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Damn Good Saint Johns River Hunting Guides

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Recently Booked Hunting Guides Near Saint Johns River

Hunting in Orlando

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

10-11' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $3,750
Hunting in Orlando

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

11'+ Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $5,000
Hunting in Orlando

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

7-9' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,500
Hunting in Orlando

Alligator, Big Game Hunting Trip in Orlando

4-6' Central FL Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $800
Hunting in Orlando

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

9-10' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,750

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Other Trips in Saint Johns River

Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
trip description for 7-9' Central Florida Gator Hunt in Orlando

Head out with Gator God Zac to hunt public waters around Central Florida. These gator hunts are super exciting and involved hunts targeting and stalking the right specimen, fighting him back to the boat with multiple rods, and taking home a trophy unlike any other! Captain Zac spends most of his time hunting the St. John's River estuary honing in on flow through laks like Lake Monroe, Lake Harney and others. In the state of Florida guns are not allowed to use a firearm at anypoint when killing a gator, and any bait used to attract a gator has to be attached to the boat in the state of Florida so there are no lines set over night. That's where having a profesional guide like Zac comes in handy: Knowledge of the water and the right equipment for the job are essential! He's been doing it for well over 10 years and is the best of the best. Depending on what you want to do Captain Zac either likes to sight cast on them with treble hooks or bait them from afar with beef lung or floating chickens at the end of a rod and reel. Baiting them on rod and reel is especially fun since you get to see the gator wallop your bait! This method is especially productive later in the season when the gators have grown wise to the boats in the area and all too often go under when you get within 300yds. After the gator has crushed and swallowed that beef lung or chicken, you and captain Zac will stalk up on him and throw an initial hook into him to act as an indicator. Applying to much pressure on that first hook will all too often break him off. Once the indicator is secured you and Captain Zac will throw a couple more treble hooks into him and fight him up to the boat. Once he is boat side Captain Zac will use his Bang Stick to dispatch the beast and haul him aboard to head back to the dock! Captain Zac has a handful of tags for these trips, but he highly reccomends his clients bring their own Alligator tag for these trips as well. **If you have you're own tag he will cut out the price you paid for your tag and give you a discounted rate!** Everything else is provided on board like rods, reels, baits, Bang Sticks, ropes, and a cooler for your beverages and snacks. Read More

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

7-9' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,500
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
trip description for 9-10' Central Florida Gator Hunt in Orlando

Head out with Gator God Zac to hunt public waters around Central Florida. These gator hunts are super exciting and involved hunts targeting and stalking the right specimen, fighting him back to the boat with multiple rods, and taking home a trophy unlike any other! Captain Zac spends most of his time hunting the St. John's River estuary honing in on flow through laks like Lake Monroe, Lake Harney and others. In the state of Florida guns are not allowed to use a firearm at anypoint when killing a gator, and any bait used to attract a gator has to be attached to the boat in the state of Florida so there are no lines set over night. That's where having a profesional guide like Zac comes in handy: Knowledge of the water and the right equipment for the job are essential! He's been doing it for well over 10 years and is the best of the best. Depending on what you want to do Captain Zac either likes to sight cast on them with treble hooks or bait them from afar with beef lung or floating chickens at the end of a rod and reel. Baiting them on rod and reel is especially fun since you get to see the gator wallop your bait! This method is especially productive later in the season when the gators have grown wise to the boats in the area and all too often go under when you get within 300yds. After the gator has crushed and swallowed that beef lung or chicken, you and captain Zac will stalk up on him and throw an initial hook into him to act as an indicator. Applying to much pressure on that first hook will all too often break him off. Once the indicator is secured you and Captain Zac will throw a couple more treble hooks into him and fight him up to the boat. Once he is boat side Captain Zac will use his Bang Stick to dispatch the beast and haul him aboard to head back to the dock! Captain Zac has a handful of tags for these trips, but he highly reccomends his clients bring their own Alligator tag for these trips as well. **If you have you're own tag he will cut out the price you paid for your tag and give you a discounted rate!** Everything else is provided on board like rods, reels, baits, Bang Sticks, ropes, and a cooler for your beverages and snacks. Read More

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

9-10' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $2,750
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
trip description for 10-11' Central Florida Gator Hunt in Orlando

