The St. Augustine Fishing Calendar

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Eric Bonneman

The fishing scene in St. Augustine is pretty unique. We’ve got a little bit of everything—saltwater, freshwater, inshore, offshore.

Doesn’t matter what time of year it is, there’s always something going on. If you’re serious about fishing here, you’ll want to keep an eye on what’s happening month to month.

The St. Augustine Fishing Calendar is like your cheat sheet for knowing what’s biting and when in this beautiful city. It’s got all the details laid out for you, month by month. Want to hook a big bull redfish? Or maybe you’re after some tarpon action? The calendar breaks down the best times to hit the water for whatever you’re chasing.

It lays out which species are moving through and when, so you know exactly when to target redfish, when the tarpon are running, or when the flounder are hanging around. It’s like having a local in your back pocket telling you where to go and what to expect.

St. Augustine Fishing Calendar: Your Year-Round Guide

Each month here brings something different. One month, you’re chasing redfish in the backwaters. The next, you’re heading out to deeper water for a shot at tarpon or kingfish. The St. Augustine Fishing Calendar is not just a tool, it’s an angler’s bible that helps navigate the fishing opportunities in this historic Floridian city.

The calendar lays it all out for you—what’s in season, where to find it, and the best time of day to make your move. It’s got the info you need to make sure you’re in the right spot at the right time.

“St. Augustine is a great city for fishing all year round, but knowing where and when to go makes all the difference. What’s great about the Fishing Calendar is how it takes the guesswork out of the equation. It gives you info on the best times to fish, and what you might hook into. You don’t need to rely purely on luck when you’ve got the calendar giving you the inside scoop. It’s like having an experienced fishing buddy telling you where to cast and what to expect.”

– Avid Angler Expert Team

Fishing in St. Augustine is like embarking on a new adventure every season.

In spring, you might find the flats alive with speckled trout, while summer heats up with kingfish offshore. Fall is all about redfish and flounder, and winter? Well, there’s always something lurking if you know where to look.

This calendar makes sure you’re never out there guessing—it’s got you covered.

 

Inshore Saltwater Fishing in St. Augustine

If you’re sticking to the inshore spots, you’re in for a good time. The inshore waters around here are packed with all sorts of fish, making it a great place for fishermen at all levels. We’ve got everything from calm creeks and backwaters to those marshy areas where the saltwater mixes with fresh. You never quite know what you’re going to get, and that’s part of the fun.

You can find redfish (like the one below) cruising around the flats, especially when the tide is right. Speckled trout are another local favorite, hanging out near the grassy spots. You might even stumble upon some flounder if you’re lucky—or if you know what you’re doing. The point is, there’s always something to catch.

Fall Season – The Arrival of Flounder and Red Drum

As the summer heat gives way to fall coolness, offshore and nearshore fishing experiences hit peak excitement levels here in St. Augustine. This season witnesses flounder migrating from oceanic depths towards shallower coastal areas for spawning purposes, while red drum get more active.

Fall is when flounder start coming in from the deeper waters, heading toward those shallow coastal spots to spawn. It’s a pretty wild thing to watch if you know where to look. These flat fish are sneaky, burying themselves in the sand, waiting to ambush whatever swims by. They can be a bit tricky to catch, but that’s half the fun, right?

Tip: You’ll want to use a jig or a mud minnow if you’re serious about landing one. Look for them near the inlets or around docks where they like to hide out.

And then there’s the red drum, or redfish as most local St. Augustinians call them. They get super active around this time of year. The cooler water seems to bring them out of their summer slumber. They’re prowling the shallows, hunting for crabs and shrimp. You’ll often see them tailing in the marshes—heads down, tails up, rooting around like they own the place.

They put up a fight, too—Hook into a big bull red, and you’re in for a battle. A lot of Florida fishermen love this time of year just for the chance to wrestle with one of these bruisers.

Winter Season – Sheepshead and Speckled Trout Galore.

While other places are dealing with frozen lakes and packing up their rods for the season, we’re just getting started. That’s because winter in St. Augustine isn’t about hibernation—it’s when the fishing gets good, especially for sheepshead and speckled trout.

