St. Augustine Redfish River Charter Ridin Dirty

Half Day St. Augustine Inshore Fishing Charter

Looking for some solid inshore action without heading way offshore? Captain Rick's got you covered with this top-rated half day charter that keeps you in the calm, protected waters around St. Augustine. We're talking about a four-hour trip that targets the productive spots along the Matanzas River and inlet systems where the fish love to hang out. This is perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to stay close to shore while still getting into some serious fish. With departures at noon and 7 PM on weekends, you can pick the time that works best for your schedule.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Rick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish around the bridge pilings, residential docks, and grass flats where redfish and trout love to cruise. The 2024 Contender provides a rock-solid platform that's stable enough for kids and comfortable for up to four anglers. You won't be bouncing around in big swells out here – these protected waters stay calm even when it's blowing outside. The captain provides all your gear, bait, and takes care of the licenses, so you just need to show up ready to fish. We're using light tackle techniques that make every fish feel like a monster, whether you're an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time.

Light Tackle Techniques

This isn't about heavy gear and brute force – we're finesse fishing with light tackle that lets you feel every bump and headshake. Captain Rick will have you working live shrimp around structure, bouncing jigs off dock pilings, and drifting cut bait through the current. The Matanzas River system has dozens of productive spots where fish stack up, from the shallow grass beds to the deeper channel edges. You'll learn how to read the water, watch for baitfish, and work your lure presentation to trigger strikes. The light tackle approach means even a 14-inch trout will give you a great fight, and when you hook into a slot redfish, you'll know it immediately.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of St. Augustine inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers are what most folks come here to catch. They run anywhere from 18 to 30 inches in these waters, with the bigger slot fish pushing 6 to 8 pounds. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up in the shallows, but you can find them year-round around the docks and oyster bars. What makes reds so special is their attitude – they hit hard, make long runs, and never give up easy. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail.

Sea trout are another customer favorite that call these grass flats home. These spotted beauties average 12 to 18 inches and are absolute suckers for a well-presented shrimp or soft plastic. They're most active during the cooler months when they move into the deeper holes and channels. Trout have a soft mouth, so you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them in. The bigger "gator" trout over 20 inches are the real prize – they're getting harder to find but Captain Rick knows where they like to hang out.

Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing, and St. Augustine's bridge pilings and dock structures are sheepshead heaven. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and a reputation for stealing bait, but once you figure out their game, they're incredibly rewarding to catch. They're most active in winter and early spring when they move inshore to spawn. A good sheepshead runs 2 to 4 pounds and makes excellent table fare – some folks say they're the best eating fish in these waters.

Black drum are the heavy hitters of the inshore world, and the St. Augustine area produces some real tanks. These bottom dwellers can push 20 to 40 pounds and will test your tackle and your patience. They're most active in spring around the inlet areas, often mixed in with the redfish schools. Drum fight differently than reds – they're more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that'll wear you out. The bigger fish are usually catch and release, but the smaller "puppy" drum under 16 inches are great eating.

Time to Book Your Spot

This world-class inshore fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most active. Captain Rick's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this one of the most sought-after charters in St. Augustine. Whether you're planning a family trip, a guys' weekend, or just want to get out on the water for some quality fishing, this half day charter delivers consistent action in comfortable conditions. The protected waters mean we can fish when the offshore boats are stuck at the dock, and the light tackle approach ensures everyone has a great time regardless of experience level.