An Ideal Spot for Fishing

Convenient access to water, both fresh and salt, is the primary reason the City of Jacksonville exists where it does. The first European explorers to happen upon northeast Florida sailed into the St. Johns River looking for safe harbor. And early settlers used the mighty river as a source for food as well as a watery passageway to venture deep into Florida's untamed interior. Today, the St. Johns and the dozens of creeks and small rivers that flow into it are enjoyed by thousands of boaters and fishermen each day.

With so many miles of riverfront shoreline in Jacksonville, boaters find marinas stretched from Orange Park to Jacksonville Beach. And if it's a deep-sea adventure you seek, the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway are an easy 30-minute cruise from Downtown Jacksonville.

Freshwater Fishing
Supply the desire to fish and let Backwater Fishing Adventures supply the equipment and expertise. Specializing in light tackle and fly fishing, Captain Dave Borries has over 20 years experience navigating the waterways of Northeast Florida. Backwater Fishing Adventures can help even the novice fisherman discover the secret hideaways perfect for flyfishing throughout the waters of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. For those more interested in seeing the sights than catching their dinner, charters are available to tour the wetlands and experience the local wildlife. Be on the lookout for manatees, egrets, ospreys and an occasional dolphin.

The Nassau Sound Fishing Bridge provides fishermen access to one of the best fishing areas in Northeast Florida. The mile-long fishing bridge spans Nassau Sound. Entrance to the fishing bridge is through the entrance to Amelia Island State Park. Whiting, jack, drum and tarpon are some of the many species that can be caught from the bridge.

Saltwater Fishing
Off the coast of Jacksonville, the list of saltwater sportfish to be caught includes dolphin, bonito, tuna, sea bass, wahoo, cobia and barracuda - just to name a few. Reel in a big one at the favorite spot of local anglers, the Mayport Jetties, located at the mouth of the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean. There, join Capt. Dave Sipler Sportfishing for a day of inshore and offshore fishing, finding the hot spots for catching redfish, speckled trout and flounder.

Cast a line at the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier overlooking the ocean. The 1,300-foot concrete structure extends nearly a quarter mile into the sea, offering ample access to fishing, concessions and the spectacular ocean view. The hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission to fish is $4.00 or $1.00 to simply stroll the length of the structure and enjoy the scenery. Children ages six and under are admitted at no charge.

Flounder and king mackerel become strong in May and usually last well into the summer. Guana River State Park has good surf fishing but also boasts a brackish lake noted for flounder and trout. And that's just the tip of the hook when it comes to fishing in Northeast Florida.

But you won't catch anything sitting down and reading this. Come to Jacksonville. Get out there, bait your hook and cast your line.

License To Fish
The law says anyone who takes, attempts to take or possesses marine fish for non-commercial purposes must have a license. However, you don't need a license if you're a Florida resident 65 years of age or older, under 16 years of age, fishing from a boat that has a valid recreational vessel saltwater fishing license or if you're a Florida resident fishing from land or a structure fixed to the land. For saltwater fishing regulations in our area, contact the Florida Marine Patrol field office at (904) 270-2500.

Fishing and Boat Rental Partners