Northeast Florida is one of the few places in the country where you can fish productively all twelve months of the year. The secret to consistent success is timing, and this Jacksonville fishing calendar shows you exactly what is biting each month, where to find it, and how to catch it. This guide is for anglers who want to plan smarter trips around the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the nearshore reefs off Jacksonville. Whether you chase inshore redfish or run offshore for kingfish, you will find a month-by-month roadmap here, plus tips on which boats and conditions give you the best shot. Bookmark it and come back all year.
Key Takeaways
Jacksonville offers year-round fishing, but each month favors different species and locations.
Spring brings the kingfish run and cobia; summer means tarpon and offshore bottom fishing.
Fall is prime time for redfish, flounder, and trout in the creeks and the ICW.
Winter fishing shines for sheepshead around structure and offshore bottom species.
Always check current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission seasons and bag limits before you go.
Quick-Reference Jacksonville Fishing Calendar
Use this table for a fast look at the year. Details for each season follow below.
Month
Top Inshore Targets
Top Offshore / Nearshore Targets
January
Sheepshead, redfish, trout
Black sea bass, snapper (check seasons)
February
Sheepshead, redfish
Wahoo, bottom fish
March
Redfish, trout, sheepshead
Kingfish start, cobia
April
Redfish, flounder
Kingfish, cobia, Spanish mackerel
May
Trout, redfish, flounder
Kingfish, cobia, mahi
June
Redfish, tarpon arrive
Kingfish, mahi, bottom fish
July
Tarpon, redfish, mangrove snapper
Mahi, bottom fish, sharks
August
Tarpon, trout, redfish
Bottom fish, sharks
September
Redfish (bull runs), flounder
Kingfish return, bottom fish
October
Redfish, flounder, trout
Kingfish, bottom fish
November
Redfish, trout, sheepshead
Kingfish, black sea bass
December
Sheepshead, redfish, trout
Black sea bass, bottom fish
Spring Fishing in Jacksonville (March to May)
Spring is when the water wakes up. As temperatures climb from the mid-60s into the 70s, both inshore and offshore fishing turn on fast.
The Kingfish Run
The spring kingfish run is a highlight of the Jacksonville fishing calendar. Starting in late March and peaking in April and May, kingfish move through nearshore waters over structure like Blackmar’s Reef and Nine Mile Reef. Slow-trolling live bait such as menhaden is the classic approach. Cobia often show up alongside the kings, cruising near the surface and around buoys.
Inshore Spring Action
Redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder feed aggressively inshore as bait floods the creeks. Fort Caroline, Mill Cove, and the ICW grass flats produce well on moving tides. A shallow-draft boat like a Scout 19 with a 12-inch draft lets you reach skinny water where redfish tail. Explore fishing options on the fishing boats page.
Summer Fishing in Jacksonville (June to August)
Summer means hot weather, early starts, and some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Beat the heat by launching at dawn.
Tarpon Season
The silver king arrives in June and stays through August. Tarpon over 100 pounds patrol the beaches, the St. Johns River mouth, and the jetties. These fish demand heavy tackle and patience, but hooking one is a bucket-list Jacksonville experience. Live crabs and mullet are top baits around the tides.
Offshore Summer Runs
Calm summer seas open the door to offshore trips for mahi and bottom fishing over the reefs and ledges. Mangrove snapper fire up inshore around docks and bridge pilings. Sharks are abundant nearshore and offer nonstop action for anglers who want a fight. Always monitor weather, since afternoon thunderstorms build quickly. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine forecast is essential summer reading before any offshore run.
Fall Fishing in Jacksonville (September to November)
Ask local captains their favorite season and many say fall. Cooling water and migrating bait trigger a feeding frenzy across the region.
The Fall Redfish Bite
Fall is prime redfish time. Big bull redfish school near the jetties and the river mouth in September and October, while slot-size reds crush bait in the creeks and along the ICW. This is tournament season for a reason. Flounder also stack up as they begin their fall migration, and gigging and rod-and-reel both produce.
Trout and Nearshore Kings
Spotted seatrout fishing peaks over the grass flats as the water cools into the 70s. Kingfish make a second appearance nearshore in the fall, giving anglers another shot at the reefs. For current conditions, check the weekend fishing report before heading out.
Winter Fishing in Jacksonville (December to February)
Winter fishing gets overlooked, but it is productive and far less crowded. Bundle up and target structure.
Sheepshead Around Structure
Sheepshead are the winter workhorse. These striped, hard-fighting fish gather around dock pilings, bridges, jetties, and reefs from December through February. Fiddler crabs and oysters are the go-to baits. Fish tight to structure and set the hook quickly, since sheepshead are notorious bait stealers.
Cold-Weather Reds and Offshore Options
Redfish and trout still bite inshore on warmer winter afternoons, especially in dark-bottomed creeks that hold heat. Offshore, black sea bass and other bottom species stay active over the reefs on calm days. Because winter cold fronts move through fast, check conditions and dress in layers. Learn more about local reefs on the fishing reefs page.
Fishing Regulations You Should Always Check
Seasons, size limits, and bag limits change, and some species open and close throughout the year. Before every trip, confirm current rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which sets and updates all saltwater regulations for Northeast Florida. A valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required for most anglers, and the FWC website is the authority for both licensing and species-specific rules. Following the rules protects the fishery for the next generation of Jacksonville anglers. Find more resources at the fishing resource center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to fish in Jacksonville?
Many local anglers favor October, when cooling water triggers strong redfish, flounder, and trout action inshore while kingfish return nearshore. That said, spring offers the kingfish run and summer brings tarpon, so the best month depends on the species you want to target most.
When is tarpon season in Jacksonville?
Tarpon arrive off Jacksonville in June and stay active through August. These large, powerful fish patrol the beaches, the jetties, and the mouth of the St. Johns River. Live crabs and mullet fished around moving tides are the most productive baits during peak summer months.
Can you fish year-round in Jacksonville, FL?
Yes. Jacksonville offers productive fishing every month of the year thanks to its mild climate and diverse waters. Inshore species like redfish and trout bite year-round, while seasonal runs of kingfish, cobia, tarpon, and sheepshead give anglers a fresh target in every season.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Jacksonville?
Most anglers need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license, available from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Some exemptions apply, such as fishing from a licensed charter or certain shore-based situations. Always confirm current requirements and any species-specific rules on the FWC website before you go.
What fish are biting in Jacksonville in winter?
Sheepshead are the winter standout, gathering around docks, bridges, jetties, and reefs from December through February. Redfish and trout still bite inshore on warmer afternoons, and offshore anglers target black sea bass and other bottom species on calm days between cold fronts.
Plan Your Next Trip Around the Bite
This Jacksonville fishing calendar gives you a month-by-month plan so you always know what is biting and where. From the spring kingfish run to summer tarpon, fall redfish, and winter sheepshead, Northeast Florida rewards anglers who fish the right spot at the right time. The easiest way to fish it all is with access to the right boat whenever the bite is on, without the cost of owning and maintaining one. Jax Boat Club members reach the reefs, creeks, and river with a fleet built for every kind of fishing. To start fishing Jacksonville year-round, explore the fishing resource center or contact Jax Boat Club about membership.