Get ready to cast a line and reel in some excitement on your Jacksonville Beach vacation with this ultimate guide for an unforgettable fishing experience. Discover insider tips on when to fish along the pristine shores of Jacksonville Beach, information on things like licenses to ensure you’re all squared away for your Jacksonville Beach fishing expedition, and the types of fishing and fish Jacksonville Beach has to offer. We’ll even show you where you can gear up and where to wrap up your fishing escapade by booking a stay at our premium Jacksonville Beach vacation rentals!
Get ready to grab your fishing rods and set sail to create memories with one of the best things to do in Jacksonville Beach, Florida!
When To Fish
When it comes to fishing in Jacksonville, timing is everything, and the rich waters here promise an angler’s paradise. Late summer through mid-fall is the golden period, with big players like striped bass, king mackerel, cobia, and redfish gearing up for winter feasts on schooling baitfish. For the best variety and size, spring and autumn steal the show. As temperatures cool, there are a vast array of species at your fingertips. Winter is the perfect time to haul in tuna, snapper, grouper, and more from the deeper waters.
As for the time of day, as the day unfolds, dawn and dusk become your secret weapons, drawing drum, trout, cobia, and mackerel closer to shore.
Licensing Needed
Florida, with its diverse fishing opportunities, offers a few different license options. You can choose either a freshwater or saltwater license if you have a preference, or get a combination license for the ultimate fishing flexibility. Eyeing snook, lobster, or tarpon? You’ll need a special permit to join that exclusive club of anglers.
If you call Florida home, grab your resident fishing license — a key to both freshwater and saltwater realms. If you’re visiting the area, the non-resident fishing license provides plenty of opportunities to catch fish on your trip to Florida from out of state. Head to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website or cruise over to local bait and tackle shops to get your fishing license.
Types Of Fishing
Shore Fishing
Looking to dip your toes into the angling action without leaving the shore? Jacksonville’s 22 miles of beaches, 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the vast St. Johns River provide the perfect playground for shore and surf fishing. Equip yourself with a sturdy setup — whether it’s a robust surf rod or a versatile spinning combo — and cast away.
From the Nassau Sound fishing bridge to the riverbanks and inlets, you’re in for a treat. Kingfish, redfish, black drum, sharks, and snook are just a few of the species to catch on your line.
Fishing Charters
For an unforgettable day on the water, Rocketman Charters is your ticket to an exceptional Northeast Florida fishing experience. Captain Jon Houston, at the helm of the 19′ Pathfinder bay boat, ensures a customized inshore or nearshore fishing adventure. Whether you’re angling with conventional gear or trying your hand at fly fishing, Captain Jon has you covered.
Forget about the hassle of licensing; it’s all taken care of. You don’t need a Florida fishing license if you’re fishing from a licensed vessel. With various trip options, including personalized dream catches or leisurely days on the water, Rocketman Charters promises a fishing escapade tailored just for you.
Pier Fishing
No boat? No problem! Head to the Jacksonville Beach Pier for a day of fishing fun in the sun. The entry fee covers your fishing license, making it a convenient and simple experience. Choose between local and non-local rates, or opt for an annual pass for exclusive VIP discounts. Rod rentals are also available for a convenient day out without having to lug around your own equipment while traveling.
What Kind Of Fish Are In Jacksonville Beach?
The vibrant waters around Jacksonville Beach house an array of fish, each with its own charm and challenge for anglers seeking the perfect catch.
Cobia
Spring and fall are prime cobia seasons, with the chance to reel in the big ones. Grab your jigs and plastics and experiment with your retrieve. Shore or surf fishing, cobia won’t be too far, lurking near piers or just off the beaches.
Sea Trout
Spring and Summer are the seasons to chase sea trout, with spring offering a shot at the bigger ones. Night fishing in the summer is a treat as the waters cool off. Head to the river mouths, especially the Nassau and Fort George Rivers, for your sea trout rendezvous.
Striped Bass
For striped bass, timing is everything. As the tide changes and the sun is low at dusk or dawn, you’re in for a striped bass spectacle. Fall through spring offer the best opportunities, with live eels, herring, or clams as the preferred bait. Striped bass love to move from freshwater to saltwater, and Jacksonville’s waterways provide the perfect playground for this transition.
Plan Your Visit
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King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Kingfish, or king mackerel, rule the waters of Jacksonville, and the key to finding them is finding the bait. Live bait like pogies, blue runners, or ribbonfish are perfect. Follow the groups of baitfish along beaches or near shrimp boats for your royal encounter.
Red Snapper
Red snapper season in Jacksonville spans October through May, with their love for shiny baitfish like pinfish or cigar minnows. These deep-sea enthusiasts often gather around wrecks, making these spots a haven for red snapper and a variety of other fish. Fresh bait is the key, so jig and drop with anticipation.
Redfish/Black Drum
Redfish and black drum, the dynamic duo of Jacksonville’s waters, share the same preferences. Year-round residents love live shrimp jigs and baitfish presentations. Seek them in flats and inshore spots, casting around deeper holes, structures, and grass. These creatures are shallow feeders during dusk and dawn, venturing deeper during midday.
Best Bait & Tackle Shops
Jacksonville Beach Pier
For anglers seeking the thrill of deep-water fishing, the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is a quarter-mile spectacle offering not just a stunning view of the Atlantic but also an entry point to a diverse range of oceanic species. It’s your ticket to an angler’s paradise.
Strike-Zone Fishing
Established in 2003, Strike-Zone Fishing isn’t just a tackle shop; it’s an outdoors haven for Jacksonville residents. With an expansive expertise, the staff is your go-to source for fishing, hunting, and paddling gear. From freshwater to surf fishing, archery to kayak fishing, they’ve got you covered. Plus, deck yourself out in the latest sportswear from top-notch brands.
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