Although our staple inshore fish species are redfish, trout, and flounder, there are quite a few different species that can be caught as well. It will also allow you to mark any areas you find, making it easier to locate again. It also offers easy access to the Everglades, which is one of Floridas most exciting inshore fisheries. You can fish in the shallow or use the mangrove tunnels to go deep and enjoy the heavenly beauty of Sarasota. The town of Vilano Beach feels like it got stuck in time in the 1950s, with a retro design and laid-back attitude that extends to the atmosphere at the pier. The waters off of Miami are legendary sailfish grounds outside of Government Cut. Second choice: Ecuador. As you mightve already guessed, deep sea fishing in St. Augustine is a year-round event. In the spring months, redfish will be coming off of conservation mode from cold winters. We strive to help anglers catch more fish by providing proven fishing spots throughout Florida. If you are fishing deep areas with a lot of current, such as along the jetties, I will use a 7 Heavy action rod on a 5000 series reel with 30lb braid mainline and 30-40lb leader material. Set up along inlet jetties and cast towards rocks. These fish will be extremely spooky as they now have the visibility they dont have during other months. The best time of day will be fishing morning and evening. As a result, the upper region of the St. Johns River is a prime area for fish such as sea trout, redfish, and flounder. This wonderfully peaceful and noise-free activity offers a genuine experience in the natural world. Fishing fees for non-residents are $6.00/adults and free for children under six. Fish shallower to capture fish moving up with the tide. (For a complete list of both saltwater and freshwater fishing tournaments in the northeast Florida area, visit here.). It is always advised to be aware of the tide cycle before heading out on the water. Blackfin are around any time of the year, although their bite differs depending on the season. As is the case with other pelagic species, Mahi Mahi are commonly targeted by trolling their known migration paths offshore. For the sight fishermen, the best months to fish St. Augustine will be during the winter, where the water is the clearest. But if you're out on the flats on the Matanzas, Tolomato or Guana River, watch out for the oysters. | fishing in Palmetto Bluff The reward is always worth it! Large tides not only increase the risks of getting stuck but can also create heavy moving water in deeper areas. How you target redfish will vary depending on the season. The locations below are primarily artificial reefs and shipwrecks. (U.S. 1) offers all tackle needs (rods, reels, hooks, lures, and line), an assortment of live bait and fresh shrimp as well as some good local information. 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. Please note, GPS views will vary depending on the brand, model, and age of your GPS. When the water is dirty, it will be harder to see oyster bars under the surface or shallow shoals. Its always a good idea to book a deep sea fishing charter with a licensed captain. 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. 1 in number of in-state anglers, angler expenditures, economic impact, and international fishing record catches, Florida's claim to fishing fame is unrivaled. Simmer at low heat for 2 minutes. And when deep sea fishing in St. Augustine is on the table, you know its gonna be world-class. Depending on what youre targeting, you can use a bucktail jig, frozen squid, pinfish, mullet, and sardines. Using a smaller diameter leader, such as 15lb, will increase your hook-up ratio. By providing structure for young fish to shelter in and serving as water filtering agents to keep the habitat clean, oysters are the main reason an estuary system is called "the nursery of the sea.". From the ultra-shallow water . In fact, you can just keep it within 3 miles offshore and fish for Chickens when the season allows! For inshore fanatics, theres the Wildwood Inshore Fishing Tournament, while the Ancient City Game Fish Challenge focuses on offshore targets. A common question I receive from charter guests, especially fly-fishermen, is whether or not the water is clear. Fish these baits on a jig head or a 1/0 hook with a split shot. Targeting species such as grouper, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, mahi, yellowfin tuna, and many others! A live bait fished on top often adds a kingfish or a blackfin tuna to the box as well. Clean ocean water coming in during an incoming tide will help clear up the water. Sailfishing has literally never been better off the East Florida coast. Its also about getting a closer look at the fishing culture of the northeast coast of Florida. When the numbers begin to drop towards the end of the summer, anglers can switch their attention to Wahoo. Game fish such as king mackerel and tarpon are plentiful in the Atlantic waters along the northeast Florida coast, especially in the summer. The rocks and bridges provide structure for fish to hold to, making them home to an array of different species. During periods of heavy wind and rain, the water will be dirty regardless of the season. Although their numbers are more than healthy, catching a big Mahi Mahi requires you to be ready when the opportunity presents itself. As far as other regulations go, youll mainly want to stay informed on rules regarding harvesting, including minimum size and bag restrictions. The "Reel Dream" has a cruising speed of approximately 45mph and a top speed of 63 mph. St. Augustine also hosts fishing tournaments, such as Northeast Florida Marlin Association Bluewater Tournament in