Florida · Northeast
INSHORE FISHING
IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in St. Augustine. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. St. Augustine is America's oldest city and one of its most historic fishing destinations, where centuries of maritime heritage meet outstanding modern-day angling. The Matanzas River, Tolomato River, and surrounding creeks and flats are loaded with redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead, while the St. Augustine Inlet funnels gamefish in and out with every tide. Bull redfish schools up along the beaches in the fall, creating exciting sight-casting opportunities. The nearshore reefs and wrecks off St. Augustine hold grouper, snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish, while the deeper offshore waters produce kingfish, cobia, mahi mahi, and wahoo during the warmer months. The city's cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant waterfront provide a stunning backdrop for a fishing vacation. St. Augustine proves that world-class fishing and rich cultural history can go hand in hand. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in St. Augustine target an impressive roster of species including Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Flounder and more. Peak season runs through May, April, October, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in St. Augustine. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, Florida fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
What's Biting in St. Augustine This September
Inshore Fishing Calendar — St. Augustine
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Drum |
G
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
| Redfish |
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
| Sheepshead |
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
| Speckled Trout |
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
G
|
F
|
| Flounder |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
F
|
| Pompano |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
P
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| Mangrove Snapper |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| Tarpon |
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
R
|
R
|
R
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in St. Augustine
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the St. Augustine area.
St. Augustine Inlet
St. Augustine Inlet connects the Matanzas River and Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic and is the region's primary inshore fishing hotspot. Redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum hold around the jetty rocks, while tarpon and jack crevalle push through the inlet during summer. The strong tidal currents create a natural fish-concentrating funnel.
Matanzas River
The Matanzas River flows through downtown St. Augustine and south through pristine salt marsh habitat teeming with redfish and spotted seatrout. Oyster bars, dock pilings, and grass flats along the river provide year-round habitat for inshore species. The section near the Bridge of Lions and around Vilano is particularly productive.
Guana River Preserve
The Guana River and Tolomato River system north of St. Augustine flows through the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, offering pristine inshore fishing in protected marsh waters. Redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder patrol the grass edges and oyster bars in a largely undeveloped setting. Kayak fishing is especially popular in the shallow creeks.
Salt Run
Salt Run is a sheltered tidal lagoon in the heart of St. Augustine near Anastasia State Park, offering easy-access fishing for redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and sheepshead. The shallow grass flats and oyster bars are prime wade-fishing territory on lower tides. Its proximity to downtown makes it one of the most convenient fishing spots in the area.
Top Inshore Fish Species in St. Augustine
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a St. Augustine charter. Click any species to learn more.
Black Drum
Pogonias cromis
Peak: Mar
A powerful bottom-feeding species found in bays and passes. Juveniles are excellent table fare.
Redfish
Sciaenops ocellatus
Peak: May, Sep, Oct
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus
Peak: Jan, Feb, Dec
The "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes. Found around structure and pilings, known for stealing bait.
Speckled Trout
Cynoscion nebulosus
Peak: May, Oct
A favorite inshore species found throughout the Gulf. Excellent eating fish that feeds aggressively on live bait and artificial lures.
Flounder
Paralichthys albiguttata
Peak: Oct, Nov
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Pompano
Trachinotus carolinus
Peak: May
One of the most prized eating fish in the Gulf. Found in the surf and along sandy beaches.
Mangrove Snapper
Lutjanus griseus
Also called Gray Snapper. Found around structure, mangroves, and docks. Excellent eating.
Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
The Silver King. One of the most exciting gamefish in the world, known for spectacular aerial acrobatics.
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in St. Augustine
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in St. Augustine.
Boats
Inshore fishing in St. Augustine is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in St. Augustine typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in St. Augustine
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in St. Augustine. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in St. Augustine. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in St. Augustine
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in St. Augustine include Black Drum, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Pompano. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in St. Augustine are May, April, October, when the most species are at peak availability. However, St. Augustine offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in St. Augustine is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in St. Augustine, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in St. Augustine is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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