Reel in a fish from the shoreline. This no-boat surf fishing charter in Northeast Florida is built around real shore casting, real ocean conditions, and Captain Cathy Sanders teaching you how to find and catch fish from the beach. I like that the focus stays practical—gear, casting, and tactics—and I also like the family-friendly energy that makes people feel confident fast. One consideration: you’ll be standing and moving on sand for about three hours, so pack for sun and plan your pace.

You start at the Flagler Beach Fishing Pier at 8:00am, with the tour ending back at the same meeting point. It’s a private activity, and you use a mobile ticket for check-in, which keeps things simple.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Private 3-hour charter on the beach (no boat), so you get direct instruction without waiting around for transport.
• Cathy Sanders teaches casting and live-bait basics, including how to throw a cast net.
• Equipment, bait, and tackle are included, which lowers the friction for first-timers.
• Surf fishing targets along Florida’s East Coast such as pompano, whiting, redfish, and more.
• Safety-first approach, with Cathy certified in adult and pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and the business licensed and insured.

Surf Fishing Without a Boat: What the 3 Hours Feels Like

This is the kind of fishing trip that changes how you picture the ocean. Instead of a boat ride and waiting, you fish from the sand—meaning the action is close, and the learning happens in real time. The charter runs about 3 hours, which is just long enough to get into a rhythm, not long enough to feel like a whole vacation day vanishes.

What makes it work is the teaching style. Cathy Sanders doesn’t just hand you a rod and hope for the best. You’ll learn the basics of surf fishing technique—how to cast for the kind of water where bait and fish show up—then you practice. One key theme that comes through is repetition: cast, adjust, try again. That’s how you go from guessing to understanding.

And yes, you might get surprises. One angler caught a hammerhead shark on the last cast—exciting, and also a reminder that the ocean is the boss. You don’t control what turns up; you control how prepared you are and how you respond.

Meeting at Flagler Beach Pier at 8:00am (Then Head to Where It Works)

You meet at Flagler Beach Fishing Pier, 105 S 2nd St, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, with a start time of 8:00am. The activity ends back at that same meeting point, so you’re not left figuring out logistics at the end.

One smart detail: the exact fishing spot isn’t guaranteed to be the pier area. The charter notes that the location you see listed might not be the final beach you fish. That matters because surf fishing is all about current, sand, and where the bait lives. Cathy’s job is to put you where she expects the best chances during your window.

If you’re visiting for a beach vacation, early timing helps. Morning is when many people feel most energized, and it gives you a better shot at cooler temps before the sun gets loud. Florida can change quickly, so showing up ready for sun matters.

Equipment and Bait Are Included: Less Shopping, More Fishing Time

At $125 per person for about three hours, the value is really about what you don’t have to do. The charter provides surf-fishing equipment, plus bait and tackle. That’s huge if you’ve never surf fished before, because buying rods, reels, weights, and line for one trip can turn into a frustrating side quest.

This also changes the way the instruction lands. Since you’re using the gear the guide expects to work, you can focus on what you’re learning—casting angle, placement, and reading what’s happening in the surf—rather than fighting unfamiliar equipment. For first-timers, that makes the trip feel more like a lesson with a payoff.

You should still plan as if you’ll spend most of the time outdoors. The trip does not include snacks, so bring hydration fluids and a snack the way you would on any fun beach outing. If you want to sit during the charter, bring a beach chair. You’ll be on the sand; comfort is up to you.

What Cathy Sanders Teaches You on the Sand

Cathy Sanders is the heart of this experience. The theme that comes through is clear instruction, not just fishing. You can expect guidance on things like:

• how to set up for surf fishing instead of inland casting habits
• how to spot the bait signs that matter in the shallows and near the wash
• how to catch live bait, including using a cast net
• how to cast a surf rod, since it’s different from many typical fishing setups

If you’ve only fished lakes or ponds, surf fishing is a new language. The ocean moves constantly. That means your casting and your retrieval have to fit the rhythm of waves and currents. When someone teaches you what to look for—like where sand fleas are active—you stop treating the beach like a mystery and start treating it like habitat.

A good sign here is the way the charter balances instruction with action. The experience is built for learning, but it’s not a classroom. You’re learning on the beach, while fish are in the water and you can try what you just heard.

Also, you’re not just fishing for results—you’re fishing for understanding. That’s why people who’ve done other types of angling still find it worth doing. One inshore angler came in with bass fishing experience, then walked away understanding how the surf game changes your approach.

Fish Targets in Northeast Florida: From Pompano to Flounder

The charter’s stated targets include pompano, whiting, redfish, and more. In real life, that means you’re not fishing a single species-only plan. Instead, you’re working with conditions and letting the ocean show you what’s available.

Several fish species have shown up during charters. Flounder has been caught off the beach, and that’s a great example of why this style of fishing is fun. You’re not just checking a box—you’re paying attention and reacting.

