Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your St. Augustine fishing report for this beautiful Saturday morning, May 3rd, 2025.

We're looking at typical early May conditions with temperatures starting to warm up nicely. The water's sitting around 65-70 degrees, which has the fish getting more active. Today we've got some moderate chop with winds running about 15 to 20 knots from the northeast, and seas 3 to 5 feet. Not ideal but definitely fishable inshore.

The big news is that the sheepshead have finally started showing up in decent numbers, mostly in the river. If you're heading to the jetties, it's been hit or miss lately, so plan accordingly. Folks have been landing some really nice speckled trout using live shrimp, and there have been bonus bull reds mixed in as well.

If you're planning to fish inshore today, the flats around the Intracoastal Waterway are producing well. Captain Tommy Derringer, who knows these shallow waters better than most, has been putting clients on fish consistently in the backcountry estuaries. Live shrimp is the go-to bait right now, but don't overlook artificial shrimp imitations if you're looking to avoid constantly re-baiting.

For those heading offshore, kingfish are starting their summer move closer to shore - they're typically hanging around wrecks and reefs. Mahi-mahi are showing up as the water warms, and you've got your usual reef residents like grouper and snapper. Some folks have been using ballyhoo and sardines with good success in the 80-120 foot range. If you're really lucky, you might run into some blackfin tuna or wahoo.

Hot spots this week: The Matanzas River has been firing for trout and redfish, especially on the incoming tide. The Flagler Beach flats are another good bet if you want to escape some of the weekend crowds. For offshore action, try those nearshore reefs for kingfish and barracuda - they're putting up a real fight right now.

Bait shops are well-stocked with live shrimp, which seems to be the ticket for most inshore species. If you're throwing artificials, gold spoons and jigs with white or chartreuse tails are getting good results.

One last tip from a local - with the tides running strong this weekend, focus on fishing the edges of the current rather than right in the middle of it. The fish are hanging in those seams waiting to ambush bait.

Y'all get out there and enjoy the water. Remember to share your spots but not your honey holes! This is Artificial Lure signing off from St. Augustine - tight lines, friends!

This is Artificial Lure checking in with your St. Augustine fishing report for April 21, 2025.

The spring bite is absolutely on fire right now. Temperatures are sitting in the high 70s and the weather is breezy, with a steady 15 to 20 knot wind out of the west. Sunrise this morning was right around 6:50 a.m., and sunset will hit close to 7:55 p.m., so you’ve got a full day of light to work every tide and make the most of these feeding windows.

Tide-wise, we’re seeing those classic spring swings. Look for bait stacking up on the outgoing tides, especially around creek mouths and oyster bars. Negative low tides have been pushing redfish into deeper drains and along flats with quick escape routes to the ICW. That’s prime time to sight-cast to schooling reds.

Inshore, it’s been action packed. Folks working the river and the jetties are catching solid numbers of speckled trout on live shrimp, and bull reds have been hitting float rigs and cut bait with a vengeance. Don’t forget about the sheepshead either—these convicts are still chewing, especially around structure. Back in the deeper creek holes, you’ll find drum and flounder holding tight, and they’ll take mud minnows, live shrimp, or your favorite jighead and paddletail combo. Reports from local charters say it’s been nothing for families to pull in upwards of 100 fish on a good inshore trip.

If you’re itching for a bigger pull, now’s the time for offshore. Water temps are running around 64 degrees in the 80- to 120-foot range, and boats are hooking up with sailfish, barracuda, snapper, triggerfish, amberjack, cobia, mahi, tuna, and the occasional wahoo and red snapper. Ballyhoo and sardines are prime offshore baits right now.

The best artificial lures have been Saltwater Assassin “Lil Boss” paddle tails and topwater plugs during low-light hours. For bait, you can’t go wrong with live shrimp, mud minnows, and cut mullet.

Hot spots for today include the flats along the northern ICW near the St. Augustine Lighthouse for redfish and trout, and the Vilano Beach jetties for bull reds and sheepshead. Offshore, target the ledges 20 to 35 miles out for your pelagics.

