Get ready to hit the open water and chase some serious fish on this 6-hour morning charter off the coast of St. Augustine. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, Captain Troy's got you covered for an action-packed day of offshore fishing. We'll be targeting some real bruisers out there - think hefty Kingfish, hard-fighting Amberjack, and tasty Snapper. The best part? You never know what might end up on the end of your line in these rich coastal waters.
We'll meet up bright and early at the marina, where Captain Troy will give you the rundown on our game plan for the day. Once we're loaded up, it's time to cruise out past the breakers and into the productive fishing grounds offshore. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll put us right on the hot spots. You'll have a chance to try different techniques - maybe some bottom fishing for Snapper and Sea Bass, or trolling for those high-flying Kingfish. With a max of 3 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and tips to improve your game. Don't forget to bring some snacks to keep your energy up - the fishing can get pretty intense out here!
We'll be using top-notch equipment suited for the hard-fighting fish we're after. Expect heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with braided line to give you the best shot at landing that trophy. For bottom fishing, we'll drop down with circle hooks baited with squid or cut bait. When we're trolling, we might run some diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo to entice those speedy pelagics. The captain will walk you through each technique, so even if you're new to offshore fishing, you'll be jigging and trolling like a pro in no time. And when that rod doubles over, get ready for an arm-wrestling match - these fish don't give up easily!
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of bottom fishing. They put up a stubborn fight and make for some incredible table fare. Red Snapper season is strictly regulated, so if we're lucky enough to hit an open season, you're in for a real treat. They tend to hang around structure and reefs, so precision anchoring and expert bait presentation are key.
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you - these feisty little fighters punch above their weight class. They're abundant around rocky bottoms and artificial reefs, often biting as soon as your bait hits the bottom. Their white, flaky meat is absolutely delicious, making them a favorite for fish tacos.
Northern Kingfish: Not to be confused with their larger cousin the King Mackerel, these tasty bottom-dwellers are a blast to catch on light tackle. They love hanging around in the surf zone and just offshore, often traveling in schools. Keep an eye out for their distinctive barbels when they come up - it's like they're sporting a fancy mustache!
King Mackerel: Now we're talking about some serious speed demons. Kings can smoke a reel, stripping off yards of line in seconds. We usually troll for these bad boys, and when one hits, hold on tight! They're known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Landing a big King is always a highlight of any offshore trip.
Greater Amberjack: If you're looking for a true test of strength, look no further than the mighty AJ. These bruisers are like underwater freight trains, often found hanging around deep-water wrecks and reefs. When you hook into one, be prepared for a marathon battle - they don't call them "reef donkeys" for nothing!
St. Augustine's offshore waters are a fisherman's paradise, plain and simple. The diversity of species you can encounter out here is mind-blowing - one minute you're reeling up a colorful Vermilion Snapper, the next you're locked in battle with a monster Amberjack. And let's not forget the scenery - there's something magical about watching the sun rise over the Atlantic as you cruise out to your fishing grounds. Plus, with Captain Troy at the helm, you know you're in good hands. He's got years of experience navigating these waters and putting clients on fish. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, this trip delivers big time.
Listen, if you're itching for some world-class offshore action, this St. Augustine charter is calling your name. With a 6-hour morning trip, you've got plenty of time to get out to the good stuff and really put a bend in those rods. Remember, we're limited to 3 guests, so you'll get tons of one-on-one attention to hone your skills. Don't forget to pack some snacks, and maybe bring a camera - you're gonna want proof when you're telling stories about the monster fish you battled. Give Captain Troy a call and lock in your date - the fish are out there waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action!
King Mackerel are one of the speediest fish in these waters - they can hit 60 mph in short bursts. Most "kings" we catch are 10-40 pounds, but they can top 90. Look for them in 30-150 feet of water near reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love kings for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They'll test your gear and skills for sure. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or menhaden is deadly. Or try slow-trolling with big spoons or diving plugs. My best tip: use wire leaders, as kings have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you get a hit, let them run for a few seconds before setting the hook hard. Kings make for some exciting fishing and tasty eating too, just watch the mercury levels if you're keeping them for the table.
Red Snapper are prized catches - big, beautiful fish that put up a great fight and taste amazing. Most are 5-20 pounds, but they can top 40. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 60-300 feet. Summer is prime time when the season's open. Anglers love snapper fishing for the hard-hitting action and delicious fillets. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks baited with live pinfish, cigar minnows, or cut bait. Or try jigging with heavy bucktails. My top tip: when you feel that solid thump, reel fast and lift your rod tip to turn their head before they dive back to their hole. Once hooked, pump and wind steadily to keep them coming. Get ready for some sore arms, but the reward is well worth it - both the fight and the table fare. Just be sure to check regulations, as seasons are strictly managed.
Northern Kingfish are scrappy bottom-dwellers that put up a good fight on light tackle. Most are 10-14 inches and under 2 pounds, but they can reach 18 inches. You'll find them in the surf zone and nearshore waters less than 30 feet deep, especially over sandy or muddy bottoms. Late summer and early fall are prime times as they move closer to shore. Anglers enjoy targeting kingfish for their aggressive bite and tasty white meat. Use light tackle with a fish finder rig baited with small pieces of shrimp, squid, or bloodworms. My local tip: look for them in troughs and cuts in the surf, especially on incoming tides. Cast out and slowly retrieve your bait along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook quick! These little fighters are fun to catch and make excellent fish tacos.
Black Sea Bass are fun, hard-fighting fish that hang out near bottom structure in 60-180 feet of water. Most are 1-4 pounds, but they can reach 8+. You'll find them year-round, but spring and fall are best as they move closer to shore. Anglers enjoy catching sea bass for their aggressive bite and delicious white meat. They love structure, so look for them around reefs, wrecks, and rock piles. Use medium tackle with a fish finder rig baited with squid or cut bait. Or try jigging with bucktails tipped with squid. My local tip: when you find a good spot, drop straight down and keep your bait within a foot of the bottom. Sea bass hit hard and fast, so be ready! Once you hook one, get it up quick before it dives back into the rocks. These tasty buggers are great eating, so they're perfect if you want to bring home dinner.
Greater Amberjack are real bruisers - these powerful fish can reach up to 6 feet long and 100+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around wrecks, reefs, and other structure in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in closer to shore. Anglers love targeting AJs for their incredible strength and stamina - hooking one is like being tied to a freight train! They put up an epic fight all the way to the boat. To land a big one, use heavy tackle with 50+ pound test line. Live bait like blue runners or speedos work great, or try jigging with butterfly jigs. My top tip: when you feel that first big hit, reel like crazy to turn their head before they dive for cover in the wreck. Get ready for some sore arms, but man is it worth it when you bring one of these giants to the surface.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200