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Frank Cole
Captain

Frank Cole

Jacksonville, United States
Federal waters
25+ reviews
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.

Charter

Rating

4.9
36 reviews
4.9
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

94%
Recommend this charter
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (36)

Showing 1 – 5 of 36 reviews
  • Sergey Smirnov
    Sergey Smirnov
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome Trip!

    Half Day Nearshore Kingfishing Trip • 2 adults

    We had an awesome experience from start to finish. Cap did a great job coaching us on the proper techniques, making sure everyone felt comfortable and knew exactly what to do. His guidance really helped, and we were able to almost max out for the day, which made the trip even more exciting. On top of that, Cap showed us a few secret spots that made the experience feel even more special. You can tell he knows the area well and genuinely wants everyone to have a great time. Overall, it was a fun, memorable, and well-run experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great time on the water!

    Reported catch:
    Flounder
    Response from Captain

    Thanks, Sergey. You're always welcome!

  • Donald Aragon
    Donald Aragon
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Got on fish immediately

    6 Hour Trip – Tarpon and Shark • 2 adults

    Right from the moment we dropped our lines in the water we were on Tarpin. Then in the afternoon we moved on to Shark. never expectsd to get both which was amazing!

    Response from Captain

    Was a pleasure having you on board. You guys did a great job battling some big fish! Looking forward to the videos !

  • Matt O'harver
    Matt O'harver
    Repeat angler
    us
    Missouri, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great memories made

    Half Day Trip – Bull Redfish • 4 adults

    we went for bull reds, they weren’t cooperating but we hooked into a Tarpon that was on some bucket lists! Lifetime memories made.

    Response from Captain

    Yeah, we're a bit early for the bull redfish but the tarpon are here and you guys made the most of it! Hooked 3, jumped 2 and landed 1 nice un! And, no fishing trip would be complete without a Toadfish!!! LOL!!! Looking forward to our next trip. Be well, boys!

  • Whytney Michelle
    Whytney Michelle
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2021
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Trip!

    Half Day Jetty Fishing • 2 adults

    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! 🎣🔥

  • Jack Hoida
    Jack Hoida
    us
    California, US
    Member since 2026
    3.3
    Verified

    Fishing trip on Mayfield

    Half Day Jetty Fishing • 3 adults

    Frank was a really nice guy and we had great conversation although several times he brought up the importance of him being tipped and he would talk about how other people wouldn’t leave tips. We felt very pressured and didn’t feel that this should’ve even been brought up during a conversation with a customer. Second of all when we started to fish, there were three of us. Frank only put two poles out so we had to keep sharing two poles between the three of us. It should be noted that there were extra bowls with the same equipment available, but they just weren’t used.

    Reported catch:
    Flounder
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Captain

