5 of the Best Fishing Spots Near Jacksonville, FL

There’s a reason why anglers love Jacksonville, FL as a fishing destination so much; there are over 1100 miles of shoreline to cast a hook from. Options abound for both salt and freshwater fishing, either fish from the shoreline, from one of the many bridges or piers, or head out into open water from one of the many marinas that dot the shoreline. We’ve put together a list of our favorite fishing spots to cast a line from below.

5 of the Best Fishing Spots Near Jacksonville, FL

1. St. Johns River

There’s no need for a boat to fish on the beautiful St. Johns River, as there are many waterfront parks and reserves to fish from. Some of the best places to start with include Stockton Park, George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park, and Sisters Creek Park and Boat Ramp. Some of the species you’re likely to find include redfish, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, and black drum.

As you head upriver, the water starts to become less brackish, and by the time you’ve reached the freshwater further up, there are opportunities to fish for crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish.

2. Dutton Island Preserve

Dutton Island Preserve is located on the Intracoastal Waterway, an area of creeks, marshes, wetlands, and mudflats that’s a great place to explore and fish with a boat, kayak, or canoe. Dutton Island is one of the most tranquil areas along the waterway. It’s also a great place to watch for wildlife. The best time to fish here is usually early morning, and you can fish either from the pier or by canoe.

3. The Jacksonville Beaches

Jacksonville is blessed with a wide variety of beaches, where you can cast your line right from the shore. Alternatively, if you have access to a boat, then why not venture out to one of the artificial reefs offshore to search for your perfect catch. Whiting, redfish, sea trout, black drum, flounder, sailfish, and snook can be found at many locations all along the coast. Some of the best spots to start fishing include the Jacksonville Beach pier, Mayport Village, and the offshore reefs of Hanna Park.

4. Nassau Sound Fishing Bridge

Spanning the entirety of the Nassau Sound, this bridge stretches for over a mile and is widely considered to be one of the best places to fish in all of Northeast Florida. You can access the bridge by heading to Amelia Island State Park, and expect to enjoy catching whiting, jack, drum, and tarpon.

5. Trout River Bridge Pier

This true local gem is surprisingly spacious for its size and just out into the Trout River, opposite the Jacksonville Zoo. Fishing is great day or night, with plenty of lighting so you’ll always be able to see what you’re doing. Look out for speckled trout here, as they are as plentiful as the name implies.

These are our pick of the spots to fish in Jacksonville, where we hope you’ll spend many happy hours with your rod and line. Is there another spot we should know about? Then visit us at Tom Bush BMW Orange Park today and tell us!

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