Fishing in Northeast Florida
From the St. Johns River to the Atlantic Ocean, Northeast Florida offers year-round inshore, offshore, and freshwater fishing.
Why Northeast Florida Is a Fishing Paradise
Northeast Florida is one of the Southeast's premier fishing and boating destinations. Shrimping here dates back to the Timucuan Native Americans. Every July, Jacksonville hosts one of the country's largest Kingfish tournaments.
Gulf Stream Access
Just 30 miles offshore, the Gulf Stream brings world-class pelagic game fish.
Intracoastal Waterway
Protected, scenic, and packed with Redfish, Flounder, and Seatrout year-round.
St. Johns River System
A massive interconnected waterway offering both freshwater and brackish inshore action.
Over 1,110+ Miles of Navigable Shoreline
Target Fish Species
Whether you are stalking tailing reds in the skinny water or trolling for pelagics in the Gulf Stream, the First Coast has a target-rich environment.
Inshore & Backwater
Year-round action in tidal creeks, marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Nearshore (10–30 miles out)
Prime wreck and reef fishing for heavy hitters.
Offshore & Gulf Stream (30–60+ miles)
Big game fishing in the deep blue waters of the Atlantic.
Freshwater (River & Lakes)
The St. Johns River and Black Creek supply world-class bass fishing.
The Northeast Florida Slam
A badge of honor among local anglers — catching a Redfish, Flounder, and Trout all on the same day. Achievable year-round in the right conditions, particularly in fall.
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
Fishing in Northeast Florida happens 365 days a year, but different seasons bring different prized catches to our local waters.
| Month | Hot Bites |
|---|---|
| January | Sheepshead & Bluefish inshore; Black Sea Bass on offshore reefs |
| February | Sheepshead around jetties; Shad run begins on St. Johns River |
| March–April | Cobia appear around offshore reefs & manta ray schools; Trout in shallow creeks |
| May | Bull Redfish; Tarpon arrive; Nearshore Kingfish |
| June–August | Peak offshore season — Wahoo, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi; Tarpon schools |
| September | Tarpon school from Fernandina to Matanzas Inlet; Sailfish 25 miles out |
| October | Bull Redfish spawning on the flats — best of the year; Mahi-Mahi nearshore |
| November | Redfish in clear water; Sheepshead & Black Drum at jetties |
| December | Sheepshead & Flounder inshore; Offshore reefs productive |
Top Fishing Spots by County
Whether you want to wet a line from the shore or launch your boat, these are the proven hot spots across the First Coast.
Fishing Charters
Hire a premier local guide to put you on the fish. From backwater excursions to Gulf Stream big-game trolling, Northeast Florida offers elite charter experiences.
Inshore / Backwater Charters
Rock-N-Reel Fishing Charters
⚓ Captain John Eggers
Salty Charters of Jacksonville
⚓ Captain Todd Philcox
Regardless Fishing Charters
Tannic Water Adventures
⚓ Captain Austin
Fish Whisperer Charters
⚓ Captain Bill
Northeast Florida Fishing Charters
⚓ Tournament-winning captains
Offshore / Deep Sea Charters
Majesty Fishing
⚓ The Majesty
Team Buck Rogers
Sea Dancer Charters
⚓ Captain Dennis
Fishbuster Charters
⚓ Captain Robert Bishop
Fish Jax Charters
St. Augustine Area Charters
Sea Love Charters
Jodie Lynn Sport Fishing Charters
⚓ Captain Robert Johnson
Channel Master Sport Fishing Charters
Fishing Piers & Shore Access
Don't have a boat? Northeast Florida has numerous high-quality land-based fishing spots.
| Pier | Location | County | Target Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau Sound Bridge | Amelia Island State Park | Nassau/Duval | Redfish, Tarpon, Cobia, Kingfish, Drum | Mile-long bridge; enter through state park |
| St. Johns County Ocean Pier | St. Augustine Beach | St. Johns | Flounder, Seatrout, Sheepshead, Black Drum | $6/day fishing admission includes license |
| Vilano Beach Pier | Vilano Beach | St. Johns | Mixed inshore species | Free public access |
| Fort Clinch State Park | Fernandina Beach | Nassau | Sheepshead, Flounder, Redfish, Whiting | State park admission required |
| Green Cove Springs City Pier | Green Cove Springs | Clay | Bass, Catfish, Freshwater species | Free; on the St. Johns River |
| Mayport Jetties | Mayport/Atlantic Beach | Duval | Redfish, Drum, Sheepshead, Tarpon | Walk-in access; one of NE Florida's best |
| Lighthouse Park | St. Augustine | St. Johns | Mixed inshore species | Near St. Augustine Lighthouse |
Fishing Tournaments
Northeast Florida is home to legendary competitive fishing.
Local Bait & Tackle Shops
Stock up on gear, live bait, and the latest local intelligence from the folks who know the waters best.
The Salty Feather Fly Shop
Fly fishing specialty, local knowledge
The Bait Shack at Vilano Boat Ramp
Live and frozen bait, tackle, fishing advice
The Avid Angler
Full tackle, live bait, fresh shrimp, local guidance
Genung's Fish Camp
Bait, tackle, rental rods, kayak rentals
Sisters Creek Marina Ship Store
Bait, tackle, supplies for the ICW
Fishing Licenses & Regulations
Florida fishing licenses are required for residents and non-residents fishing in Florida waters. However, if you are fishing on a saltwater charter, the license is typically included in the charter fee.
Common License Types:
- Annual Freshwater (Resident)~$17
- Annual Saltwater (Resident)~$17
- 3-Day Saltwater (Non-Resident)~$17
- 7-Day Saltwater (Non-Resident)~$30