When red snapper are around St. Augustine
Red snapper fishing out of St. Augustine comes down to two depth bands: artificial reefs at 56 to 63 ft and deep reefs at 97 to 104 ft. This page lists the depths, positions and local methods so you can pick a run on your own boat. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide.
The managing agencies set harvest timing for red snapper off this port, so check the regulations section below before planning a trip. For how red snapper behave and use structure more broadly, see our red snapper guide. The rest of this page covers which structure to run to.
Where boats run from St. Augustine
The nearshore artificial reefs sit at 56 to 63 ft, about 9 miles out. The deep reefs sit at 97 to 104 ft, inside the 80 to 120 ft band that Drop Down reports for deep reefs off St. Augustine. Long Line lists artificial reefs as a main snapper ground. For inlet and conditions context, start with the St. Augustine port guide.
The deeper structure starts at about 80 ft. The nearshore sites are shallower, and the North Nine Mile sites list depths up to 80 ft by site.
Nearshore artificial reefs, 56 to 63 ft
- North Nine Mile Reef sites 1 to 7. Concrete culverts, dumpsters and rubble. Listed at 56 ft, near 29 54 N, 81 07 W. Listed depths run 56 to 80 ft by site.
- Nine Mile North Reef. Concrete culverts at 56 ft, 29 54 47 N, 81 07 01 W.
- Andy King Reef. 60 ft, offshore, 29 52.591 N, 81 09.207 W. Listed in the Bridge of Lions permit area.
- Nine Mile Reef. The tug Leon Roddy at 63 ft, about 9 miles off St. Augustine per Long Line.
Deep reefs, 80 to 120 ft
- Capo Reef North. 97 ft, 29 51 4 N, 80 46 2 W.
- Capo Reef South. 97 ft, 29 50 59 N, 80 46 1 W.
- Moody Reef. 100 ft, 26 miles east of St. Augustine.
- Intruder Reef 1 and 2. A-6 aircraft frames at 104 ft. Reef 1 is at 29 54 20 N, 80 48 10 W.
| Reef | Structure | Depth (ft) | Position or distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Nine Mile Reef sites 1 to 7 | Concrete culverts, dumpsters, rubble | 56 (listed 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 | 29 52.591 N, 81 09.207 W |
| Nine Mile Reef | Tug Leon Roddy | 63 | About 9 miles off St. Augustine |
| 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 and 2 | A-6 aircraft frames | 104 | Reef 1 at 29 54 20 N, 80 48 10 W |
Positions are listed as published. Chart layers, including Chart Contours, are not for navigation, so verify every waypoint against official charts.
Methods for red snapper fishing out of St. Augustine
Local anglers use three methods: bottom fishing with cut bait, circle hooks for bottom work, and surface baits when big reds come up. General reef-fish rigging is covered in our reef fish guides.
Bottom fishing with cut bait
This is the main local method. Put the bait on the bottom at the structure listed above: the culverts and rubble at the North Nine Mile sites, the tug Leon Roddy, and the aircraft frames at Intruder Reef. The structure should set your drift or anchor plan.
Circle hooks
Local operators use circle hooks for bottom work, paired with cut bait on the bottom.
Big reds on the surface
Drop Down reports big reds taking baits on the surface. This is an operator report and not a guarantee, but it’s worth keeping a surface bait ready when you work the deep reefs.
Who fishes red snapper from this port
These local charters list red snapper:
- Fishardy Charters offshore trips
- Endless Summer Charters site
- Drop Down Sport Fish Charters, Captain Alex
- For What It’s Worth Charters, Captain Chris Worth
Private boats work the same artificial reef grounds listed above.
FAQ about red snapper fishing out of St. Augustine
How far out are the snapper reefs from St. Augustine?
Nine Mile Reef is about 9 miles off St. Augustine, per Long Line. Moody Reef is 26 miles east of St. Augustine. Plot the other sites from the coordinates in the table above.
What depth do red snapper hold in off St. Augustine?
The nearshore artificial reefs sit at 56 to 63 ft. The deep reefs run 80 to 120 ft per Drop Down, with Capo, Moody and Intruder at 97 to 104 ft. The deeper structure starts at about 80 ft.
Which snapper reef is closest to St. Augustine?
The nearshore band is the closest. It includes Nine Mile Reef (tug Leon Roddy, 63 ft, about 9 miles), the North Nine Mile sites and Nine Mile North Reef at 56 ft, and Andy King Reef at 60 ft. Only Nine Mile Reef has a published distance.
What bait and hooks are used for red snapper fishing out of St. Augustine?
Anglers bottom fish with cut bait and use circle hooks for bottom work, per local operators. Drop Down also reports big reds taking baits on the surface. Pick your rig based on the structure you’re fishing.
Where do I get offshore conditions for St. Augustine?
The nearest NOAA buoy, NDBC station 41012, has no active replacement. Plan offshore runs from the official marine forecast, reading wind, wave height and period.
