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Ready to reel in some serious action off the coast of St. Augustine? Captain Troy's half-day morning trip is your ticket to hooking into some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. We're talking Amberjack that'll make your arms burn, King Mackerel that'll scream line off your reel, and a whole bunch more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this offshore excursion is packed with potential for tight lines and bent rods.
As soon as we clear the inlet, it's game on. We'll cruise out to prime fishing grounds where the bite's been hot. Depending on what's running, we might set up for some bottom fishing or troll the color changes for pelagics. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety - one minute you could be battling a bruiser Amberjack, the next you're finessing a tasty Snapper. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of elbow room to work those fish. Just remember to pack some snacks to keep your energy up - fighting fish works up an appetite!
We'll be using a mix of tactics to put you on the fish. For bottom dwellers like Snapper and Sea Bass, we'll drop baits and jigs to structure. When we're after the speedsters like Kingfish, it's all about slow-trolling live baits or dragging spoons and plugs. Captain Troy knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll have you rigged up right for whatever's biting. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through everything from hooking live bait to working a jigging rod. By the end of the trip, you'll be handling that gear like a pro.
St. Augustine's offshore waters are teeming with gamefish, and each season brings its own stars. Right now, the Amberjack are absolutely crushing it - these "reef donkeys" will test your stamina and make for some epic photos. The Kingfish run has been stellar too, with smokers in the 30-pound class not uncommon. But let's not forget the tasty bottom fish - Red Snapper season is always a highlight, and the Black Sea Bass fishing has been consistent year-round. Whether you're after a trophy for the wall or some fillets for the grill, we've got you covered.
Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the crown jewels of bottom fishing. They're known for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious, flaky white meat. Red Snapper season is like Christmas for anglers - usually open for a limited time in the summer, it's a mad dash to bag your limit. These fish love structure, so we'll be dropping baits near reefs and wrecks. When a big one hits, hold on tight - they've got a knack for diving back to their hidey-holes!
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you - these feisty little guys punch above their weight class. They're abundant year-round and make for some of the best eating you'll find offshore. We catch them using light tackle, which makes for a fun, active day of fishing. They hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, often mixed in with other species, so you never know what you'll pull up next.
Northern Kingfish: Not to be confused with their larger cousins, the King Mackerel, these "sea mullet" are prized for their sweet, delicate flesh. They're bottom feeders that love hanging out in the surf zone, but we catch plenty of them just offshore too. Light tackle specialists love targeting these fish - they put up a scrappy fight on the right gear.
King Mackerel: Now we're talking some serious speed demons. "Smoker Kings" are the stuff of fishing legend, known for blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. We usually troll for these bad boys, and when one hits, it's pure adrenaline. They're most abundant in the warmer months, and landing a big one is a true trophy. Plus, they make for some mean fish dip!
Greater Amberjack: Pound for pound, these might be the hardest fighting fish in the sea. We call 'em "reef donkeys" for a reason - they're stubborn, powerful, and will test every bit of your fishing skills. They hang around deep structure and wrecks, and when you hook into one, be ready for a battle royale. The bigger ones can top 100 pounds, and trust me, you'll feel every ounce of that fight.
There's something special about fishing these St. Augustine waters. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the Atlantic as we're heading out. Or it could be that moment when your rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel. For many, it's the camaraderie that builds when you're all working together to boat that big fish. Whatever it is, this trip has a way of hooking people - pun intended. We've got regulars who've been fishing with Captain Troy for years, and newbies who catch the bug on their very first trip.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there. But the truth is, nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Whether you're looking to put some meat in the cooler, land that trophy fish, or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip delivers. With only three spots available, these trips fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. So if you're thinking about it, don't wait. 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. Tight lines, and we'll see you on the water!
Black Sea Bass are fun, plump little fighters we catch year-round, but they're most active in late spring and summer. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and reefs in 60-120 feet of water. They usually run 1-4 pounds, but can get up to 8 pounds. These guys put up a nice scrap for their size and are delicious eating. We use light tackle with small hooks baited with squid or cut fish. Drop your line to the bottom, then reel up a crank or two. When you feel that distinctive tap-tap, set the hook. Black Sea Bass have a habit of swallowing the hook, so we use circle hooks to make releases easier. A cool thing about these fish - they're born female and some change to males as they grow. For the best action, I like to chum a bit to get them fired up.

Greater Amberjacks are bruisers of the offshore world. These powerful fish typically run 20-50 pounds but can reach over 100. We find them around deep wrecks and reefs in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Amberjacks are famous for their incredible strength - they'll test your arms and your gear. When hooked, they often make a beeline straight down, so be ready for a workout. We usually fish for them with live bait like blue runners or heavy jigs. One trick is to use a butterfly jig and let it flutter down - amberjacks often hit on the fall. These fish school up, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. While they're not the best eating, the fight alone makes them worth targeting. Just be careful handling them - they've got some nasty teeth.

King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speed demons of the Atlantic. These sleek predators typically run 20-40 pounds but can top 100. We find them in 30-150 foot depths, often near reefs or wrecks. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Kings are famous for their blistering runs - when one hits, hold on tight! They're also excellent eating. We usually troll with live bait like blue runners or dead cigar minnows. I like using wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. A local trick is to slow-troll live bait around bait schools - kings often lurk beneath waiting to ambush. When a king skyrockets on your bait, it's a sight you won't forget. Just remember, these fish have high mercury levels, so limit consumption, especially for kids and pregnant women.

Northern Kingfish are scrappy little bottom-dwellers we catch in the surf and nearshore waters. They're usually 10-14 inches long, weighing up to 1.5 pounds. Look for them around sandy or muddy bottoms in water up to 30 feet deep. These fish are most active in late summer and early fall. Kingfish put up a good fight on light tackle, making them fun for all skill levels. They've got a single whisker under their chin they use to feel for food. To catch 'em, I like using small hooks with pieces of shrimp or bloodworms. Fish right on the bottom and be ready for quick, sharp bites. These guys make excellent eating with their mild, sweet meat. One tip - try fishing the deeper troughs in the surf during an outgoing tide. That's when they're often feeding most actively.

Red Snapper are prized catches off St. Augustine, typically weighing 10-20 pounds but can reach 35+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs and wrecks in 100-300 feet of water. These fish put up a solid fight and taste great, making them popular with anglers. Best fishing is May through October when they move closer to shore. Look for them near structure using your fish finder. I like to use heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh cut bait like cigar minnows or squid. Let your bait sink to the bottom, then reel up a few cranks. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard and start reeling - these fish will try to dive back to structure. Keep steady pressure and you'll have a beautiful red snapper coming over the rails.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 60
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200