    Good afternoon, Jack. I'm sorry this reflects your takeaway from our trip. I, respectfully, have a different recollection. Yes, I had 8 outfits onboard all specifically rigged for flounder fishing and we pretty much used every one of them. Each you had your own rod and I would provide another fod as I had to rerig after catching a fish or getting hung up. You all developed good feel for a flounder bite with my coaching and all caught together over 15 flounder with 12 keepers. My comments about tipping were prompted by the fact that I spent over an hour and a half filleting fish. I was thrilled to do so and sent you home with 2 full one gallon bags of flounder fillets. By any standards, we had a good trip. Im sorry your recollection is different.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    A shark is seen breaking the surface of the water while being reeled in during a fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Bull Shark
    Donald A.
    Donald A.
    Right from the moment we dropped our lines in the water we were on Tarpin. Then in the afternoon we moved on to Shark. never expectsd to get both which was amazing!
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    Adult angler reeling in a fish from the bow of a center-console boat on open coastal water.
    Matt O.
    Matt O.
    we went for bull reds, they weren’t cooperating but we hooked into a Tarpon that was on some bucket lists! Lifetime memories made.
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    Three anglers proudly displaying their catch of flounder on a cleaning table at a fishing dock.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Jack H.
    Jack H.
    Frank was a really nice guy and we had great conversation although several times he brought up the importance of him being tipped and he would talk about how other people wouldn’t leave tips. We felt very pressured and didn’t feel that this should’ve even been brought up during a conversation with a customer. Second of all when we started to fish, there were three of us. Frank only put two poles out so we had to keep sharing two poles between the three of us. It should be noted that there were extra bowls with the same equipment available, but they just weren’t used.
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    Angler holding a large Flounder while seated on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Had a 40 fish day last week and 9 keepers Thursday and 12 today.
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    A proud angler displaying a large Flounder alongside a catch of multiple Flounders on a cleaning table at a coastal fishing spot.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Sergey S.
    Sergey S.
    We had an awesome experience from start to finish. Cap did a great job coaching us on the proper techniques, making sure everyone felt comfortable and knew exactly what to do. His guidance really helped, and we were able to almost max out for the day, which made the trip even more exciting. On top of that, Cap showed us a few secret spots that made the experience feel even more special. You can tell he knows the area well and genuinely wants everyone to have a great time. Overall, it was a fun, memorable, and well-run experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great time on the water!
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a catch of flounder on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Flounder
    Inshore flounder action with live bait and light tackle.
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large Sheepshead caught during a fishing trip in clear coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Sheepshead
    Sheepies are CHEWING. End of season but some quality fish are still around.
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    Angler proudly displaying a large Sheepshead caught while fishing in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Sheepshead
    Big females are in and chewing. Some of the best fish of the season.
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    Angler proudly holding a large redfish aboard a center-console fishing boat, with open water and a 300-horsepower outboard in the background.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Great day on the water with Bob. Live blue crabs were the ticket!
  • Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder
    Recess Fishing Charters– PathfinderJacksonville, FL
    A fish leaps out of the water, showcasing its agility during a fishing expedition in open waters.
    Great morning bite with tarpon at the Mayport jetties. Lots of pogies on the beach and they were the preferred bait over mullet and blue crabs. Hooked 3 and landed 1. Client Dylan did a great job fighting these bruisers. Had to pull the plug early due to an approaching storm.

What's biting with Recess Fishing Charters– Pathfinder in Jacksonville

November is a great time to fish in Jacksonville. As the waters cool, the baitfish gather together as they begin their southerly migration. This attracts a large number of enjoyable inshore species, as well as the big Redfish.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Angler holding a large Flounder while seated on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.

Flounder are on fire!

Jul 3, 2026 • Jacksonville
Had a 40 fish day last week and 9 keepers Thursday and 12 today.
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Angler proudly displaying a catch of flounder on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

Flounder are CHEWING.

Jun 26, 2026 • Jacksonville
Inshore flounder action with live bait and light tackle.
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a large Sheepshead caught during a fishing trip in clear coastal waters.

Sheepshead Bite!!!!

Apr 22, 2026 • Jacksonville
Sheepies are CHEWING. End of season but some quality fish are still around.
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a large Sheepshead caught while fishing in coastal waters.

Big Sheepshead are here!

Mar 10, 2026 • Jacksonville
Big females are in and chewing. Some of the best fish of the season.
Show more
Angler proudly holding a large redfish aboard a center-console fishing boat, with open water and a 300-horsepower outboard in the background.

Bull Reds are CHEWING!

Sep 16, 2025 • Jacksonville
Great day on the water with Bob. Live blue crabs were the ticket!
Show more
Adult angler proudly holding a large redfish on the deck of a center-console fishing boat in coastal waters.

Weather cooling down but fishing heating

Aug 25, 2025 • Jacksonville
With the cooler weather, the speckled trout bite is turning on with lots of near slot and above slot fish. Float rigs and artificials are producing. Sheepshead continues to improve with larger fish starting to show. Sharks are a problem taking some bigger fish. Bull reds show up at surprising times and places. Flounder will open December 1 and they should be chewing. Let's go fishing!
Show more