Bottom Fishing, Drift Fishing, Fishing Destinations, Grouper Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Key West Fishing, Sport Fishing, Wreck Fishing
What do you think is the greatest ambition of an angler? Of course, any anglers would wish to go deep sea fishing, even if only a half-day trip. It is always more exciting and adventurous than bank casting.
With deep sea fishing in Florida, you can make your trip more enjoyable and catch fresh fish. The least you can do is tick it out from the list of your adventurous things to do. Never underestimate the power of a true adventure in the Fla deep waters.
For a fact, we all know that deeper charters are more fun than regular activities and have been practiced for over 40,000 years. This article explores the different points of deep sea fishing in FL and what makes it desirable to be on your bucket list.
But first, let’s understand safety expectations:
Is It Safe to Go on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip to Catch fish in Florida?
Yes, a deep sea fishing trip can be absolutely safe and fun.
Deep sea charters have risks and challenges, like any other fishing activity. For example, you can get attacks from sharks, have a hard time finding bait fish, or face unpredictable waves and current changes.
The maritime authorities in Florida and the experienced captain and guides in the offshore resorts ensure they have the fishing skills and safety protocol during all activities.
Deep sea fishing becomes safe and enjoyable when you adhere to the set regulations.
What to Expect When You Go Deep Sea Fishing
Below are things you can expect on your fishing expeditions in FL:
Great Sea Waters Offshore Fishing
More people prefer Florida since its waters are in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the features make it more captivating because of the breathtaking view and thrill of catching fish that are not available inshore.
You may desire to bring a waterproof camera along to capture your fishing memories.
To venture into the deep seas fishing grounds, you have to sail through the seas before you make a dive. This process brings all the fantasies of the raging sea waters to come to life. When deep into the sea, the only thing you will hear the raging sounds of enchanting sea waves.
You will also develop the thought of being several meters or kilometers into the sea. The sea wave sounds and the view are pleasant experiences.
A Unique Variety of Fish Species
Let’s talk about sharks and shark fishing; it is not easy to locate, but when you go deep sea, you can always find them among other rare species such as sailfish, scamp, the snapper, and king mackerel, and many more.
Is there anything more exciting than to see fish in different colors and shapes? You can get fish anywhere, but you can only find these species in the deep sea. So seeing the fish alone can make your trip even better.
Amazing Sites
It is pretty easy to have a good time when you are in a relaxed environment. You do not expect to see too much when you are in the sea. But, this is the best place to see thrilling sites, especially underwater.
With the weather around Fla being hot almost half of the year, you can have a great view of flora and fauna. With the right fishing charter, they can help you locate excellent spots to fish while you enjoy the serenity of the environment.
Big and Better Catch
The Florida ocean is home to extraordinary creatures, including monster fish, big fish, and other colossal fish. If you need an impressive catch, this is the place to be. The different fish types in the FL waters include:
- Sharks
- Scamp
- Wahoo
- Sailfish
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Amberjack
- Tarpon
- Yellowfin tuna
- Swordfish
- Marlin
- Spanish mackerel
Having the thought of catching multiple species brings a unique experience to the adventure, especially with friends. You will enjoy seeing these species caught by fisherman on the boats. It’s rare to find these fish when just working the bottom, but they are all fish types off the shores.
The species of fish you will see depends on the season since some appear very seasonal.
A Variety of Beach Resorts
Florida has many resort places along its shores. In addition, the resorts have offshore fishing adventures and programs designed to fulfill your stay. From high-end resorts to affordable ones, why it holds the key to a memorable fishing experience.
Learn Different Techniques
Don’t worry about how much you don’t know since you’ll receive tutoring and direction from the experts aboard your boat. What you learn on your first trip is simply transferable to the next!
Deep Sea Fishing Spots In Florida
- In South Florida, you can visit Fort Lauderdale (wahoo, marlin, and blackfin tuna)
- In Florida’s East Coast, Stuart and West Palm Beach are your fishing destinations (yellowfish, tuna, and sailfish)
- From Sarasota to Tampa, you can catch redfish, kingfish, or goliath grouper on the West Coast of Florida by boat.
- In Northeast Florida (Daytona, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville), you can find tarpon and kingfish
- In southwest Florida, you can visit Fort Myers, Naples, and Everglades City to catch some barracuda(target fish) and groupers.
