Nov 11, 2021

Situated on the mouth of St. John’s River, Jacksonville, FL sits at the top of the list for fishing spots in the southeast region, with offerings for every type of angler. From deep-sea fishing to dropping a line off one of the city’s many piers, this locale has something for everyone.

6 Favorite Fishing Spots Near Jacksonville, FL

1. St. John’s River

Spanning 310 miles, St. John’s River boasts countless places to drop a line; with both saltwater and freshwater options available, anglers everywhere name this the top spot to fish. You can find a variety of species, including trout, redfish, tarpon, and Spanish Mackerel to name a few. Further inland, you might catch freshwater fish like bass, catfish, and crappie.

2. Nassau Sound Fishing Bridge

A one-mile pier that crosses the Nassau Sound, George Crady Bridge is another prime location. This spot is geared for novice and experienced anglers alike, with a cleaning station at the north end; you can also net your own bait if you prefer. This pedestrian-only bridge can be accessed via Amelia Park and requires a $2 park entrance fee.

3. Lake Ponte Vedra

Lake Ponte Vedra is located within the Guana River WMA. While the north side of the lake is occasionally closed to fishermen for hunting or drawdown, you can always get bites on the south side with 24-hour access. Beware of dropping stringers here, as they attract gators.

4. Intracoastal Waterway

Running nearly 1,100 miles from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL, the Intracoastal Waterway offers a wide range of places to fish- from wetlands to the various marshes and creeks along the way. If you are looking for views and tranquility, you should drop a line at the Dutton or Castaway Island Preserves.

5. The Gulf Stream

Just sixty miles off the Florida coast, The Gulf Stream is the perfect place for deep-sea fishing. This current boasts a variety of fish, large and small, depending on the season. Species found in the Gulf Stream include snapper, grouper, cobia, and much more. There are plenty of boat charters that know all the best places if you don’t have a vessel of your own.

6. Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier

It’s not uncommon for anglers to be seen dropping a line off the local piers along the beach. Whether you are a novice or more experienced angler, you will enjoy fishing off the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier. You can get the experience of deep-sea fishing without the cost of chartering a boat. As an added perk, you do not need a saltwater fishing license; however, the pier charges a $3 fishing fee with a maximum of three rods allowed per person.

Once the appropriate license is obtained, you are ready to enjoy all the fishing Jacksonville, FL has to offer. If you need a way to get there, stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen. We’ll have the right vehicle to get you anywhere you want to go- even those secret spots you don’t want to share. Happy fishing!