Florida · Northeast
NEARSHORE FISHING
IN ST. AUGUSTINE
Explore the best nearshore fishing charters in St. Augustine. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
About Nearshore Fishing in St. Augustine
St. Augustine, Florida offers some of the finest nearshore 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 nearshore waters here — waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Nearshore anglers in St. Augustine target an impressive roster of species including Black Sea Bass, Red Grouper, Triggerfish, Vermilion Snapper, Cobia and more. Peak season runs through May, April, September, but productive nearshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best nearshore 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
Nearshore Fishing Calendar — St. Augustine
Month-by-month availability for nearshore 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 Sea Bass |
P
|
P
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
P
|
P
|
| Red Grouper |
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
| Triggerfish |
F
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
F
|
| Vermilion Snapper |
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
| Cobia |
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| Amberjack |
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
G
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
| King Mackerel |
—
|
—
|
—
|
F
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
G
|
F
|
—
|
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in St. Augustine
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top nearshore fishing spots your captain will target in the St. Augustine area.
St. Augustine Beach Pier
The St. Augustine Beach Pier extends into the Atlantic providing shore access to whiting, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and seasonal king mackerel. The pier's length puts anglers over productive nearshore waters where bottom structure attracts a variety of species. Cobia and tarpon are bonus catches during spring and summer months.
Matanzas Inlet Jetties
The rock jetties at Matanzas Inlet about 15 miles south of St. Augustine create prime nearshore structure where strong tidal currents attract flounder, redfish, sheepshead, and black drum. The inlet is known for excellent flounder fishing on the outgoing tide and produces some of the largest flounder in Northeast Florida each year.
Nine Mile Reef (St. Augustine)
A natural hard-bottom reef area approximately 9 miles east of St. Augustine Inlet in 50-65 feet of water. Red snapper, black sea bass, triggerfish, and vermilion snapper hold on the reef during open seasons. The reef is close enough for half-day trips and produces consistent bottom-fishing action throughout the year.
St. Augustine Nearshore Wrecks
Several deployed wrecks and artificial reef structures lie within 5-12 miles of St. Augustine Inlet in 40-80 feet of water. These structures hold red snapper, black sea bass, spadefish, and sheepshead around the hulls and deployed concrete. They are accessible year-round and are a staple of the local nearshore charter fleet.
Top Nearshore Fish Species in St. Augustine
These are the primary nearshore species you'll target on a St. Augustine charter. Click any species to learn more.
Black Sea Bass
Centropristis striata
Peak: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Red Grouper
Epinephelus morio
A prized bottom fish found on reefs and hard bottom. Sweet, mild flesh makes it a favorite.
Triggerfish
Balistes capriscus
Gray triggerfish are found on reefs and hard bottom. Tricky to hook but excellent eating.
Vermilion Snapper
Rhomboplites aurorubens
Also called Beeliners. Schooling reef fish that are excellent eating and fun to catch.
Cobia
Rachycentron canadum
A powerful, curious fish often found near buoys, rays, and structure. Excellent eating and hard fighters.
Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
The "reef donkey." Incredibly powerful fish found on deep reefs and wrecks. Known for brutal fights.
King Mackerel
Scomberomorus cavalla
Also called Kingfish. A fast, hard-fighting fish found near reefs and wrecks. Popular for smoking.
Nearshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in St. Augustine
Here's what to expect when you book a nearshore charter in St. Augustine.
Boats
Nearshore fishing in St. Augustine is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Nearshore charters in St. Augustine typically use medium spinning and conventional tackle with 15-30 lb test line. Live bait, jigs, and trolling plugs are popular.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Nearshore Fishing Charters in St. Augustine
We're partnering with top nearshore 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 nearshore 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 Nearshore Fishing in St. Augustine
Fish the reefs, wrecks, and structure 1-9 miles offshore. Target snapper, grouper, cobia and more over natural and artificial reefs.
The top nearshore species in St. Augustine include Black Sea Bass, Red Grouper, Triggerfish, Vermilion Snapper, Cobia, Amberjack. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for nearshore fishing in St. Augustine are May, April, September, when the most species are at peak availability. However, St. Augustine offers productive nearshore fishing year-round.
Nearshore fishing in St. Augustine is typically done on center consoles and large bay boats (22-32 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the waters within a few miles of shore, around nearshore reefs, passes, and structure.
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, polarized sunglasses, hat, light jacket for spray, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Captain provides all gear, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Nearshore 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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