CRESCENT BEACH FISHING CHARTERS
GUIDED INSHORE AND NEARSHORE FISHING TRIPS IN ST. AUGUSTINE, PALM COAST, CRESCENT BEACH, AND SURROUNDING AREAS
(904) 910-8906
Northeast Florida Fish Species
Numerous fish species inhabit the inshore and nearshore waters of Northeast Florida. Our focus is on the ample fish populations within the estuaries and tributaries of the Intracoastal Waterway, with most fishing activity centered around St. Augustine and Palm Coast. Here's a brief overview of the prevalent fish species in St. Augustine and Palm Coast.
Fishing for Redfish (Red Drum)
Most Popular Fish to Catch in St. Augustine
Redfish, found in abundance in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, are a major draw for anglers due to their powerful hits, stubborn fights, and delicious taste. These resilient creatures, usually weighing between 3-8lbs, are staples of Northeast Florida's estuaries. They're available all year, presenting diverse catching techniques.
Clear winter waters bring large schools of redfish to St. Augustine and Palm Coast's shallow flats, where we enjoy sight-fishing using both live bait and artificial lures. During active summer and fall months, redfish readily respond to live bait, chase top-water plugs, and other lures. Regardless of season or bait, redfish fishing remains a thrilling endeavor.
Fishing for Seatrout
Another Great Inshore Northeast Florida Fish Species
Fishing For Snook
The Top Fish in Palm Coast
Snook is a prized sport fish found in the warm coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They can grow up to 48 inches long and weigh over 50 pounds. They have a sleek, elongated body with a protruding lower jaw, and are known for their aggressive behavior and acrobatic leaps.
They can be found along seawalls and under docks in the canals of Palm Coast. Snook are opportunistic feeders, preying on small fish, shrimp, and crustaceans. Due to their elusive nature and the challenge of catching them, Snook are one of the most popular target among anglers.
Fishing for Cobia
My Favorite Northeast Florida Fish to Catch
Cobia, or Ling, are dark brown, elongated fish residing in warm coastal waters globally. They can reach 6 feet and over 100 pounds, boasting formidable strength and fighting skills, often showcasing long, forceful runs when hooked. Their habitats vary, ranging from nearshore reefs and wrecks to buoys, preying on crabs, squid, and small fish. In St. Augustine, Cobia season generally spans from March to June, contingent on water temperature, with most catches occurring within 2 miles of the shore.
Fishing for Flounder
Everyone's Favorite Fish for Dinner
In the waters of St. Augustine and Palm Coast, flounder, a flatfish found in shallow coastal areas worldwide, awaits eager anglers year-round. These fascinating creatures boast an unmistakable oval-shaped body, featuring both eyes on one side, a remarkable adaptation that helps them blend seamlessly into sandy or muddy ocean floors.
While the average flounder weighs between 2 and 5 pounds, don't be surprised to encounter specimens stretching up to 3 feet in length and tipping the scales at over 15 pounds. Their diverse diet includes a range of prey, from small fish to crustaceans. When it comes to bait, it's hard to top the effectiveness of a live mud minnow, though flounders will also eagerly strike various soft plastic lures.
Recreational anglers are drawn to flounder for good reason. Beyond their sporting challenge, these prized fish are sought after for their delicate and flavorful white flesh. So, whether you're enticed by the thrill of the catch or the promise of a delectable feast, targeting flounder promises a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
Fishing for Sheepshead
One of The Most Challenging Fish to Hook
Sheepshead is a popular game fish found in coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Sheepshead aka "Convicts" have a distinctive black and white striped body and a protruding jaw with strong, human-like teeth. They can grow up to 30 inches in length and weigh up to 15 pounds.
Sheepshead are challenging to catch due to their slow biting behavior, making them a favorite target among anglers. Sheepshead are known for their delicious and firm white flesh. With their unique appearance and fighting ability, sheepshead are a fascinating species to observe and a thrilling catch for any angler.
Fishing for Kingfish
Target These if You Love the Sound of a Screaming Drag
Kingfish, also known as King Mackerel, is a prized game fish among anglers due to their sport fishing appeal. They are fast and agile, with impressive speed and hard-hitting strikes when hooked. The larger Kings over 30 lbs are called "Smokers" because they will leave your drag smoldering after their initial run! Anglers typically target Kingfish using a variety of methods such as trolling, live bait fishing, or casting with artificial lures. With their impressive drag screaming runs and the challenge they pose to anglers, Kingfish are a highly sought-after catch in St. Augustine.
Fishing for Black Drum
Redfish's less known cousin
Black drum, a delectable fish, can be caught nearly all year round. Although their peak season in St. Augustine and Palm Coast falls in the cooler months, they can still be caught intermittently during summers. Black drum are known for their hard-fighting ability and their ability to produce a deep drumming sound when caught, which is where their name originates. As they feed on crustaceans, we use live fiddler crabs and shrimp as bait. In the waters of St. Augustine and Palm Coast, the average size of black drum ranges from 3lbs to 12lbs.
Fishing for Jack Crevalle
One of the Worlds Toughest Fighting Fish
Jack Crevalle is a powerful game fish found in coastal waters around the world. They have a stout body with a distinctive black spot on the gill cover and a deeply forked tail. Jacks can grow up to 4 feet in length and weigh up to 60 pounds. They are known for their aggressive and hard-hitting strikes, often making long and powerful runs when hooked. They are a popular target among anglers due to their sport fishing appeal and fighting ability.
There are many other fish in Northeast Florida you may catch besides the ones shown above, such as Ladyfish, Sharks, Mangrove Snapper, Lane Snapper, Spanish Mackeral, Bonito, Weakfish, Pompano, Whiting, and Bluefish.