Updated: Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 22, 2026
This St. Augustine fishing report covers mid-October, when the fall bait migration arrives and the inlet and the marsh load up with fish. Redfish are the lead target, with bull reds at the St. Augustine Inlet and nearshore on the beach and schooled fish in the marsh creeks. Flounder are staging ahead of the fall run, whiting and pompano work the surf, and sheepshead and speckled trout fill out the options. Plan around the outgoing tide at the inlet and the early-morning light.
What’s Hitting
Bull reds are at the inlet and nearshore on the beach, and redfish school in the marsh creeks. Flounder are staging near the inlet and creek mouths ahead of the fall run. Whiting and pompano are in the surf, sheepshead are around the bridges and docks, and speckled trout hold on the grass edges.
Expect the flounder run to build as water temperatures drop, and bull reds to remain in the inlet area through the fall.
Where to Find Them
Fish the St. Augustine Inlet on the outgoing tide for bull reds and flounder. A falling tide flushes bait from the marsh through the inlet, and both species set up along the edges and bottom contours to intercept it. Work the Matanzas River marsh creeks for redfish.
From the surf at Vilano Beach and Anastasia State Park, whiting and pompano gather in the troughs, where the slightly deeper water between bars collects sand fleas and other food.
Tides & Conditions
Tides are easing as the moon builds toward first quarter. The outgoing tide at the inlet is the key window, and early morning is the best light.
Check a current tide chart before heading out, since creek access and inlet current both depend on the stage of the tide.
Tackle & Tactics
- Flounder: mud minnows and finger mullet on a Carolina rig are tough to beat.
- Bull reds: cut mullet or menhaden on a heavy circle hook.
- Marsh reds: a weedless gold spoon around the grass.
- Surf: sand flea or shrimp on a pompano rig.
In the marsh, a quiet approach pays off. At the inlet, plan your trip around the tide and bring enough weight to hold bottom in the current. A circle hook tends to lodge in the corner of the mouth, which makes releasing big reds easier.
Local Intel This Week
Fish concentrate at the inlet, the creek mouths and the bridge pilings, which puts good water within reach of both boat and shore anglers. Launch at the Vilano Boat Ramp for quick access to the inlet, or use the Salt Run ramp at Anastasia State Park. Surf anglers can fish the St. Augustine Pier for whiting and pompano. Redfish and flounder carry their own rules worth reviewing. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
Be patient with flounder. Let the bait settle and drag it slowly, and give the fish a moment before setting the hook. Flounder often grab a bait crosswise and then turn it, so an early hookset usually pulls the bait away.
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