You will find sheepshead flocking around structures such as docks or bridges, which become excellent spots for shore-based anglers during this time. Speckled trout also become abundant, especially when using live shrimp baits under popping corks.

Now, sheepshead are a funny fish. They’re known for their human-like teeth—seriously, they look like they could use a toothbrush—and they love hanging around any kind of structure. Docks, bridge pilings, jetties, you name it. Those spots are like magnets for sheepshead in the winter. They’re munching on barnacles and crustaceans, and they’re not too shy about it either.

If you’re fishing from shore or a pier, this is your time. Just drop a line with a fiddler crab or a piece of shrimp, and be ready for a fight.

These guys are sneaky though, and they nibble more than they bite, so you’ve got to have a quick hook set.

Winter is prime time for catching speckled trout too, especially when the water gets cooler. They gather in deeper holes and around drop-offs where the water is a little warmer.

A popping cork with a live shrimp is like a dinner bell for them. You toss that rig out, give it a few pops to mimic a struggling shrimp, and wait. The bite can be explosive.

Speckled trout are known for aggressive strikes, and they can put up a decent fight for their size. (They’re also a favorite for a lot of locals because they taste great—there’s nothing like fresh-caught trout on the grill!)

Spring Season – Welcome Back, Cobia & Spanish Mackerel

After a few months of cooler weather, things start to warm up in the springtime, and the fishing really kicks back into high gear. The water temperatures rise, the baitfish start moving again, and before you know it, the cobia are back. Those fish are something else. You’ll often see them cruising right near the surface, sometimes even around buoys or following rays.

They’re curious, so don’t be surprised if one comes right up to the boat to check you out. When they do, be ready. Pitch a live eel or a crab their way, and hold on tight. Cobia are strong—they fight hard and don’t give up easy.

But that’s not all spring brings. Spanish mackerel also start showing up, and they’re a blast on light tackle. You’ll spot them darting around in schools, slashing through baitfish, and generally causing a ruckus on the surface. Spanish mackerel are fast—seriously fast. They hit hard and run quick. Use a small spoon or a flashy jig, and you’re in business. Just be sure to use a wire leader. Those sharp teeth can slice through mono like it’s nothing.

Summer Inshore Fishing

Summer in St. Augustine: The water’s warm, the days are long, and the fish—well, they’re all over the place. With the hotter temperatures, you’ll notice the fish start shifting their feeding habits and moving to different spots. It’s a whole new game.

Vilano Beach is a go-to for a lot of us locals. On any given day, you can find a mix of sheepshead hanging around the pilings, bluefish and Spanish mackerel tearing through bait schools, and even some snook lurking near the shore.

The sharks come in pretty close this time of year, too. You never know what’s gonna take your bait next, which is part of the fun.

If you’re looking for something more exciting, head over to Palm Valley. The deeper channels there are known for holding tarpon in the summer. These guys are a whole different story. They’re big, strong, and they even put on a show when you hook one—jumping out of the water, thrashing around like crazy.

Just remember that tarpon are strictly catch-and-release, so handle them carefully, take your pictures, and let them go quick.

Remember:

Be certain to examine the most current regulations before venturing out. (FWC Recreational Fishing Regulations)

Offshore Saltwater Fishing in St. Augustine

The Atlantic Coast is overflowing with deep sea fishing opportunities, and no place exemplifies this more than the offshore waters of St. Augustine. You’ve got everything from kingfish in the summer, when they move in closer to the shore, to mahi-mahi, which start showing up as the water warms. Then there’s grouper and snapper hanging out on the reefs and wrecks year-round. You might even run into a school of blackfin tuna or hook into a wahoo if you’re lucky.

The variety of species out there keeps it interesting. The best part? You don’t have to be a pro to have a good time. Even if you’re just getting started, these waters offer a chance to learn and maybe even land a big one. Just get your gear, pick a spot, and see what the day brings. There’s always something exciting waiting beneath the waves.

Year-Round Fighters: Kingfish and Barracuda

When talking about offshore saltwater fishing here, kingfish are impossible not to mention. Peaking during the summer months when they migrate closer to shore.

