Make Jacksonville your destination for vacation, adventure, relaxion and the thrill of fishing! Whether you are an expert fisherman or just getting into it, there are numerous places throughout Jacksonville where you can enjoy catching some fish (or at least trying to).
These include local piers, shorelines and docks you can easily walk onto as well as calm waterways or deep water where you can explore by boat. Be sure before you go on any fishing adventure that you purchase your fishing license and read the laws and regulations regarding fishing in Florida. Your license will be different for saltwater vs freshwater so be sure to research and plan ahead.
Fishing at the Jacksonville Beach pier
First, let’s talk about the Jacksonville Beach Pier. It is a wide and recently renovated pier that extends far into the Atlantic Ocean directly from Jacksonville Beach. This is a popular destination for locals and visitors. You can walk along the pier and enjoy watching the surfers, the ocean and the beautiful scenery, or you can bring you cooler and fishing gear and try to catch your dinner.
There is a small fee to enjoy the pier (which includes your fishing license for the day, so you will not need to purchase one separately) and various food vendors and other vendors who set up shop on the weekends. During some evenings you can even find some live music, silent discos or mobile bars along the pier. It’s a great place to catch some fish, or just enjoy your afternoon (or evening). From the pier you can catch kingfish, trout, whiting, pompano, or even black drum. You can even rent your fishing gear, fishing poles and beach gear at the pier or through Beach Life Rentals, your possibilities are limitless!
And when you need a break, stroll up to one of the dozens of ocean side restaurants for a meal and a refreshing beverage. Jacksonville Beach is a wonderful place to fish, relax, eat, drink and enjoy the coastal sunshine.
Mayport Boat Ramp & Little Jetties
Most serious offshore fishermen and local fishing charters will start their day at the Mayport boat ramp. With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean from the inlet, the Mayport boat ramp is the perfect spot to start your fishing adventure.
Mayport’s Little Jetties is a hot spot for fishing enthusiasts to find their catch of the day from the shore. Located just west of the Mayport boat ramp, Little Jetties is a spot where locals love to bring their chairs, coolers and fishing rods and set up their fishing stations for the day. From this spot, not only can you catch fish, but you have a great view of the large cargo ships and boats coming and going from the inlet.
And after a long day of fishing, you can walk over to the local seafood favorite- Singletons Seafood Shack and order a plate of delicious fried fish and hush pupped and an ice-cold sweet tea. Or pop into Safety Harbor seafood market across the street and purchase some local fresh catch of the day to bring home and cook up in the comfort of your own home. This area caters to those who love all things fishing or just enjoying some delicious seafood!
Fishing charters: Let the experts be your guide
Fishing charters can be an alternative way of making your fishing trip even better. It means that you will take guided fishing trips with local experts who know the prime fishing spots and make sure that you enjoy yourself regardless of whether you’re experienced or just want to enjoy a day of catching fish, without having to navigate the waters yourself.
In Jacksonville, you can select a fishing charter to take you down the the beautiful St. Johns River, fishing calm and serene creeks. Or you can select a charter that will take you miles offshore with hopes of catching something bigger. There are dozens of excellent charters to choose from in our area, so do your research and select the one who provides the fishing experience you’re seeking.
Surf fishing hot spots
If you aren’t keen on boats, or going on a full day fishing charters, perhaps surf fishing is more your speed? Surf fishing is where you can cast a longer line right off the beach’s shore, catching larger fish (and often sharks) directly from the shoreline. Surf fishing can be quite a thrill, reeling in something big while beachgoers gather to see what you bring in!
For proper surf fishing, you’ll want to set up more than one pole, purchase (or make) some rod holders and secure them firmly in the sand to hole your rods while their cast. Saltwater tides play a major role in the success of your surf fishing, with prime times often being in the morning and the evening, or when the water is coming in or going out.
Two ideal spots for an awesome day of surf fishing are Amelia Island State Park and Hugenot Memorial Park. Amelia Island State Park has a parking lot where you can park and haul out your fishing equipment (a wagon is recommended) a short distance to the beach area, or if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle- even better, you can drive out to the prettier beach area all on your own and set up your station right next to your vehicle. There is a small fee when entering the park
Hugenot Memorial Park has sand that is slightly flatter so even non 4 wheel drive vehicles can make the drive, but you’ll want to watch the tides carefully here, at high tide the beach is often completely gone and you’ll want to be well on your way home by then. This is a great beach area for surf fishing, camping and exploring, but can be extremely crowded in the summer months with a line down the road for entrance, so I recommend arriving first thing in the morning at this location.
Both are beautiful spots for surf fishing, and if you’re not having any luck- put your fishing gear away and take out a paddle board, skim board or some beach games and you’ll still have a fun and memorable beach day.
Wind down with a Sublime Rides sunset cruise
While we don’t offer fishing charters, we have a range of private boat charters to make your vacation memorable. When you book with us, we understand your needs, and deliver an extraordinary experience that you won’t forget.
Each charter accommodates a maximum of 6 guests, and we take extra care of you and your group, providing both comfort and safety from the minute you book with us. Our on-charter amenities include a sound system for music, a cooler for refreshments, and snack arrangements upon request. After a day of fishing in the sun, wind down with us on a relaxing sunset cruise.
Tips and tricks for catching fish in Jacksonville
Before heading out for your fishing adventure, here are some tips & tricks for catching fish all around Jacksonville:
- Check the weather forecast so that you can pack accordingly. Weather patterns are unpredictable, so check the forecast often. Be sure the charter that you have booked has flexible cancellations based on inclement weather and check with your guide the day before on the predicted weather conditions and how to prepare.
- Next, research fishing locations in Jacksonville so that you know the best spots for you based on the kind of fish you are targeting and also the level of expertise you and your group have. Deep sea charters are often full days with some rolling motions on the water, depending on the forecast, while intracoastal trips can be made shorter at a more relaxing speed.
- Pack the right gear: when you are going fishing, make sure that you pack the necessary equipment, such as rods and reels, bait, and tackle. Don’t forget your sunscreen, UPF shirt/hat and pack plenty of water to prevent dehydration during hot sunny conditions. If your day will take you into the evening hours, pack an extra layer of clothing for the cooler weather and a spare set of dry clothing. I also recommend wearing polarized sunglasses, you’ll be able to see the fish on your line much easier!
- Show respect for fishing laws: find out more about fishing regulations in Jacksonville. This helps to keep local fish populations safe and ensures the maintenance of a good fishing environment for future generations. Some fish can only be caught during certain seasons, so do your research ahead of time.
Conclusion
Be it casting from the pier, exploring the waterways, or experiencing a full day charter trip, the thrill of fishing in Jacksonville is addicting. No wonder there are numerous fantastic spots to choose from and different ways to enjoy water, which is why anglers love this city so much. So, plan ahead, pack your gear, take some snacks, and let Sublime Rides guide you in your exciting experience of catching fish all around Jacksonville!
