From the wide array of fishing charters to the many historic fishing spots, acting as relics of a past life, St. Augustine is home to a rich and influential fishing culture.
What do you need to know about fishing in St. Augustine? Do you know where to go, what to catch, and what kinds of fishing experiences are available for your next big family vacation?
Many Opportunities for St. Augustine Fishing
St. Augustine is a diverse fishing town, with many different access methods for fishing. One is pier fishing. The area is home to upwards of 40 different fishing pier areas in total along with a few more popular piers.
Of course, boats can be rented by experienced fishermen for self-guided expeditions, or charter tours are available for those who would prefer to let an experienced captain guide them. Kayak fishing is another option as well for those who enjoy kayak excursions.
Other options include river fishing, creek bridge fishing, and surf fishing. You can surf fish from the beaches and shorelines around St. Augustine.
The area is also filled with ponds at local parks above small bridges, modest bridges for small roads as they pass over creeks, and small and large rivers alike for top-tier freshwater fishing.
You just begin by getting a fishing license (which you can do online) grabbing a rod and finding the nearest water to your St. Augustine lodging.
Best Places to Fish
Of course, fishing St. Augustine is all about knowing where to go. Thankfully, we have pinpointed some key areas where you can catch some of the top game fish in the waters around St. Augustine.
- Vilano Beach Pier: You can stop by the Vilano Beach Pier located in north St. Augustine. The pier is located at 260 Vilano Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32084. This is a scenic pier that is a very popular spot for fishing and relaxation, with one of the best ocean views in the area.
- Bridge of Lions: The Bridge of Lions is an iconic centerpiece for downtown St. Augustine. It is also a prime fishing location, on either end, with extensive marine life in the St. Johns River. Main targets include sheepshead and king mackerel.
- Johns County Ocean Pier: This pier is one of the largest in St. Augustine and perfect for fishing, with full facilities including pole rentals, bait, and more. Located in the southern half of the city, this pier is home to some useful family-friendly amenities, a nearby ice cream shop, a gazebo, large beaches for shelling, and other activities. The pier is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Wed, Fri, and Sat) and located at 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080.
- Anastasia State Park: This state park is an excellent place to be for a few reasons, the fishing notwithstanding. Located at Highway A1A, Saint Augustine, FL 32084, the park has four miles of beach, 1,600 acres of wildlife reserves, and miles of trails. The entrance is $8 per vehicle with up to 4 passengers, fishing equipment no extra cost. Top park locations to fish include the Salt Run and the north tip. Fishing is frowned upon in the marshlands and traversing the dunes is not recommended.
You can find many other smaller piers and fishing spots throughout St. Johns County. These include Alpine Groves Fishing Pier (CR 13 & Swiss Lane, Fruit Cove, FL 32259), the Faver Dykes Fishing Dock (1000 Faver Dykes Road, St. Augustine, Florida 32086) open from 8 a.m. to sundown for free, and the Lighthouse Fishing Pier (442 Ocean Vista Avenue, St Augustine, FL 32080).
Come Fish & Stay
Find your very own ideal St. Augustine lodging for some nice post-fishing relaxation in one of the best destinations in Florida for serious anglers. Call (877)-542-2488 for reservations. You can also contact our information line at (800)-398-5980.
Laws and Allowances for Fishing
As a general rule, locals and residents alike need some version of the Florida Fishing License. The most immediate way to receive proper licensing is at license.MyFWC.com or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Both of these resources will provide detailed information for your specific scenario.
Though typically, pier fishing is paid per entrant (and the pier entrance fee essentially pays for the licensing) this is not always the case. It is smartest to be prepared and covered with a fishing license. Tour charters carry the costs of the fishing license for your family.