Get out there and bend a rod—today’s conditions are lining up for some of the best action of the spring. Tight lines from your friend, Artificial Lure.

This is Artificial Lure reporting from St. Augustine with your up-to-date fishing report for Sunday, April 20th, 2025.

We’re waking up to classic spring conditions this morning. The sunrise showed around 6:51 am, and sunset will be about 7:53 pm, giving us a long window to get lines wet. The weather is looking mild with mostly clear skies and a light breeze—ideal for both inshore and nearshore action.

Tides today are moving nicely for anglers. Low tide hit around 7:20 am, so the water will push in through the morning, peaking at high tide near 1:40 pm. These moving tides are just right for active fish and better chances at a solid bite.

The inshore scene has been on fire lately. Reports from the river and jetties say speckled trout are being caught steady, with live shrimp being the go-to bait. Folks working the float rigs are also picking up bonus bull reds, so keep your drag set right. Sheepshead continue to show, especially around the bridge pilings and rocky spots near the inlet.

Offshore and nearshore, cobia and wahoo have made a showing for those venturing a little farther out. Boat anglers trolling with large diving plugs and bucktails are seeing action, and there’s been chatter about some quality redfish and trout closer to the beaches as well.

As for bait, live shrimp and mud minnows are your best bets for inshore. If you’re a fan of artificials, paddle tails like the Saltwater Assassin Lil Boss on a quarter-ounce jighead get the job done. For the bigger reds and drum tucked back in the deeper creek holes, pitch your bait deep when the tide is low and look for moving water near structure or drains into the ICW.

Recent trips have been productive, with some reports of boats landing upwards of 100 fish in a good session. Redfish are schooling up on the flats during lower tides, while trout are feeding along the ICW banks. Flounder and black drum are hanging a little deeper in the creeks.

Hot spots worth checking out include the Vilano Bridge area, the Matanzas Inlet, and the flats along Guana River. The jetties at the St. Augustine Inlet are always worth a look if the wind is down and the tide is right.

All in all, it’s prime time to get out and fish. The spring bite is here, the waters are alive, and whether you’re after a mess of trout or chasing a bull red, St. Augustine’s got something for every angler today. Tight lines and see you on the water.

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your St. Augustine fishing report for Monday, April 14, 2025. Conditions are ideal for some fantastic spring fishing, with plenty of action across inshore and offshore waters.

The weather today starts with clear skies and mild temperatures in the upper 70s, warming to the low 80s by afternoon, with moderate west winds at 10-15 knots. The sun rose at 7:00 AM and will set at 7:48 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to chase fish. Tidal movements are strong today, with an early morning outgoing tide that hits a low at 10:30 AM and starts flooding back around noon, which is perfect for targeting feeding fish.

Inshore, redfish are schooling on the flats during lower tide stages, especially near spots with a deep escape route, such as the Matanzas River flats or creek drains along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Large schools of drum are also gathered in deeper areas of creeks and under structures like bridges. Live shrimp or fiddler crabs are reliable baits for these species. Topwater plugs are producing great trout catches just after sunrise and closer to sunset along the ICW’s shell banks. For the midday bite, soft plastics like paddle tails rigged on jig heads are proving irresistible, especially with a twitch-pause retrieve.

Offshore, conditions are shaping up for a big haul. Target cobia, wahoo, and amberjack in waters 80-120 feet deep. Ballyhoo and sardines are the go-to baits for these species right now. Meanwhile, some excellent mahi-mahi and tuna action has been reported further out in the Gulf Stream, so consider booking a longer trip if you’re looking for pelagic excitement.

For bait and tackle, check out Genung’s Fish Camp on the Matanzas River for live shrimp, frozen options, and a full supply of gear. Also, Fishbites artificials, made right here in St. Augustine, are performing exceptionally well. Their scented lures, especially shrimp and sand flea imitations, are durable and highly effective for redfish, flounder, and trout.

