Fishing in Jacksonville FL will give you a chance to battle some of the most exciting species in the country. Located at the mouth of the mighty St. Johns River and facing out onto the Atlantic Ocean, this northeastern Florida town has both salt and fresh water running through its veins. The opportunities start the moment you get near the water, so always be ready!
This is a fishery that’s made up of countless productive fishing spots. With rivers, inlets, offshore wrecks, and so much more just about every type of maritime feature can be found in these parts. This article will help you get familiar with some of the top local target species, popular spots, and different ways you can go about getting to the fish.
Best Fish to Catch in Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, there are few targets you won’t be able to find, given enough time and effort. However, unless you’re planning your whole trip around a specific dream catch, you’ll want to know what targets you’ll likely be seeing. Below is a list of some of the usual suspects.
King Mackerel
There’s a reason why Jacksonville is home to the biggest Kingfish tournament in the Southeast. These waters hold bonafide monsters, with record-breaking Mackerel being far from a rare sight. Not only are these predators famous for their size, but also for being ravenous feeders. Their speed, agility, and acrobatics make each encounter a thrilling one.
While stalking their prey, Kingfish can typically be found around structures such as ridges, reefs, and wrecks. However, during the warmer months, they can even be seen when fishing from the shore. They’re a fun species to target thanks to the fact that they rarely move alone, so running into one often means there are more around!
Cobia
These mighty fish stay at the top of many Florida anglers lists thanks to their great taste, stable numbers, and fun angling experience. Cobia survive on a diet rich in protein and, thanks to the abundance of baitfish in local waters, often grow to impressive sizes. You’ll find them where their prey moves, lurking near reefs and wrecks in both inshore and offshore waters.
When going after these brutes, you’ll give yourself the best chance at an impressive catch if you keep close to these hotspot structures. In Jacksonville, this can be done without even getting on the water as the local shore fishing spots see plenty of Cobia passing by. Still, getting into slightly deeper waters will get you on top of wrecks where the real monsters are!
Red Snapper
Sought after by anglers motivated by the reward of a tasty catch, Red Snapper are always going to be popular targets in any fishery that has them. Jacksonville is certainly no different. Any trip offering the opportunity to reel in a nice specimen is sure to give you a chance at multiple picture-perfect moments and lifetime memories.
Fishing for Red Snapper in Jacksonville gives you the added advantage of having no closed season in state waters. This is great news for any angler who isn’t able to set aside a date during the short Gulf season, but still wants a shot at these prized fish. Federal waters, however, are where you’ll find the most productive spots, so a visit during the open season is always worth it.
Tarpon
The supreme elusiveness and legendary fighting spirit of Tarpon have all contributed to the near-mythical status these fish enjoy. Their nickname, the “Silver King,” tells you all you need to know when it comes to the level of respect anglers have for these beasts. Catching large Tarpon is on the bucket list for all Florida anglers, but it’s not a challenge everyone’s up to.
With Tarpon present in the local waters year-round, there’s never a shortage of action on Jacksonville inshore adventures. Still, you should keep in mind that Tarpon are, after all, migratory fish, and the biggest ones never stay put all year long. For this reason, if you’re determined to get yourself a trophy catch, aim for the period between June and September.
Redfish and Black Drum
The staple of all inshore fisheries in the region, Redfish are popular both amongst novices and seasoned anglers. Explore the flats around Jacksonville for a shot at tailing Reds, or visit the rich backcountry and inshore honey holes. The variety of adventures that allow you to target Redfish make them a great choice for anglers looking for an intro to Jacksonville fishing.
If you’re targeting Redfish, there’s a high likelihood you’ll also run into Black Drum. These species go together like peanut butter and jelly! Being slightly more forgiving to novices than their red cousins, Black Drum are a great alternative target on inshore trips. Considering their large size and delicious taste, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
How to Go Fishing in Jacksonville
Fish from the shore, get on a charter boat, join a party of anglers, or blaze your own path. The adventures you can have in Jacksonville come in all shapes and sizes. Find out more about the most popular types of fishing below and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Charter Boat Fishing
Fishing aboard one of the local charter boats is one of the best ways to experience what’s on offer in Jacksonville. This is largely the case thanks to the quality of the city’s charter fleet. The wealth of experience amongst the local guides and captains, and the variety of trips offered by them, are enough to satisfy even the most demanding visitors.
On private charters, you’ll also benefit from having a professional guide you to your target as quickly as possible. This will allow you to maximize your actual fishing time and make your trip more productive overall. It’s also a great option for anyone wanting to mix it up and try their hand at different techniques.
