Frequently Asked Questions

Before booking a trip with Rodbender Fishing Charters of St. Augustine, please review the frequently asked questions below. If you have a question or concern that still hasn’t been answered, please feel free to contact us.

Booking Your Day Trip with Rodbender Fishing Charters of St. Augustine

How much is the trip and how long are we out on the water?

NEARSHORE FISHING

  • 3 Hours – $425
  • 4 Hours – $500
  • Additional time out – $80 per hour

OFFSHORE WRECKS FISHING

  • 4 Hours – $500
  • Additional time out – $80 per hour

INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY FISHING

  • 3 Hours – $325
  • 4 Hours – $400
  • Additional time out – $60 per hour

What do charter fees include?

Charter fees are based on a four-person (adult) group.

The fee covers the captain, boat, and equipment for the trip.

What time do charters leave?

On a typical morning, the boat leaves at 6:30 a.m. and returns between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Does Rodbender require a reservation or deposit for charter trips?

Please call to reserve your charter. All we need is your name and a phone number. For cancellations, we require a call 72 hours in advance of your scheduled charter.

When should I book a trip?

Calling well in advance is always the best way to ensure you get the date you want. Weekends are our busiest time, so keep that in mind while booking.

When are the best times of the year to go on a trip?

We lead year-round trips, but the season impacts the productivity of the charter and the type of fish available. Spring, summer, and fall are typically more productive. Call us to discuss the type of fish you’re interested in catching and who will be coming along, and we’ll decide the best timing for your trip.

What to Expect the Day of Your Trip with Rodbender Fishing Charters of St. Augustine

When should I arrive at the dock?

Departure is at 6:30 a.m., so please arrive at the 260 Vilano Rd dock 15 minutes before our departure (6:15 a.m.).

What does Rodbender provide?

We provide:

  • bait
  • tackle
  • fishing licenses

What do I need to bring with me?

We suggest bringing is something to eat and drink, plenty of sunscreen, protective clothing, a hat, and eye protection. While we allow coolers and beer on the boat, glass bottles and liquor are restricted. You will also need to bring something to take your catch home in.

Is there a bathroom/head on the boat?

We do not have a bathroom onboard.

Does the boat have air conditioning?

This is an open vessel and as such does not have air conditioning.

About the Fish – What We’ll Catch and What to do with It

What kind of fishing does Rodbender do and where?

We fish the Intracoastal Waterway, just a few miles offshore (considered nearshore) and the offshore artificial reefs of the Atlantic Ocean taking off from 260 Vilano Rd in St. Augustine. On our near shore and offshore trips, depths range from 20-100 feet. We troll and bottom fish on artificial reefs, wrecks, live bottom, and ledges.

What kind of fish can be caught?

In the Intracoastal Waterway, we catch redfish, trout, flounder, drum, sheepshead, bluefish, ladyfish, pompano, jack crevalle, snook, tarpon, Spanish mackerel, whiting, and shark.

On nearshore trips, we catch shark, cobia, tarpon, king mackerel, jack crevalle, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and redfish.

On offshore trips, we catch amberjack, barracuda, cobia, dolphin, grouper, king mackerel, redfish, shark, snapper, sailfish, Spanish mackerel, tuna, trigger fish, wahoo, flounder, sea bass, and bluefish.

Can I bring my own rod and reel?

Please check with the Captain ahead of the trip.

What do I do with my fish if I’m from out of town?

From out of town? Not a problem! Your fresh fish can be put on ice or can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you are flying home, you can either use dry ice to pack your fillets or wrap them up and put them in your bag while traveling. Airlines don’t allow you to travel with coolers filled with ice.

What do I do if I catch a trophy fish?

If you catch a trophy fish, measure the length of the fish, and you have 2 options: release it back into the water or we can fillet it. We work with a taxidermist who can create a replica mount with the use of the measurements.

Do I have to clean my catch?

Nope! We clean all fish caught to ensure you have a stress-free experience.

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