Damn Good Saint Johns River Fishing Charters

The best fishing charters in the Saint Johns River are:

• Recess Sportfishing Fishing Charters guided by Frank C. with 29 years of experience
• Set Em Up Fishing Charters guided by Joe C. with 7 years of experience

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 trips in the Saint Johns River, and the most popular trips in the area are Half Day Bull Reds guided by Frank, St Johns River Inshore Fishing guided by Joe, and Half Day Jetty Trip guided by Frank.

Our guides in the Saint Johns River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 8345 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in the Saint Johns River? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in the Saint Johns River.

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing in the Saint Johns River as well as jetty fishing and river fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in the Saint Johns River are: 1. redfish, 2. black drum, 3. sheepshead, 4. speckled trout, and 5. cero mackerel.

The most common fishing techniques in the Saint Johns River are bottom fishing, cut bait fishing, and live bait fishing but artificial lure fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

Prices in the Saint Johns River can range anywhere from about $580 to $1,800, but the average price for a half day trip in the Saint Johns River is $938. The average price for a full day trip in the Saint Johns River is $1,267.

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

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water 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 and tackle, 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 home waters, 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.

The most popular season for fishing in the Saint Johns River is spring, and most anglers book their trips 28 days in advance.

See here for more information on fishing licenses in the Saint Johns River, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in the Saint Johns River. When in doubt, your guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in the Saint Johns River.

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.

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.

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.

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.