Damn Good Saint Johns River Hunting Guides

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Recently Booked Hunting Guides In The Saint Johns River

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

4-6' Central FL Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

7-9' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

10-11' Central Florida Gator Hunt

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $3,750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

9-10' Central Florida Gator Hunt

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

Alligator Hunting Trip in Orlando

11'+ Central Florida Gator Hunt

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

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

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

What are the best hunting trips in the Saint Johns River?

The best hunting trips in the Saint Johns River are:

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

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

Our guides in the Saint Johns River are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3713 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, and more.

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

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

Alligator hunting is the most popular type of hunting in the Saint Johns River.

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

How much does a the Saint Johns River hunting trip cost?

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

The most popular season for hunting in the Saint Johns River is winter, and most hunters book their trips 26 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

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

    Rod J. | October 17, 2023

    Trip: Half Day Jetty Trip

Top Targeted Fishing Species in the Saint Johns River

Top Targeted Hunting Species in the Saint Johns River

Top Fishing Techniques in the Saint Johns River

Top Hunting Techniques in the Saint Johns River

  • Management Hunting

Top Types of Fishing in the Saint Johns River

Top Types of Hunting in the Saint Johns River

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