Expert-Led St. Augustine Offshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

St. Augustine, FL
$500 - $900 price range

Summary

Ready for some top-notch fishing off St. Augustine? Hop aboard Captain Mike's 22' Pathfinder TRS for a 4-hour offshore adventure. With room for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast your lines and reel in the big ones. The waters around St. Augustine are teeming with prized catches like redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, snook, and even tarpon. Captain Mike knows all the best spots, whether you're looking to fish inshore or head out a bit further. He'll put his experience to work, helping you target the species you're after and making sure everyone has a great time on the water. The base trip includes two guests, but there's room for more if you want to bring along some friends. St. Augustine's scenic coastline provides a beautiful backdrop for your fishing expedition. Grab your gear and get ready for a day of reeling, relaxing, and enjoying Florida's vibrant marine life.

Expert-Led St. Augustine Offshore Fishing Charters

Reels and Catches

Redfish trophy catch for young angler.

Two redfish, 15 inches long, caught while fishing in FL

null

null

Light Tackle Fishing St Augustine

Reel in the Big Ones: St. Augustine Offshore

Ready to test your skills against some of Florida's most prized gamefish? Hop aboard Captain Mike's 22' Pathfinder and let's hit the rich waters off St. Augustine for a half-day of offshore action. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour trip is your ticket to hooking into some serious fighters like redfish, snook, and the legendary tarpon. We'll cruise past the historic coastline and head to where the fish are biting, giving you a shot at filling the cooler and making memories that'll have you itching to get back out there.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're standing on a roomy 22-foot Pathfinder, rod in hand, as the St. Augustine coastline fades behind you. Captain Mike's at the helm, using his years of local knowledge to put you right where the fish are feeding. We're talking prime spots for redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, snook, and if lady luck's on our side, maybe even a tarpon. The boat's got plenty of space for you and up to three buddies to cast comfortably. No need to pack a lunch – this half-day trip is all about maximizing your time with lines in the water. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat, 'cause once those reels start singing, it's go-time.

Techniques That Hook 'Em

Out here, we play the fish's game. Depending on what's biting, we might be drifting live bait along structure, jigging around offshore reefs, or sight-casting to rolling tarpon. Captain Mike's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's using circle hooks for a clean catch-and-release or switching up lures to match the hatch. We'll rig you up with top-notch gear suited for the day's targets. Newbies, don't sweat it – the captain's got you covered with tips on everything from setting the hook to fighting that stubborn bull red. And for you old salts, there's always something new to learn about these waters.

Top Catches This Season

St. Augustine's offshore scene is on fire right now. Anglers have been crushing it with monster redfish, some pushing 40 inches. The sea trout bite has been steady, with plenty of keeper-sized fish coming over the rails. Sheepshead are stacked up on the nearshore reefs, perfect for those who love a challenge and a tasty dinner. Snook fishing has been heating up as we move into warmer months, and there's buzz about early tarpon sightings. Every trip's different, but that's the beauty of it – you never know when you might hook into the fish of a lifetime.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Florida's coasts. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can grow to over 40 pounds in these waters. They're ambush predators, often found tailing in shallow flats or cruising near structure. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch quality reds year-round.

Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't your typical trout. Spotted seatrout are actually members of the drum family, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when fighting them. Look for sea trout around grass flats and oyster bars, where they hunt small baitfish and shrimp. Their speckled pattern makes them a beautiful catch, and they're excellent on the dinner plate too.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong in a dentist's office, sheepshead are unmistakable. These crafty fish are masters at stealing bait, making them a favorite target for anglers who love a challenge. We find them around pilings, jetties, and artificial reefs, where they use those teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Winter and early spring see big schools of sheepshead gathering to spawn – that's when the action really heats up.

Snook: Snook are the rockstars of inshore fishing. With their sleek, silver bodies and distinctive lateral line, they're as beautiful as they are fun to catch. Snook are ambush predators, often lurking around mangroves, docks, and inlets. They're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps that'll have your heart racing. The bite really picks up in late spring and summer when they move to the beaches and passes to spawn.