- From Key Largo to Key West is considered the Florida Keys;
- You can see some tuna, marlin, swordfish, and sailfish
How to Prepare for Florida Deep Sea Fishing
Remember, when going for offshore you are traveling far from the shores. The weather can change at any time, making it essential to prepare well before you board your boat. You may want to consider the following task to prepare for your next deep sea fishing experience.
- Pack your boat and gear, including rods, reels, bait, hooks, and storage coolers
- Have enough rest before any fishing expedition
- Do some workout to prepare physically
- Choose your clothes well that will support boat and activity, and don’t forget the protective your gear, including floaters
- Check and understand the weather before you leave
- Carry drinking water to keep you hydrated
- Carry some snacks
- Carry your seasickness medication to Prevent Motion Sickness
Bottom Line
The most crucial and challenging time is the ride home if you had bad luck while not finding the Florida fish. Because captains and guides have the most expertise in this area, it’s typically advisable to plan a guided fishing expedition to ensure the best odds of success. If you’re going out on your own, the presence of birds is one of the best signs of active fish. Contour maps for steep drop-offs and humps are critical ingredients for success. Happy fishing!
Why you Choose iOutdoor Deep Sea Fishing Charter
iOutdoors has the coolest deep sea fishing charters in and around Florida. They offer a great attitude, unique amenities, activities, and entertainment for all customers. Also, most importantly, you do NOT need a fishing license. The charters focus on the unique fishing spots to have a great time on your fishing charter. The captains will let you know the bag limits so that your trip is sustainable and hassle-free.
There are many reasons to visit Florida. But, come and join us for an experience of a lifetime!
Book now and today!
Miami Beach Fishing, Charter Head Boat, Dolphin Fishing, Drift Fishing, Grouper Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Party Boat Fishing, Shark Fishing, Snook Fishing, Sword Fishing, Tarpon Fishing, Tuna Fishing
Best Fishing Spots in MiamiWhat brings people to Miami? White sand beaches, tons of sunshine, vibrant nightlife, fresh food? Yeah, all of that. Fishing Miami is an afterthought for many, but not for us. Whether you venture through the mangroves or explore undersea shipwrecks for Swordfish, you’ll find a fishing culture as abundant as the one on land.
What Can You Catch in Miami?
If you’re unfamiliar with fishing in South Florida, you won’t know the best fishing spots in Miami. So you might be unsure of what to expect when you throw your line out. You’ll be happy to know that Miami is full of amazing (and huge) fish. Just as Miami’s culture is bustling with diversity and affluence, the waters are much of the same. Let’s check out the top catches of Miami.
Grouper
Beneath the surface of Miami’s crystal blue water is hundreds of wrecks and reefs inhabiting some delicious bottom feeders. You can expect to find Black, Red, and Gag Grouper all over the place, and that’s good news for anyone coming here to sample some of what Miami has to offer.
These fish are some of the prime targets for frequent anglers, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, you can travel a few miles out and find rare Snowy and Scamp groupers.
That said, there’s one fish that everyone travels here for, and it’s the Goliath Grouper. These monsters can weigh as much as 200 pounds or more, so if you’re planning your trip around locating one of these, you’ll want to bring some seriously heavy tackle. We recommend chartering a boat and recruiting the help of a local expert if this is your plan because they know the best fishing spots in Miami.
Tarpon
If you’ve got a smaller boat and you’re sticking to the shallow water, you can bring in a few Tarpon. While we make it sound easy, they’re a bit challenging to catch because they’re hard to find, and they put up quite a fight.
During the summer months is when you can find them most frequently around Biscayne Bay, but the problem is, most visitors travel here during the cold weather months and expect to find Tarpon. You can, you just have to know where to look.
These shallow water behemoths reach around 100 pounds, but if you’re looking for an enjoyable fishing experience, target the smaller and more aggressive fish in the 20-40 pound range.
Swordfish
South Beach created swordfishing, and you can find some of the best swordfish anglers on the planet in this area of the country. If you’re interested in catching a fish with that “wow” factor that you can share with your buddies on social media, you’ll want to start fishing in South Beach Miami.
A few miles away from the shore, the water dips deeper, and the warmth from the Gulf Stream is what makes this the perfect environment for pelagic fish and certainly Swordfish. They’re active during the day and at night throughout most of the year, so expect to find them, the challenge is getting them into the boat.
