Fishing in St. Augustine during the winter can be a bit of a challenge, but for those willing to brave the colder temperatures, the rewards can be well worth it. With various species available, including jack crevalles and seatrout, there is something for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy.
What to Expect
Those fishing in St. Augustine during the winter should come prepared with a hefty dose of patience and warm layers! The cooler temperatures, windy conditions, and even cooler water can be challenging for anglers.
But it’s not all bad news – there is a certain charm to enduring these elements as an experienced fisherman, plus these elements can enhance your fishing experience! Cooler water temperatures often prompt fish to be more active – thus leading to potentially excellent catches for those eager anglers ready to take on the weather-induced challenge and reap its reward!
Species Overview: Jack Crevalle
The Jack Crevalle, a.k.a the Common Jack, is a fantastic game fish every angler should experience at least once in their lifetime! Found in the waters around St. Augustine, this infamous swimmer can challenge even the longest-standing fisherman with their strong fighting abilities.
Not only that, but they range from 20-40 inches and are commonly located in all sorts of habitats, like estuaries, inlets, and offshore waters – so you’re guaranteed to find one no matter where you’re fishing! With some patience and skill, I’m confident you’ll have a great time swimming with the Common Jack!
Species Overview: Seatrout
One of the most sought-after species that call St. Augustine home is the seatrout, more commonly known as the spotted seatrout. The enthusiasm of anglers in this region speaks to their incredible fighting spirit and unbelievable agility. Not only do they make a challenge for experienced fishermen, but beginner anglers have a great shot at reeling them in!
Seatrout can range from 12-24 inches long, and huge specimens have been recorded up to 30 inches. Where you might find them varies, with estuaries and other coastal areas being popular spots. Catching one of these remarkable fish is an experience every angler should have!
Fishing Techniques for Jack Crevalles and Seatrout
When it comes to targeting jack Crevalle and seatrout, there are various techniques to choose from. Live bait such as mullet, pinfish, or blue runners can be effective with jack crevalles, while shrimp and mud minnows may set off the alarms of a seatrout. Lures such as plugs or jigs mimicking the appearance of a small baitfish are also well worth considering when fishing for these species.
If you want to step things up, nothing beats casting out with artificial lures such as topwater plugs or MirrOlures. However, specific water conditions can add an extra dimension to the equation and require an adjustment in your choice of techniques. Keeping tabs on changing weather patterns and tides and varying times of day will help ensure success is never far away from your rod tip!
