{"id":17360,"date":"2020-08-11T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-11T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/?p=17360"},"modified":"2026-02-12T12:54:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T12:54:46","slug":"st-augustine-fishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/st-augustine-fishing\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Augustine Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>From calm inshore waterways, where the action is focused on tailing Redfish, to legendary battles on the waves offshore, <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/destinations\/location\/us\/FL\/st-augustine?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=17360\">St. Augustine fishing<\/a> is an experience you can&rsquo;t miss! Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned veteran or pretty new to the sport, the &#8220;Ancient City&rsquo;s&#8221; vibrant fishery is sure to provide you with an adventure that fits your needs perfectly. <\/p><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/player.js\" async><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/okqofuja4q.js\" async type=\"module\"><\/script><style>wistia-player[media-id='okqofuja4q']:not(:defined) { background: center \/ contain no-repeat url('https:\/\/fast.wistia.com\/embed\/medias\/okqofuja4q\/swatch'); display: block; filter: blur(5px); padding-top:56.25%; }<\/style><wistia-player media-id=\"okqofuja4q\" aspect=\"1.7777777777777777\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_outer_wrapper\" style=\"width: 100%; height: 100%; display:flex; justify-content:center; align-items: center; margin-top:-56.25%;\"><div class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_inner_wrapper\" style=\" overflow: auto;\"><p class=\"wistia_preload_transcript_text\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\" style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 5px !important;\">In today&rsquo;s video, we&rsquo;ll be heading to St. Augustine to check out the fishing scene off of the northeast coast of Florida. We&rsquo;ll cover some of the top areas, target species, best times to go fishing, and everything else you need to know before you book your trip. After watching this video, you&rsquo;ll be ready to hit the water for an epic day of fishing in America&rsquo;s &ldquo;Ancient City.&rdquo;\r\n\r\nSt. Augustine was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1565, making it the oldest European-establishment in the continental United States. The town is known for its unique history, beautiful architecture, great weather, and amazing year-round fishing opportunities! It went from being a small shrimping village in the 1800s to developing one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in the entire region.\r\n\r\nToday, it&rsquo;s also one of Florida&rsquo;s top recreational fishing destinations, with access to amazing inshore and offshore fishing spots.\r\n\r\nWhat&rsquo;s so great about this area is the abundance of fish. Several different varieties of fishing you can do just throughout the year and it&rsquo;s always a good time. I would say my favorite would be bottom fishing, fishing wrecks, and reefs just because you never know what you&rsquo;re going to get and sometimes you catch something so big it just burns all your line off.\r\n\r\nSo just that exciting aspect is what I love.\r\n\r\nBackcountry fishing is great all year round with flood tides bringing in a slew of Redfish, Black Drum, Trout, Flounder, and many more.\r\n\r\nJust a little further out from the Inlet, and you&rsquo;ll be surrounded by both man-made and natural reefs, which are ideal for catching delicious Snapper and Grouper species. These spots also attract lots of Amberjack, Kingfish, and various Sharks as well.\r\n\r\nYou can also throw Swordfish, Tuna, Wahoo, and many others into the mix to make your deep-sea expedition that much more exciting!\r\n\r\nThe fishing I like to do is light tackle, live bait, slow troll. In the summertime, it&rsquo;s mainly a fishing thing geared up for families, small children up to an avid angler can fish without any problem at all. You battle the fish, it&rsquo;s not a horse them in, you&rsquo;ve got to fight the fish right up to the boat.\r\n\r\nIt&rsquo;s a very exciting type of charter. This city&rsquo;s combination of both inshore and offshore fishing opportunities is what makes it such an attractive destination for anglers. Whether you want to fish the Intracoastal Waterway or head out into the Atlantic, there are plenty of options to choose from.\r\n\r\nFlorida saltwater charters are licensed to cover everyone on board, so there&rsquo;s no need to purchase a fishing license on your own.\r\n\r\nTackle and bait are usually included in the price as well, so just remember to bring some sunscreen and pack your favorite snacks and drinks for the ride. FishingBooker makes planning your trip extra easy &ndash; with hundreds of local guides, verified reviews, and hassle-free online bookings, you&#039;ll save time and money, and experience an exciting day on the water.\r\n\r\nSo go ahead and visit fishingbooker.com, take a look at some of the charters in the area, and start planning your adventure today!\r\n\r\nLast but not least, be sure to hit the subscribe button for more updates on some of the hottest fishing spots across the country!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/wistia-player><p class=\"text-after-video\">Right at its doorstep, you&rsquo;ll be greeted by the rich fishing grounds of the Intracoastal Waterway. Together with the tributary rivers, this makes for an inshore fishery rivaling any other. Additionally, with the St. Augustine Inlet providing the local charter fleet direct access to the ocean, you&rsquo;ll waste no time in transit if you decide to take your adventure offshore.<\/p><h2 id=\"best-fish-to-catch-in-st-augustine\">Best Fish to Catch in St. Augustine<\/h2><p>Rich both in quantity and variety, the surrounding waters provide countless possible targets.