Jacksonville Fishing

If you are looking for fun things to do on your Jacksonville vacation, then you might try fishing, especially since the city is in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to the ocean, those who are looking to do some fishing in Jacksonville can try their luck in the St. Johns River, which bisects the city. There are also backwater flats that you'll do well to hit, not to mention the pier in Jacksonville Beach. Jacksonville fishing is full of possibilities, so don't forget to pack rod and reel when preparing for your upcoming visit.

When looking to go fishing in Jacksonville, you can always head out on your own, or you can book a guided tour. The deep sea fishing charters out of Jacksonville can get you out on the ocean, and they are ideal for those who want to snag some king mackerel, cobia, or sailfish. Other species that you are likely to catch when going deep sea fishing in Jacksonville include sea bass, red snapper, grouper, tarpon, dolphin fish, and even spinner sharks, which are known to leap out of the water numerous times once snagged. In addition to providing you with fishing equipment, the Jacksonville fishing charters will also take care of your fishing license, which is very convenient.

Whether you are hitting the high seas or engaging in some St Johns River fishing, your guided excursion can last anywhere from four to twelve hours. Depending on the guide that you book, food may or may not be provided, in which case you are generally welcome to bring your own provisions. At the least, a cooler with ice will be provided to you, and you won't have to worry about fishing equipment. Just don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen along, as the Florida sun is definitely powerful. As for St Johns River fishing, hitting the lower St Johns basin is a good place to fish for flounder, spotted seatrout and bull redfish. The St Johns River is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing, so you might focus on bass angling while trolling the river. In fact, the St Johns River is often referred to as "Florida's Bass Factory," and there are more than 300 miles of it to explore.

While engaging in some St Johns River fishing, wildlife viewing is often part of the fun, especially if you distance yourself a little from the immediate Jacksonville area. A few miles south of the city, the Green Cove Springs area is an excellent place to fish if you want to view alligators, manatees, otters, bald eagles, and deer going about their business. Fishing in Jacksonville can often include more than just fishing, and for some, doing a little partying during a fishing excursion is part of the plan. If you're looking to have a good time and socialize during your Jacksonville fishing outing, then you might book a trip on the King Neptune. A deep sea party boat, the King Neptune is 65 feet long, so it can handle a fairly large crowd. Your fishing license and your bait and tackle are provided for on the King Neptune, and hot meals are prepared in the galley if you get hungry.

If you want to do a lot of fishing in Jacksonville, booking a guide or arranging for a charter excursion is arguably the way to go. If you're only planning on doing a little angling, then you might head over to Jacksonville Beach, where you will find the longest pier on the East Coast. The Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier extends almost a quarter mile into the Atlantic Ocean, and in addition to a concession stand, it also features a bait shop. Open daily between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is an excellent place to cast your lines if you want to fish for deep water species without arranging a relatively costly fishing charter.

There are too many options to list when it comes to fishing in Jacksonville, which has a lot to do with area destinations like Amelia Island, where you can fish the backwater flats for tarpon and snook. For a unique fishing experience in the Jacksonville area, you might try kayak fishing, which is growing in popularity. Some of the area parks are ideal for kayak fishing, and if you aren't up for fishing, a kayaking adventure can be very enjoyable without a rod and reel. Fly fishing is also popular in the Jacksonville area, so you can try your hand at that as well. Some of the top destinations for kayak and fly fishing in and around Jacksonville include the Intracoastal Waterway, the Guana River, and the Pellicer Flats. Jacksonville fishing pretty much has it all, and you're bound to find the experience that's right for you the next time you're in town.