When Spanish mackerel are off St. Augustine
Spanish mackerel fishing out of St. Augustine centers on summer, when schools run along the beaches, according to Long Line. Sly-Fox lists the species for spring and summer. Both sources point to a warm-water window, and the beaches are the first place to look. The port opens to the Atlantic through St. Augustine Inlet. For how the fish move up and down the coast, see the regional guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide).
| Source | Season listed |
|---|---|
| Long Line | Summer schools along the beaches |
| Sly-Fox | Spring and summer |
Where boats run from St. Augustine
Boats from this port split between the beaches in summer and the flats inshore. Decide which one you’re fishing before you leave the dock.
Beach-side schools
In summer, boats work the schools along the beaches, according to Long Line. The run is short, and the schools determine the plan for the day.
Inshore flats
Long Line also fishes the inshore flats near St. Augustine for Spanish mackerel.
The nearest NOAA buoy is NDBC station 41012, which has no active replacement. Check the official NWS marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you run.
Reefs and structure off St. Augustine
Structure sits in two bands: 56 to 63 ft, about 9 miles out, and 97 to 104 ft, out to 26 miles east.
Nine Mile and nearby reefs, 56 to 63 ft
Nine Mile Reef holds the tug Leon Roddy in 63 ft, about 9 miles off St. Augustine according to Long Line. North Nine Mile sites 1 to 7 hold concrete culverts, dumpsters and rubble, with listed depths of 56 to 80 ft by site. Nine Mile North holds concrete culverts in 56 ft. Andy King Reef sits in the Bridge of Lions permit area, in 60 ft.
Deeper grounds, 97 to 104 ft
Capo Reef North and South are both in 97 ft. Moody Reef is in 100 ft, 26 miles east of St. Augustine. Intruder Reef 1 and 2 are A-6 aircraft frames in 104 ft. If you run this far for other species, see the coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
| Ground | Structure | Depth (ft) | Position or distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nine Mile Reef | Tug Leon Roddy | 63 | About 9 miles off St. Augustine (per Long Line) |
| North Nine Mile Reef, sites 1 to 7 | Concrete culverts, dumpsters, rubble | 56 to 80 by site | Near 29 54 N, 81 07 W |
| Nine Mile North Reef | Concrete culverts | 56 | 29 54 47 N, 81 07 01 W |
| Andy King Reef | Bridge of Lions permit area | 60 | Offshore; 29 52.591 N, 81 09.207 W |
| Capo Reef North | Not listed | 97 | 29 51 4 N, 80 46 2 W |
| Capo Reef South | Not listed | 97 | 29 50 59 N, 80 46 1 W |
| Moody Reef | Not listed | 100 | 26 miles east of St. Augustine |
| Intruder Reef 1 | A-6 aircraft frames | 104 | 29 54 20 N, 80 48 10 W |
| Intruder Reef 2 | A-6 aircraft frames | 104 | Not listed |
These positions and any chart layers are not for navigation.
How Spanish mackerel are fished here
Locally, Spanish mackerel are fished on light tackle, either by trolling the schools or by working the flats. For tackle and fish behavior, see the species guide.
Light tackle on the troll, and the flats
- Trolling: works the beach-side schools in summer.
- Flats: works the inshore water near St. Augustine.
- Gear: light tackle for both.
Who fishes them out of this port
Two local charters list Spanish mackerel:
- Long Line Charters in St. Augustine, run by Captain David Ledford, lists the species with summer beach schools and the inshore flats.
- Sly-Fox from the Conch House, with Captain Red Beard and crew, lists Spanish mackerel for spring and summer.
FAQ for Spanish mackerel fishing out of St. Augustine
When are Spanish mackerel off St. Augustine?
Summer schools run along the beaches according to Long Line, and Sly-Fox lists the species for spring and summer.
How far is Nine Mile Reef?
About 9 miles off St. Augustine according to Long Line, in 63 ft, around the tug Leon Roddy.
What depth are the deeper reefs?
Capo North and South are in 97 ft, Moody is in 100 ft at 26 miles east, and Intruder 1 and 2 are in 104 ft.
Which charters list them?
Long Line Charters (Captain David Ledford) and Sly-Fox, which departs the Conch House with Captain Red Beard and crew.
Which buoy covers this area?
NOAA NDBC station 41012 is the nearest. It has no active replacement, so check the official NWS marine forecast.
