Welcome to Ridin’ Dirty Charters, your top choice for professional fishing charters in St. Augustine, FL. Led by Captain Rick Haines, we provide a personalized and high-quality experience on the water for anglers of all skill levels. From the Atlantic to the reefs, we ensure your fishing trip is productive and memorable. The Story Behind the CharterCaptain Rick Haines has spent a lifetime on these tides. What began as a personal passion and a way to spend every weekend quickly turned into a professional calling. After countless friends and locals requested to join him on his trips, Rick decided to share his expertise and love for the sport with the public. Today, Ridin’ Dirty Charters is known for being one of the most family friendly fishing charters in St. Augustine, FL, where patience and teaching the next generation of anglers are our top priorities. Our Vessel and EquipmentWe operate a brand-new 2024 25' Contender Center Console, a boat designed for both performance and comfort. Powered by twin Yamaha 150HP engines, this vessel is a true "fishing machine" equipped with the latest GPS, fishfinder, radar, and outriggers. We provide all the necessary high-end rods, reels, and tackle, ensuring you have the best tools available for your St. Augustine fishing trips. Explore St. Augustine Offshore and Deep Sea FishingFor those looking to test their skills against the heavyweights of the ocean, our St. Augustine deep sea fishing charters are second to none. We offer full day offshore fishing charters targeting species such as Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, King Mackerel, and Tuna. Nearshore, Reef, and Family FishingIf staying closer to the coast is more your style, our St. Augustine nearshore fishing charters offer incredible variety without the long travel times. We specialize in bottom fishing charters in St. Augustine for species like Red Grouper, Snapper, Amberjack, and Cobia. These private fishing charters in St. Augustine, FL are ideal for families and beginners, as Captain Rick provides expert guidance and a patient approach for every guest. While we are a dedicated St. Augustine sport fishing charter, we also offer scenic opportunities to enjoy the oldest city in the USA. From shark fishing charters to dolphin watching and sunset eco-tours, we help you see the incredible variety of wildlife that makes Northeast Florida unique. Book your trip with Ridin’ Dirty Charters today and experience why we are one of the top rated fishing charters in St. Augustine, FL!

The Atlantic has been productive lately, and the spring bite is in full swing here in the nation's oldest city. We have seen a steady increase in water temperatures, which has brought a lot of life to the nearshore reefs and the blue water further out.

Nearshore and Reef Action
The nearshore reefs are currently holding plenty of baitfish, attracting some healthy King Mackerel and the occasional Cobia. Our recent weekend trips have focused on bottom fishing, where we’ve had great success with Snapper and Grouper. The bite has been consistent, providing plenty of engagement for anglers of all skill levels.

Offshore and Deep Sea Update
For those heading further out, the Mahi Mahi are beginning their seasonal migration in better numbers. Trolling has been the most effective method, and we’ve also encountered some hard-fighting Amberjack and Almaco Jack around the deeper structures. The 2024 Contender has been performing perfectly, allowing us to reach the offshore grounds quickly and stay comfortable even when the swells pick up.

Family Highlights
One of the best parts of these recent outings has been seeing the younger anglers get involved. We recently hosted a family where the kids landed their first reef fish—the look of pure joy on their faces is exactly why we do this. Captain Rick is keeping the deck organized and the lines tight, ensuring every guest has a memorable time on the water.

Whether you are looking for a heavy-tackle challenge or a relaxed day catching dinner with the family, the fish are biting in St. Augustine. We look forward to seeing you on the docks for our next weekend run!

Weekend Trips with Rick Haines Targeting Reef Fish and Pelagics

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Four fresh caught lane snapper fish displayed in cooler from St. Augustine FL fishing trip

Red snapper caught while fishing in St. Augustine FL waters

Fishing boat moving through water in St. Augustine FL with fishing rods mounted

Mahi mahi catch displayed on fishing boat in St. Augustine FL waters

Angler holding large fish catch on fishing boat in St. Augustine FL waters

Fishing boat displaying catch of two large fish on deck in St. Augustine FL waters

Red snapper caught fishing in St. Augustine FL waters

Greater amberjack caught while fishing in St. Augustine FL waters

Successful mahi mahi fishing trip on boat in St. Augustine FL waters with fresh catch displayed

Large wahoo fish caught while fishing in St. Augustine FL waters

King mackerel caught fishing in St. Augustine FL displayed on boat deck

White Contender fishing boat with outriggers on water in St. Augustine FL

Mahi mahi caught during fishing trip in St. Augustine FL on white boat in blue ocean

Mahi mahi catch displayed on fishing scale at St. Augustine FL tackle shop

Black drum caught while fishing in St. Augustine FL waters

Don't let the catch of a lifetime swim away—secure your spot with Ridin’ Dirty Charters in St. Augustine for a day of non-stop action on the water. Join Captain Rick Haines and transform your Florida vacation into an epic memory by booking your premier fishing adventure today!

