As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene in St. Augustine is looking promising, especially after the recent passage of Hurricane Milton. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.
**Weather and Tides:**
The weather is clearing up, with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s. Expect a gentle north-east wind at about 10-15 knots. Tides are favorable, with low tide schools starting to form, which is ideal for targeting certain species.
**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 5:15 PM, giving you ample daylight to explore the waters.
**Fish Activity:**
Fish are actively biting in the area. Bull reds are still running strong, and the recent floods have stirred up the waters, making it an excellent time for inshore fishing. You can expect to catch red fish, black drum, flounder, sheepshead, and trout in the backcountry areas.
**Types and Amounts of Fish:**
Yesterday's reports indicated a good catch of vermillion snapper and mixed box fish offshore, including cobia and amberjack. Inshore, anglers were successful in catching reds, snook, and snapper. The fall mullet run has also begun, attracting a variety of species.
**Best Lures and Bait:**
For inshore fishing, fresh dead shrimp and baitfish like mullet are highly effective. Offshore, using ballyhoos and sardines can yield great results for species like sailfish, barracuda, and mahi-mahi.
**Hot Spots:**
One of the best areas to fish is in the main river and its tributaries, where you can target croakers, black drum, and bull reds. The backcountry creeks and tributaries around St. Augustine are also prime spots, especially with the shallow-drafting boats that can navigate these areas.
Overall, St. Augustine is offering some fantastic fishing opportunities right now, so grab your gear and get out on the water to take advantage of the fall fishing season.