For December 7, 2024, in St. Augustine, Florida, the fishing conditions are looking promising despite the cooler temperatures.
### Tidal Report
Today, the sunrise is at 7:07 AM, and sunset is at 5:25 PM, with dawn breaking at 6:41 AM and dusk at 5:51 PM. The tidal cycle shows high tide at around 9:30 AM and low tide at 3:30 PM. These tidal shifts will be crucial for targeting fish in the creeks and flats.
### Weather
The weather is expected to be chilly, which is typical for this time of year. This cold weather will help clear the water, making it ideal for sight-fishing. Be prepared for cooler mornings and warmer afternoons.
### Fish Activity
With the water temperatures cooling down, the inshore fishing is heating up. Redfish are actively moving into the shallow areas of the creeks on low tides to warm up and feed on small minnows and shrimp. Trout fishing has been excellent, particularly close to the inlets in cleaner water. Sheepshead fishing is also improving, with area bridges, docks, and pilings being hot spots when using fiddler crabs.
### Best Lures and Bait
For redfish, use live shrimp or mud minnows in the creek holes, especially on extreme low tides. On the flats, look for darker mud and oyster-laden bottoms where redfish tend to congregate. Downsize your baits and lures for a stealthy approach, as the clearer water can make the fish spookier. For trout, the Saltwater Assassin Lil Boss paddle tail in Houdini color paired with a 1/4oz jighead has been highly effective. Use the jig-jig-pause method to entice them.
### Hot Spots
- **Creek Mouths and ICW Banks**: These areas are great for trout and redfish, especially with moving water.
- **Oyster Bars and Creek Holes**: Redfish and flounder tend to school up here, especially on low tides.
- **Area Bridges, Docks, and Pilings**: These are ideal spots for sheepshead using fiddler crabs.
Overall, the cooler weather and tidal conditions make this a great time to target a variety of species in St. Augustine's waters. Just remember to adjust your approach according to the clearer water and colder temperatures.