Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, October 29, 2026
This St. Augustine fishing report covers late October, when fall fishing hums around the inlet and the marsh loads up with redfish and flounder as the water cools. Bull reds are the lead target at St. Augustine Inlet and nearshore, with redfish schooled in the marsh creeks. Flounder stage ahead of the fall run, and whiting, pompano and sheepshead fill out the options. The main condition to plan around is the strengthening tide: fish the outgoing water at the inlet, early in the morning.
What’s Hitting
Bull reds are at the inlet and nearshore, and redfish are schooled 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, and sheepshead are around bridges and docks. Expect flounder to build over the next few weeks, with bull reds holding in the inlet area through the fall.
Where to Find Them
Fish St. Augustine Inlet on the outgoing tide for bull reds and flounder. Falling water carries bait out of the marsh and through the inlet, and both species set up along the edges to ambush it.
Work the Matanzas River marsh creeks for schooled redfish. From the surf at Vilano Beach and Anastasia State Park, target whiting and pompano in the troughs, where the deeper water between sandbars collects food.
Tides & Conditions
With the full moon coming, tides are strengthening through the week. The outgoing tide at the inlet is the key window, and early morning is best. Bigger tides mean faster current at the inlet, which concentrates bait but also demands heavier weights. Check a current tide chart and wind forecast first.
Tackle & Tactics
- Flounder: mud minnows and finger mullet on a Carolina rig.
- Bull reds: cut mullet on a heavy circle hook.
- Surf: sand flea or shrimp on a pompano rig for whiting and pompano.
At the inlet, bring enough weight to hold bottom in the current. A Carolina rig lets a bait move naturally behind a sliding sinker, and a circle hook tends to set in the corner of the jaw, which makes releasing big reds easier.
Local Intel This Week
Launch at the Vilano Boat Ramp for quick access to the inlet, or use the Salt Run ramp at Anastasia State Park. Surf and pier anglers can work the St. Augustine Pier. The site’s guide also lists Usina Boat Ramp and Fish Island Boat Ramp for boaters heading into the river and marsh. Double-check redfish and flounder rules before keeping anything. 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. Flounder lie flat on the bottom and often grab a bait and hold it before turning it, so a slow drag along the sand keeps the bait in the strike zone. Wait a moment before setting the hook.
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