%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F1171%2Fimages%2Fbac.png&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated St. Augustine Inshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- St. Augustine, FL
- $500 - $900 price range
- Updated Date: October 18, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Ffe2cadd7-164a-4725-a56f-2661a14bc253%2Fratecard%2F14.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Inshore Action Shots
Huge King Mackerel reeled in while trolling with heavy tackle!
Clear skies and heavy tackle: the perfect recipe for an epic day on the water!
Reel in the Fun: Inshore Fishing in St. Augustine
Hey there, angler! Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Join us at Back At It Fishing Charters for a half-day adventure you won't forget. We're talking about stalking redfish in the shallows, battling snook under the mangroves, and maybe even hooking into a high-flying tarpon. St. Augustine's backwaters are teeming with fish, and we know just where to find 'em.
What to Expect on the Water
Our 4-hour trips are perfect for both seasoned pros and folks who've never held a rod before. We'll cruise out from St. Augustine's scenic harbor, and Captain Mike will get you dialed in on the hottest spots. Whether you're casting soft plastics for reds or live-lining for snook, we've got all the gear you need. And don't worry about crowding – we keep it cozy with a max of four anglers, though the base price covers two. It's all about giving you the best shot at tight lines and bent rods.
Techniques That Put Fish in the Boat
Inshore fishing is all about finesse and knowing the water. We might start by sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, using light tackle to avoid spooking these wary fighters. If the snook are hanging around structure, we'll switch to live bait and precision casting. For flounder, we'll slow things down with a bottom-bouncing approach that tempts these tasty flatfish. And if the tarpon are rolling? Hold on tight – we'll break out the heavy gear for a shot at the "silver king." Captain Mike's been at this game for years, and he'll make sure you're using the right technique for whatever's biting.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Captain Mike was an exceptional fishing charter guide. He was very friendly and helpful. He was determined to get us to some fish and he did succeed. Very happy with the trip and would book again. Recommend to all! GO ON CAPTAIN MIKE'S CHARTER!!!! He made my granddaughter's day special." - Angie
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They love to cruise the flats and often give themselves away with their trademark "tailing" behavior. In St. Augustine, we see reds from "rat reds" up to trophy-sized bull reds over 40 inches. They put up a great fight and are absolute dynamite on light tackle. Fall is prime time for big schools, but we catch 'em year-round.
Snook: Ah, the wily snook – they're like the ninjas of the inshore world. These ambush predators love to hang around mangroves, docks, and other structure. They're known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag. We typically target snook from spring through fall, with the bite really heating up in the summer months. Landing a big snook is a true Florida fishing achievement.
Southern Flounder: Don't let their funny looks fool you – flounder are serious predators and a blast to catch. These flatfish lie in wait on the bottom, ambushing prey that swims by. We often find them around drop-offs, creek mouths, and sandy patches. While they're available year-round, the fall run is something special. And let's not forget – they're some of the best eating fish in the sea!
Tarpon: The "silver king" is the ultimate game fish for many anglers. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds in our waters, and their aerial displays are the stuff of fishing legend. We usually see tarpon move through from late spring to early fall, with peak action in the summer. Hooking one is exciting; landing one is an accomplishment you'll never forget. Just be ready for a workout – these fish don't give up easily!
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking to try something new, our St. Augustine inshore trips deliver the goods. With Captain Mike's local know-how, top-notch gear, and a passion for putting clients on fish, you're in for a real treat. We're talking about a chance to tangle with some of Florida's most sought-after inshore species in one of the most beautiful settings around. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's get out there and bend some rods. The fish are biting, and your next "big one" story is just a cast away. Book your trip with Back At It Fishing Charters today – we'll see you on the water!
Customer Review
Fish with Captain Mike
Angie Johnson
May 31, 2023
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, also known as red drum, are a staple of St. Augustine's inshore fishing scene. These copper-colored beauties typically range from 20-30 inches, with some bull reds exceeding 40 inches. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in coastal creeks, often in just 1-4 feet of water. They're identifiable by their distinctive black tail spot. Redfish feed aggressively year-round, but fall brings some of the best action as they school up. Anglers love them for their strong fights and excellent eating quality. To target reds, try sight-fishing in clear shallows or working topwater lures over grass flats. Local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root for crabs in the mud – it's a dead giveaway for where to cast.
Snook
Snook are one of the most exciting inshore game fish in St. Augustine. These sleek predators typically run 20-30 inches long, with some trophy fish pushing 40 inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and inlets, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Snook are ambush feeders, using their powerful tail to explode on bait. They're known for their acrobatic fights, often leaping clear of the water when hooked. Spring through fall is prime time, with warmer water temperatures bringing more active fish. Anglers prize snook for their challenging nature and excellent table fare. To improve your chances, try fishing live bait like mullet or pinfish around structure during moving tides. Pro tip: when a snook hits, let it run for a moment before setting the hook to ensure it's got the bait fully in its mouth.
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are a prized catch in St. Augustine's inshore waters. These flat, oval fish typically range from 15-18 inches long and weigh around 5 pounds. You'll find them lurking on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal areas, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, using their camouflage to blend in with the substrate. Fall is prime time for flounder as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of their subtle bite. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing near the bottom with live bait like bull minnows or mullet. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it to swallow head-first.
Tarpon
Tarpon, the "silver king," is a bucket-list fish for many anglers visiting St. Augustine. These prehistoric giants can reach 6-8 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and sometimes even up rivers. They're migratory, with peak season typically running May through September. Tarpon are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, often jumping several feet out of the water. They're purely a catch-and-release species, prized for the thrill of the fight rather than eating. Look for rolling fish in deeper channels or near bridges. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but fly fishing for tarpon is also popular. Here's a local secret: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to prevent the hook from tearing out.
About the 2200 Pathfinder TRS
%2F%2Fusers%2Ffe2cadd7-164a-4725-a56f-2661a14bc253%2Fboat_picture%2Fboat.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Captain Mike was an exceptional fishing charter guide. He was very friendly and helpful. He was determined to get us to some fish and he did succeed. Very happy with the trip and would book again. Recommend to all! GO ON CAPTAIN MIKE'S CHARTER!!!! He made my granddaughter's day special.