As of October 17, 2024, the fishing scene in St. Augustine is looking promising, especially with the current tidal conditions. Today, the sun rose at 7:20 AM and will set at 6:57 PM, giving us a good 11 hours and 37 minutes of daylight to get out on the water.

The tides are a crucial factor here; the first high tide of the day occurred at 3:26 AM, and the next high tide will be at 3:56 PM. The low tides are at 9:34 AM and 9:47 PM. The tidal coefficient is relatively high, indicating significant tidal movements, which can stir up the fish and make them more active.

Weather conditions, though not detailed in the sources, typically play a significant role in fishing success. It's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before heading out, as wind and surf can affect the tidal amplitude and fish behavior.

Fish activity in St. Augustine has been robust, particularly for redfish and sheepshead. Redfish are biting well at the jetties and creeks, while sheepshead, although fewer in number, are of high quality.

For targeting redfish, using live bait such as shrimp or mud crabs is highly effective. Artificial lures like soft plastics and spoons can also work well, especially in the shallow waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and its many creeks and backcountry estuaries.

Sheepshead are often caught using fiddler crabs or clams as bait, and they tend to congregate around structures like jetties and pilings.

Hot spots include the St. Augustine jetties, where the structure attracts a variety of fish species, and the creeks and backcountry areas of the Intracoastal Waterway. Captain Tommy Derringer, a local guide, recommends these areas for their abundant fish populations and favorable fishing conditions.

Overall, with the right bait and knowledge of the tides, today should be a great day to catch some quality fish in St. Augustine.