Head out with Gator God Zac to hunt public waters around Central Florida. These gator hunts are super exciting and involved hunts targeting and stalking the right specimen, fighting him back to the boat with multiple rods, and taking home a trophy unlike any other! Captain Zac spends most of his time hunting the St. John's River estuary honing in on flow through laks like Lake Monroe, Lake Harney and others. In the state of Florida guns are not allowed to use a firearm at anypoint when killing a gator, and any bait used to attract a gator has to be attached to the boat in the state of Florida so there are no lines set over night. That's where having a profesional guide like Zac comes in handy: Knowledge of the water and the right equipment for the job are essential! He's been doing it for well over 10 years and is the best of the best. Depending on what you want to do Captain Zac either likes to sight cast on them with treble hooks or bait them from afar with beef lung or floating chickens at the end of a rod and reel. Baiting them on rod and reel is especially fun since you get to see the gator wallop your bait! This method is especially productive later in the season when the gators have grown wise to the boats in the area and all too often go under when you get within 300yds. After the gator has crushed and swallowed that beef lung or chicken, you and captain Zac will stalk up on him and throw an initial hook into him to act as an indicator. Applying to much pressure on that first hook will all too often break him off. Once the indicator is secured you and Captain Zac will throw a couple more treble hooks into him and fight him up to the boat. Once he is boat side Captain Zac will use his Bang Stick to dispatch the beast and haul him aboard to head back to the dock! Captain Zac has a handful of tags for these trips, but he highly reccomends his clients bring their own Alligator tag for these trips as well. **If you have you're own tag he will cut out the price you paid for your tag and give you a discounted rate!** Everything else is provided on board like rods, reels, baits, Bang Sticks, ropes, and a cooler for your beverages and snacks. Read More

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

10-11' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $3,750
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
trip description for 11'+ Central Florida Gator Hunt in Orlando

Head out with Gator God Zac to hunt public waters around Central Florida. These gator hunts are super exciting and involved hunts targeting and stalking the right specimen, fighting him back to the boat with multiple rods, and taking home a trophy unlike any other! Captain Zac spends most of his time hunting the St. John's River estuary honing in on flow through laks like Lake Monroe, Lake Harney and others. In the state of Florida guns are not allowed to use a firearm at anypoint when killing a gator, and any bait used to attract a gator has to be attached to the boat in the state of Florida so there are no lines set over night. That's where having a profesional guide like Zac comes in handy: Knowledge of the water and the right equipment for the job are essential! He's been doing it for well over 10 years and is the best of the best. Depending on what you want to do Captain Zac either likes to sight cast on them with treble hooks or bait them from afar with beef lung or floating chickens at the end of a rod and reel. Baiting them on rod and reel is especially fun since you get to see the gator wallop your bait! This method is especially productive later in the season when the gators have grown wise to the boats in the area and all too often go under when you get within 300yds. After the gator has crushed and swallowed that beef lung or chicken, you and captain Zac will stalk up on him and throw an initial hook into him to act as an indicator. Applying to much pressure on that first hook will all too often break him off. Once the indicator is secured you and Captain Zac will throw a couple more treble hooks into him and fight him up to the boat. Once he is boat side Captain Zac will use his Bang Stick to dispatch the beast and haul him aboard to head back to the dock! Captain Zac has a handful of tags for these trips, but he highly reccomends his clients bring their own Alligator tag for these trips as well. **If you have you're own tag he will cut out the price you paid for your tag and give you a discounted rate!** Everything else is provided on board like rods, reels, baits, Bang Sticks, ropes, and a cooler for your beverages and snacks. Read More

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

11'+ Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $5,000
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
Hunting in Orlando
trip description for 4-6' Central FL Gator Hunt in Orlando

Head out with Gator God Zac to hunt public waters around Central Florida. These gator hunts are super exciting and involved hunts targeting and stalking the right specimen, fighting him back to the boat with multiple rods, and taking home a trophy unlike any other! Captain Zac spends most of his time hunting the St. John's River estuary honing in on flow through laks like Lake Monroe, Lake Harney and others. In the state of Florida you are not allowed to use a firearm at any point when killing a gator, and any bait used to attract a gator has to be attached to the boat in the state of Florida so there are no lines set over night. That's where having a professional guide like Zac comes in handy: Knowledge of the water and the right equipment for the job are essential! He's been doing it for well over 10 years and is the best of the best. Depending on what you want to do Captain Zac either likes to sight cast on them with treble hooks or bait them from afar with beef lung or floating chickens at the end of a rod and reel. Baiting them on rod and reel is especially fun since you get to see the gator wallop your bait! This method is especially productive later in the season when the gators have grown wise to the boats in the area and all too often go under when you get within 300yds. After the gator has crushed and swallowed that beef lung or chicken, you and captain Zac will stalk up on him and throw an initial hook into him to act as an indicator. Applying to much pressure on that first hook will all too often break him off. Once the indicator is secured you and Captain Zac will throw a couple more treble hooks into him and fight him up to the boat. Once he is boat side Captain Zac will use his Bang Stick to dispatch the beast and haul him aboard to head back to the dock! Captain Zac has a handful of tags for these trips, but he highly reccomends his clients bring their own Alligator tag for these trips as well. **If you have you're own tag he will cut out the price you paid for your tag and give you a discounted rate!** Everything else is provided on board like rods, reels, baits, Bang Sticks, ropes, and a cooler for your beverages and snacks. Read More