And then there’s the nature-factor. Getting a hammerhead shark on the last cast is not something you can schedule. But it’s a reminder that you’re in a real coastal ecosystem, not a stocked pond. If that makes you nervous, keep the tone calm. Follow the guide’s directions, stay aware of lines and space, and remember the ocean does its own thing.

One practical detail from the experience: it’s also a swimming beach. So you’ll share the shoreline with people in the water. That means you’ll want to be extra mindful with your rod direction, where lines extend, and where you’re standing relative to swimmers. The guide’s safety focus should help keep everyone on track.

Safety, Licenses, and Peace of Mind on the Shore

Surf fishing can look simple from a distance. Up close, you’re in ocean conditions with moving water, sharp gear, and public beach space. That’s why safety and rules matter.

First aid matters here. Cathy Sanders is certified in adult and pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. Fishin’ Girl is also fully licensed and insured, so you’re not going into this as a solo activity you have to manage yourself.

Licensing is also specific. Anglers age 16–64 must have a Florida Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License. Pricing is the same for all ages, but licensing doesn’t work that way—so if you’re bringing kids or teens in the license range, make sure you handle it before you go.

Finally, the trip calls for moderate physical fitness. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but it does mean you should be comfortable walking on sand, standing for long moments, and handling gear safely.

Price and Booking Timing: Is $125 Worth It?

At $125 per person for roughly 3 hours, you’re paying for three things: expert on-the-ground guidance, gear and bait that are ready to fish, and the time it saves you from figuring out surf fishing by trial and error.

I think this price makes sense when you’re one of these situations:

• You’ve never surf fished and want the fastest path to understanding what to do
• You already fish inland but want shore strategy instead of just a new location
• You’re coming as a family and want an experience that feels guided, not chaotic

It can also be worth it if you value instruction. The charter isn’t only about catching fish; it’s about learning techniques you can reuse on future beach trips.

One planning detail: this experience averages being booked about 38 days in advance. That’s a good hint. If you have fixed vacation dates, don’t wait until the last week. Beach access, morning timing, and guide availability add up.

What to Bring (So You Don’t Spend the Trip Miserable)

Since gear, bait, and tackle are provided, your packing list is really about comfort and readiness. Here’s what I recommend based on the charter notes:

• Hydration fluids and a snack (not included)
• Sunscreen and sun protection, since you’re on the beach for three hours
• A beach chair if you want a place to sit
• Your Florida Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License if you’re age 16–64
• Any personal items you want for a beach morning (hat, water bottle, etc.)

You should also be ready for changing beach conditions. Sand, wind, and wave noise are part of the deal. Bring a calm mindset and dress for the weather you’ll actually face at 8:00am.

Service animals are allowed, which can help if you travel with a companion animal that needs to be with you.

Who This Charter Fits Best (and Who Might Want to Rethink It)

This charter fits best if you want hands-on learning and real shore fishing. It’s private, so it works well for families, couples, and small groups who prefer a more focused setup than big group tours.

It’s also a good match for beginners. One of the big wins is that you’re guided through casting, bait, and technique while you’re already on the beach. That means you don’t need prior surf fishing experience to enjoy the experience.

It may not fit as well if:

• you hate walking on sand or standing for long stretches
• you want a completely low-effort activity with minimal outdoor time
• you’re not able to manage the public-beach environment (swimmers nearby)

That said, the charter requires only moderate physical fitness. If you can handle a beach morning and you come prepared with sun and water, you’ll likely be fine.

Should You Book Fishin’ Girl Surf Fishing with Cathy Sanders?

If your goal is a meaningful Northeast Florida beach experience where you learn as you go, I’d book this. The biggest value is the combination of equipment + bait included, plus Cathy Sanders teaching surf techniques that translate beyond one trip.

Book it if you want:

• a guided start for first-time surf fishing
• hands-on practice like casting and live bait basics
• a morning charter with a real chance of action

I’d think twice if you’re hoping for a purely relaxing beach walk where you sit most of the time. This is more active than it looks, and the ocean is involved—so bring comfort items and expect to work the shoreline a bit.

FAQ

Where does the charter meet?

The charter starts at Flagler Beach Fishing Pier, 105 S 2nd St, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, USA.

What time does the fishing charter start?

The start time is 8:00am.

How long is the experience?

The charter lasts about 3 hours.

Is there a boat for this trip?

No. This is beach fishing, and it is done without a boat.

What’s included in the price?

The charter includes surf-fishing equipment, as well as bait and tackle.

Do I need a fishing license?

Anglers age 16–64 must have a Florida Saltwater Shoreline Fishing License.

Is the price the same for kids and adults?

Yes. Pricing is the same for all ages.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring your own hydration fluids and snack. If you want to sit during the charter, bring a beach chair.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.