Saltwater fishing provides plenty of fun, but it's not the same as freshwater fishing. If you're new to saltwater fishing, you can't just take the same equipment and bait to the ocean for a day of fun on the water.
Choosing the right destination, equipment, and bait will make a big difference in how successful you are when fishing in the ocean or other saltwater. Here are some of the things you should know about saltwater fishing in Jacksonville, Florida.
Types of Saltwater Fishing
While most saltwater fishing happens on the Ocean, there are different types throughout Jacksonville. Some anglers head out on a boat, like the fishing boats from JaxBoatClub, while others fish from one of the Jacksonville fishing piers.
Others will head on fishing charters as they head to a spot for deep-sea fishing. Choosing the type of saltwater fishing you prefer may take some trial and error. However, if you plan to fish often, having access to a fleet of fishing boats offers a great option for reaching the best saltwater spots for fishing.
The Right Bait
If you're used to freshwater fishing, you'll need to gear up with the right fishing equipment. You'll also need the right bait for saltwater fishing.
Throughout the Jacksonville, Florida area, the most popular bait for fishing in saltwater is shrimp. There are several other popular baits used by Jacksonville fishermen, as well, but shrimp tends to be the top choice.
Shrimp offers the option to catch all kinds of fish. It can be used on the bottom with a slider sinker rig or a jig head. You can also use shrimp with a floating rig. Many anglers in Jacksonville use shrimp in the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean as their bait of choice.
What Type of Fish Will You Catch?
When you head out on the ocean or other saltwater fishing options, there are plenty of different types of fish you may catch. Jacksonville is filled with great options and you should always know the season before you head out on the water. You can check the Bag Limit and Seasons Guide for more information.
There are a lot of saltwater fish throughout the waters of Jacksonville. Some of the common types of saltwater fish you may catch include:
Blackfin Tuna
Cobia
Flounder
Grouper
Mackerel
Redfish
Saltwater Trout
Sea Trout
Snapper
SW Deleted Swordfish
Tarpon
Triggerfish
Wahoo
And More!
Popular Spots for Saltwater Fishing in Jacksonville, FL
Whether you want to fish inshore or offshore, you'll find a variety of great spots for saltwater fishing throughout Jacksonville.
Some of the top offshore destinations include*:
Montgomery’s Reef [MR] 9.2 mi, heading 71.44⁰
Paul Main [PM] 11.2 mi, heading 111.6⁰
Rabbit’s Lair [RL] 14.37 mi, heading 53.25⁰
East Fourteen-Fifteen [EF] 18.5 mi, heading 93.5⁰
Blackmar’s Reef [BR] 32.41 mi, heading 94.72⁰
* GPS numbers are listed on these and many more at Fishing Reefs!
Inshore destinations*:
Browns Creek
Cabbage Creek
Chicopit Bay
Clapboard Creek
Sisters Creek
** Find these by talking to locals or search Google Maps.
All of these locations are shown on local fishing maps that are readily available at Rick’s Bait Shop.