April. All the essentials are included on these tours, which can be tailor-made to suit individual skills or adventure level desired. Along the Intracoastal waterway are a series of creeks and outflows that will dump into the main waterway on a falling tide. Dwyer's Wreck. St Augustine, FL through St Augustine Beach poses the hottest location in the state for inshore fishing this month. With the Atlantic Ocean minutes away from the city, you can always count on exceptional angling opportunities right at your doorstep. This will make areas that are navigable at high tide, completely dry land at low tide. The Guana River Dam Use Area is open daily for fishing. Charter fishing captains provide everything, from the boat itself to all the fishing equipment, including bait, and, most importantly, the expertise. You can add these spots to the cart at the bottom of the page; then simply, select the SD card option during checkout. Whether you prefer trolling for Spanish, Kingfish, and Sailfish or bottom fishing for Cobia, Snapper, and Amberjack, we have got you covered! But several species of saltwater fish can also be found in the upper regions of this north-flowing river, due to the influence of tides which bring brackish water back into the river, creating an estuarine ecosystem that extends south for quite a distance. Venture offshore for marlin, sailfish, dolphin and wahoo. Some county and state parks also feature fishing piers: Treaty Park's pier is on the lake in the center of the park, Vaill Point Park has a pier along Moultrie Creek, and Faver-Dykes State Park offers a pier for fishing on Pellicer Creek. However, when fishing from shore, make sure to get a valid license and look up all the relevant information regarding size restrictions and bag limits, before wetting a line. Click on a location on the map to see its description and coordinates, or scroll down to the list to see all the details. St. Augustine boasts a large tarpon fishery, especially from June through September. The first advantage of finding great spots is to have access to a boat. Deep Sea Fishing in Sarasota: The Complete Guide. If youre looking for a good place to reel-in some fish, this area has what it takes including strong currents and diverse habitat that will keep any angler happy. Offshore your will find: Pelagic Fish - species that swim the open oceans and congregate closer to the surface - Billfish, Tuna We have an incredible history, breathtaking beaches, and the fishing is outstanding. 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. In June, as the ocean warms up, you can head to a reef or wreck and look for schools of Gags. Rods need to have feel and a sufficient amount of bend to make casting further easier. Vacationers can rent skiffs for nosing around in the shallows, pontoon boats for larger groups, and kayaks for nature lovers and kayak fishermen. The way you go about getting to your targets is going to mostly depend on your preference. Kates career has been all about words reading them, writing them, editing and proofreading them, working with many book publishers and p.r. Our local experts have knowledge and experience to get you on fish all trip long. In addition to our year-round fish, tarpon, jacks, and large breeder redfish are present during these months. A good rule of thumb is that where you can navigate at low tide, is safe to run at a high tide. Fishing from a party boat, however, does mean that youll have to sacrifice some of the flexibility enjoyed on private charters. However, what some may not know is that deep sea fishing in Marco Island also has plenty going for it. It would be hard to find a more relaxed or informal spot to do some fishing, soak up the sun, and enjoy the views. Since the majority of the bottom is extremely soft mud and sharp oysters, you cannot simply walk around at will. Redfish are known for their shallow water antics including tailing and swimming with their backs out of the water. For an in-depth look at why this is important, take a look at Why do fishing rods bend? Within your tackle box it is a good idea to have oz jig heads, some hooks ranging from size 1 to 4/0, some top water lures, and paddle tail soft plastics. We always love to hear from you! You can find an excellent captain out of any marina between Fort Pierce and Key West. Book a Charter; St. Augustine Daily Fishing Report; CHARTER INFO CALL (904) 377-3734. Late spring and early summer is the ideal time to go for Mahi Mahi, although they still bite throughout the year. When it comes to bait, anglers normally use cut and live bait both prove effective. If we were to set a strict seasonality, peak fishing would be from March through June, and then from September to October. These boats typically stick to the nearshore waters but if you find the right party boat, you might even get a chance to go into deeper waters. St. Augustine, FL is the nations oldest city and draws millions of visitors each year to learn about our rich history and enjoy our beautiful town. They will begin to feed and fatten up while water temperatures are still not too hot. The Bait Shack at the Vilano Boat Ramp is well stocked with a wide range of live and frozen bait, tackle, and great advice. The camp is located about 15 miles south of St. Augustine on the Matanzas River. More often than not, this spot will hold fish every time the conditions are the same. Craig Hastings/Getty Images. Im Captain James, and I have been fishing the waters of St Augustine for over 20 years. Its no surprise that Coco has become synonymous with aquatic adventures. But what a chase it is! Checkout buttons are found at the bottom of the pages throughout this website. Just like Sailfish, a lot of Blue Marlins can be taken in relatively shallow waters from 300 to 700 feet. Predator fish tend to hold in these areas and let prey flush towards them. In the Stuart area, we are officially the Sailfish Capital of the World for good reason: Sailfishing rocks here. Fishing for Mahi Mahi is always a pleasure for anglers and captains around the world, and St. Augustine is no exception. Of course, the setting is only half the story. In the summer, the water will be very tannic and resemble chocolate milk. We offer private charters for your group of 6 people or less! 