Sailfish
Traveling a few extra miles out to the deep sea brings upon new challenges. Sailfish draw hundreds if not thousands of people to Miami each year to take on one of the greatest fishing challenges imaginable. They are the fastest fish around, and their incredible multi-colored sail real makes for an amazing fishing experience.
All the locals possess the best fishing spots in Miami, but they will tell you that kite fishing is the way to catch these beautiful creatures. It’s a strategy similar to trolling that requires you to skip the bait amongst the surface until you see the sail pop out of the water.
Fishing for these isn’t the kind of fishing where you leave your line out there and sit back and drink a beer, you need to keep your eyes on the water and pay attention to that sail
African Pompano
If you’re the kind of person who likes to stray off the beaten path and go for something a little different, African Pompano are available in Miami – but not in abundance. Many local anglers tell stories about how many of these they missed, but they’re never 100% sure until they pull them into the boat.
These incredible fish inhabit shipwrecks around 300 feet out, and they put up a fight, unlike any other. The reason these fish are so desirable is for their taste. They have thick fleshy meat, and they eat a very clean diet, so it makes them taste fresher than some of the other coastal varieties. Many anglers compare it to eating a steak.
Bass Fishing Miami
While so many people travel to Miami to take on everything the sea offers, an often forgotten treat happens inland in the canals and lakes that Dade County has to offer. Fishing Miami requires a “thinking outside the box” attitude. Grab your best bass fishing reel and rod and take a quick trip away from the salt spray with us.
Urban Canal Fishing for Peacock Bass
These are popular freshwater fish caught along the banks of many of the canals throughout South Florida. Many of the locals use a variety of different tackle ranging from live baitfish to artificial swimbaits and flies. Peacocks prefer live bait and most of the best lures used in catching largemouth bass, but the experts don’t recommend using plastic worms.
South Florida Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are a popular catch anywhere East of the Rockies, and that’s due to their incredible acrobatic fighting power. Locals recommend using plastic worms, jigs, and spinnerbaits when the weather is mild. You’ll have the most success during the fall and spring months when the heat isn’t too hot, and the coastal breeze is calmer.
Top Fishing Spots in Miami
There is no shortage of great places when fishing Miami, so let’s talk about specifics. When you visit, where are you going?
Biscayne Bay – If you’re chasing Tarpon inshore, this is where you want to go. You’ve got shallow waters, channels, and mangroves, and that makes Biscayne Bay the ideal environment for Tarpon. Best of all, you have a variety of options for how you want to fish. Cast from the shore, take out a kayak or explore on a boat.
Bache Shoal Reef – If you’re taking a boat off the shore, you’ll want to check out the wrecks around Bache Shoal. It’s a popular diving and snorkeling area so you’ll want to fish here when it’s not tourist season. Spear and kite fishing for Grouper, Snapper, and Sailfish is most popular.
Liberty Ship (O.L. Bodenhamer) – This is a sunken ship around 370 feet deep, and it offers some of the biggest game fishing available on the coast. It’s an artificial reef that draws a lot of attention and produces a large number of Sailfish and Swordfish all year long.
Miami Fishing Guide
So, you know what to catch and where to catch it, but how do you plan on getting your line in the water? You have a few different methods when fishing in Miami.
From the Boat
If you plan to get anywhere near anything like Tarpon, Swordfish, or Sailfish, you’ll need to take a boat out a couple of hundred feet. You’ll have some heavy gear, and you’ll likely need a sturdy boat to handle to fight and keep everyone safe.
The most affordable way to get the best offshore fishing experience in Miami is by joining a drift boat or party boat. You’ll have an opportunity to meet other people traveling through the area, and when everyone splits the cost, it’s much more affordable to fish Miami the right way.
From the Shore
Most people think you have to get out beyond the surf to catch fish in Miami, and that’s not true. With the many inshore fishing opportunities in canals and lakes, you can set up shop on the shore and catch plenty of Largemouth, Peacock, Snook, and Bonefish.
It’s worth mentioning that the heavy tourist industry has hurt many of the fishing opportunities here, and much of the canal and beach space is privately owned, so you can’t fish there. Just keep your eyes open for signs stating that.
Kayak Fishing
For a well-rounded experience, you could fish the canals with a kayak. There are even guided tours. Fishing this method allows you to get a workout in while targeting Snook and Redfish inshore. Of course, you can’t bring along as much gear, but the whole experience makes it worthwhile even if you don’t catch anything!