&nbsp;There&rsquo;s no telling what you could find on the end of your line if you just get out on the water to see what&rsquo;s biting. However, below are some of the most popular local choices &ndash; just to tickle your imagination!<\/p><h3 id=\"mahi-mahi\">Mahi Mahi<\/h3><p>Making an appearance at fishing grounds around the world, these bright-colored critters are a mainstay of many top catches lists. To the delight of local anglers and captains, <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/technique\/big_game_fishing\/us\/FL\/St-Augustine?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=17360\">St. Augustine<\/a> is no exception. Although their numbers are more than healthy, catching a big Mahi Mahi requires you to be ready when the opportunity presents itself. The reward is always worth it!<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1438\" height=\"1079\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14145115\/Mahi-Mahi-9.jpg\" alt=\"An angler, covered for sun protection, holding a Mahi Mahi on a boat with choppy waters and some greenery and a beach in the distance behind him\" class=\"wp-image-17392\"><\/figure><p>As is the case with other pelagic species, Mahi Mahi are commonly targeted by trolling their known migration paths offshore. Since they tend to move in large schools, getting one hookup typically means there&rsquo;ll be more coming shortly after. This makes for some exciting action, as there&rsquo;ll be enough screaming drags to keep the whole party busy!<\/p><h3 id=\"wahoo\">Wahoo<\/h3><p>Just as the Mahi numbers start to dip towards the end of the summer, a new challenger makes an appearance in St. Augustine&rsquo;s offshore grounds. Once here, Wahoo will stick around until the spring, giving anglers whiplash each time they make a run for the bait. Combine this ferocity with their impressive size and you start to see why Wahoo is a catch worth bragging about.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1125\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14145114\/Wahoo-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two smiling anglers sitting on a boat with a Wahoo in their hands and a trolling fishing rod to their left on a cloudy day\" class=\"wp-image-17393\"><\/figure><p>The bragging rights, however, don&rsquo;t come easy. Wahoo aren&#8217;t the best targets for novices and trips targeting them specifically are hardly the setting for a relaxing day in the sun. You&rsquo;ll likely spend the day doing high speed trolling, as you try to cover the largest area possible in pursuit of these elusive daredevils. On the other hand, adrenaline junkies &ndash; meet your perfect target!<\/p><h3 id=\"red-snapper\">Red Snapper<\/h3><p>If you&#8217;re an angler who can&rsquo;t imagine a perfect fishing trip without the reward of a tasty catch, Red Snapper is the fish for you. Growing to impressive sizes and boasting a bright red color, these bottom dwellers make for amazing photos and even better table fare. All of this makes them one of the most sought-after species in these waters and one of the few that have a closed season.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135038\/1Red-Snapper-5-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A smiling blonde female angler in sunglasses and a bathing suit, holding a large Red Snapper, with blue skies and water in the background\" class=\"wp-image-45801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135038\/1Red-Snapper-5-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135038\/1Red-Snapper-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135038\/1Red-Snapper-5-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135038\/1Red-Snapper-5-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135038\/1Red-Snapper-5.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Unlike the Gulf, however, Red Snapper are only closed for harvesting in federal waters. If you keep within 3 miles offshore, St. Augustine&rsquo;s Red Snapper are fair game. On the other hand, if you&rsquo;re on the mission to land bigger specimens in the deepwater reefs, find out the opening date, get on a federally licensed charter, and go after a prize catch!&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"tarpon\">Tarpon<\/h3><p>Considered by many to be the ultimate inshore catch, Tarpon always live up to their &#8220;Silver King&#8221; nickname. Targeted purely for their game qualities, this fish is so treasured that anglers fortunate enough to reel one in usually aren&rsquo;t even allowed to take it out of the water. With Tarpon, it&rsquo;s all about the chase. But what a chase it is!<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2023\/09\/14145048\/Tarpon-8.43.46-PM.jpg\" alt=\"A pair of anglers in baseball caps and sunglasses quickly posing with a Tarpon at the side of a boat before releasing it, with two bridges in the background\" class=\"wp-image-17682\"><\/figure><p>Like most other inshore species, Tarpon can also be targeted year-round. However, if you&rsquo;re after the catch of a lifetime, you&rsquo;re going to want to come to town during the summer months. This is when the big ones are on the move and you have the best chance at taking part in one of those legendary airborne battles. Just make sure to bring your A-game!<\/p><div class='featured-charters-container' data-trigger='featured-charters' data-destination-id='213' data-destination-title='St. Augustine' data-perpage='4' data-currency='USD'data-filter-field='fishFilter'data-filter-value='tarpon'data-headline='Top Tarpon Fishing Charters in St. Augustine'data-add-type='m'><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 id=\"redfish-and-black-drum\">Redfish and Black Drum<\/h3><p>If you&rsquo;ve fished the <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/fishing-type\/Inshore\/us\/FL\/St-Augustine?utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=17360\">inshore waters<\/a> anywhere in <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fishing-in-florida\/\">Florida<\/a>, it&rsquo;s highly likely that you&rsquo;ve already been introduced to Redfish. These feisty critters are reliable year-round targets, giving you a chance at a great catch whenever you decide to visit. Also, no need to worry about the waves when you&rsquo;re going after Redfish so bring the kids along for the ride!