Get ready to hit the open water and chase some serious fish on this 6-hour afternoon charter off the coast of St. Augustine. We're talking about the kind of fishing that'll have you telling stories for years to come. Captain Troy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the hottest bite around. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip is your ticket to some of the best offshore action Florida has to offer.
Here's the scoop: we'll cruise out of St. Augustine and hit the prime offshore spots where the big boys hang out. We're talking Kingfish that'll make your reel scream, Amberjack that'll test your arm strength, and maybe even a Sailfish if Lady Luck is on our side. The boat's got all the gear you need, so don't sweat it if you're traveling light. Just bring your A-game and maybe a sandwich or two to keep your energy up. Oh, and feel free to pack a cooler with your favorite drinks - staying hydrated is key out there on the big blue.
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be using a mix of techniques to land these offshore beasts. Expect to do some trolling - that's where we drag lures behind the boat to entice those speedy pelagics like Kingfish and Barracuda. When we're over a good structure, we might switch to bottom fishing for Amberjack and Sea Bass. The captain's got an arsenal of rods and reels suited for whatever we're chasing, and he'll show you the ropes if you're new to this kind of fishing. Pro tip: when an Amberjack hits, hold on tight and get ready for a workout!
Look, I could tell you all day about the fishing, but nothing beats hearing it straight from the folks who've been there. Here's what some of our recent anglers had to say:
Let's break down some of the fish we're after on this trip. First up, the Greater Amberjack. These bruisers are like underwater freight trains. They live around wrecks and reefs, and when they hit your bait, it's game on. They can grow over 100 pounds, and even a "small" one will give you a run for your money. Best time to target them is late spring through fall.
Next, we've got the Great Barracuda. These toothy critters are the speed demons of the sea. They're long, sleek, and can hit a lure faster than you can blink. Watching a 'cuda rocket out of the blue to smash a topwater lure is something you've got to see to believe. They're around all year, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months.
Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste. These bottom-dwellers are a blast to catch on light tackle, and they make for some mighty fine eating. You can catch them year-round, but they tend to move a bit deeper in the summer.
The Northern Kingfish, or "King Mackerel" as we call 'em, are the speedsters of the offshore world. These silver bullets can scream line off your reel at an alarming rate. Trolling for kings is a St. Augustine staple, and hooking into a big smoker king is an experience you won't soon forget. Peak season is typically late spring through fall.
Last but certainly not least, there's the Atlantic Sailfish. Now, I won't promise you'll hook into one of these beauties - they're more of a bonus catch in our waters. But if you're lucky enough to see one of these majestic fish light up and start tailing behind the boat, it's a sight that'll stick with you forever. They're most common in the late fall and winter, but you never know when one might show up.
Alright, folks, here's the deal: this 6-hour afternoon trip with Captain Troy is your golden ticket to some world-class offshore fishing right here in St. Augustine. You've got the chance to tangle with some serious fish, make memories that'll last a lifetime, and maybe even bring home some fresh fillets for dinner. The boat's ready, the fish are waiting, and all that's missing is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat before someone else does, and get ready for an afternoon of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be hooked for life. Let's go fishing!
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the ocean, known for their spectacular leaps and blazing speed. They average 6-8 feet long and 80-100 pounds. You'll find them in blue water, often following bait schools. Winter and early spring are prime seasons off St. Augustine. Anglers prize sailfish for their incredible fights and stunning looks. Use live bait like ballyhoo or goggle-eyes, or try trolling with rigged baits. My go-to trick: when you see them, cast a live bait in front of the fish and free-spool. The sail will often pounce on it. Be ready for some real fireworks when they hit!
Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're a blast to catch. Most run 1-4 pounds, though they can reach 8. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. These feisty little guys put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat too. Use small hooks with squid or cut bait. Pro tip: when you find one, you've likely found a bunch. They school up, so once you're on 'em, you can catch your limit pretty quick.
Great Barracuda are the sleek speedsters of the reef, hitting 5-6 feet long with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. You'll spot them near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and coastal waters. These aggressive predators are known for their lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Summer's the best time to target them as they move inshore. Anglers get a kick out of their fierce looks and explosive hits. Use shiny lures or live bait like mullet. Word to the wise: wear gloves when handling them and watch those teeth! For a real show, try topwater plugs – the surface strikes are something else.
Greater Amberjack are real bruisers, typically ranging from 20-50 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around wrecks and reefs 60-240 feet deep. These powerful fish put up an epic fight, often making long runs and using their bulk to dive for cover. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move inshore. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge and tasty fillets. Live bait like blue runners or sardines work great, but jigging can be effective too. My tip: When you hook one, get it away from structure fast or it'll break you off. Be ready for a workout - these fish don't give up easy!
Northern Kingfish are scrappy fighters that punch above their weight. Most run 10-14 inches and under 2 pounds, but they're feisty. Look for them in the surf zone and near piers, especially over sandy bottoms. Late summer's your best bet when they're close to shore. Anglers dig 'em for the sporty fight on light tackle and their sweet, white meat. Use small hooks with bits of shrimp or bloodworms. Here's a local trick: fish the troughs between sandbars during high tide. That's where they like to feed, and you can often catch a bunch in one spot.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200