Located in Jacksonville, FL where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic, Mayport might be small in size, but the fishing opportunities it offers can be larger than life! Mayport fishing charters will give you the opportunity to explore the inshore waters, hit various reefs and wrecks, or come face-to-gills with the biggest deep sea superstars. All that in a serene and peaceful setting of a small community with a lovely waterfront, excellent seafood, and incredible beaches.
Known For
The fishing charters Mayport, FL has in store are all about diversity when it comes to species as well as fishing locations. You can fish for inshore A-listers in skinny waters, target delicious bottom species near numerous reefs and wrecks, or fight bluewater monsters miles and miles offshore.
Inshore Fishing
Local captains can take you exploring the abundant inshore waters, such as the Intracoastal Waterway or St. Johns River and its tributaries. Here you'll find a plethora of some of the most sought after inshore species, including Redfish, Black Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead, Trout, and Tarpon, when in season. From backwater creeks to numerous jetties, you can rely on Mayport charters to take you to the best secret spots known only to locals. Inshore trips are perfect for children and beginners, as well as skilled shallow-water enthusiasts.
Nearshore/Offshore Fishing
If you venture out a bit farther from shore, you'll be spoiled for choice. Go bottom fishing for Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, Amberjack, and Cobia in waters 70+ feet deep – you'll find productive reefs, wrecks, and live bottom scattered up to 25 miles offshore. In these waters, you can also go trolling for King Mackerel and other species using live bait.
In addition to trolling and bottom fishing, you can also do some exciting Shark hunting in these waters. The best season is usually from mid-May to September – this is when you can target the biggest specimens near shrimp boats. You'll get to hunt a variety of Sharks, among which Blacktip are known as the most exciting adversaries. While battling these monsters, you'll also get a chance to admire an abundance of dolphins swimming near these boats.
Going even farther from the coast, you'll have a chance at landing the biggest of big game species. Mayport deep sea fishing charters can take you trolling for Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and a variety of Billfish. Full day trips usually take place 20–60 miles offshore and include both bottom fishing and trolling. Apart from previously mentioned species, you'll also get to go after Red Snapper, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Kingfish, Amberjack, Triggerfish, Cobia, Sailfish, Marlin – and the list keeps on impressing.
Extended full day trips are normally 40–70 miles offshore and even though you'll spend quite some time traveling to the most productive grounds at the ledge (two hours if the seas are calm), catching the biggest trophies will totally make it worthwhile.
Need to Know
Regulations
Mayport fishing charters typically provide a license for their customers, which means all you have to worry about is catching fish. Please note that various species have closed seasons (such as Red Snapper and Amberjack) that change from year to year, so be sure to ask your captain about the latest regulations before booking a trip.
Budget
Full day offshore trips for a party of four usually cost $550–$800, while inshore trips of the same duration are slightly cheaper. Extended full days lasting 9–12 hours are normally $950–$1,200, depending on the duration, while overnight trips cost around $1,800. Three-quarter-day trips will make your wallet $500–$650 lighter, and for half day offshore trips, you can expect to pay $500–$550. Inshore half days are a bit cheaper.
Getting There
Mayport is located only 18 miles from downtown Jacksonville, and it's reachable in less than 30 minutes via FL-115 S. If you're flying in, your safest bet is Jacksonville International Airport, located 14 miles from Mayport. A good alternative is Daytona Beach International Airport located 92 miles away.
Whether you'd like to focus on catching the most delicious table fair species or battling game fish in deep blue waters, Mayport fishing will give you exactly that, and even more.