For those heading out to fish in St. Augustine today, January 4, 2025, here’s what you can expect:
First off, let's look at the tides. Today, you'll have a low tide at 4:43 AM with a height of 0.82 feet, followed by a high tide at 11:04 AM reaching 5.94 feet. The next low tide will be at 5:23 PM with a height of 0.62 feet, and the final high tide of the day will be at 11:39 PM at 5.48 feet[2].
The weather is looking a bit windy, but that's not uncommon for this time of year. Sunrise is at 7:21 AM, and sunset will be at 5:39 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water[2].
Fish activity has been strong lately, especially with the post-holiday period bringing in a bounty of fish. Yesterday saw a good number of black drum and flounder caught, along with some redfish and seatrout. These species are active in the inshore areas, particularly around the Matanzas River, Matanzas Inlet, and Salt Run[1][4].
For lures, live bait is your best bet. Shrimp, mullet, and menhaden are irresistible to many species here. Shrimp, in particular, are versatile and can be used in various settings, from casting off the pier to drifting inshore flats. If you're targeting sheepshead and black drum, live fiddler crabs are also highly effective[3].
If you're looking for some hot spots, the Matanzas River is a prime location for redfish, trout, and flounder, especially around the flats and oyster beds. Salt Run is another excellent spot, with its clear waters making it ideal for sight fishing. For those interested in a mix of freshwater and saltwater fishing, the St. Johns River near St. Augustine is worth a visit, where you can catch bass and catfish using night crawlers[3][4].
So, gear up, check the tides, and get ready for a productive day of fishing in St. Augustine. The winds might be a bit challenging, but the fish are definitely biting.