Top-Rated St. Augustine Inshore Fishing Charter

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

St. Augustine
$500 price range

Summary

Hop aboard for an afternoon of inshore fishing in St. Augustine with Captain Rob Nevins. This 4-hour trip takes you to prime spots for Redfish, Black Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Mangrove Snapper. No need to worry about gear or licenses – it's all covered, along with bait and fish cleaning for your legal catches. Just bring your drinks and sunscreen. The charter's perfect for groups of 2-4, with a base price of $500 for two and $50 per additional person. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, Captain Rob's local knowledge ensures a laid-back yet productive day on Florida's coastal waters. You'll get a real taste of St. Augustine's fishing scene, learning techniques and spotting marine life along the way. It's a great chance to unwind, chat with the captain, and hopefully reel in some impressive catches to show off back at the dock.

Top-Rated St. Augustine Inshore Fishing Charter

Reel Action Moments

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Angler enjoying a great day of fishing in FL

Fiery Redfish catch

Chunky Black Drum catch

Powerful Redfish catch

St. Augustine's Afternoon Inshore Fishing Adventure

Get ready to hit the backwaters of St. Augustine for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Captain Rob Nevins knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this 4-hour afternoon trip is the perfect way to experience the thrill of landing redfish, black drum, and more in the scenic coastal waters of America's oldest city.

What's Biting Today?

As soon as we push off from the dock, we're in prime fishing territory. St. Augustine's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish, and Captain Rob knows all the honey holes. We'll be targeting redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper – all hard-fighting species that'll give you a run for your money. The afternoon bite can be especially hot, with fish actively feeding as the day cools down. Don't be surprised if you hook into a monster red or a chunky black drum that'll have your drag screaming!

Fishing the Flats and Backwaters

We'll be using light tackle and live bait to entice the fish, sight-casting on the flats or working the deeper channels depending on where the bite is hot. Captain Rob's got all the gear you need – quality rods, reels, and fresh bait. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, or swap tales and techniques if you're an old salt. We might throw some artificial lures too if the fish are in a mood for it. The key is staying flexible and reading the water, which is where having a pro like Captain Rob really pays off.

Target Species

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a fierce fight and can grow to over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, tailing in the grass flats – a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch reds year-round in St. Augustine.

Black Drum: The redfish's cousin, black drum, are equally fun to catch and can grow to enormous sizes. These bottom-feeders have a sweet spot for crustaceans, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can hook into them any time of year in our waters.

Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bottom for unsuspecting prey. While they might not look like much, they put up a surprisingly good fight and are absolutely delicious. We target these flatfish around structure and sandy bottoms, with fall being the peak season as they prepare for their offshore migration.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are a blast to catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one takes some finesse. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons, and we find them around pilings, oyster bars, and other structure.

Mangrove Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty fish will test your skills. Quick to bite but just as quick to spit the hook, mangrove snapper provide fast action and are excellent table fare. They hang around structure and are active year-round, with summer being the peak season.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

This isn't just a fishing trip – it's a chance to experience the rich coastal ecosystem of St. Augustine. As we navigate the waterways, you might spot dolphins, manatees, or a variety of shorebirds. Captain Rob's not just here to put you on fish; he's passionate about sharing his knowledge of the area's marine life and history. Plus, with all gear provided and your catch cleaned for you, all you need to focus on is having a great time on the water. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon, whether you're on vacation or a local looking for some quality time outdoors.

Time to Wet a Line!

Ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing St. Augustine has to offer? Book your spot with Captain Rob and Conquistador Fishing Charters today. At $500 for two people (with the option to add two more at $50 each), it's a great value for a private charter experience. Remember to bring your favorite drinks, some snacks, and plenty of sunscreen. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with friends, introduce the kids to fishing, or just enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, this trip delivers. The fish are biting, and Captain Rob's ready to show you where – let's go catch 'em!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the redfish's burly cousins, often found in the same areas. They're easily identified by their dark color and distinctive barbels under the chin. Most inshore drum run 5-30 pounds, but they can get huge - up to 90 pounds or more! You'll find them around oyster bars, pier pilings, and in coastal creeks. They prefer slightly deeper water than reds, usually 3-6 feet. Spring is peak season as they gather to spawn, but fall can be great too. Anglers enjoy black drum for their strong, steady fights. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are also good eating, with firm white meat. Bigger ones get tough and less tasty. For bait, you can't beat a fresh blue crab - crack it in half and hook it through a leg socket. Fish it on the bottom with just enough weight to hold. When you feel that telltale thump, give them a second before setting the hook.

Grey Snapper

Redfish are a favorite target around here, known for their copper-red color and black tail spot. Most we catch inshore run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much bigger offshore. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near mangroves - anywhere from 1-4 feet deep. They love to hang out where there's structure and food. Fall is prime time as redfish school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their strong runs and hard fights. Plus, they're excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. To land one, try working a gold spoon or soft plastic jig slowly along the bottom. Live shrimp or cut mullet also work great. My go-to trick is to find a sandy pothole in the grass flats and cast just past it - redfish love to ambush prey from those spots.

Redfish

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of our coastal waters. These flat, left-eyed fish can change color to match the bottom. Most we catch run 15-20 inches, but they can reach over 20 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in bays, inlets, and along the beachfront. They lie camouflaged, waiting to ambush prey. Fall is prime season as they migrate to spawn offshore. Anglers love flounder for their delicious white fillets. They can be tricky to hook, often just mouthing the bait. But once on, they put up a decent fight for their size. Live minnows or strips of squid work great. Try a slow drift, bouncing your bait along the bottom. My local trick: add a small spinner blade above your hook. The flash helps attract strikes, and you'll feel the bite better.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of our waters - big, powerful, and acrobatic. Adults average 4-5 feet long and 80-100 pounds, but can top 8 feet and 280 pounds. They're prized for their spectacular leaps and long, drag-screaming runs. Look for them rolling and gulping air in coastal passes, around bridges, and in deeper holes of the backcountry. May through July is prime tarpon season as they migrate along the coast. Anglers come from all over to battle these giants. It's a bucket list fish for many, offering an unmatched challenge on rod and reel. We practice strict catch-and-release to protect the population. Live mullet, pinfish, or crabs work well for bait. But many prefer to sight-cast with flies or artificial lures. My tip: when a hooked tarpon jumps, drop your rod tip to the water. It helps keep them buttoned up during those aerial acrobatics.

About the Conquistador Fishing Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Tahatsu

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready for a laid-back afternoon on the water? Join Captain Rob Nevins for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip in beautiful St. Augustine. You'll be casting lines for popular catches like redfish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. No need to worry about gear or licenses - it's all provided, along with bait and fish cleaning for your legal catches. Just bring your favorite drinks, some sunblock, and your fishing enthusiasm. At $500 for two people (with the option to add two more guests at $50 each), it's a great way to enjoy Florida's coastal waters with friends or family. Captain Rob's years of experience mean he knows just where to find the fish, making this trip perfect for anglers of all levels looking for a relaxed yet productive outing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying fishing for the first time, you're in for a fun afternoon on St. Augustine's scenic waterways.

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