Recent outings have been productive. Reports from April 6-9 mention hot inshore action, with one charter catching over 100 fish in a single day. Redfish and trout are biting consistently, with anglers also landing flounder in creek holes at lower tides. Offshore crews are pulling in steady numbers of snapper and amberjack, with some bigger cobia and wahoo mixed in.

For top spots, try the Matanzas River for inshore species and the St. Augustine Inlet for black drum and sheepshead. Offshore anglers should target ledges and reefs about 15-20 miles out for the best results. Tight lines, and enjoy your time on the water today!

Good morning, anglers! Here’s your St. Augustine fishing report for Saturday, April 12, 2025. With the sun rising at 7:00 AM and setting at 7:48 PM, you’ve got a solid window to hit the water and reel in some action. The weather today is shaping up beautifully with sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-60s, and calm waters—perfect for both inshore and offshore fishing.

This time of year, the fish are biting! Inshore waters are alive with activity as redfish, speckled trout, and flounder take advantage of the warming temperatures. Schools of redfish can be found on the flats during lower tides, especially where shallow flats connect to deeper drains. Trout are also feeding aggressively along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) banks and creek mouths, particularly during outgoing and incoming tides. Offshore, anglers are hooking kingfish, mahi-mahi, snapper, and even sailfish in depths between 80 and 120 feet.

For bait, live shrimp and mud minnows are your go-to options for inshore species like redfish and trout. If you’re targeting flounder, consider using small mullet or pinfish near the bottom. Artificial lures such as soft plastics on jig heads or topwater plugs at dawn and dusk are also highly effective, particularly for trout. Offshore anglers should bring ballyhoo, sardines, or cut mullet to attract larger predatory fish like mahi-mahi and amberjack.

Hot spots for today include the Matanzas River flats and oyster beds, which are prime inshore locations for redfish, trout, and flounder. Salt Run is another excellent choice, especially for clear-water sight fishing. Offshore enthusiasts should head out to water depths around 100 feet; the action is heating up there for mahi-mahi and snapper.

Reports from local anglers over the past week have been promising. Redfish are being caught in good numbers, with many reaching slot size (18-27 inches). Trout have been active as well, with some large catches being recorded near the ICW shell banks. Offshore, mahi-mahi and kingfish are showing consistent activity, providing plenty of excitement for those venturing into deeper waters.

If you’re planning to fish today, make a stop at Genung's Fish Camp on the Matanzas River or the Fishbites Trading Post in St. Augustine. Both spots offer everything you need, from live bait to durable artificial lures like Fishbites, which are well-regarded for their effectiveness and durability.

Tight lines and happy fishing! St. Augustine’s waters are calling, so grab your gear and make the most of this perfect spring day.

Good morning anglers! Here’s your fishing report for St. Augustine on this fine Friday, April 11, 2025.

Today’s sunrise was at 7:00 AM, welcoming a perfect dawn for early fishing, and sunset will be at 7:47 PM to round out the day. The weather is beautiful with clear skies, a light breeze from the southeast at 8-10 knots, and temperatures hovering between 72-80°F. The tidal schedule shows a high tide at 9:12 AM and a low tide around 3:38 PM. With these conditions, the fish are likely to be moving into shallow areas during high tide before retreating to deeper channels with the outgoing tide.

Inshore fishing has been hot this week! The Matanzas River has been particularly fruitful for redfish and speckled trout. Anglers using live shrimp under popping corks have had great success, while artificial lures such as Fishbites Fight Club Shrimp and paddle tails are attracting solid strikes as well. Over at Salt Run, sheepshead have been steady, with fiddler crabs being the bait of choice near docks and bridge pilings. If flounder is your target, try slow-rolling a soft plastic jig near the inlets.

Offshore action has been lively too, with reports of high numbers of snapper and grouper in 90-130 feet of water. Cut bait such as menhaden or bonita chunks has been working wonders here. Make sure to also try trolling rigged ballyhoo or bonita strips for kingfish and mahi while you're out there.

For surf anglers, Crescent Beach has been producing a solid bite of pompano and whiting. Surf fishermen using Fishbites in sand flea or clam flavor have been reeling them in with ease. A few bluefish and Spanish mackerel have been spotted as well, particularly near breaking waves.

