Angling on Florida's North East Coast

Posted on December 15, 2009

Best known for being the oldest city in the United States is also home to some fabulous largemouth bass fishing. This and plenty of other angling surprises and action awaits you on the east coast in St. Augustine, Florida.

St. Augustine is the perfect city for families and is also a great spot for anglers wishing to get in some salt water fishing while on vacation. The area has many fantastic restaurants (make sure you grab a fish taco!), shops and things to see for people of all ages (there is even a fishing pier not far from the downtown core). Between November and January is the annual "Nights of Lights" where the city is covered in beautiful Christmas lights. This is a sight not to be missed; it's worth taking a walk through the old city.

Jacksonville is a kayak angling hotspot with North America's biggest annual tournament held each May . This years event will be held on the 8th of May and anglers have a shot at over $70,000 in prizes and gifts!

If fine dining is what you are after to celebrate your day on the water, head to The Capital Grill (Johns Towne Center) - they offer fantastic steaks, seafood and have second to none service.

The intercoastal waterways in both cities hold a wide variety of game fish including great numbers of redfish, flounder, trout and even the mighty tarpon. At high tide you can often find someone casting around the bridges and kayak anglers are in heaven tossing baits to tailing reds in the various grass flats and oyster beds. I spent a few hours throwing topwater baits and had a nice fish hooked up - but she came off.

While spending time with a guide is always the quickest way to find the fish, you can fish from many of the areas parks and from the beach (just make sure you get your licence before casting).

I would recommend a long rod to have the ability to get your bait out far but sometimes the fish can be found right in the surf. Make sure you bring some different sized weights so you can keep your offering on the bottom. Shrimp, crabs, sand fleas and cut bait will all produce as will a fresh live mullet if you can find one. Head into a local bait shop to find out what others are catching - they can also give you a tip or two on that day's bait of choice.

On my recent trip down I fished with local area graphic artist and avid angler Billy Knight. A huge cold front had moved in and we hit the beach in search for whiting. It didn't take long for our first one to hit the beach for a quick photo:

We had a great morning catching over 20 whiting. Mixed in were some bluefish and small pompano. Fresh shrimp and small crabs were the bait of choice; sand fleas were top choice for the anglers fishing for pompano. It was amazing casting out our baits within site of the many surfers who came down to enjoy the great waves.

Try casting your bait different distances as the fish do move in close to feed and at times they will even push bait right up to the surf and trap them there for an easy meal.

If you are looking for a great place with a fabulous beach, great food, history and some great fishing check out what St. Augustine and Jacksonville has to offer. You can fly directly into the Jacksonville airport or it's a quick hour and a half drive from Orlando. If you find a whole week at Disney is too much, try checking out one of these great cities and mix up your week, you won't be disappointed!

Jamie Pistilli
Host- Big City Fishing
Ocean Kayak Pro Staff

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