Fishing in St. Augustine: The Ultimate Guide

St. Augustine is a renowned fishing and tourist resort in Florida. Its specific location, along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, offers incredible opportunities for various fishing experiences. In addition, you can even catch freshwater fish in the Matanzas River.

Thanks to the picturesque nature of scenic waterways, salt marshes, and estuaries, inshore fishing is the first association with St. Augustine. The place nurtures a long-standing fishing tradition that shaped the local culture and way of life, and that process is still active and dynamic today, following the requirements of the modern age. 

Tradition, marine and freshwater fish stock abutment, and the possibility of hunting throughout the year make this location stand out. Use this guide to explore these unique features and prepare for an unforgettable fishing experience.

Fish Species Found in St. Augustine

There are many species you can catch while fishing in St. Augustine. Whether you cast a hook or a net on the coast, the open sea, or in one of the rivers, the chances are high that you will catch what you came for.

However, always remember that with the catch-and-release technique, you are doing a good deed and helping maintain the rich biodiversity of this beautiful location. Here are some of the most popular native and migratory species you may encounter if you fish on St. Augustine.

Native Species 

The waters of St. Augustine are the birthplace and year-round habitat of many species, including the most attractive native fish species for anglers.

Redfish

A species associated with exciting fishing. Striking bronze-red color, with a dark black spot near the tail and a robust large body. They swim in St. Augustine estuaries, tin streams, and shallow plains and are suited to salt and brackish waters. They can be found almost year-round in the Matanzas, Salt Run, and Guana rivers. 

• Best Time to Catch: Year-round, season May to October

• Habitat: Estuaries, tin streams, and shallow

• Preferred Bait: Natural bait 

• Fishing Technique: Casting, trolling

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging 

• Depth: Shallow to moderate depth

What is intricate in this species is the sound produced by their swim bladder, which, for more experienced hunters, is a sign that the fish is near. Redfish can grow over 40 inches, making them an even more challenging catch.

They are present to a greater or lesser extent throughout the year and are most numerous from May to October. The easiest way to catch it is with live bait and by observing the behavior of this unique species.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout is a stunning species with sleek, speedy, silver-gray, and black spots. These fish are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including a mix of salt and brackish waters. They love to swim among submerged structures and seagrass beds, making them an ideal hiding spot while they hunt for their prey. 

• Best Time to Catch: From March to May, September to November

• Habitat: Submerged structures and seagrass beds

• Preferred Bait: Soft plastics or presenting live bait under a plug

• Fishing Technique: Casting, trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

It is sensitive to changes in seasons; when the temperature is high, they mostly swim in warmer waters, and as soon as it gets colder, they hide in deeper channels and underwater structures. Although not large, they are still a trophy species due to their speed and unpredictability.

Whether you are mimicking injured prey with soft plastics or presenting live bait under a plug, fishing for Speckled Trout is a fascinating dance. Its season is March to May and September to November.

Sheepshead

An unusual species with a very characteristic appearance, vertical black stripes that go along their silvery bodies, and an impressive array of human-like teeth. Sheepshead are challenging because they like to bite and are quite combative.

They prefer to hide in the Matanzas and Salt Run water structures and are equally abundant year-round, making them a reliable target for shore anglers. These fish are not heavy or big, but they are very muscular and, therefore, very aggressive. 

• Best Time to Catch: From March to May, September to November

• Habitat: Submerged structures and seagrass beds

• Preferred Bait: Crabs, soft plastics, or presenting live bait under a plug

• Fishing Technique: Casting, trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

In St. Augustine, you can find specimens ranging in size from 1 to 3 pounds. Their favorite food is crabs, so most anglers try to lure them with them or with artificial ones that imitate the crab's movements. Sheepshead are very cautious, and most experienced anglers advise using light and flexible rods to make as little noise as possible.

Migratory Species 

Larger marine fish occasionally visit St. Augustin for food, a suitable place for spawning, or better weather. These are some of the regular fish guests.

Tuna

Tuna is a renowned swift marine fish with many subspecies that swim in the ocean. In waters near Elton Bottom in St. Augustine, swim Species such as Yellowfin, Blackfin, and Skipjack Tuna are famous for their exceptional speed, acrobatics, and delicious meat. You will find them in St. Augustin at the Elton Bottom location, an entrance to the open sea where Tuna roam. 

• Best Time to Catch: January to March and October to December.

• Habitat: Submerged structures and sea beds

• Preferred Bait: Surface poppins, live baits

• Fishing Technique: Drifting, trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

You may encounter specimens up to over 100 pounds; it is possible to meet them throughout the year, and they are most active from January to March and October to December. The low season is from April to September. Tuna is challenging to catch, and techniques such as trolling, drifting live bait, chumming, and surface poppins have proven to be the best.

Wahoo

A species celebrated for their body appearance, complex and smooth, and simultaneously very fast, rendering them captivating prey. Sharp teeth and blue-green color contribute to their reputation as elusive and fearsome fish. They swim in the warm Gulf Stream and love underwater structures. 