If you’re looking for bait or gear, local shops like Genung’s Fish Camp and Avid Angler have you covered with live shrimp, mullet, and frozen baits readily available. Fishbites products, made right here in St. Augustine, have also been flying off the shelves, proving their effectiveness for everything from redfish to flounder.

For hot spots today, check out the Matanzas Inlet for redfish on the outgoing tide, and try Salt Run for sheepshead and trout during high tide. Crescent Beach will be a great place to cast from the surf if you're targeting pompano or whiting.

With such great conditions, today looks like a fantastic day to be on the water. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Hey there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your St. Augustine fishing report for March 31, 2025. It's a beautiful morning in the Ancient City, with the sun peeking over the horizon at 7:12 AM. We're looking at partly cloudy skies and temps in the mid-60s, perfect for a day out on the water. Sunset's not until 7:42 PM, so you've got plenty of time to reel in some beauties.

Now, let's talk tides. We've got a high tide coming in at 10:23 AM, followed by a low at 4:37 PM. That incoming tide should push some nice fish into the flats and around the bridges, so plan your day accordingly.

Folks, the fishing has been on fire lately! Redfish are still the stars of the show, with plenty of slot-sized fish being caught around oyster bars and dock pilings. Live shrimp or cut mullet on a jig head has been the ticket. Don't forget about those black drum either they've been chewing good too, especially around the Bridge of Lions and Salt Run.

Trout fishing has picked up nicely with the warmer weather. Early mornings and late evenings have been productive, with topwater lures like the Rapala Skitter Walk getting some explosive strikes. For you bait fishermen, live shrimp under a popping cork is still hard to beat.

Offshore, the bottom fishing has been stellar. Vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and even a few grouper have been coming over the rails. Live bait or cut squid on a bottom rig is the way to go. For you pelagic hunters, the cobia run is starting to heat up. Keep your eyes peeled for those brown bombers following rays or cruising the buoy lines.

As for hot spots, the Matanzas Inlet has been producing some nice flounder and reds. If you're looking to stay inshore, try working the docks along the San Sebastian River with some live mullet or mud minnows. For you surf fishermen, Crescent Beach has been giving up some nice pompano and whiting use some Fishbites or fresh peeled shrimp for best results.

Remember, folks, the spring fishing is just getting started, so get out there and wet a line! This is Artificial Lure, signing off and wishing you tight lines and bent rods. See you on the water!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your St. Augustine fishing report for March 30, 2025. The sun's rising at 7:18 AM and setting at 7:41 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to wet our lines.

We've got a high tide at 8:23 AM and another at 8:48 PM, with lows at 2:16 AM and 2:34 PM. Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of 76°F and a light southeast breeze around 8-10 mph. Water temp's holding steady at 71°F, which is prime for our spring fishing.

Now, let's talk fish. The redfish bite has been on fire lately, especially during the falling tide. Anglers have been slaying them around oyster bars and creek mouths using live shrimp under popping corks or gold spoons. Some real bruisers in the 25-30 inch range have been caught and released.

Speckled trout are also making a strong showing. Early mornings have been best, with topwater lures like Zara Spooks or Skitter Walks getting explosive strikes. As the day warms up, switch to soft plastics on a jighead, worked slowly along the edges of the flats.

Sheepshead are still hanging around the bridge pilings and jetties. Fresh fiddler crabs or oysters are your best bet for these striped bandits. Some anglers are reporting catches of 8-12 fish per trip, with many in the 3-5 pound range.

For you offshore enthusiasts, the cobia run is in full swing. Boats have been reporting good catches around 15-20 miles out, mostly on live eels or large bucktail jigs. The kingfish are starting to show up too, so keep an eye out for those smokers.

As for hot spots, the Matanzas Inlet has been producing some quality fish, especially on the incoming tide. The creeks around Fort Matanzas are also worth a shot for reds and trout. If you're looking to stay inshore, the flats near the St. Augustine Lighthouse have been holding some nice schools of reds.