You’ll usually find them hanging around wrecks and reefs, hunting for smaller fish. They hit hard and fast, and they’ll make that reel scream. (A good kingfish fight is what gets a lot of us up at dawn, ready to get out there.)

Barracuda: These things are everywhere along Florida’s coastline and they’re not shy, either. Barracuda are known for their aggressive nature—they’ll come right up to the boat sometimes, just to see what’s going on. They’ve got sharp teeth, a bad attitude, and they put up just as much fight as they look like they would. In other word, if you’re looking for something to get your blood pumping, hooking into a big barracuda will do the trick.

Tuna, Grouper, Snapper: The Deep Sea Trifecta

Thinking about going further out, into the deep blue? It’s out there where things can get even more interesting.

If you’re up for it, tuna should be your top target out here. They’re more active in the spring and early summer when they’re chasing warm currents closer to the surface. And they’re fast. Really fast. You hook a tuna, and you’re in for a battle of strength, wits, and more strength.

Grouper and snapper are a big draw for anglers around here. They like to hang out around structures—ledges, reefs, wrecks—and they’re strong fighters. As far as bottom-dwellers go, snapper are fun, but grouper—they’re the ones that’ll put your gear to the test.

Freshwater Fishing Seasons in St. Augustine

You might know St. Augustine for its saltwater/offshore action, but the freshwater scene here can be interesting too, especially with the St. Johns River right in our backyard. It stretches all the way down the state, and it’s got a bit of everything. Bass, crappie, bluegill—you name it.

Spring: Bass & Catfish Take Center Stage

Around March, you can count on the largemouth bass to kick things off. This is when they’re getting ready to spawn, and they get really aggressive. They’re defending their nests, which means they’re striking at pretty much anything that comes close.

It’s a great time to fish for them because they’re not as picky. Throw a crankbait or a soft plastic near some cover—maybe around a fallen tree or a patch of lily pads—and there’s a good chance you’ll get a strike. They’re not picky, just hungry and a bit territorial.

Tip: Largemouths like to hang around the edges of the river, near cover like fallen trees or grassy banks. You find a spot like that, you’ll probably find the fish.

Catfish start waking up toward the end of spring as the water gets just a little bit warmer. You can find channel cats and blues moving around, looking for an easy meal. They’re bottom feeders, so you’ll want to use stink bait or cut bait to draw them in. Look for deeper holes or slower-moving water where they like to hang out. And don’t be surprised if you hook into a big one—these guys can get hefty, and they’ll give you a run for your money.

Spring is also a good time to target speckled perch, or crappie, especially earlier in the season. These fish start schooling up in deeper water as the temperatures warm up just enough. Look for them around submerged brush piles or docks. A small jig or a minnow on a light line can usually do the trick. They’re not huge fighters, but they’re fun to catch and make for a good fish fry.

As we get further into spring, around late April and into May, bluegill and other sunfish species start to become more active as well. They’re often found in shallower water, especially near the banks where the water is warming up faster. A simple setup with a worm or cricket under a bobber is all you need. If you’ve got kids or just want a relaxing day on the water, targeting bluegill can be a blast.

Striped bass are also around in the early spring, especially in the St. Johns River. They are more active during cooler months generally, but as the water warms up, they start moving more. Look for them in deeper channels or near the mouths of creeks feeding into the river. They can put up a strong fight and are a solid target if you’re looking for something different.

Using a live shad or a jig can often bring them in. Just be prepared for a bit of a tussle—stripers don’t come easy.

By late spring, you might also start seeing some shad moving in the river. These aren’t the biggest fish, but they’re known for putting up a good fight for their size. They’re a lot of fun on light tackle, and they often run in schools, so once you hook one, you’re likely to find more. Small spoons or darts work well for shad, especially if you can get them near the surface.

Summer: Prime Time for Panfish

Summer in St. Augustine means it’s time for panfish. From June through August, you’ll find plenty of bluegill, crappie, and all their other little friends biting all over the place. They love the warmer waters, and they’re perfect if you’re just getting into fishing or if you’re a seasoned pro looking to fill the cooler. You’re not going to break any records with these guys, but there’s something satisfying about the steady action. You cast, you wait a few seconds, and bam—you’ve got a bite.