Party Boat Fishing
If you want to test the bite at offshore hotspots, but don’t have a group to do so with, you’ll want to get on a party boat. These types of adventures are a great mix of relaxation on the water and fun angling action, with a nice dose of friendly competition. You’ll be able to target prized species, share stories, and pick up tips from your peers all without breaking the bank.
There are, however, some things you should keep in mind when joining a party boat trip. Unlike private charters, the crew on party boats has to tend to a large number of guests. This means that things like baiting your hook and unhooking your catch could be up to you. It’s something worth considering if you’re a novice.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing is going to appeal to anglers with the biggest appetite for adventure. This is a fishing experience that will test your skills at every step. However, this also means that when you succeed, the reward will be that much greater. It’s an activity that requires great physical stamina and fishing technique, although it also depends on where you decide to fish.
This is in part due to recent trends that have seen kayaking move out of the inshore waters and into the fishing grounds nearshore and beyond. Naturally, if you’re just getting into kayak fishing, it’s best to stick to calmer waters, but if you’re looking for the ultimate challenge there are few that can top big game kayak fishing.
Shore Fishing
If you’re the type of angler who likes to take matters into their own hands and get after various species from the shore, Jacksonville is your town. Being located on a major waterway, such as the St. Johns River, means that various fish species of impressive size can often be caught from the shore.
With over 1,100 miles of interior shoreline, it would be impossible to cover all the shore spots where you can drop a line in Jacksonville. Bridges, jetties, parks, piers, and much more are available in the area, with target lists that rival those of all the top fisheries in the country!
Jacksonville Fishing Spots
What your Jacksonville adventure ends up looking like is ultimately all up to you. Whichever type of fishing you decide to try out, there will be a number of spots you can explore on any given day. Below are some of the ones that have become the most popular over time.
Stinson Park: Located adjacent to the Ortega River Bridge, this is considered by many to be one of the city’s most beautiful parks. However, it’s good for more than just providing a pretty photo backdrop. Having immediate access to both the Ortega and St. Johns River, the park has great opportunities for all visiting anglers.
Dutton Island Preserve: This park stretches out along the shores of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Waterway is a famously rich fishery which is even more noticeable within the preserve. It’s the perfect setting for a kayaking adventure with endless hidden spots to explore. Featuring hiking trails, camping trails, and a fishing pier, there’s access to great angling even if you choose to stay off the water.
Artificial Reefs: Jacksonville’s artificial reef system has more than 100 artificial reefs. It’s made up of various sunken objects, providing food and shelter to all the fish calling these waters home. Inshore, you can test the bite at the George Holt Reef, while offshore you can try your luck at deep-sea wrecks such as the Bills Barge and other vessels not far from it.
The Gulf Stream: Heading out of Jacksonville, you’ll be traveling about 60 miles offshore to reach the Gulf Stream. This is where the best deep sea fishing opportunities the city has to offer are. Depending on the season, there will be schools of pelagics passing through, with rich deep sea reefs hiding an entirely different group of prizes.
When to Go Fishing in Jacksonville
Having such a rich and diverse inshore fishery, in addition to direct ocean access, means that Jacksonville never lacks available targets. You only need to be mindful of dates if you’re after a specific species or if you’re looking to take part in a local tournament. Below are some of Jacksonville’s biggest events.
Jacksonville Fishing Tournaments
Jacksonville has a rich tournament fishing scene, with many of its events attracting hundreds of participants from all over the country. This means top competition and amazing prizes. Inshore enthusiasts will certainly want to check out October’s Flounder Pounder and the El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament, happening each March.
Helping keep Jacksonville a fishing hub during the winter season is the Northeast Florida Wahoo ShoutOut. Taking place during the months of February and March, it’s the world’s largest Wahoo tournament. Finally, in July, you’ll be able to take part in the famous Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. Another world’s largest, this tournament pays out huge prizes if you manage to beat the tough competition.
Jacksonville Fishing Regulations
In the interest of preserving the populations of some of the area’s most popular catches, not all fish can be harvested year-round. Permit fishing is closed April through July, while Hogfish is off-limits May through October. Grouper species are also protected and can’t be targeted from January through April.
Rules on bag limits and minimum harvesting sizes for various targets are also enforced. However, since these tend to change each season, it’s best to get informed about them on official websites before getting on the water. If you’re joining a licensed captain, you can count on them to provide you with the necessary information.
Jacksonville: A Sportfishermen’s Mecca
As evidenced by the huge tournaments taking place here annually, Jacksonville’s angling offer has put it on the map of countless anglers worldwide. Whatever your preferred fishing method or technique, coming here will allow you to put it to the test and improve along the way. Fun times on the water, tasty catches, and jaw-dropping prizes – there’s something for anglers of all skill levels in Jacksonville.
Have you already been fishing in Jacksonville? Drop a comment below and share your stories with us!
