Want to fish the freshwater upper section of this back-to-front waterway? Or maybe you’d like to cast a line in its lower brackish waters? You’re in luck. There are plenty of St. Johns River fishing guides all along the banks of this waterway, so get ready to fish your way!
The St. Johns River begins as a freshwater fishery, before transforming into a brackish water powerhouse as it flows north towards the Atlantic. If you’re fishing the freshwater hotspots, there’s one species that stands out – Largemouth Bass. Crappie are also a firm favorite, especially for family fishing trips.
More of a saltwater enthusiast? Striped Bass and Sunshine Bass can be found in the middle section of the river, where the waters become brackish. You can cast your line for huge Bull Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, and even hard-fighting Tarpon and Snook in the lower section of St. Johns, too. It’s fair to say that the fish on offer are as diverse as the river itself – and as a bonus, you can find most of these species year-round.
Thanks to the river’s shallow waters, a four-hour trip is plenty of time for newer anglers and families to learn the ropes and hook some prized fish. If you’re a more experienced angler, a six- or eight-hour adventure will give you more time to cruise a variety of hotspots.
If you’re a freshwater fanatic, one of the best starting points is Lake Poinsett, near Cocoa. Fellesmere also offers access to marshy waters bustling with Bass and Crappie. When it comes to your saltwater trip, it’s all about Jacksonville, which has direct access to the lower part of the river.
Rules & Regulations
If you choose to fish alongside a St. Johns River fishing guide, you’ll be covered when it comes to your saltwater fishing license. However, any angler over the age of 16 will need to purchase a freshwater fishing license if they want to cast a line in the river’s freshwater fishing grounds.