Alligator, Big Game Hunting Trip in Orlando

4-6' Central FL Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $800
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
Fishing in Jacksonville
trip description for Inshore Adventure - 24' Pair Custom in Jacksonville

Embark on this top-notch fishing on this trip with Captain Joe! With 4, 6, or 8 hours at your disposal, you'll be able to chase a bunch of different species, including Black Drum, Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, and more! Plus, a full-day trip is a great opportunity to practice some skills and learn new techniques, wither that's working on your live-baiting or your artificial action. On this trip, you'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Joe's 24' Pair Custom center console This shallow-draft vessel is ideal for inshore angling. Joe is an expert guide and will ensure that you get your shots at trophy Reds, and fill your cooler. Get out there and have a blast! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Jacksonville

Inshore Adventure - 24' Pair Custom

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $550

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Hunting Guide in Saint Johns River

What are the best hunting trips in Saint Johns River?

The best hunting trips in Saint Johns River are:

Why should I book a hunting trip in Saint Johns River with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 8 trips in Saint Johns River, and the most popular trips in the area are 10-11' Central Florida Gator Hunt guided by Zac, 7-9' Central Florida Gator Hunt guided by Zac, and 4-6' Central FL Gator Hunt guided by Zac.

Our guides in Saint Johns River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3300 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, and more.

Looking for kid friendly guides in Saint Johns River? Check out our beginner and family friendly guides in Saint Johns River.

What types of hunting trips are common in Saint Johns River?

Alligator hunting is the most popular type of hunting in Saint Johns River as well as big game hunting.

The most commonly sought after species in Saint Johns River is alligator.

How much does a Saint Johns River hunting trip cost?

Prices in Saint Johns River can range anywhere from about $545 to $2,850, but the average price for a half day trip in Saint Johns River is $1,570. The average price for a full day trip in Saint Johns River is $872.

Is booking a hunting guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a hunting guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced hunting guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is outside every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your backyard, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for hunting in Saint Johns River?

The most popular season for hunting in Saint Johns River is winter, and most hunters book their trips 28 days in advance.

Where can I look through all Captain Experiences trips?

See here to browse all the trips we offer.

What is fishing in Saint Johns River about?

The Saint Johns River, winding through the heart of Florida, is a renowned fishing destination offering anglers a wealth of opportunities. This sprawling river system, stretching over 300 miles, is teeming with a diverse array of freshwater fish species. Largemouth bass reign supreme in these waters, drawing anglers from far and wide in pursuit of trophy-sized catches. With its meandering channels, marshy expanses, and abundant vegetation, the Saint Johns River provides ideal habitat for bass to thrive, offering anglers thrilling opportunities for both recreational and tournament fishing.

In addition to largemouth bass, the Saint Johns River is home to a variety of other sought-after species, including crappie, catfish, bluegill, and striped bass. Crappie, known for their delicious taste and schooling behavior, are particularly popular among anglers. They can be found congregating around submerged structures, such as fallen trees and brush piles, offering anglers opportunities for rewarding fishing experiences throughout the year. Catfish angling is also productive on the Saint Johns River, with channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish being commonly caught using a variety of baits and techniques.

Furthermore, the Saint Johns River provides anglers with the chance to target striped bass, especially in the lower reaches of the river near the coast. Striped bass, prized for their size and fighting abilities, offer anglers thrilling battles as they navigate the river's currents and channels. Anglers often use live bait, such as shiners or mullet, or artificial lures, such as swimbaits or crankbaits, to entice these powerful predators. Whether casting from the shoreline, navigating the river's waters by boat, or simply enjoying a peaceful day of fishing, the Saint Johns River offers anglers diverse opportunities for memorable fishing experiences.

What are the most popular months to fish in Saint Johns River?

