Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This St. Augustine fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12. Northeast Florida faces a stronger cold front early Friday and the coldest morning of the season so far on Saturday. A first real chill typically pulls red drum and trout into the deeper creeks of the Matanzas River and Tolomato River while whiting and sheepshead become dependable along the beaches and inlet rocks. Use this outlook to plan the weekend, then confirm with a local tackle shop.
What’s Hitting
Whiting are the most dependable surf species, with good action on the incoming tide along Anastasia Island and Vilano Beach. Sheepshead are building at the St. Augustine Inlet jetties and the Bridge of Lions pilings. Redfish in the Matanzas move to oyster bars and creek mouths. Black drum often join them at deeper holes. Trout should become more active in the creeks as the water cools. Bluefish may move through the surf with the last of the mullet, and flounder are migrating toward the inlets as the water cools.
Where to Find Them
Work the St. Augustine Inlet jetties for sheepshead and reds. The Matanzas Inlet is another option. In the river, the oyster bars and creek mouths near Crescent Beach hold redfish. The Bridge of Lions and the State Road 312 bridge offer pilings for sheepshead and drum. Beach sloughs along St. Augustine Beach produce whiting. The Tolomato River near Vilano and the creeks behind Anastasia Island also hold trout and redfish. Matanzas Inlet’s deeper channels can concentrate flounder heading offshore.
Tides & Conditions
Stronger new-moon tides extend through the end of the week, moderating toward November 17’s first quarter moon. Northwest winds behind Friday’s front can lower water in the marsh, concentrating fish in creek channels. Wind shifts onshore Sunday. The incoming tide brings clearer ocean water into the inlet and creeks, often improving visibility for sight fishing. Saturday morning will be cold, so afternoon fishing may be more comfortable and productive.
Tackle & Tactics
For whiting, use a two-hook bottom rig with shrimp or Fishbites. Sheepshead prefer fiddler crabs on a short leader with a strong small hook. Redfish respond to gold spoons, soft plastics or cut mullet on oyster bars. For trout, use soft plastics on light jig heads. Flounder respond to mud minnows or soft plastics on jig heads dragged slowly along the bottom near the inlet. Carry a few heavier jig heads for the strong new-moon current.
Local Intel This Week
Vilano Beach and the St. Augustine Beach Pier give access to surf species. Anastasia State Park offers jetty access and a protected beach. The Vilano Beach boat ramp is close to the inlet. Fort Matanzas National Monument is near the Matanzas Inlet. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Be prepared for brisk wind on Saturday. The Matanzas Inlet bridge on A1A is popular for bank fishing and gives access to the inlet channel. Parking can be limited on weekends near the inlet.
This Week’s Tip
During low tide on Saturday, fish the mouths of creeks draining into the Matanzas River. Cast a gold spoon along the edge of the oyster bars where the water deepens to target redfish. Use the incoming tide for clearer water and better visibility around the oyster bars.
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