Jacksonville, FL is the perfect city for pier fishing. Between the winding waters of the St. Johns River and the long beaches of the Atlantic Coast, there are endless spots to wet a line. No surprise, then, that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fishing piers in Jacksonville. There are dozens of spots and even more fish to target.
With so many different piers, choosing one can be the hardest part of your trip! That’s why we’ve put together a list of Jacksonville’s best fishing piers. We’re not going into every single spot in town. Instead, we’ll highlight a few places that are really worth spending the day at.
Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier
Address: 503 North 1st Street, Jacksonville Beach
Opening hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. April through November, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. December through March.
License required? No
No surprises which one comes out on top. Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is one of the longest and best-equipped piers in the state. Picture almost a quarter of a mile of boardwalk stretching right out into the ocean. Imagine catching anything from Redfish to Kingfish, depending how far you want to walk. You really can’t beat it for awesome saltwater action.
Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier has everything you need for the day’s fishing: tackle shop, restrooms, parking – you name it. There’s a fee per angler – $4 for residents and $5 for non-residents. Don’t let the price put you off, though. You can actually save money by wetting a line here. How? Because you don’t need to buy a fishing license!
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Address: 9549 1st Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to sunset
License required? Yes
This isn’t the longest pier in town, but it could well be the prettiest. The only fishing pier on Amelia Island, it crosses the Amelia River with views of the Nassau Sound. George Crady Bridge is about as scenic as pier fishing gets. As you might guess from the name, this is an old road bridge which was converted into a fishing pier. That means plenty of space to cast and walk without getting in anybody’s way.
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is a great spot for a huge range of inshore species. These waters hold Redfish, Flounder, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and more. You can pick up fresh bait or fishing licenses at the local On the Line Bait and Tackle. You also have a cleaning station with running water nearby. All this for just $2 per person (drop your money in the honor boxes on the pier).
Trout River Bridge Pier
Address: 91 Trout River Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208
Opening hours: 24/7
License required? Yes
Trout River Bridge Pier is a true local gem. This small-but-spacious spot is the perfect place to chat with Jax old-timers while you reel in some tasty fish. The converted bridge juts into the Trout River right across from Jacksonville Zoo. It’s well-lit at night and has great views during the day. Be aware that the parking lot nearby is pretty small and there are no restrooms, though.
As the name implies, you can catch plenty of tasty Speckled Trout here. That’s not the only thing on the menu, though. You can find a real mix of species in these brackish waters – from Catfish to Redfish and much more. The nearby Trout River Fish Company stocks bait and tackle, as well as fresh, tasty seafood in case you come up dry on your day out.
Dames Point Fishing Pier
Address: 9101 Dames Point Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
License required? Yes
If you’re looking for a classic wooden jetty with an impressive backdrop, look no further than Dames Point Fishing Pier. The pier itself is only around 120 feet long, but it doesn’t usually get too crowded. You’ve got restrooms and parking nearby, as well as shaded picnic benches for a proper lunch break.
The thing that sets Dames Point pier apart is the unbeatable views of Dames Point Bridge – the longest cable-stayed bridge in America. Don’t spend too long staring at the view, though. The waters here are full of trophy Drum and Trout just waiting to steal a meal off distracted anglers.
Lake Shore Pier
Address: 4699 Lake Shore Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Opening hours: 24/7
License required? Yes
Fancy fishing a little farther upstream? Set on a mix of tasty freshwater fish? Lake Shore Pier is the perfect place for you. Fishing here can land you Blue and Bullhead Catfish, Gar, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and more. This spot can get pretty busy during the day, so show up early if you want a good spot.
This is a pretty basic pier, with no restrooms or designated parking. There can also be a fair bit of noise from the nearby rail and road bridges. However, it’s a great place to fish, much loved by local anglers. There’s also a West Marine tackle shop nearby if you need to pick up any supplies.
And More!
There are literally dozens of fishing piers in Jacksonville. Perhaps even hundreds in the surrounding area. We’ve tried to give you a few options of where to fish, from well-equipped coastal piers to small local haunts. Hopefully, there’s one that suits you. If not, you’ve got plenty more to choose from!
What do you think is the best fishing pier in Jacksonville? Have you fished from any of the ones on our list? Which ones did we miss? Let us know your favorite fishery or your pier fishing stories in the comments section below!
