Fishing

Get ready to reel in a big one! Fish Jacksonville’s more than 1,110 miles of interior shorelines.

Anglers love Jacksonville’s convenient water access and variety of fresh and saltwater fishing options. Fish Jacksonville’s riverfront shoreline, drop a line from a bridge or pier, or sail out from one of the many marinas dotting the shoreline.

Fishing Brochure

Fishing Charters

Adventurous anglers can charter a boat for unmatched deep-sea fishing or rent one if staying inland. The best way for newcomers to learn Jacksonville’s waters is to pair up with an expert fishing guide. Let the guide do the work and navigate to the best spots, while you enjoy pulling in a big one. Check out this veterans charter experience. Read below for some of the best places to fish in Jacksonville, Florida.

Fishing on the St. Johns River

You don’t even need a boat to fish our river! So many waterfront parks and preserves offer the perfect opportunity to cast a line and find a wide variety of fish including Trout, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Jacks, Tarpon, Flounder and other Inshore saltwater fish. As the river turns from brackish to fresh, you can also find Specks (Crappie), Largemouth Bass, and Catfish.

Fish the Intracoastal Waterway

Fish the marshes, creeks, flats and wetlands that make up the Intracoastal Waterway in the Jacksonville area. You can fish from several docks and piers at local parks or head out on a boat, kayak or even paddleboard. Be mindful of the tides, water levels drop significantly during low tide.

Dutton Island Preserve
Castaway Island
The Little Jetties
Pablo Creek ICW South
Beach Marine

Fishing from Jacksonville’s Beaches

You can fish from the shore in our beautiful beaches or venture out via boat to the Gulf Stream and our dozens of offshore artificial reefs to find your perfect catch! Whiting, Tedfish, Speckled Sea Trout, Pompano, Black Drum, Tarpon, Cobia, Sea Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sailfish, Snapper, Grouper, Bluefish, Jack Crevalle and Snook can be found of our coast.

Jacksonville Beach Pier
The Gulf Stream: about 60 miles offshore
Mayport Village
Hanna Park Offshore Artificial Reefs

The Nassau Sound Fishing Bridge

Catch whiting, jack, drum, and tarpon at one of the best fishing spots in Northeast Florida. This mile-long fishing bridge spans Nassau Sound. Enter through Amelia Island State Park to enjoy this location.

Guana River Wildlife Management Area

This protected area offers access to excellent surf fishing and also boasts Lake Ponte Vedra, or Guana Lake, noted for flounder, redfish, sea trout and black drum.

Local Tip: You Will Need A Fishing License

Both residents and visitors will need a Florida freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license. They can be purchased from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission online or at select sporting goods stores. You will also need a saltwater fishing license to catch crabs and lobsters.

Top Fishing Events in Jacksonville

Jacksonville hosts several signature fishing contests.

During February and March, The North East Florida Wahoo ShoutOut is the largest Wahoo fishing tournament in the world.
Each March, hundreds of fishermen from all over the nation descend on Jacksonville for the El Cheapo Sheepshead Tournament.
Every July, The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament comes to town, with more than 500 boats fishing for hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes.
And in October, The Flounder Pounder tournament brings some of the best anglers in the Southeast to Jacksonville in search of the biggest flounder in the area.

Check out our Fishing Brochure!

Whether you are an offshore saltwater cowboy or backwater fly guy, Jacksonville boasts some of the best fishing in the southeast. Here is a quick rundown of where to cast your line.

View Guide

Fishing Charters

Whether you are an expert or beginner, fishing with a guide is less of a gamble. Equipment, bait and licenses are usually included when you book a charter making it easy for visitors to have a great time out on our waters. Here is a list of some of the top anglers in Northeast Florida that know the region’s sweet spots for a great catch.

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