The Best Bait and Tackle
for St. Augustine Fishing

Finding the correct bait and tackle for our favorite Florida fishing spots can make the difference between catching and not catching; and we all know that catching is a whole lot more fun!

A reminder; you do have your Florida fishing licenses, right? If not, you can learn how to get your Florida Fishing License Online right here.

A skiff heading back in at the end of the day.

Let's see what our fishing expert thinks is the best bait and tackle for St. Augustine fishing.

There is a huge selection of tackle available; everything from the top-of-the-line Shimano Stella reels to the $9.99 special, you have lots to choose from.

In the St. Augustine area, you will mainly be fishing in saltwater which will take its toll on your equipment whether it is expensive or not. High-end gear offers better reliability, as well as, better action. So, what should you choose?

Once again, here's our fishing pro, Matt Wrann to share his favorites with you.

Matt's Favorite Intracoastal Waterway
Bait and Tackle

• Live finger mullet
• Mud minnows
• Live or fresh dead shrimp
• 7' light to medium action rod with a fast tip.
• Light to medium Shimano Stradic reel.
• 8# - 15# mono-filament or braided line.
• 20# test fluorocarbon leader
• Depending on the current; a 1/8 - 3/4 oz. white, chartreuse, or red jig head.

Matt's Favorite Surf Bait and Tackle

• Fresh peeled shrimp.
• Fresh finger mullet.
• Fresh clams.
• Live sand fleas.
• 8' - 12' surf rod
• Shimano Stradic 4000 reel or larger.
• 15# - 25# mono-filament or braided line.
• Carolina Slider Rig.
• 1 oz. - up to 4 oz. flat pyramid or egg sinker depending on the current.
• PVC rod holder. (very important to keep your rod and reel out of the sand!)

Matt's Favorite Artificial Bait

• Berkley gulps products preferably the three inch new penny shrimp, I've found this bait very effective in the back country.
• D.O.A Shrimp - Chartreuse.
• Lil Fishies - Chartreuse, as well as, blue.
• MirrOlure - white with red head.
• Saltwater Assassins - Chartreuse twist tail.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is critical to always wash your equipment after in fishing saltwater.

Bait and Tackle Shops

There are several shops around the area where you can pick up Matt's recommended tackle and fresh bait.

• Devil's Elbow Fishing Resort
  7507 A1A South
  St. Augustine, FL 32080
  (904) 471-0398
• Avid Angler
  2101 N Ponce De Leon Blvd
  St Augustine, FL 32084
  (904) 824-8322
• Bob's Bait and Tackle
  6810 US Highway 1 S
  St Augustine, FL 32086
  (904) 794-7501
• Shady Oyster Fishcamp
  291 Cubbedge Rd
  St Augustine, FL 32080
  (904) 471-4144

So there you have it, right from a local expert. St. Augustine fishing is great - see what you can land with all these great tips from Matt.

Then, tell us all about it. Our visitors would love to know how the fishing is and you can let them know. You can even upload a picture to show us your "big one"!