Jacksonville is a top destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of freshwater, inshore, and deep-sea fishing opportunities. With the Atlantic Ocean, St. Johns River, and countless creeks and estuaries, there are plenty of places to cast a line, whether you’re fishing from shore, a pier, or a boat.
This guide highlights the best fishing spots in Jacksonville, covering what to catch, where to go, and essential tips for a successful fishing trip.
Jacksonville Beach Pier
Why Fish Here: One of the most popular fishing spots in Jacksonville, the pier extends 625 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, providing excellent opportunities for catching a variety of saltwater fish.
What You Can Catch:
- Spanish mackerel
- Pompano
- Kingfish
- Redfish
- Black drum
Best Time to Fish: Early morning and late afternoon when fish are most active.
Tip: No fishing license is required when fishing from the pier, but there is a small entry fee.
Mayport Jetties
Why Fish Here: The Mayport Jetties, located near the mouth of the St. Johns River, provide deep water and strong currents that attract large fish. It’s a favorite spot for anglers looking to catch trophy-sized fish.
What You Can Catch:
- Redfish (especially bull reds)
- Sheepshead
- Speckled trout
- Flounder
- Tarpon (seasonal)
Best Time to Fish: Fall is the best season for catching bull redfish, while summer is great for tarpon.
Tip: Strong currents can make fishing from a boat tricky, so anchoring near calmer waters is recommended.
St. Johns River
Why Fish Here: The St. Johns River runs through Jacksonville and offers excellent freshwater and brackish water fishing. Depending on where you fish, you can catch both saltwater and freshwater species.
What You Can Catch:
- Largemouth bass
- Catfish
- Redfish
- Speckled trout
- Striped bass
Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate.
Tip: Use live shrimp or artificial lures near docks and bridges for the best results.
Amelia Island & Fort Clinch State Park
Why Fish Here: Located just north of Jacksonville, Amelia Island offers both shoreline and deep-sea fishing opportunities. Fort Clinch State Park provides great surf fishing, while inshore waters are excellent for redfish and flounder.
What You Can Catch:
- Whiting
- Redfish
- Flounder
- Tarpon (summer)
- Sheepshead
Best Time to Fish: Mornings and evenings for surf fishing; mid-summer for tarpon.
Tip: The rock jetties at Fort Clinch are a great spot to target sheepshead and redfish.
Guana River Wildlife Management Area
Why Fish Here: This scenic estuarine reserve provides some of the best backwater fishing in the Jacksonville area. It’s ideal for kayak fishing or wading in shallow waters.
What You Can Catch:
- Speckled trout
- Redfish
- Flounder
- Black drum
Best Time to Fish: Spring and early fall when the water is cooler.
Tip: Try using topwater lures in the early morning for aggressive speckled trout strikes.
Huguenot Memorial Park
Why Fish Here: This beachfront park allows anglers to fish directly from the shore, targeting a variety of inshore and surf species. The park’s location near the St. Johns River inlet makes it a productive fishing spot.
What You Can Catch:
- Pompano
- Black drum
- Whiting
- Flounder
- Redfish
Best Time to Fish: High tide for surf fishing; early morning and dusk for redfish.
Tip: Sand fleas and shrimp are the best baits for pompano in this area.
Nassau Sound & George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier
Why Fish Here: This long fishing pier spans Nassau Sound and is known for some of the best pier fishing in Northeast Florida.
What You Can Catch:
- Tarpon (summer)
- Redfish
- Black drum
- Sheepshead
- Jack crevalle
Best Time to Fish: Early morning for topwater action; late afternoon for bottom fishing.
Tip: Live bait like shrimp and fiddler crabs work best near bridge pilings.
Intracoastal Waterway
Why Fish Here: The Intracoastal Waterway offers protected waters with plenty of docks, grass flats, and oyster beds that attract fish. It’s one of the best areas for light tackle fishing and kayaking.
What You Can Catch:
- Redfish
- Speckled trout
- Flounder
- Sheepshead
Best Time to Fish: Fall and spring, when fish are actively feeding in shallow waters.
Tip: Use artificial shrimp or paddle tail lures near the grass flats.
Deep-Sea Fishing in Jacksonville
Why Go Offshore: If you’re looking for a big catch, Jacksonville has great deep-sea fishing opportunities. Local charter boats offer trips to reefs, wrecks, and the Gulf Stream for big game fishing.
What You Can Catch:
- King mackerel
- Mahi-mahi
- Sailfish
- Grouper
- Snapper
Best Time to Fish: Summer for pelagic species; winter for bottom fishing.
Tip: Book a chartered fishing trip for the best experience and local expertise.
Fishing Licenses & Regulations in Jacksonville
Before heading out, make sure you have the proper Florida fishing license. The type of license depends on whether you’re fishing freshwater or saltwater.
- No license is needed when fishing from a public pier.
- Residents and visitors can purchase short-term or annual fishing licenses online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Best Bait & Tackle Shops in Jacksonville
Need supplies before your trip? Here are some of the best bait and tackle shops in the area:
- Strike-Zone Fishing (Southside) – One of the largest tackle shops in Jacksonville.
- B&M Bait and Tackle (Mayport) – Great for live shrimp and surf fishing gear.
- Hagan Ace Hardware (Jacksonville Beach) – A local favorite for fishing gear and supplies.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville offers a variety of fishing experiences, from pier fishing and inshore casting to deep-sea charters and surf fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, the city’s diverse waterways provide some of the best fishing in Northeast Florida.