How to Charter a Boat in Miami
If you haven’t realized it by now, we’ll clear it up for you. Fishing in Miami is amazing, and there’s no shortage of incredible fishing opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels. The best way to get the whole experience is through using a guided fishing charter. The local captains will help ensure you get a full taste of what South Beach waters have to offer.
Best of all, chartering a boat in Miami isn’t as expensive as you think. You can take your whole family on the water, and the guides will take their years of experience fishing these waters and put you on the best fishing spots in Miami to work.
They’ll take you right where the fish are, hook you up with the necessary gear and tackle, and many even guarantee you catch something before heading back to the dock.
With the diversity of fish, abundant opportunities, and jet blue sky, it’s no wonder why people are fishing Miami all year long.
iOutdoors Blog, Bottom Fishing, Grouper Fishing, Redfish Fishing, Tuna Fishing
The Best Tasting fish
Taste, of course, is a matter of personal preference. Something that tastes delicious to one person may not be tasty to another. Still, there are those that are thought delicious by most people. The following are some saltwater species that a lot of people think are the best-tasting fish. Let’s not forget the cleaning, which is equally a big part of the overall taste.
This fish is highly regarded by many gourmets. The Wahoo known by many has meat that is white and delicate, delicious no matter how it is cooked.
Mahi Mahi or Dolphin Fish
Fondly called the “chicken of the sea”, this fish can be cooked in many ways. A lot of people consider this a favorite.
This is another favorite – it can be raw wherein it is soft and juicy and can be cooked in several ways, such as fried or in soup, wherein the meat is flaky and delicious.
Monk Fish
With tail meat that tastes like lobster, this fish is considered the “poor man’s lobster”. Although the fish, itself, does not look appealing, its meat is so delicious that many people consider this a favorite.
Halibut has low-fat content and is so delicious that it still tastes wonderful even with a little seasoning. This fish is often broiled, grilled, or fried.
Cod
A common ingredient in “fish and chips”, the meat of this fish is moist and flaky. Its liver is also considered a delicacy.
Salmon
This is among the most popular fish – raw, smoked, or cooked. Aside from having delicious meat, this fish is also favored because of its high nutritional value.
Most of the tuna species have delicious meat, high nutritional value, and delicious even when canned.
Snook
While it is one of the more popular sport fish, it does have a harvest in a window in most locations. Despite the aggression of the Snook, the white flaky meat is one of a favorite for many anglers.
Flounder
Not only is it one of the weirdest looking fish in the ocean it’s also one of the tastiest. The flat body lends it perfectly too cooking, just prepare it with a little lemon butter and/or fry it up and you’re in business.
iOutdoors Blog, Grouper Fishing, Inshore Fishing, Miami Beach Fishing
December Inshore Fishing Experience
December is a great month to enjoy the outdoors here in Florida. This is the month that starts and brings on cooler weather. When this occurs, it is the perfect opportunity to get out in the outdoors. Miami, FL is the perfect destination to do so. Bring your family, friends, or loved ones along for a fishing adventure of a lifetime while December Inshore Fishing.
Our local experts spend a lot of time preparing for the holiday season. Many are getting ready for their family and yours to come to experience what Miami, FL is all about. While they are down here, fishing is always at the top of the list of things to do. Inshore fishing has been especially productive for a wide variety of species.
Miami is a beautiful location to fish along the shoreline. Get out on the water and cruise down the coast while landing numbers of fish. Different techniques and methods will allow you to catch the fish you are after. Miami is another perfect place to introduce your family to excellent inshore fishing.
Captain Brian Leibowitz is our local inshore fishing expert in Miami. Jennifer and Steve were traveling from Apopka, FL to get into some nice fish. They just wanted to get out on the water and set the hook while enjoying each other’s company. Originally, they were from Pittsburgh but recently moved down to this incredible state to dodge the cold winters.
While fishing with Captain Brian, they got to experience catching a variety of species. Jennifer and Steve caught over 30 fish. Most of the catches came from mangrove snapper, triggerfish, and grunts. One of the best catches of the day came from a red grouper. While you are fishing in Miami, FL you can also catch sharks, mutton snapper and Spanish mackerel. Spanish Mackerel are incredibly fun to catch and experience.
Styles of fishing vary depending on the target species and time of year. Most of the fishing in December is going to be close to structure such as bridges. These will retain heat and allow the bottom fish to feed. If you focus on these areas, they will produce the best bite for you.