• Best Time to Catch: November to April

• Habitat: Submerged structures 

• Preferred Bait: Colored, artificial lures

• Fishing Technique: Trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Anglers pursuing Wahoo near Elton Bottom may encounter specimens ranging from 20 to over 100 pounds. In St. Augustine, the active season spans from November to April. The most popular technique is trolling, with these creatures like to be attracted by brightly colored lures and vivid colors like pink, purple, or blue.

Kingfish

Kingfish are another speed master with sleek bodies and a mouthful of sharp teeth. Although somewhat demonic in appearance, they are very popular with anglers who like adventurous fishing. In the waters of St. Augustine, specimens as large as 10 to 40 pounds can be found, showcasing the diversity of their sizes. 

• Best Time to Catch: January to February and October to December

• Habitat: Submerged structures 

• Preferred Bait: Colored, artificial lures

• Fishing Technique: Trolling

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Their prime season is from January to February and October to December. Those who pursue Kingfish often employ trolling, using live or colored artificial baits; this method capitalizes on the Kingfish's predatory instincts, making it a favored approach for those eager to test their skills against this high-speed species.

Cobia 

Powerful and opportunistic predators, these fish are frequent in the waters of St. Augustine. Robust, with strikingly flat heads and dark side stripes, presents a challenging and sizable fishing prey. You can find them during spring and early summer, often in structures such as reefs, wrecks, and underwater platforms, where they shelter and search for food. 

• Best Time to Catch: During spring and early summer

• Habitat: Structures such as reefs, wrecks, and underwater platforms

• Preferred Bait: From crabs and squid to small fish

• Fishing Technique: Trolling, bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Deep

The best techniques for catching Cobies are bottom fishing and live bait. Cobia is adaptable; its diet is diverse, from crabs and squid to small fish, making it suitable for many types of baits. In addition, they can be curious and playful, often approaching boats, which opens up many strategic possibilities for anglers. 

Prime Fishing Spots in St. Augustine

Engaging fishing in St. Augustine connects the indigenous heritage and shared experience of the native inhabitants and Europeans, who transformed fishing techniques from traditional to modern. Thus, St. Augustine has become both a resilient and adaptable area that can provide a mini-oasis for almost all types of anglers.

The Matanzas River, Salt Run, and Guana River are top hotspots for freshwater anglers. At the same time, the St. Augustine Inlet, Nine-Mile Reef, and Elton Bottom are prime locations for those seeking deeper waters. Read more about prime spot fishing locations in St. Augustine below.

Matanzas River

The Matanzas River is of great historical significance. It provided locals food during tough times and became a popular fishing spot. Flowing in harmony with the Atlantic coast, the Matanzas River stands as a stunning Intracoastal waterway, winding through the picturesque landscapes of St. Augustine. 

Here, you can catch colorful Speckled Trout, elusive Flounder, and robust Sheepshead. The river's course is interesting; it passes through winding channels, creating a labyrinth and allowing each angler to choose a place for himself. In addition, it is very rich in fish throughout the year, which, together with the river's history and importance, evokes a profound sense of admiration.

Salt Run

Salt Run is an interesting estuary system intricately connected to the Matanzas River. It links land and sea, creating an ideal location for coastal fishing enthusiasts looking for peace and a diverse catch. Thanks to the complicated ecosystem, you can find a variety of fish species, such as Redfish, Trout, and Fluke.

In addition, the location offers the possibility of kayaking, rowing, and boating, which contribute to quality time spent here while experiencing fishing in St. Augustine. 

Guana River

Situated south of St. Augustine, the Guana River is famous for its unusual combination of salt and freshwater, creating a unique wetland ecosystem. Impressive in so many ways, the area hosts different species, the most abundant being Atlantic Croaker, White Croaker, Crevalle Jack, Spotted Seatrout, Flathead Gray Mullet, Redfish, and Black Drum. The interplay of saltwater and freshwater conditions provides a dynamic fishing environment that adds to the Guana River's appeal.

Nine-Mile Reef

The reef is another intriguing fishing hotspot located approximately ten miles off the coast of St. Augustine. The Nine-Mile Reef is an artificial reef structure home to many fish species, such as Snappers, Amberjack, and Swift Barracuda. The reef structure is excellent for vertical jigging, bottom fishing, and trolling techniques.

The Nine-Mile Reef is not just a location but a very colorful underwater world that offers offshore anglers the opportunity to master various techniques while chasing the thrill of deep-sea fishing.

St. Augustine Inlet

The Inlet is an excellent location representing the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean and the richness of its depths. The area is rich in Kingfish, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, and many others. Although navigating these waters can be complicated for the inexperienced, the location is also attractive due to the possibility of using different techniques. 

Anglers who prefer trolling love St. Augustine Inlet because the location is a great strategic anchor for positioning lures for Mahi Mahi and other fast and agile species. This is also a great hot spot for bottom fishing and jigging, which has proven to be an excellent technique for targeting species such as Cobia and Kingfish.