<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1Redfish-5-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"A satisfied angler in a cap and sunglasses standing on a boat and holding a big Redfish in his hands, with the water behind him\" class=\"wp-image-45803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1Redfish-5-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1Redfish-5-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1Redfish-5-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1Redfish-5-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1Redfish-5.jpg 1111w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Another species that you can target on your inshore adventures in St. Augustine is Black Drum. Slightly easier to catch than its red cousin, it&rsquo;s the perfect target for novice anglers. Winter months are the peak season for these heavyweights so if you&rsquo;re planning your visit during this time, going on an exploration of the city&rsquo;s rivers will likely land you an impressive-sized fish!<\/p><div class='reviews-fetcher-container' data-destination-id='213' data-destination-title='St. Augustine' data-category-title='' data-category='' data-category-id='' data-trigger='reviews-fetcher' data-viewport-event='view_reviews_fetcher' data-action='In viewport' data-viewport-category='Reviews' data-label=''>\n                    <h3>What anglers said about fishing in St. Augustine<\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h2 id=\"how-to-go-fishing-in-st-augustine\">How to Go Fishing in St. Augustine<\/h2><p>The way you go about getting to your targets is going to mostly depend on your preference. Unless you&rsquo;re going after a specific fish, there&rsquo;s usually going to be more than one way to accomplish your goal. Read about what each type of fishing brings table below, and make your choice from there.<\/p><h3 id=\"fishing-with-a-charter\">Fishing With a Charter<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/charters\/search\/us\/FL?search_location=st-augustine&amp;utm_source=fishingbooker&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=post_content_link&amp;utm_term=17360\">Private charter trips<\/a> are without a doubt one of the most popular experiences for visiting anglers. Thanks to the town&rsquo;s history and a strong connection to fishing, both commercially and recreationally, the local marinas are home to an impressive charter fleet. The experienced captains operating these boats are able to zero-in on your target as fast as possible.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135037\/1Charter-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A white center console charter boat heading out to the fishing grounds with a pair of anglers on board\" class=\"wp-image-45802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135037\/1Charter-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135037\/1Charter-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135037\/1Charter-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135037\/1Charter-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135037\/1Charter-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Apart from maximizing your fishing time, private charters are extremely versatile. Depending on how much time you decide to spend on the water, you can mix it up and try multiple spots or switch between different techniques and targets. This build-your-own adventure approach makes charters especially convenient for families with kids.<\/p><div class='featured-charters-container' data-trigger='featured-charters' data-destination-id='213' data-destination-title='St. Augustine ' data-perpage='4' data-currency='USD'data-filter-field=''data-filter-value=''data-headline='Top Fishing Charters in St. Augustine 'data-add-type='m'><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 id=\"party-boat-fishing\">Party Boat Fishing<\/h3><p>If you&rsquo;re in need of fishing buddies and some friendly competition, St. Augustine party boats might be just what you need. It&rsquo;s a great budget option for anyone looking to hitch a ride to some of the richest local spots to see what&rsquo;s biting. These boats typically stick to the nearshore waters but if you find the right party boat, you might even get a chance to go into deeper waters.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/1Party-Boat-4-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"An aerial view of a party boat, hosting a large group of guests speeding towards the fishing grounds in Florida\" class=\"wp-image-45809\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/1Party-Boat-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/1Party-Boat-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/1Party-Boat-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/1Party-Boat-4-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/1Party-Boat-4.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>Fishing from a party boat, however, does mean that you&rsquo;ll have to sacrifice some of the flexibility enjoyed on private charters. Here, the goal is to get to a productive spot and give everyone an opportunity to get a bite or two. Because of this, you&rsquo;ll be targeting whatever&rsquo;s biting rather than going after a specific species.<\/p><h3 id=\"kayak-fishing\">Kayak Fishing<\/h3><p>The anglers who get the most out of kayak fishing trips are those that welcome the challenges that this type of adventure brings with it. This is the most skill-intensive and physically demanding way to get to your targets, but it&rsquo;s also the one that lets you be the only person responsible for your success on the water.