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. Bottom fishing for snapper, grouper, triggerfish, cobia, and jacks is excellent. Trolling is also a perfect technique to use when youre on your way to a spot. It is bottom fishing about 20 to 30 miles out for a whole day trip. We are a 14 Year Verified Seller and Merchant with 100% Positive seller Feedback. The average price for an inshore fishing trip is $436 for 4 hours and 2 anglers. The offshore towers, reefs, and wrecks offer excellent fishing year round and contain some very large fish such as the Goliath Grouper, Cobia, giant Permit, Snapper, Amberjacks, Dolphin, Sharks, Barracuda, etc. Well, the good news is, of course you can! Summer is also a great time of year to target the large breeder redfish along the inlet jetties or bridges. Most fish can be caught on a 7 Medium Light rod with a 3000 series reel. Nearshore and offshore fishing in these Atlantic waters are usually done between 10 and 30 miles offshore of St Augustine in water depths between 20 and 100 feet. Tired of fishing the same spots? Here are just a few of the many excellent fishing services in the local area. The adjacent Anastasia State Park provides tons of recreational resources as well, including canoe and kayak rentals. The town of Vilano Beach feels like it got stuck in time in the 1950s, with a retro design and laid-back attitude that extends to the atmosphere at the pier. These fishing grounds demand skill but they also reward it handsomely. Fish shallow flats on the first of the incoming tide using a live shrimp, piece of blue crab, or jerk bait that imitates a shrimp. Some Sails jam around weed lines, looking to snack on some Mahi Mahi. However, almost all of that pales in comparison when compared to [], Deep Sea Fishing in Marco Island: The Complete Guide. We all know that hardly any sportfishing angler would want to miss out on the Gulf Stream Billfishing action. If desired, thicken sauce with teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in a little water. Fish on! This limits access for fishermen and makes for less pressure on fish. (904) 217-3486, The Avid Angler, at 3101 N. Ponce Blvd. The park is a true paradise for anyone looking for a calm place to get away from the noise. All forms will be emailed to you shortly after checkout. There are also some important dates to keep in mind, such as season openings and annual tournaments. As we mentioned earlier, there are various reefs, shipwrecks, and ledges ideal for some trolling action in St. Augustine. Initially, during the winter months, the redfish will be shallow. If you have your own boat, hiring a guide can still be beneficial. Please see the image below showing a sample of our included Google Earth mobile and computer files. Big Blues pass through St. Augustine first in April and May and then in September. Hot spots include the Melbourne Canyons, Capt. Captain Danny can take you out to Saint Augustine's artificial reefs for some awesome offshore bottom fishing! Your captain will most likely take you to wrecks, reefs, and other bottom structures where youll get a chance to reel in one of the bottom-dwellers. About: The Vilano Beach Pier is a very wonderful place to fish. Fish will begin to push shallow and feed primarily on shrimp and crabs. Jun, Sep & Jul The best months for fishing are June, September and July. The Shack is run by Elaine Mussallem, who is very active in the local fishing community. Below we will discuss finding areas to fish, things you should be aware of before heading out on the water, and what you can expect to catch. The best way to explore the area when learning is to navigate at low tide. Bottom-fishing is another great way to spend the day and add some tasty game fish to the fillet table. Along the main ICW, there are navigation markers. All rights reserved. and GPS software is the best way to find the public spots. nurture a variety of snapper and grouper species year-round, with cobia, amberjack, and black sea bass plentiful depending on the season. This is also a great time of year to throw topwater lures at first light. On average, the base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter is $682 for 2 anglers. There's a surprising variety of fly fishing in St. Augustine as well, including blind casting for trout and casting for schools of jacks or ladyfish. If you send your bait to the reefs or other bottom destinations, you can find Gag Grouper or Grays, as locals call them. Additionally, All Water Expeditions may participate in affiliate offers from other companies at any given time. Inshore, our primary targeted species are redfish, but there are many year-round species available. A great starting point is definitely the Vilano Beach Pier. Using a small back crab fly with a heavy weed guard will rarely be refused. This furthers the case for having good electronics with a mapping system. Captain Adam is fully . Typically charters travel 10 to 30 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean fishing reefs and ledges for a variety of species including cobia, amberjack and sea bass. Since this is the case, locating fishing