Looking to escape the stress of city life for a day? Trying to think of a fun and engaging activity for the entire family on your upcoming vacation? How do you feel about accomplishing all that, while also catching a wide variety of some of the most prized fish species that are present in this area throughout the year? Recess Sport Fishing is here to allow you to do exactly that – combine quality family time, relaxing in nature with the thrill and variety of Jacksonville fishing!
Captain Frank Cole fishes from a 24’ Pathfinder bay boat, powered by a powerful, 300 HP Yamaha outboard. It’s capable of speeds of up to 50 knots, which means you’ll be wasting no time getting to any fishing spot that you’re planning on visiting that day. The onboard electronics include all the equipment you would expect from a modern fishing boat such as a GPS, radio, and fishfinder. You’ll also find all the necessary safety equipment, a wireless trolling motor, downriggers, and a live bait tank.
The variety of fishing grounds types and species present in the area means you’ll be able to target a wide variety of fish using an entire spectrum of techniques. This makes for a great opportunity for novices, children as well as anglers new to the area who want to quickly get acquainted with local fishing and Jacksonville area’s beautiful ecosystem.
Included in the price of the trip is all the fishing gear you could need, live bait and artificial lures, your fishing license, as well as water and sports drinks. The only things you need to bring with you are any snacks you’d like, some sunscreen and sunglasses, and you’ll be ready to start your adventure!
Captain
Frank Cole
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (29)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
90%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish
88%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Jetty Fishing on June 21, 2025
Captain Frank Cole gave us one of the best fishing days we’ve ever had! From start to finish, everything was smooth, professional, and fun. His knowledge of the area, patience, and passion for fishing really stood out. We caught a great variety of fish and felt like we were in expert hands the entire time. The boat was clean, well-equipped, and comfortable, and Frank made sure everyone—from beginners to seasoned anglers—had a great time. Highly recommend booking with Captain Frank Cole if you’re looking for a top-tier offshore fishing adventure. We’ll definitely be back! 🎣🔥
Captain Frank Cole gave us one of the best fishing days we’ve ever had! From start to finish, everything was smooth, professional, and fun. His knowledge of the area, patience, and passion for fishing really stood out. We caught a great variety of fish and felt like we were in expert hands the entire time. The boat was clean, well-equipped, and comfortable, and Frank made sure everyone—from beginners to seasoned anglers—had a great time. Highly recommend booking with Captain Frank Cole if you’re...
Atlantic Beach, Florida
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
on August 2, 2024
My granddaughter Abby and her boyfriend Colton visited us on Amelia Island in Aug. They had never been fishing in the ocean before, and Colton had never seen the ocean. I knew of Frank at Recess Charters through a mutual acquaintance, and I called him about a month before the trip. He fully understood their experience level and the purpose, and we agreed to discuss more closer to the trip date as conditions change frequently. We talked on Tues and Thursday of that week and Frank mapped out a plan. He was at the Marina when we arrived early and was prepping the boat. I've never seen a cleaner and more well-kept Pathfinder. We cruised the beach looking for bait but they had disappeared from the day before, so we headed offshore to a far buoy and soon had our bait-well full. It was a slow day, but Frank's professionalism and knowledge shown through as we continually adjusted and achieved the goal of both catching multiple kings. Frank was tremendous in his teaching techniques for the two who had never been saltwater fishing. They both penned him thank you notes following the trip focusing on how much they appreciated his kind and thoughtful approach to two novices. Frank's experience and professionalism were first and foremost throughout the day as we adjusted to changing conditions. In the late afternoon he noticed thunderstorms building along the coast and reviewed the situation with his electronics. We called it a day at the right time and safely entered the marina before the storms arrived. Frank's pre-trip planning, the condition of his boat and equipment, and his professionalism and patience with my granddaughter and her friend made memories that will last them a lifetime. I can't thank Frank enough. John Folkerts
My granddaughter Abby and her boyfriend Colton visited us on Amelia Island in Aug. They had never been fishing in the ocean before, and Colton had never seen the ocean. I knew of Frank at Recess Charters through a mutual acquaintance, and I called him about a month before the trip. He fully understood their experience level and the purpose, and we agreed to discuss more closer to the trip date as conditions change frequently. We talked on Tues and Thursday of that week and Frank mapped out...
Jacksonville, Florida
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Jetty Fishing on September 1, 2024
My buddy and I had an amazing time with Capt Frank. He put us on the flounder right away and was fully prepared with rods, tackle, bait and ice cold drinks! Capt Frank didn't hastate to share fishing knowledge and tips to dial us in. We had 3 big keepers that he cleaned for us when we got back to the marina and put on ice ready to go. My buddy and I strongly encourage anyone looking for a great fishing experience to book with Capt Frank Cole
My buddy and I had an amazing time with Capt Frank. He put us on the flounder right away and was fully prepared with rods, tackle, bait and ice cold drinks! Capt Frank didn't hastate to share fishing knowledge and tips to dial us in. We had 3 big keepers that he cleaned for us when we got back to the marina and put on ice ready to go. My buddy and I strongly encourage anyone looking for a great fishing experience to book with Capt Frank Cole
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip – Creeks on May 24, 2025
We had a great time with Capt Cole. Very knowledgeable about the area and great equipment. Put us on fish during tough times and my daughter caught one of the biggest trout I’ve seen in a while.
We had a great time with Capt Cole. Very knowledgeable about the area and great equipment. Put us on fish during tough times and my daughter caught one of the biggest trout I’ve seen in a while.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Jetty Fishing on June 1, 2025
Captain Frank took us out on a 4 hour trip and within the first 15 minutes we were fighting a 40 pound tarpon for 20 minutes. Great experience and great time on the water with my friends!
Captain Frank took us out on a 4 hour trip and within the first 15 minutes we were fighting a 40 pound tarpon for 20 minutes. Great experience and great time on the water with my friends!
Recess Sport Fishing – Pathfinder offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Recess Sport Fishing – Pathfinder, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Recess Sport Fishing – Pathfinder include:
Recess Sport Fishing – Pathfinder offers the following types of fishing:
Recess Sport Fishing – Pathfinder offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Recess Sport Fishing – Pathfinder include:
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Captain Frank Cole is the son of a tugboat captain and has been fishing ever since he could hold a rod. During his early childhood, he fished freshwater and transitioned to saltwater around the age of 10. He bought his first fishing boat right after graduating from Law school and became active and successful in Kingfishing Tournaments in the late ’80s and early ’90s. He spent the next 10 years fishing the waters of St. Augustine and Bahamas for Wahoo and Marlin for before he transitioned into inshore fishing for Redfish, Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish in 1999. He loves taking people fishing and exposing people to the incredible fishery in northeast Florida. He teaches not only about fishing but also about the ecosystem, helping people see all the small things were a lot of beauty can be found.
Inshore Fishing
St. Johns River and Intracoastal Waterway Creeks
Nearshore Fishing
Beach out to 25 miles
Backcountry Fishing
Tributaries of St. Johns River
Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Whether or not we catch live bait depends on the target species. If live bait is purchased, it is included in the overall price.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
I will clean all catch upon return to the Marina. I pack in zip locks with ice to travel. All included.
Drinks
Water and Sports Drinks
Fishing License
Yes, my license covers all anglers.
Fly Fishing Equipment
Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Minimum age 8 years old
No Alcohol
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release encouraged
Catch and Release Allowed
Encouraged
Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
PayPal
Checks
Bank Transfer