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135033\/1Kayak-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A male and female angler sit on their own green kayaks, pedaling their way to the inshore fishing grounds with greenery behind them\" class=\"wp-image-45808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135033\/1Kayak-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135033\/1Kayak-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135033\/1Kayak-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135033\/1Kayak-3-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135033\/1Kayak-3.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>While many may still consider kayaking to be all about targeting smaller fish, kayak enthusiasts are pushing the limits of what you can accomplish. If you have the necessary skills, this is a great way to get into the nearshore waters and go bottom fishing or jigging for a variety of game species.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"shore-fishing\">Shore Fishing<\/h3><p>Not too excited about heading into the waves? St. Augustine has still got you covered. The surrounding waters offer such a great fishery that you don&rsquo;t even need to get out on the water to land a catch. There&#8217;s no shortage of nearby shore fishing spots that will give you great access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Be ready to try several spots however, as the bite can be unreliable.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Shore-Fishing-3-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A man in a cap enjoying a relaxing day of fishing from a pier alone, with a rod in his hands and the beach and beachside houses behind him\" class=\"wp-image-45807\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Shore-Fishing-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Shore-Fishing-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Shore-Fishing-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Shore-Fishing-3-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Shore-Fishing-3.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>A great starting point is definitely the <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/fishing-piers-in-st-augustine\/\">Vilano Beach Pier<\/a>. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it&rsquo;s the perfect spot to test the bite and target a variety of inshore and nearshore species. However, when fishing from shore, make sure to get a valid license and look up all the relevant information regarding size restrictions and bag limits, before wetting a line.<\/p><h2 id=\"st-augustine-fishing-spots\">St. Augustine Fishing Spots<\/h2><p>Regardless of what type of trip you choose, you&rsquo;ll want to know where to take your adventure. St. Augustine&rsquo;s got plenty of tried and true fishing spots and informing yourself on some of them will help you get a better taste for the area. Here are some that we absolutely must mention.&nbsp;<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Pier-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A view from the street of a beach and one of St. Augustine's fishing piers, stretching over the water on a sunny day\" class=\"wp-image-45806\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Pier-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Pier-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Pier-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Pier-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135034\/1Pier.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p><strong>Vilano Beach Pier: <\/strong>Located just north of the city&rsquo;s historic district, this spot will be hard to miss. It&rsquo;s a popular hangout for many visitors who come here to enjoy the sunsets. The scenery isn&#8217;t the only thing the pier&rsquo;s got going for it, though. Being close to the inlet, you&#8217;ll see anything from Flounder and Snook to Red Snapper passing through the waters below.&nbsp;<\/p><p><strong>Anastasia State Park: <\/strong>This is a place inshore enthusiasts can&rsquo;t miss out on. The park is a true paradise for anyone looking for a calm place to get away from the noise. Of course, the setting is only half the story. Salt Run Inlet is a popular Bass and Bluegill spot, further adding to the variety of angling experiences offered in the immediate area.&nbsp;<\/p><p><strong>Artificial Reefs:<\/strong> Exiting the St. Augustine Inlet, the ocean&rsquo;s sandy floor gradually slopes as you head towards the Continental Shelf. As soon as you get into federal waters, things change as you come across artificial reefs such as the Nine Mile Reef and the Pop Warner Reef further offshore.<\/p><p><strong>Continental Shelf: <\/strong>Once you&rsquo;re at the Continental Shelf, you&rsquo;ll have access to the best <a href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/deep-sea-fishing-st-augustine\/\">deep sea fishing<\/a> grounds St. Augustine has to offer. Not only are the warm current waters pretty much a funnel for the most prized pelagics out there, they also hold multiple deepwater wrecks if you&rsquo;d like to change the pace. These fishing grounds demand skill but they also reward it handsomely.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 id=\"when-to-go-fishing-in-st-augustine\">When to Go Fishing in St. Augustine<\/h2><p>Although there are always going to be fish ready to take your bait in St. Augustine, you&rsquo;ll want to time your visit so that you have the best shot at your targets. There are also some important dates to keep in mind, such as season openings and annual tournaments.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><h3 id=\"st-augustine-fishing-tournaments\">St. Augustine Fishing Tournaments<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135035\/1Fishing-Tournament-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A sporfishing boat with a flybridge, speeding offshore near the Florida coast on a sunny day\" class=\"wp-image-45805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135035\/1Fishing-Tournament-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135035\/1Fishing-Tournament-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135035\/1Fishing-Tournament-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135035\/1Fishing-Tournament-2-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135035\/1Fishing-Tournament-2.