If you’ve got kids you want to take fishing or you’re just out for a relaxing day on the water, this is the way to go. No expensive pro-level gear needed, no complicated tactics. Just grab your fishing rod, find a good spot, and enjoy.

If you want to go out at the optimal time to catch panfish around here in summer, stick to early mornings and/or late evenings. The sun’s not as high, the water’s cooler, and the fish are more active. You can pretty much guarantee a few hours of fun. Small jigs, worms, crickets—keep it simple. Drop your bait near some structure like a dock or a weed bed, and just let it sit. Bluegill will be all over it. Crappie, too, if you find the right spot.

Catfish are another solid target during the summer months. They don’t mind the warmer water and tend to be pretty active, especially in the evenings or at night when the water cools a bit. Look for them in deeper holes or areas with slower current.

Tip: Use stink bait, chicken livers, or cut bait to draw them in. Catfish are bottom feeders, so keep your bait close to the bottom. Try night fishing if you’re up for it—catfish tend to bite more after dark, and it’s a good way to beat the Floridian summer heat.

Fall: Bowfin & Gar Become Active

Fall is when bowfin (or what some call mudfish or swamp trout) start getting more active. These fish are tough as nails. Hook one and you’re in for a good fight. They’ll twist and thrash, trying to shake the hook, and they’ve got plenty of energy stored up.

Even experienced fishermen can find themselves in for a workout when a big bowfin is on the line. You’ll want to use sturdy gear, something that can handle some abuse, because they don’t give up easily.

And then there’s our local gar. Talk about a fish that looks like it swam straight out of a prehistoric river. They’ve got those long, slender bodies, and when autumn hits, their activity levels go up. If you’re up for the challenge, gar fishing can be a lot of fun. They’re not the easiest to hook—those sharp teeth and bony mouths can make it tricky—but once you’ve got one, it’s game on.

Use a steel leader because, trust me, their teeth will slice right through regular line. And go for a rope lure if you’re targeting them specifically. It’ll tangle in their teeth and give you a better chance of landing one.

Fall is also a good time to start targeting crappie again as the water temperatures begin to drop. They group up in schools near submerged structures like fallen trees, brush piles, and docks. The cooling water triggers them to feed more aggressively in preparation for winter. Small minnows or jigs are the go-to baits for crappie, and if you can locate a school, you’re in for some action.

You might also find striped bass moving through the St. Johns River in the fall. They tend to follow the baitfish as they migrate, so if you find a school of shad, there’s a good chance some stripers won’t be far behind.

Winter: A Crappie Season

From December through February, while a lot of fish slow down and move deeper, crappie do the opposite. They come in closer to shore, where the water’s a bit warmer and the food is easier to find. It’s like they’re taking advantage of the slower pace, fattening up while everything else is in hibernation mode. This makes them easier to catch, especially if you know where to look.

You’ll want to hit the creeks and rivers, where they tend to bunch up around brush piles, submerged trees, and other structures.

They like to school up, so once you find one, chances are you’ll find more. A small jig or a minnow under a bobber usually gets the job done. Crappie are good eating, so you might want to keep a few for dinner. Keep an eye on the size limits and only take what you need.

While they slow down a bit in colder weather, largemouth bass can still be caught in winter, especially on warmer days or during midday when the sun has had a chance to warm up the water a bit. They do tend to move to deeper water or areas with heavy cover, like submerged logs and vegetation. Use slower presentations with soft plastics or jerkbaits that mimic their natural prey. A jig with a crawfish trailer or a drop shot rig can be very effective during these months.

Bluegill and other sunfish like redear (shellcracker) can also be active in winter in St. Augustine. They’re often found in deeper holes or near structures like submerged timber, docks, or weed beds. Smaller jigs, worms, or crickets fished slowly can entice them to bite. These fish are less picky than some of the larger predators and can provide a lot of fun on light tackle.

