9 FEB 2025 · Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around the beautiful city of St. Augustine, Florida. Today, February 9, 2025, promises to be an exciting day on the water, so let's dive into the details.
First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide forecast, today's high tides are at 6:02 AM and 6:20 PM, with heights of 4.61 ft and 3.87 ft respectively. The low tides are at 12:27 PM and 11:32 PM, with heights of 0.1 ft and -0.2 ft[2].
The weather is looking good, with clear sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s, which is a bit chilly for us Floridians but perfect for a day out on the water.
Now, let's get to the fish activity. Recently, anglers have been reporting some fantastic catches. Inshore, you can expect to find a good number of slot redfish, keeper sea trout, and even some nice flounder. Sheepshead and black drum are also active, particularly around the oyster beds and flats[1].
For inshore fishing, the Matanzas River is a prime location. This area is teeming with redfish, trout, and flounder, especially around the flats and oyster beds. Live shrimp and mud minnows are your best bets here. Another hot spot is Salt Run, where the clear waters make it ideal for sight fishing. Here, live fiddler crabs can yield impressive catches of sheepshead and black drum[3].
If you're looking to venture offshore, the waters around St. Augustine are filled with a variety of species. Bottom fishing has been steady, with catches of vermillion snapper, trigger fish, and even some jacks and sharks. For offshore fishing, baits like ballyhoos and sardines are proving effective. You might also encounter sailfish, barracuda, mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo[4].
In terms of lures and bait, live bait is always a winner in these waters. Shrimp are particularly versatile and can attract a wide range of species from red drum to speckled trout. For those preferring frozen bait, glass minnows, northern mackerel, and threadfin are excellent choices for inshore fishing. If you're targeting bottom species like grouper and snapper, octopus is a great option[3].
To sum it up, today is a great day to hit the waters of St. Augustine. With the right tides, good weather, and the right bait, you're set for a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. Whether you're a local angler or just visiting, make sure to check out the Matanzas River and Salt Run for some inshore action, and if you're feeling adventurous, head offshore for a chance at some bigger catches.
Tight lines, everyone