Florida · Northeast
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN ST. AUGUSTINE
St. Augustine is an excellent destination for flounder fishing, with peak season in October, November and good catches in April, May, June. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in St. Augustine
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey from below. Gulf flounder and Southern flounder are the primary species in southern waters, while Summer Flounder (fluke) dominates from the Carolinas northward. Both eyes migrate to the top (left) side as juveniles, creating their distinctive flat profile. The "eyed" side is brown-green with irregular spots and blotches that change to match the surrounding bottom — a remarkable camouflage ability.
Scientific name: Paralichthys albiguttata
Flounder Seasonal Calendar — St. Augustine
Month-by-month availability for flounder in St. Augustine, FL.
How to Catch Flounder in St. Augustine
Techniques & Bait
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads or Carolina rig with 1/0-3/0 wide-gap hooks. Patience is key — flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so wait for the second thump before setting the hook.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in St. Augustine
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
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.
Other Species in St. Augustine
More fish you can target while visiting St. Augustine.
Flounder Fishing in St. Augustine — FAQ
The peak months for Flounder fishing in St. Augustine are October, November. During these months, Flounder are most active and abundant in the St. Augustine area.
Flounder fishing charters in St. Augustine are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
No — when you book a charter in St. Augustine, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Flounder regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Flounder in St. Augustine, you may also catch Black Sea Bass, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Black Drum. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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