Keep in mind, some seasons favor certain species, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing out there the rest of the time. Remember, fishing is more than just reeling in the big ones. It’s about understanding the cycles—when fish breed, where they go, what they eat.  There’s always something to catch if you’re willing to adjust your tactics.

Remember to be a responsible fishermen and respect the rules, like size limits and closed seasons. That way, we keep the fish populations healthy for everyone, now and down the line.

Surf Fishing Opportunities in St. Augustine

If you feel like mixing it up, give surf fishing a go here in St. Augustine. It’s a different kind of fishing (at least for some of us) that’s worth checking out. Standing on the beach, feeling the sand under your feet while casting into the surf—there’s nothing like it.

1. Abundant Game Fish Species

The waters around here are packed with all sorts of fish, which makes it great for surf fishing. You’ve got everything from pompano to redfish, whiting to black drum, all cruising up and down the coast looking for food.

Knowing what’s biting and when is key, though. For example, pompano tend to hit best in the spring and fall, while whiting and black drum are more of a winter thing.

Picking the right bait naturally helps too. Fresh shrimp, sand fleas, or cut bait usually get the job done.

2. Favorable Climate for Surf Fishing

The climate around here also makes it perfect for surf fishing year-round. Winters are mild, and summers are hot but not unbearable, which means there’s always a good time to head out and see what’s biting.

Different game fish will be active at different times of the year depending on water temps. In warmer months, you might find more snook and tarpon closer to shore, while cooler months bring in species like bluefish and mackerel.

3. Expansive Beaches Offering Many Different Spots to Fish

St. Augustine’s got miles of coastline, so there’s no shortage of spots to set up. You’ve got everything from quiet stretches of sand where you can cast out with just the waves for company to more popular spots like the St. Augustine Beach pier, where there’s sometimes a crowd but usually plenty of action in the water.

Pier-fishing often results in larger catches due to its depth proximity.

Fishing near jetties or rock formations attracts predator fish searching for sheltering prey.

Each spot has its own thing going on. Some days, the fish are hitting left and right, and other days you might have to work a little harder to find them.

Fishing Piers in St. Augustine

When it comes to good fishing, few places rival our fishing piers around St. Augustine (if you’re not up for heading out on a boat). There’s a variety of spots where you can find a good mix of fish, and they’re all pretty accessible.

The Vilano Beach Fishing Pier

The Vilano Beach pier stretches out into the Intracoastal Waterway, which is a prime spot for catching flounder and redfish. The pier itself is a solid choice if you want to get a bit deeper without a boat. Plus, there are some nice amenities here—plenty of space, benches, and even some picnic tables if you want to make a day of it.

You might not always get a monster catch at Vilano, but the variety of fish is good, and the setting’s not bad either.

The pier also tends to attract a decent crowd of locals and visitors, so there’s usually a good mix of folks to chat with while you wait for a bite.

Johns County Ocean Pier: More Than Just A Spot To Fish

You can cast for pompano, king mackerel, and other species from here, depending on the season. There are always other people around—fishing, chatting, or just enjoying the view. They also have events here from time to time, which can be fun if you’re bringing the family or looking to make some new fishing buddies.

Mantanzas Inlet Bridge Fishing Area: Where Saltwater Meets Diversity

This spot is pretty interesting because of the mix of saltwater species that come through here. You’ve got sheepshead, black drum, and even a few surprise catches now and then. It’s a favorite for a lot of locals because of the mix you get. The views out there are also great, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Be prepared for some current, as the water can move pretty quickly through the inlet—makes it a bit more challenging, but that’s part of the appeal.

Lighthouse Park Dock: Serenity And Seafood Await

Closer to home near Anastasia State Park sits Lighthouse Park dock. This spot’s a bit more low-key, but it’s a good spot if you’re looking for some peace and quiet while you fish. You can catch mullet, blue crabs, and a few other types here. It’s a nice, relaxing place to spend a morning or afternoon, and it’s a bit off the beaten path, so it’s not usually too crowded. The dock is also great if you want to try crabbing, or just fishing without the commotion of some of the more popular piers along the coastline.