Experience the ultimate Florida adventure with Ridin’ Dirty Charters, your premier choice for family friendly fishing charters in St. Augustine, FL. Led by Captain Rick Haines, an expert with deep local roots, we specialize in creating memorable experiences for anglers of all skill levels on our brand-new 2024 25' Contender. Whether you are looking for affordable fishing charters in St. Augustine or a high-energy private deep sea fishing charter, our trips are designed to be patient, educational, and productive for everyone on board. We offer a wide variety of St. Augustine fishing trips, from calm inshore excursions to St. Augustine offshore fishing charters targeting trophy species. Depending on the season, you can expect to hook into Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Snapper, Grouper, and Sailfish. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, we make it easy for you to focus on the catch. Book your fishing trip today and discover why we are one of the top rated fishing charters in St. Augustine, FL.

Find answers to common questions about your private St. Augustine fishing trip, covering everything from seasonal pricing and what is included to safety details for family-friendly adventures.

Captain Rick Haines is a dedicated fishing guide with deep local roots and a lifelong passion for the waters surrounding St. Augustine, Florida. With years of experience navigating the intricate inlets and the vast offshore blue water, he has developed a sophisticated understanding of the region's diverse marine habitats. His background is defined by a commitment to the craft of angling, ensuring that every guest benefits from a guide who is not only a seasoned professional but also an expert in local fish behavior and seasonal patterns. Rick’s approach to guiding focuses on providing a patient and educational environment, making him a preferred choice for both serious anglers and those looking for family-friendly experiences. He finds genuine fulfillment in sharing his local knowledge, whether he is teaching a child how to land their very first catch or helping an experienced pro target a trophy Mahi Mahi or Sailfish. This focus on the guest experience ensures that a day on the water is about more than just the harvest; it is about building a connection with the historic Florida coastline. Consistency and reliability are the hallmarks of Rick's service, as he operates with the belief that a successful day is built on preparation and local insight. By staying closely attuned to real-time fishing conditions and recent bites, he can adapt techniques—from high-speed trolling to bottom fishing—to match the current environment. This expert-driven perspective provides guests with the reassurance that they are in the hands of a knowledgeable specialist who treats every outing with the highest level of professional care. <h2>The Vessel: A 2024 25' Contender Center Console</h2>The foundation of every adventure with Ridin’ Dirty Charters is a brand-new 2024 25' Contender Center Console. This vessel is specifically engineered for the diverse conditions found in Northeast Florida, offering a stable and dry ride whether you are exploring the calm Matanzas River inlets or heading deep into the Atlantic. Powered by twin 150HP Yamaha engines and outfitted with the latest marine electronics—including advanced GPS, radar, and fishfinders—the boat is designed to maximize both safety and fishing efficiency. With ample space for families and professional-grade gear onboard, the boat serves as a high-performance platform for a premium day on the water.

Expert Local Fishing Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions How much do fishing charters in St. Augustine, FL cost?Our rates vary based on the duration and type of adventure you choose, ranging from four-hour nearshore trips to ten-hour Gulf Stream excursions. For specific pricing on our private charters, please refer to our online booking references. What types of fishing trips do you offer?We provide a wide range of options including inshore trips in the Matanzas River, shark fishing, nearshore reef fishing, and full-day offshore deep sea trips. We also offer seasonal Wahoo trolling and long-range Gulf Stream runs for experienced anglers. Are your trips family and kid-friendly?Yes, our business is specifically designed to be kid and family-friendly. Captain Rick is patient in teaching new anglers and children, ensuring they have a priceless experience seeing the local wildlife. What is included in the price of the charter?Your trip includes high-quality rods, reels, tackle, and lures. We also provide live bait, bottled water, ice, and professional catch cleaning and filleting at the end of the day. Do I need to buy a fishing license for the trip?No, your fishing license for the day is completely covered by the charter boat. You can come aboard without any additional paperwork or hassle. What should I bring on my St. Augustine fishing trip?We recommend bringing sunglasses, a hat, snacks, and non-spray sunscreen. While we provide water, you are welcome to bring your own drinks; however, please avoid hard liquor and glass bottles. What fish species can I expect to catch?Depending on the season, you may hook into Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, King Mackerel, Cobia, Snapper, or Grouper. We also target Wahoo during their peak winter season from December through March. When is the best time to go fishing in St. Augustine?We fish all year round because there is always something to be caught in Florida's waters. While we primarily operate during the weekends, the fishing remains excellent throughout the seasons. What kind of boat will we be fishing on?You will be fishing on a brand-new 2024 25' Contender Center Console. It is powered by twin 150HP Yamaha engines and equipped with modern electronics like GPS, radar, and a fishfinder. What is your cancellation policy?We offer a flexible booking experience with free cancellation up to 3 days prior to your scheduled trip. This allows you to plan your St. Augustine fishing vacation with peace of mind.

Saint Augustine Inlet - St. Johns, FL Fishing Report on 8th May, 2026

AUTHOR

Rick Haines

NOTES

Weekend Trips with Rick Haines Targeting Reef Fish and Pelagics

Saint Augustine Inlet - St. Johns, FL

Ridin Dirty Charters Available Trips

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