If you're heading out to fish in St. Augustine today, November 16th, here's what you need to know. First, let's talk about the tides; the high tide is at 7:38 AM with a height of 5.1 feet, and the low tide is at 2:08 PM with a height of 0.5 feet. The next high tide will be at 7:49 PM, also at 4.3 feet[3].
The weather is looking relatively calm after a period of windy conditions, which is a welcome change for anglers. Sunrise was at 6:46 AM, and sunset will be at 5:31 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get out on the water[3].
Yesterday saw some good fishing action, particularly for flounder, although their catch rates have been inconsistent. The mullet run, which was a significant factor in recent fishing, has started to die off, but this can still attract other species like redfish and snook[2].
Surf fishermen have been having success with pompano and whiting along the coast. There's been a nice push of pompano coming in, making them a prime target for today[1].
For bait, live or frozen mullet, shrimp, and sand fleas are excellent choices. If you're using lures, try jigs tipped with shrimp or small spoons that mimic the baitfish in the area.
Some hot spots to consider include the Intracoastal Waterway and its many creeks and backcountry estuaries. The jetties and river mouths are also productive areas, especially during the changing tides. Captain Tommy Derringer, a local guide, often recommends these areas for their rich fish populations and varied habitats[5].
Overall, it should be a good day on the water, with the calm weather and favorable tides setting up ideal conditions for catching a variety of fish species in St. Augustine.