Many travelers and anglers come to Florida to catch Snook and Tarpon. December is not the strongest month for this but you most certainly can land one. They are harder to target as they become quite elusive. Don’t allow this to alter your outdoor experience as there is plenty of species to catch waiting on your desired bite.
Don’t miss out on the fishing here in Miami, FL. December inshore fishing will provide great opportunities to relax and enjoy a day on the water. You can catch a variety of species that the family would love to set the hook on. Bring your family, friends or loved ones along on a fishing adventure of a lifetime here in Miami. You will not regret it.
Florida Fishing is the PERFECT gift this holiday. Get your fishing fanatic hooked up TODAY!!
Your Adventure Starts Today while Visiting Florida.
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Offshore Fishing, Bottom Fishing, Grouper Fishing, iOutdoors Blog, Naples Fishing, Shark Fishing, Snapper Fishing
Naples Snapper Fishing Charter
Have you ever asked yourself, “Can I Catch Snapper in Naples, Florida?” The answer to that is most certainly you can. Naples is one of the best destinations to catch a variety of different snapper that are absolutely delicious to eat. While adventuring out on a Naples Snapper Fishing Charter, let the Gulf of Mexico take you away into excellent fishing territory!
One of the benefits of fishing in Naples is that you can truly get to experience an offshore fishing trip. Many destinations across the state have areas you can offshore fish within 1-5 miles. When you are on a Naples offshore fishing charter, you have to travel sometimes up to 26 miles to get to the best fishing grounds.
Captain Mark Rogers adventured out on a perfect day for some fishing. Conditions were nice with 5-10 mph winds that kept the day cool and exciting. Eric, Doug, Katie and Dan were even more excited to get to travel offshore on our fishing charter. They were in store for an awesome day!
When Captain Mark arrived at the fishing grounds, the group immediately started catching them. Bottom Fishing is the tactic and method of choice when fishing in Naples. They were catching Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snappers, and short Groupers. Eric, Doug, Katie and Dan kept roughly half of the fish along with one keeper grouper.
Captain Mark had one heavy rod out for a larger grouper and the line went off while waiting. It was something big but we could not make out what it was. After a 30 minute battle, the fish surface and it was a 7 foot hammerhead shark. You never know what you will catch when adventuring out fishing here in Naples on a Naples Snapper Fishing Charter.
After bottom fishing, the group wanted to try some trolling. When trolling here offshore in Naples, you are in search for Spanish mackerel and big fish like King Mackerel or Kingfish. They were not able to connect with a Kingfish but found caught a Spanish mackerel. It was an exciting trip out in the Gulf of Mexico.
Captain Mark is looking forward to fishing with Eric, Doug, Katie and Dan again in the future. If you are looking for a great way to bond with your family, a Naples Fishing Charter is the way to go. While visiting the Paradise Coast, adventure out into the depths and see what you can hook yourself into. You never know what will happen and where the ride will take you. Enjoy the gorgeous Florida sun in a variety of different ways when traveling to Florida! We will see you on the water next time.
Your Adventure Starts Today while Visiting the Paradise Coast.
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iOutdoors Blog, Grouper Fishing, Inshore Fishing, Jacksonville Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Redfish Fishing
Jacksonville June fishing report is good to excellent flounder fishing is available at select First Coast locations off Jacksonville.
Lots of small 11- to 15-inch Flounder are being caught from the Bells, Amelia and Nassau rivers, according to Sally Johnson of Amelia Island Bait & Tackle. Jigs tipped with mud minnows, small menhaden or mini-mullet work well.
Excellent flounder fishing also is reported at St. Augustine by Don Edwards of Avid Angler. Flounder to 8 pounds have been weighed recently, and a kayaker trolling a grub jig near the Vilano Beach Bridge collected a 7-pounder. The inlet jetty rocks at St Augustine are giving up flat fish during slack tides. Along the Intracoastal Waterway, falling tides are good, especially at creek mouths.
FRESHWATER
Anglers looking to catch hard-fighting and good-eating hybrid striped bass should head to the spring creeks feeding the St. Johns River south of Lake George, according to Capt Steve of CFLFishing near Lake Woodruff. Rawlings says surface-schooling hybrids to 2 pounds are feeding on shad and shiners in open water near the mouths of Alexander Spring Run and Get-Out Creek. Best action is dawn for anglers using small lipless crankbaits and grub jigs, with 20-fish hybrid limits possible.
