Jacksonville in Florida boasts a great selection of beaches and swimming spots. The city is situated south of Georgia and right on the St. John’s River where it convenes with the Atlantic Ocean. With the vast array of water sources, Jacksonville is also known for several fishing spots.

If you are planning to visit Jacksonville, it is the ideal vacation destination where you can enjoy various activities such as biking, beach, golf, and many more. If you are eager to show off your fishing skills or love to try it out for the first time in Jacksonville, you’re in the right place and you will surely enjoy the variety of fish.

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Make the most out of your Jacksonville fishing experience

If you’re eager to go on a fishing adventure in Jacksonville, you should go for fishing charters to make the most out of your time. When you have a professional guide, there’s no need to purchase a fishing license like you normally would when fishing on your own.

You will surely enjoy convenient access to the water along with various fresh and saltwater fishing options. Go fishing on the riverfront shoreline, by the pier or bridge, or sail out from one of the marinas along the shoreline. Enhance your Jacksonville fishing experience by making the most out of it. Shop for inflatable sailboats, allowing you to explore the waters with ease, convenience, and the freedom to navigate various fishing spots in style.

If you want an unforgettable adventure, you can charter a boat to enjoy deep-sea fishing or rent one if you want to stay inland.

What are the best fishing spots in Jacksonville?

Depending on your specific preferences, you can choose from a variety of places to enjoy fishing.

St. John’s River

In Jacksonville, there are several waterfront parks and preserves where you can readily cast a line and catch a variety of fish including redfish, trout, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, tarpon, flounder, and many more. As the river shifts from brackish to fresh, you might be able to catch catfish, largemouth bass, and specks.

• Stockton Park. The park is situated along the St. Johns River where you can enjoy fishing with family and friends.
• Stinson Park. The park is situated close to the Ortega River Bridge.
• Memorial Park. The park is one of the crown jewels of Jacksonville that is situated on the banks of the St. Johns River. You can toss your line over the balustrades into the St. Johns River.
• George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park. As one of the best fishing areas, you will surely enjoy a great fishing experience on the fishing bridge. You might catch jack, whiting, drum, and tarpon. If you need fishing bait and tackle supplies, and snacks, head over to On the Line Bait and Tackle shop.
• Mill Cove. Mill Cove is a bay situated 7.6 miles from Jacksonville.
• Fort George Island Cultural State Park. At Fort George Island Cultural State Park, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as off-road bicycling, hiking, fishing, and boating.
• Sisters Creek Park and Boat Ramp. If you want to enjoy offshore and inshore fishing, the ramp is situated at the convergence of Sisters Creek and St. Johns River.
• Ortega River Railroad Bridge. Head over to this fishing spot early to ensure a good catch. You might be able to catch sunfish, catfish, bream, bluegill, largemouth bass, gar, and many more.

Intracoastal Waterway

You can also try out fishing in the creeks, marshes, wetlands, and flats comprising the Intracoastal Waterway in Jacksonville. You can make use of several docks and piers at parks or rent a boat, paddleboard, or kayak.

• Dutton Island Preserve. If you want a tranquil escape, head over to Dutton Island Preserve. It is part of the Timucuan Trail parks. The preserve is situated west of Mayport Road and offers views of wildlife along the Intracoastal Waterway. If you want to go on fishing, do it early in the morning whether from the pier or on a kayak.
• Castaway Island Preserve. Explore a salt march ecosystem where you might find wildlife.
• Pablo Creek ICW South. Head over this spot with a boat situated in the JTB Bridge area. There are several finger creeks where you might get a good catch.

Jacksonville beaches

If it’s your first time trying out fishing, you can engage in the activity from the shore on several beaches. When you feel adventurous, head over to the Gulf Stream via a boat where you might catch speckled sea trout, black drum, cobia, pompano, tarpon, flounder, snapper, grouper, and many more.

• Jacksonville Beach Pier. The pier is almost a quarter of a mile long that offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you are going to fish, you might catch one of the deep-water species.
• The Gulf Stream
• Hanna Park Offshore Artificial Reefs. The reef in Jacksonville is the ideal haven if you want to go on fishing. You might catch cobia, snapper, and greater amberjack close to the reefs.
• Mayport Village

Nassau Sound Fishing Bridge

As one of the best fishing spots worth checking out, you might catch jack, whiting, drum, and tarpon. The mile-long fishing bridge spans Nassau Sound.

Guana River Wildlife Management Area

As a protected site, it allows access to surf fishing. Don’t miss out on Lake Ponte Vedra or Guana Lake where you might catch redfish, flounder, black drum, and sea trout.

Useful fishing tip

Remember that before starting your fishing adventure in Jacksonville, both visitors and residents should have a Florida freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license. You can buy one at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission online or at selected sporting goods stores.

Enjoy the best accommodations in Jacksonville

If you want to make your stay in Jacksonville truly enjoyable and convenient, you should check out the selection of the best hotels in Jacksonville. Depending on your specific needs, you will surely find the right accommodations for your family and friends.

Final thoughts

When it comes to fishing, you will enjoy a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable fishing experience in Jacksonville. If you have been eager to try it out, make your fishing experience worthwhile by choosing any of the best fishing spots in Jacksonville. Get your fishing gear ready and head over to Jacksonville soon.