Jacksonville Fishing Reports

Fished the North Florida Inshore Slayers Tournament this past Saturday with my bud Jeff Dry. Caught plenty of fish just not the big ones we needed. Great event put on by this group though.

Last few trips had the Redfish being finicky, Trout bite decent and Flounder were fired up on Monday!

Offshore fishing out of Jacksonville is in full swing this June, with a wide range of species keeping anglers busy. The bite has been steady from the nearshore reefs all the way out past the ledge, with calm seas on most mornings and solid action throughout the water column. Kingfish are running strong right now, especially around the 9- and 12-mile reefs. Slow-trolling live baits like pogies or blue runners has been the go-to method. Expect a mix of school-sized kings with the occasional smoker in the mix. Cobia are also showing up near structure and floating debris, often mixed in with bait schools or cruising just beneath the surface. Bottom fishing has been productive for snapper and grouper. Anglers dropping live pinfish or cut bait on ledges and reef systems are finding solid numbers of vermilion snapper, triggerfish, and the occasional red snapper (check regulations before keeping). Gag grouper are biting well in deeper water, especially when the current slows. Off the edge, mahi-mahi and blackfin tuna are starting to move in with the warmer water. Trolling rigged ballyhoo or chuggers around weed lines and temperature breaks is your best bet. Some sailfish sightings have also been reported, so keep a pitch rod ready. All in all, offshore fishing out of Jacksonville is offering plenty of opportunity right now—from high-speed trolling to deep dropping. It’s a great time to get offshore and put fish in the cooler.

Jacksonville’s inshore bite has been consistent this May, with water temperatures warming and fish becoming more active across the flats and creeks. Redfish are cruising the shallows and responding well to live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics near oyster beds and grass lines. The outgoing tide has been especially productive in the early morning hours. Spotted Seatrout are showing up in good numbers along deeper drop-offs and around docks, with topwater lures producing solid action just after sunrise. Flounder have started to move in, especially around sandy points and inlet edges—live finger mullet has been the go-to bait. Sheepshead are still holding near structure like bridges and pilings, hitting fiddler crabs and shrimp. Meanwhile, Tarpon are starting to make early appearances near the river mouths and deeper channels, so it's a great time to gear up if you’re targeting bigger fish. Overall, now’s a great time to book with one of the best inshore fishing charters in Jacksonville. The fish are biting, the weather is cooperating, and Captains like Chad are ready to guide you to your next catch.