Tarpon: The silver king. The hundred-pound heartbreaker. Whatever you call them, tarpon are the ultimate gamefish. These prehistoric-looking giants can top 150 pounds and put on aerial displays that'll leave you slack-jawed. Hooking one is thrilling; landing one is an accomplishment. Tarpon start showing up in our waters in late spring, with the peak season running through summer. Even if you don't boat one, just seeing these massive fish roll on the surface is an unforgettable experience.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. St. Augustine offers a fishing experience that's hard to beat. One minute you're casting in the shadow of the historic lighthouse, the next you're battling a bull red in open water. The diversity of species means every trip is different. Maybe you'll sight-cast to tailing reds one day, then troll for tarpon the next. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's always eager to share that knowledge. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just enjoy a day on the water with friends, this trip delivers. And let's not forget the bragging rights – nothing beats showing off photos of your trophy catch with the beautiful St. Augustine coastline in the background.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Mike's ready to put you on them. This 4-hour offshore trip is perfect for squeezing in some quality fishing without eating up your whole day. Whether you're a local looking for your next big catch or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Florida fishing, this charter's got you covered. The boat's comfortable, the fishing's hot, and the memories you'll make are priceless. Don't let this chance slip away – the best days on the water are the ones you actually take. Give Captain Mike a call, round up your fishing buddies, and let's get out there. The big one's waiting, and it's got your name on it.

Learn more about the animals

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. Most "slot" reds run 3-8 pounds, but bull reds over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them tailing in shallow flats or cruising near oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Redfish put up a stubborn, powerful fight and make excellent table fare. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water - it's like hunting on the flats. Live bait like mullet or crabs works great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. One local tip - on calm days, look for pushing water or swirls to spot cruising reds. A well-placed cast in front of them often results in an aggressive strike.

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called spotted seatrout, are a staple of inshore fishing here. These speckled beauties typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 5+ pounds. Look for them over grass flats and around oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are ideal. Trout put up a decent fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky meat. Anglers love targeting them for their willingness to hit artificial lures. A popping cork rig with a live shrimp is tough to beat, but soft plastics and topwater lures can be deadly too. One local trick - work those grass edges where trout like to ambush bait. A slow, twitching retrieve often triggers more strikes than a steady one.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are crafty bait-stealers with a face only a mother could love. Those human-like teeth are perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles off pilings and jetties. Most run 2-4 pounds, but fish up to 15 pounds aren't unheard of. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons as they gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their tenacious fights and excellent table fare. Getting sheepshead to bite can be tricky - they're notorious for stealing bait. I always tell folks to use a small, sharp hook and set it quick when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles are top baits. Fish as close to structure as you can and be ready to pull hard to keep them out of the pilings.

Snook

Snook are a hard-fighting inshore species that keep anglers coming back for more. You'll typically find these silver-sided fish with a distinctive black lateral line hanging around structures like mangroves, docks, and bridges in 1-15 feet of water. Most run 2-10 pounds, but trophy snook over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures are ideal. Snook put up an acrobatic fight with explosive runs and jumps. Their tasty white meat makes them popular for the dinner table too. When targeting snook, I always tell folks to work those lures right up against the structure - that's where the big ones like to ambush prey. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish is tough to beat, but artificial lures like jerkbaits can be deadly too. Just be ready to muscle that snook away from the pilings when it hits!

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing. These prehistoric-looking beasts can top 100 pounds and put on quite an aerial show when hooked. Look for them rolling and gulping air in coastal passes and around bridges, especially during their spring and early summer spawning run. Tarpon aren't the best eating, but the sheer thrill of battling one makes them a bucket list fish for many anglers. They've got tough, bony mouths, so setting the hook is critical. I always tell clients to bow to the king when a tarpon jumps - drop your rod tip to give some slack or risk breaking them off. Live bait like crabs or mullet works well, but watching a tarpon inhale a well-placed fly is hard to beat. Just be ready for some sore arms the next day!

About the 2200 Pathfinder TRS

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for some awesome fishing action in St. Augustine? Join Captain Mike on his sweet 22' Pathfinder TRS for a four-hour offshore adventure. This boat's got plenty of room for you and a buddy to cast lines and reel in the big ones. You'll be chasing after prized catches like redfish, sea trout, sheepshead, snook, and maybe even some tarpon if you're lucky. Captain Mike knows all the prime spots where the fish are biting, whether you want to stick closer to shore or head out into deeper waters. He'll get you set up with the right gear and share some local fishing wisdom to boost your chances of landing a keeper. St. Augustine's waters are teeming with fish, and this trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Soak up the Florida sunshine, feel the salt spray on your face, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Who knows? You might just come back with an epic fish story and dinner for the grill. Don't miss out on this chance to make some waves and memories on the beautiful Atlantic coast!

Sitemap