Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to wet a line in some of the most productive inshore waters Florida has to offer? Our 4-hour St. Augustine fishing charters are just the ticket. We're talking about the kind of trip where you can snag a slot redfish before lunch, tangle with a high-flying tarpon, and still be back in time for happy hour. It's the perfect half-day escape for both seasoned pros and folks just getting their feet wet in the fishing world.
Picture this: You're cruising the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway, the sun's warming up, and the fish are already biting. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We'll hit up all the honey holes – from grass flats teeming with redfish to deeper channels where the snook like to hang out. And the best part? We've got all the gear you need. Just bring your lucky hat, some snacks, and maybe a cold one or two. With room for up to four anglers, it's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon with family or buddies.
Alright, let's talk tactics. Depending on what's running, we might start off sight fishing for tailing reds in the shallows. There's nothing quite like watching a big red crush your bait in crystal clear water. If the tarpon are around, we'll break out the heavier gear and toss some live bait or artificial lures their way. And for those sneaky snook? We'll work the docks and structure with precision casts. Don't worry if you're new to this – our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. We use top-notch equipment, from light tackle for finesse fishing to sturdier setups for when the big boys decide to play.
"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
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so we'll use a slow, deliberate approach when targeting them. Flounder might not put up the strongest fight, but they're delicious on the dinner table. Spring and fall are prime times to catch these tasty devils.
Snook: Now we're talking some serious inshore action. Snook are hard-fighting, line-stripping machines that'll test your drag and your patience. They love to hang around structure, so accuracy is key when casting. The thrill of seeing a snook explode on a topwater lure is hard to beat. Remember, these guys are catch-and-release most of the year, but they make for some great photos.
Tarpon: The silver king! If you've never hooked into one of these prehistoric beasts, you're in for a treat. Tarpon can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays. We usually target them in the warmer months when they're migrating through. Landing a tarpon is a true feat – even if you hook one, only about 1 in 5 make it to the boat. It's all about the experience with these giants.
Redfish: The bread and butter of inshore fishing in St. Augustine. Reds, or red drum, are available year-round but really shine in the fall when they school up. They'll eat just about anything, making them great for anglers of all skill levels. When you find a school of bull reds, hang on tight – these copper-colored bruisers can pull like a freight train!
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in St. Augustine, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with the family, impress some clients, or just escape the grind for a few hours, our 4-hour inshore trips are the way to go. The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and we're ready when you are. So what do you say? Let's make some fishing memories that'll have you coming back for more. Book your spot now, and I'll see you on the water!
May 31, 2023
Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets. They're easily identified by their coppery color and black spot near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but big "bull" reds can top 40 inches. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of water! They love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is fantastic for redfish, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love their hard pulls and how readily they take artificial lures. They're also excellent eating. For best results, look for "tailing" reds in shallow water at high tide - their tails stick up as they root for crabs in the grass. Cast well ahead of them and slowly work your bait into their path. When they're feeding like this, the bite can be explosive!
Snook are one of our most exciting inshore species. They're sleek, powerful, and known for their aggressive strikes. Adults usually run 20-30 inches, but can reach 4 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and inlets - they love structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Snook put up an amazing fight, often making acrobatic leaps. They're also excellent eating, though heavily regulated. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works great, but artificials can be just as effective. Here's a tip: When working a topwater lure, vary your retrieve speed. A sudden pause often triggers explosive strikes as snook think the "bait" is trying to escape. Just be ready to hold on when they hit!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Flounder fishing is best in fall when they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild white meat. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure or dropoffs. A local trick: use a slow retrieve with your bait or lure, dragging it along the bottom to mimic an injured baitfish. When you feel a bit of weight, give it a second before setting the hook - flounder often grab prey by the tail first, then turn it to swallow. Patience pays off with these flatfish!
Tarpon are the silver kings of our waters - massive, prehistoric fish that put on an incredible aerial show. They average 4-5 feet long but can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up some rivers. May through July is prime tarpon season here. Anglers come from all over to battle these giants - it's a true bucket list fish. They're not considered good eating, so it's all about the thrill of the catch and release. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but many anglers prefer the challenge of fly fishing for tarpon. Pro tip: When a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give it slack. This "bowing to the king" helps keep the hook set and prevents breaking your line on those spectacular leaps.
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.