spots can prove difficult, especially for someone wanting to fish from land. The cheapest rates start at $350 for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip near St. Augustine. Let us know in the comments below. If youre after big Amberjack, Snapper, and Grouper, youll probably search for them around deep offshore wrecks and reefs. One of the most popular spots for inshore and fly fishing is Salt Run, which cuts into the northern part of Anastasia Island. Blackfin Tuna are available for anyone willing to do some trolling on the shelf edge 30 miles offshore. At the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, canoe and kayaks can be rented through Ripple Effects Eco Tours, who also provide guided fishing tours in the Ponte Vedra location as well as the south portion of the Reserve in Marineland. Inshore Adventures. Additionally, I will review what gear you should bring when fishing, and whether or not hiring a guide is a good idea. They will use mid-day sun to warm up, especially on mid-day incoming tides. A great spot for visitors to enjoy fishing without a big time or money commitment is the St. Johns County Ocean Pier on St. Augustine Beach. The scenery isnt the only thing the piers got going for it, though. Combine this ferocity with their impressive size and you start to see why Wahoo is a catch worth bragging about. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Every fishing destination has a prime season. These files work with many mobile devices and all computers. Here are just a few of the many excellent fishing services in the local area. Well, this technique is reserved for bigger fish and deeper waters. One of the most common mistakes I see is anglers using rods that are too heavy. We are considered "St. Augustine's Sport Fishing Charter". There are countless fishing areas beyond 10 miles offshore and a handful in closer that allow anglers to target many different species at . Schools of these pelagic species are caught by trolling and can sometimes be caught while fishing for Sailfish. All Water Expeditions is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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! Surf fishing requires different equipment and a strong arm to get the cast out beyond the breakers. The J-Hook represents the highest level of St Augustine Offshore Fishing Charters. A good day of bottom fishing is actually action-packed, since youll be doing a lot of reeling in. Before you decide to take your fishing adventure offshore, there are a few things you need to know. The oyster beds that can be seen peeking up out of the water at low tide are a big part of that, as they are a key species for the ecosystem. Rich both in quantity and variety, the surrounding waters provide countless possible targets. 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. It is always recommended to hire a guide when fishing in an unfamiliar area. A couple of significant billfish and game fish tournaments take place in St. Augustine every year, with two big ones in the summer the Annual Bluewater Tournament at Camachee Cove in late April or early May and the Ancient City Game Fish Challenge in July, also based in Camachee Cove. Therefore, the majority of the time, fish will be facing directly into the current. They also use outriggers long poles fitted on both sides of the boat. (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. It lies just above the Florida Reef with its countless tropical islands and eternal summer. Read about what each type of fishing brings table below, and make your choice from there. From the pristine beaches of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve in Ponte Vedra to Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach and south to Crescent Beach, surfcasters will find rich opportunities to catch drum, whiting, pompano and more. Inshore Adventures Guided Fishing Charters offer a daily St Augustine fishing report and know the best places for fishing in St Augustine, Florida. The area also has plenty of islands nearby, so you'll never get bored of the area, no matter how long you'll be staying. Thousands of stripes converge in the area for the seasonal baitfish run. Lets start with what you can catch in this sportfishing paradise. Andy King Reef View Reef: Capo Reef . In addition to oyster bars, there are a series of sand shoals that can be extremely shallow. Powerboats both large and small, skiffs, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent at local outfitters and marinas. On the other hand, adrenaline junkies meet your perfect target! The lack of visibility can affect your ability to navigate as well. St. Lucie Humps, Bethel Shoals. When is the best time to go deep sea fishing in St. Augustine? The big news came from Green Cove Springs where Mike at R&J Tackle reports the shrimp are . The majority of captains use cut bait, lures, or live bait, such as Ballyhoo and Mullet. The anatomy of redfish makes them primarily bottom-feeding fish. Load our GPS file from your computer, to an SD Card, and then directly to your boats GPS system. (It's best to avoid fishing from the jetty itself the footing is dangerous and the rocks can be unstable.). Cast your line and take a seat on the beach while you wait for a bite! Capt. Place pan on medium heat on top of the stove and add cup water and herbs. The Vilano Beach Pier (pictured above) is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, facing back towards St. Augustine. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat. If you are interested in learning more about booking a trip with me, please check out All Water Expeditions. 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.