Fishing in the Saint Johns River follows a seasonal rhythm, offering anglers varied opportunities throughout the year. Spring marks the beginning of the prime fishing season as the water temperatures rise, triggering increased activity among the river's fish population. Largemouth bass, in particular, become more active during this time as they move into shallower waters for spawning. Anglers can often find success using a variety of baits and lures, such as topwater plugs, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics, to target bass in the river's abundant cover and structure.

As summer arrives and temperatures soar, fishing in the Saint Johns River remains productive, albeit with some adjustments. The heat prompts fish to seek cooler, deeper waters, where they can be found near submerged structures, ledges, and drop-offs. Anglers may need to adjust their tactics accordingly, using techniques such as deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, or jigging to entice bass and other species hiding in the depths. Despite the challenges posed by the summer heat, dedicated anglers can still enjoy fruitful fishing outings on the Saint Johns River.

Come fall, as temperatures begin to cool, fishing in the Saint Johns River experiences a resurgence of activity. Largemouth bass become more aggressive as they feed in preparation for the approaching winter months. Anglers can capitalize on this feeding frenzy by targeting bass in shallower waters near the river's shoreline, points, and creek channels. Additionally, cooler temperatures often result in less boat traffic on the river, providing a more peaceful and enjoyable fishing experience for those seeking solace in nature. Overall, the Saint Johns River's fishing seasons offer something for every angler, from the excitement of springtime bass fishing to the serene beauty of autumn outings on the water.

What types of fishing are popular in Saint Johns River?

The Saint Johns River offers anglers a diverse range of fishing experiences, catering to different preferences and skill levels. One popular method is bass fishing, with the river renowned for its abundant population of largemouth bass. Anglers can target bass using various techniques such as flipping, pitching, or casting with a variety of baits and lures. The river's extensive network of channels, marshes, and submerged vegetation provides ample opportunities for anglers to explore and discover productive fishing spots.

In addition to bass fishing, the Saint Johns River offers opportunities to pursue a variety of other freshwater species. Crappie fishing is particularly popular, with these tasty panfish gathering around submerged structures such as fallen trees and brush piles. Anglers often use live minnows or artificial jigs to target crappie in deeper waters. Catfish angling is also productive, with channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish being commonly caught using a variety of baits and techniques.

Furthermore, the Saint Johns River provides anglers with the chance to target striped bass, especially in the lower reaches of the river near the coast. Striped bass, prized for their size and fighting abilities, offer anglers thrilling battles as they navigate the river's currents and channels. Anglers often use live bait or artificial lures to entice these powerful predators. Whether casting from the shoreline, navigating the river's waters by boat, or simply enjoying a peaceful day of fishing, the Saint Johns River offers anglers diverse opportunities for memorable fishing experiences.

What species are popular in Saint Johns River?

The Saint Johns River, coursing through the heart of Florida, presents anglers with a wealth of fishing opportunities and a rich diversity of freshwater species. Largemouth bass reigns supreme as the most sought-after catch in these waters, drawing anglers from far and wide with the promise of trophy-sized fish. With its sprawling network of marshes, channels, and submerged vegetation, the Saint Johns River provides ideal habitat for bass to thrive, offering anglers thrilling opportunities for both recreational and tournament fishing.

In addition to largemouth bass, the Saint Johns River is home to a variety of other prized species, including crappie, catfish, bluegill, and striped bass. Crappie, known for their delectable taste and schooling behavior, are particularly popular among anglers. They can often be found congregating around submerged structures such as fallen trees and brush piles, providing anglers with rewarding fishing experiences throughout the year. Catfish angling is also productive on the Saint Johns River, with channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish commonly caught using a variety of baits and techniques.

Furthermore, the Saint Johns River offers anglers the opportunity to target striped bass, especially in the lower reaches of the river near the coast. Striped bass, prized for their size and fighting abilities, offer anglers thrilling battles as they navigate the river's currents and channels. Anglers often use live bait or artificial lures to entice these powerful predators. Whether casting from the shoreline, navigating the river's waters by boat, or simply enjoying a peaceful day of fishing, the Saint Johns River promises anglers diverse opportunities for memorable fishing experiences and bountiful catches.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Frank is awesome. Boat was spacious and adequate. Asked for sheepshead, left with nine. Great job.

    Rod J. with Frank C. of Jacksonville, Florida

Top Targeted Hunting Species in Saint Johns River

Top Hunting Techniques in Saint Johns River

Top Types of Fishing in Saint Johns River

Top Types of Hunting in Saint Johns River

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