Perched right on the Intracoastal Waterway, St. Augustine’s fishing falls nothing short of spectacular. From the inshore shallows to the open Atlantic, this historic town has a lot to offer. The best part is, you won’t even need a boat to experience it. All you need to do is pick one of the local fishing piers and let the magic happen. Trust us, the waters of America’s oldest town won’t disappoint. These are the best fishing piers in St. Augustine.
Each fishing pier on our list has something to set it apart. Maybe you’re into saltwater fishing. Perhaps you’re after something with good facilities and parking. Whatever the case, St. Augustine has you covered.
1. Vilano Fishing Pier
Address: 260 Vilano Road, St. Augustine
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
License required? Yes (for non-residents)
Just a couple of miles from St. Augustine’s historic district, this beautiful 700′ pier puts you right on top of the Tolomato River. The area is home to some of the best inshore fishing you’ll ever see, where variety is the name of the game. Here, you can battle it out with Redfish and Snook one day, and hook Speckled Trout and Pompano the next.
In terms of convenience, Vilano fishing pier has everything you could ask for. At the foot of the Vilano Bridge, you’ll find restrooms, a restaurant, and all the gearyou need. The pier itself is an attraction in its own right, with a wonderful ’50s style build, and a signature dolphin archway. Oh, and it’s free! Just make sure you have your Florida fishing license.
2. St. John’s County Ocean Pier
Address: 350 A1A Beach Boulevard, St. Augustine
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents
License required? Yes
Jutting out into the open ocean, St. John’s County Ocean Pier is perfect if you want to catch exciting saltwater fish. You can expect a field day with the likes of Mackerel, Tarpon, and even the occasional Cobia.
And when you’re done fishing, there’s a ton of relaxing activities and water sports around the pier. You’ll find beach volleyball courts, restaurants, and gift shops, all within walking distance of the pier. Oh, and parking is free. St. John’s County Ocean Pier isn’t just a fishing pier. This place offers year-round activities such as arts and crafts shows, music festivals, and a farmers’ market.
3. Matanzas Inlet Bridge
Address: 8805 A1A S, St. Augustine
Opening hours: Always open
Cost: Free
License required? Yes
Just outside of town, the Matanzas Inlet Bridge offers non-stop reel action. These fast-moving waters are home to some epic Tarpon and Redfish fishing. The bridge can get a little crowded at times, so make sure you turn up early. You’ll be catching the tide as well, so that’s two birds with one stone.
4. Lighthouse Park Pier
Address: 442 Ocean Vista Ave
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
License required? Yes
Located on Ocean Vista Avenue, St. Augustine Lighthouse Park is a perfect choice for families. Before you set foot on the pier itself, you’ll pass through a beautiful, oak-shaded picnic area. Here, you’ll find picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts, and a boat ramp. There are public restrooms on-site as well, so you can spend the entire day in this relaxing setting.
The pier itself is 100 feet long, offering access to St. Augustine’s Salt Run. In these waters, you can expect to find Gator Trout, some good-sized Redfish, as well as the occasional Flounder.
There’s More Where That Came From
St. Augustine has countless more fishing piers for you to try. Whichever you choose, you can expect awesome fishing, as well as some of the most incredible vistas America’s oldest city has to offer. Throw a Florida sunset in the mix, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate endorphin overdose.
Let’s hear it from you. What are your favorite fishing piers in St. Augustine? What was your best catch? Let us know in the comments below.
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