Bait-wise, live shrimp are always a safe bet, but don't overlook artificial lures. Gulp! shrimp in new penny or chartreuse have been working well, as have DOA CAL jerkbaits in the holographic color. For you live bait enthusiasts, Genung's Fish Camp has been stocked up with fresh shrimp and mud minnows.

Remember, folks, the fish are out there and they're hungry. So grab your gear, hit the water, and tight lines to ya! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time. See you on the water!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your St. Augustine fishing report for March 28, 2025. Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately!

First off, let's talk tides. We've got a low tide at 2:15 AM, followed by a high at 8:21 AM, another low at 2:41 PM, and a final high at 8:43 PM. The sun's coming up at 7:19 AM and setting at 7:41 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to wet our lines.

Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-60s and a light southeast breeze around 5-10 mph. Water temp's holding steady at 64°F, which is prime for our spring fishing.

Now, onto the good stuff. Redfish have been on fire lately, especially around oyster bars and creek mouths during the incoming tide. Live shrimp under a popping cork has been the ticket, but don't overlook a gold spoon or a soft plastic on a jighead. Some folks have been landing reds up to 28 inches!

Speckled trout are also making a strong showing, particularly in the ICW and around dock lights early in the morning. Try using a suspending twitch bait or a live shrimp on a jighead for best results.

Offshore, the bottom fishing has been stellar. Anglers are reporting good catches of vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and even a few grouper. Live bait or cut squid on a bottom rig is the way to go.

For you surf fishermen, whiting and pompano are starting to show up in good numbers. Fresh peeled shrimp or sand fleas on a double dropper rig should do the trick.

As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying Matanzas Inlet for redfish and trout, or head out to Pacetti's Fish Camp on the St. Johns River for some largemouth bass action. If you're looking to go offshore, the ledges about 20 miles out have been producing well.

Remember, folks, the bite's been best on the incoming tide, so plan accordingly. And don't forget to stop by our local bait shops like Genung's Fish Camp or The Bait Shack for the freshest live bait and latest intel.

Tight lines, everyone! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time. See you on the water!

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your St. Augustine fishing report for March 26, 2025. The sun's rising at 7:21 AM and setting at 7:39 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with. We've got a high tide at 8:32 AM and a low at 2:45 PM, so plan your trips accordingly.

Weather-wise, we're looking at partly cloudy skies with a high of 78°F and a light southeast breeze around 10-12 mph. Water temp's holding steady at 70°F, which is prime for our spring fishing.

Now, let's talk fish. The redfish bite has been on fire lately, especially during the falling tide. Anglers have been slaying them around oyster bars and creek mouths using live shrimp under popping corks or gold spoons. Some real bruisers in the 27-32 inch range have been caught and released.

Speckled trout are also making a strong showing. Early mornings have been best, with topwater lures like Zara Spooks or Skitter Walks getting explosive strikes. As the day warms up, switch to soft plastics on a jighead, worked slowly along the edges of the flats.

Sheepshead are still hanging around the bridge pilings and jetties. Fresh fiddler crabs or oysters are your best bet for these striped bandits. Some anglers are reporting catches of 10-15 fish per trip, with many in the 4-6 pound range.

For you offshore enthusiasts, the cobia run is in full swing. Boats have been reporting good catches around 15-20 miles out, mostly on live eels or large bucktail jigs. The kingfish are starting to show up too, so keep an eye out for those smokers.

As for hot spots, the Matanzas Inlet has been producing some quality fish, especially on the incoming tide. The creeks around Fort Matanzas are also worth a shot for reds and trout. If you're looking to stay inshore, the flats near the St. Augustine Lighthouse have been holding some nice schools of reds.

Bait-wise, live shrimp are always a safe bet, but don't overlook artificial lures. Gulp! shrimp in new penny or chartreuse have been working well, as have DOA CAL jerkbaits in the holographic color.

Remember, folks, the fish are out there and they're hungry. So grab your gear, hit the water, and tight lines to ya! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time.