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!