Private Family Fishing in St Augustine: Inshore Waters

Cast a line in St Augustine's backwaters without learning to fish first

A private inshore fishing charter in St Augustine puts your family on the Matanzas River, Tolomato River, Salt Run and surrounding backwaters with a licensed local captain, all fishing and safety gear, and licenses included. Your captain teaches younger and first-time anglers the basics while targeting redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon, cobia and other Northeast Florida species depending on season and conditions. You fish from the water instead of the streets, discovering the coastal landscape while spending quality time together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private family inshore fishing tour

• Cruise past St. Augustine inlet
• Fish along beach and inlet
• Cruise past and fish near piers
• View Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk from water

The experience

The boat leaves from St Augustine and heads into the inshore waterways where the fishing actually happens. Depending on weather and conditions, you cruise past the main inlet or fish along the beach where the action tends to be strong. The captain handles the navigation and knows where the fish are running that day. Your job is to cast, reel and learn. Younger anglers and anyone picking up a rod for the first time get hands-on instruction from someone who fishes these waters year-round, so nobody sits idle while waiting for a bite.

All the equipment you need is on the boat (rods, reels, tackle, safety gear), and your fishing licenses are covered, so you show up and fish. The 4-hour window gives you real time on the water without eating your whole day. You'll also pass the Vilano Beach Nature Boardwalk from the water, a bonus view most St Augustine visitors miss because they stay on land.

Choose the morning departure at 7am if you want the calmest water and the first light when fish feed most actively. The afternoon charter at 2pm works better if your family sleeps in or has other plans in the morning. Either way, the boat is yours alone: no strangers, no waiting for other groups, and the captain's attention stays on your family the whole time.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• all fishing and safety equipment.
• fishing licenses.
• professional guide and private boat.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning charter of 4 hours, departing at 7 AMGuide in English · 07:00Private 4-hour trip on a 24' saltwater boat for 1 to 4 guests: this fishing charter begins at 7 AM.

Afternoon charter of 4 hours, departing at 2 PMGuide in English · 14:00Private 4-hour trip on a 24' saltwater boat for 1 to 4 guests: this fishing charter begins at 2 PM.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 14:00

Book up to14h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by iOutdoor Fishing Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick the morning departure if your family wakes early and wants the calmest water and best feeding times. The afternoon charter works better if you prefer to start your day in town and fish in the afternoon instead.

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Top questions

What fish might we catch in St Augustine's inshore waters?

Redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, tarpon and cobia are the main species your captain targets, though what bites depends on the season and water conditions on the day you fish.

Do we need fishing experience or a license to book this charter?

No experience is required. The captain teaches first-time anglers the basics. Your fishing licenses are included in the charter, so you don't arrange them separately.

What's included in the 4-hour charter price?

The boat, a licensed captain, all fishing equipment and safety gear, bottled water, and your fishing licenses are included. Food and drinks beyond water, and gratuities, are not.

Can young children go on this fishing trip?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram, and infants must sit on an adult's lap. The charter is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

Which departure time is better for families with young kids?

The 2pm afternoon charter often suits families with young children better because it avoids an early wake-up, though the 7am morning departure puts you on the water when fish feed most actively and the water is calmest.