Good morning from St. Augustine, Florida, where the fishing has been quite exciting lately. As of today, December 21, 2024, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.
### Tidal Report
We're currently in the midst of a moderate tidal cycle. The high tide was at 00:28 AM with a height of 1.23 meters (4.05 ft), and the next high tide will be at 12:45 PM with a height of 1.32 meters (4.32 ft). The low tides are at 6:43 AM and 7:18 PM, with heights of 0.26 meters (0.86 ft) and 0.23 meters (0.75 ft), respectively[2][5].
### Weather
The weather today is a bit challenging, with a northeast front bringing windy and cloudy conditions. Expect winds of 15 to 20 knots and seas of 3 to 5 feet. The water temperature is around 65°F, which is a bit cooler than usual, but still perfect for catching some great pelagic fish[1].
### Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise is at 7:16 AM, and sunset will be at 5:30 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water.
### Fish Activity
December is a great month for fishing in St. Augustine, especially for pelagic species. Yesterday, anglers reported catching sailfish, wahoo, tuna, and even some barracuda. Inshore fishing has also been productive, with redfish, trout, flounder, and sheephead being common catches[1].
### Best Lures and Bait
For offshore fishing, using ballyhoos and sardines as bait has been highly effective. For inshore fishing, live shrimp are a favorite among locals, especially when targeting redfish, trout, and flounder on the flats and creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway[1].
### Hot Spots
If you're looking to go offshore, the Gulfstream is a hot spot this time of year for catching wahoo, tuna, and sailfish. For inshore fishing, the flats and creeks around the Intracoastal Waterway are ideal for targeting redfish, trout, and flounder. Specifically, the areas around the St. Augustine Inlet and the Salt Run are known for their abundant fish populations[1][4].
Overall, it's a great day to get out on the water, despite the windy conditions. With the right bait and knowledge of the tides, you're set for a memorable fishing trip in St. Augustine.