St. Augustine's Best 8-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

St. Augustine
$700 - $2,500 price range

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing in St. Augustine? Join one of the area's top-rated guides for an 8-hour offshore adventure. We'll hit various coastal spots, targeting a mix of species like Kingfish, Barracuda, Snapper, and Triggerfish. This trip is great for all skill levels - whether you're an old hand or just getting started. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and be ready to cast a line. Keep in mind there might be some extra costs for fuel. St. Augustine's waters are teeming with fish, and we'll do our best to put you on them. It's a chance to really dive into the local fishing scene and hopefully land some impressive catches. The coastal scenery ain't bad either. So come aboard, and let's see what's biting out there in the beautiful Atlantic.

St. Augustine's Best 8-Hour Offshore Fishing Trip

Reels and Rods

Angler's Paradise: St. Augustine Fishing

Gag grouper, a large fish caught while fishing in St. Augustine

Reel in Big Catches in St. Augustine

Explore St. Augustine’s Best Fishing Spots

Angler catches a large greater amberjack fish in Florida waters

Hooked on St. Augustine Fishing Trips

Full-Day Fishing Adventure in St. Augustine

Hey there, anglers! Ready to hit the coastal waters of St. Augustine for some serious fishing action? Captain Troy's got you covered with this 8-hour offshore charter that'll have you reeling in the big ones all day long. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to experience the best fishing St. Augustine has to offer.

What's the Catch?

Alright, let's talk fish. On this full-day adventure, we're targeting some real crowd-pleasers: Greater Amberjack, Great Barracuda, Red Snapper, Ocean Triggerfish, and Northern Kingfish. These waters are teeming with life, and we know just where to find 'em. We'll cruise to various hotspots along the coast, giving you the best shot at a diverse catch. And don't worry about gear – we've got all the top-notch equipment you'll need to land that trophy fish.

A Day on the Water

Here's how it'll go down: We'll meet up bright and early at the marina. Once everyone's aboard, we'll head out to where the fish are biting. This isn't some quick in-and-out trip – we're talking a full 8 hours of prime fishing time. We'll hit different spots throughout the day, switching up techniques to match what's working best. Trolling, bottom fishing, you name it – we'll do what it takes to get those lines tight. And hey, if you're new to this, no sweat. Our guide's got years of experience and will be there to show you the ropes every step of the way.

Gearing Up for Success

Now, about that gear I mentioned. We're not messing around with second-rate stuff here. You'll be using top-of-the-line rods, reels, and tackle – all included in your trip. We've got everything from light tackle for those triggerfish to heavy-duty setups for when a big amberjack decides to put up a fight. And bait? We've got that covered too. Live bait, cut bait, artificial lures – we'll use whatever's working best that day to get those fish biting.

Fish Tales

Let me tell you, the waters off St. Augustine are something special. I've had days out here where the kingfish were practically jumping in the boat, and others where we've battled monster amberjack that'll make your arms feel like jelly. Every trip's different, but that's what makes it exciting. You never know when you might hook into the catch of a lifetime.

Meet the Locals

Let's break down some of the stars of the show you might encounter on this trip:

Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. They're known for their powerful runs and bulldog-like fighting style. Amberjack typically hang around wrecks and reefs, and when you hook one, hold on tight! They're at their best in the cooler months, from fall through spring.

Great Barracuda: Talk about toothy grins! These sleek predators are lightning-fast and put on a real show when hooked. They love to hit topwater lures and flashy jigs. Summer's prime time for 'cudas, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle.

Red Snapper: Ah, the prized red snapper. These tasty bottom-dwellers are a favorite for good reason. They're smart, strong fighters that require some finesse to catch. We typically target them over rocky bottoms and reefs. The season's limited, so when it's open, it's go time!

Ocean Triggerfish: Don't let their size fool you – triggerfish are tough little customers. They've got a set of chompers on 'em that'll make quick work of a hook if you're not careful. But man, are they fun to catch on light tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating if you're into that.

Northern Kingfish: Not to be confused with their bigger cousin the king mackerel, these guys are more of an inshore species. They're great for beginners because they're abundant and put up a nice little fight. We'll often catch these while we're hunting for bigger game closer to shore.

