Four Hour Jetty Fishing at Mayport
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target sheepshead, redfish, and seasonal species like flounder and tarponFish where St. Johns River meets Atlantic Ocean at jettiesPrivate charter accommodates single angler for personalized experience
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that delivers variety and action? The Mayport Jetties offer some of Florida's most consistent fishing, and this four-hour charter puts you right in the sweet spot where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This isn't just another inshore trip – you're fishing a legendary structure that holds everything from scrappy sheepshead to bruiser redfish, all just minutes from the dock. With space for one angler, you'll get the personal attention every serious fisherman wants, whether you're chasing your first keeper red or looking to add another species to your list.
The Mayport Jetties are a fisherman's dream – massive rock piles that create current breaks, eddies, and holding spots that attract baitfish and the predators that follow them. Your captain knows these rocks like the back of his hand, positioning the boat to work different zones depending on tide, wind, and what's biting that day. You'll be fishing structure that ranges from shallow flats to deeper channels, giving you shots at both bottom dwellers and aggressive schooling fish. The beauty of this spot is the variety – one cast might bring up a crafty sheepshead, while the next could connect you with a screaming king mackerel. Since you're fishing solo, expect plenty of rod time and personalized instruction on reading the water, working lures, and fighting fish in heavy current.
Jetty fishing demands versatility, and your guide comes prepared with the right gear for whatever's biting. You'll be working both live bait and artificials, depending on conditions and target species. For bottom fishing around the rocks, expect heavy sinkers and circle hooks to get baits down to where sheepshead and black drum hang out. When the mackerel are running, you'll switch to wire leaders and fast-moving spoons or live bait on light tackle. The key here is being ready to adapt – jetty fishing is all about reading the signs and adjusting your approach. Your captain will have you rigged right for each situation, whether that's free-lining live shrimp in the current or bouncing jigs along the rocks. The close quarters and structure fishing means you'll learn proper boat positioning and how to work baits in moving water.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of jetty fishing, especially during their peak runs in spring and fall. These silver bullets hit fast and fight hard for their size, typically running 1-3 pounds with the occasional bruiser pushing 4-5 pounds. They school up in massive numbers around the jetties, feeding on glass minnows and sardines that get pushed through by the current. What makes them exciting is the visual bite – you'll often see them busting bait on the surface, and when you cast into a feeding school, it's game on. They're also fantastic table fare when bled and iced properly.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the jetties, with fish ranging from puppy drum around 5-10 pounds up to true monsters exceeding 40 pounds. These bottom huggers love to cruise the rocks picking off crabs and shrimp, and once hooked, they use their bulk and the structure to their advantage. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water brings them in close. What gets anglers fired up about drum is the surprise factor – you never know if that steady pull is a 5-pounder or a fish that'll test your drag and your patience.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that keeps serious anglers coming back. These black-and-white striped convicts have human-like teeth and the annoying habit of stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang tight to the jetty rocks year-round but are most cooperative in cooler months. Typically running 2-8 pounds with occasional slabs pushing double digits, they require finesse and quick reflexes. The reward? Some of the best eating fish in Florida waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
King Mackerel bring the real excitement when they show up around the jetties, usually during their spring and fall migrations. These toothy speedsters can range from "school kings" around 10-15 pounds up to genuine smokers over 30 pounds. They're ambush predators that strike with authority, often taking drag in long, blistering runs. Kings are seasonal players here, but when conditions align – usually with bait schools and clear water – they can make your day in a hurry. The combination of speed, size, and razor-sharp teeth makes them a top target for any serious angler.
Redfish are the crown jewel of jetty fishing, with their copper-colored sides and distinctive black spots making them one of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Around the Mayport Jetties, you'll encounter everything from slot-sized reds in the 18-27 inch range up to oversized bulls that can stretch over 40 inches and weigh 30+ pounds. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes reds special is their fight – they use their broad sides to pull hard and steady, often making multiple runs and trying to wrap you around the rocks. Plus, the slot-sized fish are outstanding table fare.
The Mayport Jetties have been producing fish for decades, and this four-hour trip gives you the perfect taste of what makes this area special. With just you and the captain on board, you'll fish at your own pace and target the species you're most interested in. Whether you're after a fish dinner, looking to check new species off your list, or just want to spend a morning on the water with a knowledgeable guide, this trip delivers
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum around the jetties range from 5-30 pounds, with occasional giants over 50. They're bottom-feeders with powerful jaws, crushing oysters and crabs along the rocks. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They love brackish water where the St. Johns meets the ocean, feeding around oyster bars and structure. What guests love is their bulldogging fight and the drumming sound they make when caught. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating. Fresh blue crab or cut bait works best on the bottom. Here's the trick: use just enough weight to hold bottom and watch for subtle taps - they're sneaky biters, not aggressive strikers like other species.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are the speed demons of the jetties, averaging 15-30 pounds with occasional 40+ pounders. They patrol deeper water around the jetty tips, following baitfish schools. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when water temps hit 70-80 degrees. Guests chase them for the blazing runs and aerial shows - these fish can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. They're solid table fare despite higher mercury levels in larger fish. Live bait like blue runners or dead sardines work great, plus spoons and diving plugs. Critical tip: use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - a nose hook and stinger hook near the tail, because kings often bite the back half of baits first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the jetties' most consistent fighters, running 18-27 inches (slot size) with that classic copper color and black eyespot. They cruise shallow water around oyster bars and grass flats, often in just 2-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing with spring and fall being peak times. What hooks guests is their powerful runs and that distinctive red flash when they turn. Plus they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. They'll hit live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials like gold spoons and soft plastics. Best local trick: look for "tailing" reds in shallow water with their backs exposed, then make quiet casts ahead of them. They spook easily in skinny water, so stealth is key to success.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the jetties' ultimate challenge, averaging 2-4 pounds with occasional 8+ pounders. They hang tight to structure, feeding on barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. Winter through early spring is prime time when they spawn around the rocks. Guests love the technical fishing - these "convict fish" with black stripes are notorious bait thieves. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in these waters, with sweet white meat. Fiddler crabs and live shrimp work best on small hooks. The key is getting your bait right against the pilings and feeling for light taps. Set the hook hard when you feel weight - they'll steal your bait otherwise. Use a stout rod because they dive straight into the rocks.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, schooling fish that typically run 1-3 pounds around the jetties, though bigger ones show up. You'll spot their silver sides with yellow spots when they're feeding near the surface. They love structure and moving water, making our jetties perfect habitat. Spring through fall are prime times when they chase baitfish in schools. What makes them popular is their speed - they'll scream line off your reel - plus they're fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat. Light tackle works best with small spoons or live shrimp. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more around, so get your baits back down quickly. They have sharp teeth, so bring a wire leader to avoid bite-offs.
Jacksonville, FL