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>If you&rsquo;re the type of angler who&rsquo;s best qualities come out under pressure, put your skills to the test by joining in on one of the annual tournaments taking place in St. Augustine. It&rsquo;s a great way to make a memorable trip even more exciting &ndash; especially if luck smiles down on you and sends a beastly fish your way.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Looking to offer something to every type of angler who visits the town, these tournaments cover a wide array of target species. For inshore fanatics, there&#8217;s the <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/fish-florida.com\/event\/20th-annual-wildwood-inshore-fishing-tournament-2019-st-augustine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wildwood Inshore Fishing Tournament<\/a>, while the <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.visitstaugustine.com\/event\/ancient-city-game-fish-challenge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ancient City Game Fish Challenge<\/a> focuses on offshore targets. There&rsquo;s also the <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.meatmayhemtournamentsfl.com\/st-augustine-kingfish-mayhem\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">St. Augustine Kingfish Mayhem<\/a>, for those who feel like battling royalty.<\/p><h2 id=\"st-augustine-fishing-regulations\">St. Augustine Fishing Regulations<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"899\" height=\"674\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/St-Augustine-rnr.jpg\" alt='An infographic including a vector of a boat, the FishingBooker logo, the state flag of Florida, and text stating \"St. Augustine Fishing Regulations: What You Need to Know\" against a blue background' class=\"wp-image-45810\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/St-Augustine-rnr.jpg 899w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/St-Augustine-rnr-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/St-Augustine-rnr-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135032\/St-Augustine-rnr-150x112.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px\" \/><\/figure><p>There are closed seasons for several popular targets that you need to be aware of if you&rsquo;re planning on targeting one of them on your trip. These include Grouper, which are closed January through April; Hogfish, closed May through October; and Permit from April through July.<\/p><p>As far as other regulations go, you&rsquo;ll mainly want to stay informed on rules regarding harvesting, including minimum size and bag restrictions. Also, unless you&rsquo;re fishing with a licensed charter, you&rsquo;ll need to make sure you have the appropriate fishing licenses for everyone in your group before casting your line.<\/p><h2 id=\"st-augustine-the-ancient-angling-city\">St. Augustine: The Ancient Angling City<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1St-Augustine-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"A view across the gardens towards Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida at dusk, with palm trees and fountains lining the area before the impressive old building\" class=\"wp-image-45804\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1St-Augustine-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1St-Augustine-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1St-Augustine-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1St-Augustine-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/fishingbooker-prod-blog-backup.s3.amazonaws.com\/blog\/media\/2020\/08\/14135036\/1St-Augustine.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><p>First as a commercial fishing town and later as a hub for sportfishing, St. Augustine has kept it&rsquo;s name on the map by being able to offer everybody an experience that works for them. This still remains true and when you make your way to Ancient City, you&rsquo;ll have the opportunity to both satisfy your wishes and discover some new ones!&nbsp;<\/p><p><em>We&rsquo;re always eager to hear from you! Have you ever been fishing in St. Augustine? How was it? Let us know in the comments below.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From calm inshore waterways, where the action is focused on tailing Redfish, to legendary battles on the waves offshore, St. Augustine fishing is an experience you can&rsquo;t miss! Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned veteran or pretty new to the sport, the &#8220;Ancient City&rsquo;s&#8221; vibrant fishery is sure to provide you with an adventure that fits your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":17361,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1472],"tags":[358,356,471,437,618],"class_list":["post-17360","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-where-to-fish","tag-beginners-advice","tag-big-game-fishing","tag-mahi-mahi","tag-red-snapper","tag-st-augustine"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>St. Augustine Fishing: The Complete Guide (Updated 2022)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/st-augustine-fishing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"St. Augustine Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Fishing in St. Augustine: Top spots &amp; species, how to fish (charter fishing, deep sea fishing, shore fishing), when to come, and more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/fishingbooker.com\/blog\/st-augustine-fishing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"FishingBooker Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FishingBooker\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-08-11T13:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" 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