Elton Bottom

This location is excellent for marine fishing enthusiasts and is one of those particular locations for fishing in St. Augustin. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, it attracts abundant wild and large fish that inhabit the deeper areas surrounding this offshore hotspot.

Tuna, magnificent Clams, and fast Wahoos can be caught here. To catch one of these notable species, anglers mainly use the trolling technique with decoys, which allows them to cover a large part of the sea surface. 

Also, drifting with live bait is widespread and remarkably effective in attracting Tuna. If you are exclusively hunting heavy and demanding species, the heavy tackle technique and approach do the job here as it withstands the challenges of catching significant trophy offshore species.

Fishing Techniques in St. Augustine

Given its unique ecosystem, which includes sea, river, and swamp waters, professional anglers, amateurs, and novices can find suitable space for their technique. However, some methods are more frequent than others.

If you are still deciding what to choose, you can hire charters and fishing instructors to show you some not-so-popular spots and deepen your knowledge of particular techniques.

Bottom Fishing

The traditional method of fishing in St. Augustine is bottom fishing. It combines adventure and patience, bringing that primordial strategic warrior approach; for many, it is the most exciting thing in fishing. It often requires the ability to navigate deep water; if you are not experienced, it is safer to hire a guide. 

The method involves strategic anchoring near underwater structures such as reefs, wrecks, or submerged platforms. Once anchored, anglers place various lures on the ocean floor. This technique is attractive due to its rawness and ability to test the will to catch massive fish like Cobia, Aprijack, or Tuna.

Inshore Fishing with Light Tackle

Inshore fishing with light tackle is an affordable and popular option that allows everyone, even beginners, to try fishing. It is characterized by peace, enjoyment of nature, and by the use of light rods. 

As you progress, you will see the finesse and grace of this simple but not banal technique. It is excellent for catching species that lurk in tangled channels, grass flats, and tidal creeks, such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead. The most commonly used baits are live shrimp, mullet, and soft plastic.

Kayak Fishing

This technique is excellent for coastal fishing, allowing easy access to canals, shallow flats, and winding tidal creeks. The waters of St. Augustine are rich in seagrass, oysters, and mangrove banks, which are ideal habitats for various species.

The appeal of this technique is in its subtle combination of patience, excitement, lurking, and timely response. In addition, this technique is available throughout the year and provides a certain amount of creativity and flexibility so that everyone can modify it according to their character.

Fishing Tournaments in St. Augustine

Fishing tournaments are always a unique attraction, especially in places with such a long tradition as St. Augustine. They attract not only anglers but also locals and tourists who love a competitive atmosphere and overall excitement. Read more about the most famous tournaments below.

• Wildwood Inshore Fishing Tournament: A tournament for fishing fanatics of this technique, targeting species such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Sheepshead. The idea is that the tournament celebrates the diversity of inshore fishing. Anglers navigate wetlands, tidal creeks, and winding channels, competing for honors and demonstrating their mastery of coastal ecosystems. Although the prize is small, this tournament celebrates togetherness and sharing experiences.

• Ancient City Game Fish Challenge: In July every year, it targets species that inhabit the transition zones between coastal and marine waters. Targets include catching pelagic predators such as Mahi Mahi to vicious reef dwellers such as Snapper and Grouper. Given the difficulty of the challenge, this tournament is an excellent opportunity to prove your skills.

• Augustine Kingfish Mayhem: A tournament for those who exclusively target the big and bad Kingfish. Those who relish the adrenaline rush of fast trolling and using a variety of lures showcase their expertise in comprehending this fascinating fish. 

Remember that most of these tournaments are organized to promote fishing skills and advocate for the respect and preservation of nature. Also, they are an excellent opportunity to nurture a competitive spirit, community, tolerance, and exchange of experience.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in St. Augustine

Boating and fishing in St. Augustine require the necessary permits and knowledge of local laws, depending on the species you want to hunt. Shore anglers exploring tidal creeks and estuaries need a Florida saltwater fishing license, and if they want to go further offshore, they will need a special pelagic license. 

Although most species are present throughout the year, hunting for some is prohibited during specific periods. This way, the number of fish is maintained, and their longevity is ensured.

Most fishing towns promote the catch-and-release technique since it does not detract from fishing excitement and contributes to preserving nature. Quality and responsible fishing involves following regulations and anglers regularly checking updates from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or relevant authorities.

Final Thoughts

Stunning Florida, full of traditional and modern fishing communities and incredible seascapes, owes some of its allure to St. Augustine. A place of fresh and salty waters, wild and tame fish, and a beautiful landscape of bright colors.

An unusual combination of contrasting features, it has become a haven for many anglers, those who want adventure, and those yearning for tranquillity. If you are among them and have been or are planning to go to St. Augustin, we invite you to share your experience, plans, or photos in the comment section. As fellow fishing enthusiasts, we genuinely enjoy fishing and love to hear about other experiences.