If you're heading out to fish in St. Augustine today, November 2nd, 2024, here's what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

First, let's look at the tides and daylight. The sun rose at 7:25 AM and will set at 6:57 PM, giving you a full 11 hours and 31 minutes of daylight. The tidal coefficient is average, with the first high tide at 3:53 AM and the next at 4:40 PM, and the first low tide at 10:18 AM followed by another at 11:11 PM.

Weather conditions are favorable, though it's always a good idea to check the latest forecast before you go.

Fish activity has been robust in the area. Redfish are biting well at the jetties and creeks, with many quality catches reported recently. Sheepshead are also present, though their numbers have dropped slightly, but the ones you catch are likely to be of good size.

For redfish, using lures like jerk baits, crank baits, and even top water baits can be very effective. These fish are often found in shallow waters, particularly around docks, fallen trees, and brush piles. Live bait such as shrimp or mullet can also work well.

Speckled trout, another popular catch, can be found in the backcountry estuaries and creeks. Soft plastic lures and live bait fished around structure like oyster beds and mangroves are good choices.

Some hot spots to consider include the jetties near the St. Augustine Inlet, where redfish and sheepshead are commonly caught. The Intracoastal Waterway and its many creeks, such as those around Salt Run and the Matanzas River, are also excellent areas to target redfish and trout.

Remember to adjust your bait presentations as the water temperature cools down; slower presentations tend to work better as the water temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s.

Good luck and safe fishing