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Media Kit: Fishing
DEEP SEA OR INLAND FRESHWATER FISHING ADVENTURE? TAKE YOUR PICK IN ST. AUGUSTINE AND PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA
Anglers can enjoy outstanding saltwater and freshwater fishing in northeast Florida in the coastal and inland areas of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. Area fishing ranges from offshore bluewater adventures in the Atlantic Ocean to excursions for largemouth bass and speckled trout in the waters of the inland St. Johns River. The fishing in the St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach area is some of the best found anywhere in the Sunshine State.
Adding to the enjoyment of fishing, enthusiastic, knowledgeable fishing experts operate charter boats, fishing camps, and bait-and-tackle shops in both St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Expert anglers and newcomers to fishing alike can experience memorable and enjoyable fishing no matter how often or how little they have wet a line.
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing in the St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach area includes sportfishing excursions in the Atlantic Ocean, onshore fishing from piers and jetties and small boat or shoreline fishing on the Intracoastal Waterway or Matanzas Inlet.
Deep-sea fishermen can go after sailfish, marlin, bluefish, grouper, dolphin and wahoo, while near-shore boaters can fish for king mackerel, cobia, mangrove, snapper and fighting tarpon. The area's ocean sportfishing charter fleet operates from six full-service marinas in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches and offers full day and half-day charters that take anglers to the Gulf Stream and as far as 60 miles offshore in search of gamefish.
Onshore in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches, fishermen can try their luck from piers, jetties and the surf, in hopes of landing speckled trout, yellow mouth trout, black drum, red bass, flounder, sheepshead, whiting, bluefish or pompano. The St. Johns County Pier, Vilano Pier and Lighthouse Pier are some of the most popular onshore fishing sites.
Freshwater Fishing
The freshwater lakes, rivers, creeks and streams of the area west of St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach offer plenty of fishing and a diversity of species. Inland waters in western St. Johns County are home to speckled trout, largemouth bass, three different species of bream, stripers and catfish. Because the area flanks the Atlantic Coast, fishermen occasionally will encounter saltwater fish, including redfish, snook, sea trout and sheepshead. Found in the St. Johns River, the county's western border, are prized striped bass, some weighing as much as 25 pounds.
Competitive Fishing
For anglers who enjoy competitive fishing, numerous annual sportfishing tournaments are conducted in St. Augustine, some offering prizes valued up to $50,000. Major tournaments conducted annually in the St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach area include:
El Pescado Grande Tournament, mid-April
Blue Water Tournament, early May
Fightin' Gator Tournament, Memorial Day Weekend in May
Ponce's Billfish Invitational, early June
Kingbuster Classic Tournament, mid-June
A.C.G.F.A. Kingfish Challenge, early August
Fishing Regulatory Requirements
Licenses for freshwater fishing are required for both residents and non-residents of Florida. Non-residents can purchase a three-day freshwater fishing license for $7.00, which includes a modest handling charge. Licenses can be obtained at virtually all businesses that deal with fishing, as well as area sporting goods stores. Non-resident seven-day ($17.00) and annual ($32.00) licenses are also available. Different permits are required to fish for snook and crawfish. For specific information on freshwater licensing, contact the Florida Game & Fresh Water Fish Commission at (352) 732-1225.
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