Time to Get Hooked

Look, if you're itching for a full day of top-notch fishing in some of Florida's most productive waters, this is the trip for you. With Captain Troy's expert guidance, top-quality gear, and a full 8 hours on the water, you're in for one heck of a day. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big amberjack or filling the cooler with tasty snapper, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Grab your sunscreen, your lucky fishing hat, and let's get out there and make some memories. Book your spot now and get ready for a fishing adventure you won't forget!

Learn more about the species

Great Barracuda

Great Barracuda are the speedsters of the reef, built for lightning-fast attacks. These toothy predators can stretch 5-6 feet long, with most in the 2-4 foot range. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges, often in 20-80 feet of water. They're here year-round, but fishing heats up in summer when they're most active. Barracuda are a blast to target - they'll chase down lures at high speed and leap clear out of the water when hooked. Just watch those razor-sharp teeth! The fight is all about blistering runs. For the best shot, troll shiny lures or live bait like mullet around the edges of reefs. My go-to setup is a wire leader with a blue and white Rapala X-Rap. Work it fast and erratically to trigger their predatory instinct.

Greater Amberjack

Greater Amberjack are hard-fighting monsters that'll test your arms and your tackle. These bluish-gray bruisers can top 100 pounds, though most run 20-50 pounds. Look for them around deep wrecks and reefs, 60-240 feet down. They love structure, so target ledges and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers prize AJs for their bulldogging strength - they'll try to break you off in the wreck, so you've gotta muscle 'em up quick. The meat's good eating too, with a firm texture. Live bait like blue runners or pinfish is your best bet. I like to use a stout conventional setup with 50-80 pound braid. Drop your bait right into the structure and hang on tight when that rod doubles over!

Northern Kingfish

Northern Kingfish are scrappy bottom-dwellers that punch above their weight class. These bronze-backed fish rarely top 18 inches, but they're fun on light tackle. Look for them in the surf zone and nearshore waters, usually in less than 30 feet deep. Sandy or muddy bottoms are their preferred turf. Late summer and early fall are prime times as they fatten up before winter. Kingfish put up a spirited fight, with quick runs and head shakes. They're also excellent eating, with sweet, white meat. To target them, use small hooks and bits of clam, squid, or bloodworms. Fish right on the bottom where they feed. Here's a local trick: try casting just behind breaking waves in the surf - that's where they often lurk to ambush prey stirred up by the water movement.

Ocean Triggerfish

Ocean Triggerfish are odd-looking critters with big personalities. These grayish-brown fish only grow to about 12-18 inches, but they're feisty. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 30-300 feet of water. They hang close to structure, often in small groups. Triggers are year-round residents, but fishing's best in warmer months. Anglers love targeting them for their tenacious fight and tasty white meat. They've got small mouths with powerful jaws, so use small hooks. Squid strips or bits of shrimp work well for bait. When hooked, they'll try to wedge themselves in holes, so you've gotta turn their heads quick. My top tip: use a light fluorocarbon leader - triggers have great eyesight and can be leader-shy in clear water.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are prized catches - beautiful crimson fish that put up a great fight and taste even better. They typically run 5-10 pounds, but can grow over 30. You'll find them holding tight to structure in 60-300 feet of water. Rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks are prime habitat. The season's limited, so check regulations before heading out. Early summer is usually best. Snapper fishing is all about precise bottom fishing. They're wary, so use light leaders and small hooks. Fresh cut bait like cigar minnows works well. When you hook one, crank fast to pull them away from structure before they can break you off. The sweet, white flesh makes excellent table fare. For best results, I like to use a fish-finder rig with a circle hook and just enough weight to hold bottom.

About the Seafox

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 60

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for a full day of fishing off the coast of St. Augustine? Join one of the area's top-rated guides for an 8-hour offshore adventure. You'll cruise to various spots along the coast, dropping lines for an array of fish including Kingfish, Barracuda, Snapper, and Triggerfish. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels - whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. Your guide will provide all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the day. Keep in mind there might be an extra charge for fuel. With room for up to three guests, it's a great way to spend quality time with friends or family while exploring the rich fishing grounds of St. Augustine. Don't forget your camera - you'll want to capture those big catches and beautiful coastal views!

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