Flounder, seatrout, sheephead, redfish, bass, and tarpon are just a few of the types of fish caught off Florida’s historic coast. From fishing piers and kayaking to deep-sea charters, fly-fishing and everything in between, there’s never a shortage of fishing opportunities when you visit St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches, making it a top destination for anglers. of all the world. the world.
There are dozens of local charter companies to choose from. Led by Captain Jacob Hardy, Fishardy Charters offers private fishing charters for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Choose from a half-, three-quarter-day, or full-day experience that includes bait, fishing licenses, and fish cleaning services. Fishardy Charters departs from Conch House Marina, just two miles from historic downtown St. Augustine, and specializes in inshore and inshore fishing. Another local charter company is Drum Man Fishing Charters, run by Captain James Dumas, and specializes in light tackle fishing and fly fishing for fish such as redfish, trout, flounder, tarpon, and cobia. Choose between a four or six hour excursion that includes fishing licences, fishing rods and equipment, bait and lures.
The St. Augustine Kingfish Mayhem, a favorite of Florida’s historic coast, returns Thursday, June 1 through Saturday, June 3. Based at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor and presented by Meat Mayhem Tournaments, this popular tournament includes cash prizes of up to $10,000 with a $500 registration fee. There is a mandatory captains meeting at 7 pm on Thursday, June 1 at the St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company, and weigh-ins are on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3.
Another summer fishing tournament on Florida’s Historic Coast is the Daily’s Old School Kingfish Shootout from Friday, June 9 through Sunday, June 11. Presented by Yellowfin, the tournament includes cash prizes and a first-place guarantee of a Yellowfin 21′ Bay Boat valued at $105,000. Weekend festivities begin with a mandatory Captains Meeting at 7:00 pm on Friday, June 9 at the St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company, Fishing Day on Saturday, June 10 with a weigh-in at the Vilano Pier Beach, and then an 11:00 am Awards Party at the St. Augustine Fish House & Oyster Company on Sunday, June 11.
Organized by the Ancient City Game Fish Association (ACGFA), a local non-profit organization that promotes the sport of fishing in the area, the popular Kingfish Challenge offers a tournament for anglers of all skill levels and ages.
From Thursday, July 13 through Saturday, July 15, events include a children’s clinic, a youth angler’s tournament and the main attraction, the Kingfish Challenge, with cash prizes of up to $20,000. The weekend also includes live music, food, raffles and more. The Junior Challenge is $25, registration for the Kingfish Challenge is $320 and the Backwater/Kayak Challenge is $75. This tournament is held at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor.
If you’re looking for a way to get out on the water and learn a thing or two about fishing, but aren’t ready for a tournament, there are plenty of places around Florida’s historic coastline to cast a line. Visit the St. Johns County Sea and Fishing Pier in St. Augustine Beach for a chance to catch everything from tarpon to king mackerel. Other fishing piers in the area include Lighthouse Park on Salt Run, Vilano Beach Pier and Usina Boat Ramp Fishing Pier on the Intracoastal Waterway, and Rose of Sharon Pier north of the Bridge of Lions. Some smaller fishing piers in the area include Treaty Park, Vaill Point Park, and Faver-Dykes State Park.