Note:

Just a heads up, you’ll need the right licenses before you can start casting at these spots.

Fishing Charters & Boats in St. Augustine

If you want to experience the best fishing in St. Augustine, hopping on a fishing charter is nearly always the right way to go. These trips let you access some spots you just can’t reach from shore. You get to fish next to experienced local boat captains/fishing guides who know our waters and can take you right up to the best spots where the fish are biting without wasting time.

Fishing charters around here come with everything you need. You don’t have to worry about bringing your own gear; they’ve got all the rods, reels, and tackle you’ll need. And they know what works for the local fish—whether that’s live bait, lures, or something else. The captains are usually pretty good about giving you tips, too. They’re out here every day, so they know how to read the conditions, how the fish are moving, and what’s likely to work on any given day.

Charter captains aren’t weekend warriors. Many of them have been doing this for years. They can tell you about the tides, the best time of day to fish, and the little tricks that can make a big difference. Want to catch a big red snapper, or a kingfish? They know where to find them. Want to try for something different, like a cobia or a sailfish? They can help with that, too.

“Fishing charters are more than just a boat ride—they come with all the gear you need and someone who actually knows what they’re doing. That’s why both newbies and pros book them. You’re heading out with a guide who’s been out here for years, who knows the water, the fish, and how to get them on your line. It takes a lot of the waiting and guesswork out of fishing, especially if you’re not familiar with St. Augustine’s waterways or don’t have your own equipment.”

– Avid Angler Team Member

Plus, you get to relax and enjoy the trip without worrying about the logistics. The boat, the gear, the bait—all covered.

They even handle the licenses, so you’re good to go from the moment you step on board. All things considered, a charter trip gives you a better shot at landing something big. (And hey—even if the fish aren’t cooperating, you still get a day out on the water, which is never a bad way to spend your time!)

How Moon Phases Influence St. Augustine’s Fisheries

Lunar Phases & Fish Feeding Patterns

Fishermen have been watching the moon for centuries, long before the scientists got involved. They were the first to notice that fish feed more aggressively during certain phases of the moon. The new moon and full moon phases are known for their bigger tides. When these phases come around, the gravitational pull is stronger because the Earth, moon, and sun are all lined up.

This causes higher and lower tides, which stir up a lot of stuff from the ocean floor—things like plankton and other tiny organisms. More food in the water means more fish, and they tend to come closer to shore looking for an easy meal.

New Moons/Full Moons: Great Times for Fishing

During the new and full moons, with those stronger tides, it’s a good time to head out if you’re looking for a big catch. The fish are more active because there’s more food floating around. You might find redfish, snook, or even tarpon cruising closer to shore during these times, especially around dawn or dusk. Timing your trip around these phases could put you right where the action is.

Crescent/Quarter Moons: Quiet Waters, Different Opportunities

During the crescent and quarter moons, you’re not going to see those big tidal swings. The water’s calmer, and there’s less stuff getting kicked up from the bottom.

This might sound like a bad thing, but it can actually work in your favor if you know what you’re doing. Some species prefer this calmer water, where there’s less competition and commotion. You might find fish like flounder or even some bottom feeders hanging around in these quieter conditions.

Moon Rising/Setting Times

Don’t just look at the phase of the moon—pay attention to when it’s rising and setting, too. Fish are pretty sensitive to changes in light and tides, which are affected by moonrise and moonset. When the moon is rising you’ll often see an uptick in feeding activity, especially around high tide. That’s when baitfish get pushed closer to shore, and bigger fish aren’t far behind.

While keeping an eye on the moon won’t guarantee you’ll catch something, it definitely gives you an edge. Even with all the knowledge and planning in the world, fishing is still a sport that requires skill, patience, and luck. Nature has its own rules, after all.

Bottom Line

St. Augustine’s got fishing options all year, no matter when you’re looking to head out. Whether you’re going for redfish in the flats, chasing kingfish offshore, or just hoping to hook something decent off one of the piers, there’s always something biting around here.

Really into fishing? Swing by Avid Angler. We’ve got everything you need – bait, tackle, and more!