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Ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime? Captain Troy's extended full-day guided trip off St. Augustine is where it's at. We're talking serious offshore action, targeting big game like amberjack, barracuda, and mahi-mahi. This ain't your average boat ride – it's a full-on fishing marathon for anglers who know their stuff and want to push their limits. Pack your sunscreen and get ready to battle some monsters of the deep!
We'll be heading way offshore, so come prepared for a long day on the big blue. The boat's stocked with all the fishing gear you'll need, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. Snacks and drinks are on you, so pack a cooler – trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there. We typically leave the dock before sunrise and don't head back until we've maxed out our time or hit our limit. It's a full 8-10 hours of prime fishing time, so pace yourself and stay hydrated. Oh, and heads up – there might be a fuel surcharge depending on how far we need to go to find the hot spots.
Out here, we use a mix of trolling and bottom fishing to target different species. For the pelagics like mahi and kingfish, we'll set up a spread of lines and troll along weedlines or current edges. When we're after amberjack or sea bass, we'll drop jigs or live bait to the structure below. Barracuda? Those toothy critters love a fast-moving lure skipped across the surface. I'll show you all the tricks of the trade, from rigging baits to reading the water. By the end of the day, you'll be jigging and trolling like a pro.
Black Sea Bass: These bottom-dwellers are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They hang around reefs and wrecks, usually in 60-180 feet of water. Best time to target them is fall through spring when the water's cooler. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but their firm, white flesh makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Northern Kingfish: Don't confuse these with their larger cousin, the king mackerel. Northern kingfish, also called whiting, are more of an inshore species but we sometimes catch them while trolling for bigger game. They're most active in the warmer months and put up a decent fight for their size. Anglers love 'em because they're easy to catch and taste great fried up.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the acrobats of the ocean. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. We find them near floating debris or weedlines, usually from spring through fall. They're fast-growing and can reach up to 30 pounds in their first year. The real thrill is watching them light up with electric blue and green colors as they come alongside the boat.
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of the reef. We call 'em "reef donkeys" because they pull like a mule. Amberjack hang around deep wrecks and reefs, typically in 200 feet of water or more. Spring and fall are prime times to tangle with these powerhouses. Be ready for a workout – a 50-pounder will test your arms and your drag!
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast attacks, 'cudas are the thrill-seekers' favorite. We find them year-round, but they're most active in warmer months. They love to chase fast-moving lures and often sky out of the water when they hit. Just watch your fingers when you're unhooking these toothy critters!
This trip isn't for the faint of heart, but that's exactly why serious anglers can't get enough. It's all about the variety – one minute you're cranking up a hefty amberjack from the depths, the next you're racing to grab a rod as a school of mahi crashes your spread. The offshore grounds off St. Augustine are some of the most productive in Florida, and with Captain Troy's local know-how, you're in for a day of non-stop action. Plus, there's nothing like the camaraderie that comes from spending a full day on the water, sharing fish stories, and maybe even a cold one at the end of the day.
If you're itching for a real offshore adventure, this is the trip for you. With room for just three anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and one-on-one guidance from Captain Troy. Whether you're looking to check some bucket list species off your list or just want to experience the thrill of battling big game fish, this extended full-day trip delivers. The boat's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddies, book your spot, and get ready for an epic day on the water. The fish are out there – let's go get 'em!
Black sea bass are a popular catch off St. Augustine, typically weighing 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 8. You'll find them around underwater structures like reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms, usually in waters 60-120 feet deep. They're most active in late spring and summer when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting them for their firm, white meat and the sporty fight they put up. These fish are bottom feeders, so using squid or cut bait on a two-hook rig is your best bet. For a local tip: try jigging near structure edges where they like to hide. Just remember, they can be tricky to unhook with those sharp gill plates, so bring pliers. The season's open February and May through December, making them a great year-round option for our trips.

Great barracuda are the speed demons of St. Augustine's waters. These toothy predators can stretch 5-6 feet long and hit like a freight train. You'll spot them around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges, often hanging motionless near the surface. They're around year-round but more active in warmer months. Anglers target 'cudas for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps – they're pure adrenaline on the line. We usually troll or cast with tube lures or live bait. Here's a guide secret: try using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from those razor-sharp teeth. When you hook one, hang on tight and keep tension – they're known for wild, unpredictable runs. Just remember to handle them carefully at the boat. While not the best eating, they're one of the most thrilling gamefish in these waters.

Greater amberjack are powerhouses that'll test your strength off St. Augustine. These bruisers can hit 50 pounds or more, with a typical catch in the 20-40 pound range. You'll find them around deep-water structures like wrecks and reefs, usually in 60-250 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they're around year-round. Anglers love AJs for their brutal strength and stamina – they're known as "reef donkeys" for good reason. We usually target them with live bait or heavy jigs, but be ready for a workout. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, get it moving up fast or it'll dive for cover and break you off. The meat's good eating too, just be aware of size and bag limits. These fish will push your gear and muscles to the limit.

Mahi mahi are one of the most exciting catches off St. Augustine. These colorful acrobats usually run 15-29 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters, often around floating debris or weed lines. Summer and early fall are prime seasons when the water warms up. Anglers love mahi for their spectacular aerial displays, hard fights, and excellent table fare. To target them, we'll troll with ballyhoo or artificial lures, keeping an eye out for frigate birds which often lead us to schools. Here's a pro tip: once you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others – mahi are curious and will often stick around. Their golden-green colors and delicious, firm white meat make them a favorite for both sport and eating.

Northern kingfish are a fun catch for anglers looking for some action in the surf or nearshore waters around St. Augustine. These feisty little fighters usually run 10-14 inches long and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging out in the suds, often right in the wave break over sandy or muddy bottoms. Late summer is prime time as they move closer to shore. Folks enjoy targeting them for their sweet, white meat and the challenge of surf fishing. To boost your chances, try using small pieces of shrimp or bloodworms on a light setup with a small hook. Here's a local trick: look for deeper pockets in the surf where these guys like to hide out. They're not huge, but they make up for it with their spirited fights and tasty fillets.

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