the map of fishing piers below). Thousands of stripes converge in the area for the seasonal baitfish run. It's all in the detailswhat speed to troll at, whether to use live or artificial bait, what weights to use to keep the lure at the desired depth, and much moreonly experience can provide that knowledge. (For a complete list of both saltwater and freshwater fishing tournaments in the northeast Florida area, visit here.). Although our staple inshore fish species are redfish, trout, and flounder, there are quite a few different species that can be caught as well. Smaller boats should avoid these areas when the tide is flowing. The J-Hook represents the highest level of St Augustine Offshore Fishing Charters. All fishing spots will load to your waypoints list and your GPS Map screen. Access to fish-filled ocean, great weather, and rich history this is probably how wed describe the Ancient City. If youre visiting St. Augustine to catch fish and enjoy the oldest city in the US, youre in the right place. Also, unless youre fishing with a licensed charter, youll need to make sure you have the appropriate licenses for everyone in your group before dropping a line. If youre fishing with a federally licensed charter during the open season, theres nothing that can stop you from fully enjoying some nice Red Snapper action in St. Augustine. Beyond just history, this seaside destination has something for everyone. When the numbers begin to drop towards the end of the summer, anglers can switch their attention to Wahoo. The camp is located about 15 miles south of St. Augustine on the Matanzas River. Large rods with a heavy line will not only make it harder to feel bites but also allows fish to see the line easier. It's 1,600 acres of hiking trails, wetland fishing, and nature expeditions. St. Augustine is home to a number of exceptional guides for inshore and offshore. First choice: Mexico. I decided to start posting pictures as a daily fishing report for St. Augustine and as the years have past the posts have grown to be thousands of photos. It makes up almost the entirety of St. Augustine's eastern coastline. At the tail end of the winter, fish will go to deeper areas where the water is actually warmer. Additionally, with the St. Augustine Inlet providing the local charter fleet direct access to the ocean, youll waste no time in transit if you decide to take your adventure offshore. Once here, Wahoo will stick around until the spring, giving anglers whiplash each time they make a run for the bait. With the large tide movement, these shoals can move and change shape. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. One of the most popular spots for inshore and fly fishing is Salt Run, which cuts into the northern part of Anastasia Island. Powerboats both large and small, skiffs, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent at local outfitters and marinas. In addition to our year-round fish, tarpon, jacks, and large breeder redfish are present during these months. Cook 15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes. | fishing in Vilano Beach (15 mi.) They also use outriggers long poles fitted on both sides of the boat. Then, theres easy access to the Atlantic. The Shack is run by Elaine Mussallem, who is very active in the local fishing community. Right at its doorstep, youll be greeted by the rich fishing grounds of the Intracoastal Waterway. The nearshore reefs and ledges (including shipwrecks!) Spring is also perfect for targeting Mahi Mahi, although they come back in autumn, too. Deep Sea Fishing in Marco Island: The Complet Playas del Coco Fishing: The Complete Guide, Fishing in Fernandina Beach: The Complete Guide. Local captains usually cover all the necessary fishing licenses and permits for their anglers. The bragging rights, however, dont come easy. In June, as the ocean warms up, you can head to a reef or wreck and look for schools of Gags. Apart from maximizing your fishing time, private charters are extremely versatile. Since the area is made up of vast mash land full of mazy creeks lined with oysters. The fall, however, is the easiest time to catch fish. Serious anglers who bring their boats with them on vacation can find a complete list of all St. Johns County boat ramps. With at least 20 different fishing holes, you can find your own little nook away from the noise and fish the day away. These fishing grounds demand skill but they also reward it handsomely. This limits access for fishermen and makes for less pressure on fish. Trolling is also a perfect technique to use when youre on your way to a spot. As a lifelong resident of the city and a full-time fishing guide, I am very familiar with fishing the area. Fishing fees for non-residents are $6.00/adults and free for children under six. The best part is that you can come here anytime you want and still find something big biting hard! Well, this technique is reserved for bigger fish and deeper waters. A variety of good structures, both man-made and natural, can be found off St. Augustine, harboring grouper, several species of snapper, cobia and more. Best fishing spots near me in St. Augustine, FL Sort:Recommended Good for Kids 1. It is bottom fishing about 20 to 30 miles out for a whole day trip. But if you're out on the flats on the Matanzas, Tolomato or Guana River, watch out for the oysters. Whether youre a seasoned veteran or pretty new to the sport, the Ancient Citys vibrant fishery is sure to provide you with an adventure that fits your needs perfectly. Therefore, the majority of the time, fish will be facing directly into the current. Rich both in quantity and variety, the surrounding waters provide countless possible targets. Fishing the flats can be quite exciting, whether you're fishing for trout with light tackle or sight fishing for redfish during a flood tide when the fish go right up into the grass. And when deep sea fishing in St. Augustine is on the table, you know its gonna be world-class. (904) 471-4144, A favorite place to stay for visiting fishermen, Devil's Elbow Fishing Resort also offers charters and boat rentals, and has a bait shop on property as well. Call (904) 209-0326 for more information. Although their numbers are more than healthy, catching a big Mahi Mahi requires you to be ready when the opportunity presents itself. Naturally, fishing in Playas del Coco will be our [], Known as the Isle of 8 Flags after the eight nations that have flown their flags on Amelia Island throughout history, Fernandina Beach is a place with a rich backstory. Florida is one of the most famous places on the globe for sport fishing, and the northeast coast sits right in the heart of it all. Redfish are a hearty, hard fighting fish and extremely fun to catch. The first advantage of finding great spots is to have access to a boat. and GPS software is the best way to find the public spots. If you can handle the long ride out to deeper water, about 50 miles, then you are in for some exciting fishing! Game fish such as king mackerel and tarpon are plentiful in the Atlantic waters along the northeast Florida coast, especially in the summer. If you are visiting the area or newly moved here, I strongly recommend hiring a guide and seeing what this fishery is all about! This is when the big ones are on the move and you have the best chance at taking part in one of those legendary airborne battles.