Largemouth bass fishing also has been good in upper part of the St. Johns River, with fish to 4 pounds surface schooling and taking top-water plugs, swim baits and spinner-baits. The main river channel has been good near creek mouths, and around marker 20.
Bass also are surface schooling at dawn on Lake Woodruff’s north and south shores. Bluegills are being caught on cricket baits for anglers working shoreline vegetation and tree-top brush in the North Dead River and in Harry’s Creek, which connects Woodruff to the St. Johns near Tick Island Mud Lake.
Unseasonably good crappie fishing is being had in the North Dead River by anglers vertical jigging in 6 to 10 feet of water near vegetation edges. Fish are suspended, and crappies to 2 pounds have been caught.
Farther north in the St. Johns River, good dawn and dusk bass action for schooling-size largemouths to 5 pounds is reported in the Tocoi and Bostwick areas near points and ledge drop-offs close to deep channels where there’s a current.
The St. Johns south of the Buckman Bridge reportedly is increasing in salinity. Croakers to 14 inches and keeper weakfish (yellowmouth trout) are being caught from channel marker sandbars (especially marker 18) and other river structures such as humps and holes. Use dead shrimp or cut fish flesh on the bottom.
Algae blooms have not been reported in the St. Johns recently, and bream fishing has been fair to good in coves, creeks and back bays from the I-295 (Buckman) bridge to Welaka.
Mullet fishing has been good at the northeast corner of the Shands Bridge over the St. Johns, though not as good for big mullet as this time last year, according to Rick Hamilton of R&J Tackle Shop in Green Cove Springs.
SALTWATER
Local Captains report inshore beach trolling with live baits in 22 to 36 feet of water, and near-shore reefs and wrecks, have been productive for Kingfish, some little tunny, an occasional Cobia, big Jack Crevalle and lots of barracuda (which are nipping hooked kingfish). Near-shore waters also are loaded with heavyweight sharks.
Also have been getting fair to good numbers of big Redfish at the St. Johns River inlet jetties near Mayport. He recommends using live-and-frisky menhaden baits cast tight to rocks rigged to 3/8 to 1/2 ounce jigs or with sliding-sinker knocker rigs.
Farther north, off Fernandina Inlet and Nassau Sound, Kingfish are in good supply near wrecks and reefs 10 to 15 miles out, but there are lots of barracuda.
Bull Redfish are holding near the St. Marys Inlet jetties, but dark water and lots of debris are there from last weekend’s heavy rain. Tarpon to 125 pounds are showing in good numbers near the inlet rips and tide lines off St. Marys.
Whiting and legal black drum are in the surf at the north and south ends of Amelia Island with incoming tides best for anglers soaking dead shrimp baits in beach sloughs.
Anglers using shrimp are getting drum and some whiting during incoming tides at the George Crady Nassau Sound (A1A) Bridge.
Area Captains recommend anglers begin fishing well before dawn, because the best action is pretty much done by 10 a.m. He’s been leading anglers to good mixed-bag catches of sea trout to 22 inches and slot redfish in the backwater labyrinth of creeks off the north side of the St. Johns northeast of Jacksonville. He’s also catching bull reds to nearly 40 pounds soaking quarter crabs along the St. Johns River channel near Dames Point.
Jacksonville Beach Pier angler Spencer Brogden reports trout, redfish and flounder are taking mullet and shrimp baits during incoming tides at dawn and dusk. Some tarpon and kingfish are available at the pier end.
Capt. Leon Dana says that his clients are catching slot Redfish at dawn and dusk in the ICW south of Palm Valley. Live shrimp worked with a jig head or live mullet with popping corks are productive.
At St Augustine, slot and over-slot Redfish and black drum weighing 5 to 10 pounds are being caught around bridges in the downtown area. Some anglers are having good success with dawn trout to 22 inches working grass edges and creek mouths with top-water plugs, especially the new MirrOlure popper.
Offshore, St. Augustine anglers are getting Kingfish to 40 pounds and tarpon to over 100 pounds chumming just out from surf breakers. Offshore Kingfish are 10 to 15 pounds, with near-shore reefs like Nine Mile holding plenty of mackerel and bait schools, with some cobia to 20 pounds.
Mangrove (gray) snapper to 10 pounds are being caught in good numbers from ledges and live bottom regions starting in 120 feet of water.
Whiting and weakfish are in the surf, Sharks are massed around shrimp trawlers.
