Along miles of Atlantic Coast beaches, Jacksonville’s fishing piers offer several sites to throw the ideal line. The best fishing is found near the St. Johns River and along the 1,110 miles of inner Florida shoreline.
The availability of several piers in the vicinity gives anglers a variety of options for casting a perfect line and reeling in fish from sunup to sundown.
Some anglers choose to rent a boat for unparalleled deep-sea fishing off Florida’s coast.
But if you’re a newbie, hiring a fishing guide, for an additional fee, is the most convenient method.
While you relax and enjoy catching a big one, the guide handles all of the footwork and guides sportsmen to optimal fishing places.
Using this guide to the best five Jacksonville fishing piers, you may save money and locate your own perfect site.
Drop a hook at any of Jacksonville’s famed piers to ensure your next trip is full of fun and fish.
Top 5 Jacksonville Fishing Piers
- Dames Point Fishing Pier
- Lake Shore Pier
- Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier
- Trout River Bridge Pier
- George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier
Dames Point Fishing Pier
The Dames Point Fishing Pier is around 120 feet long. This pier is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States.
Nearby facilities include bait stores, public restrooms, parking, and a covered picnic area. The Dames pier isn’t overcrowded.
The waterways here teem with trout and award-winning black drum fish. Bottom-dwelling drum fish in the area have been known to reach up to 100 pounds and take three anglers to reel in.
If you’re interested in nighttime fishing, these massive fish can be located by the drumming sound they make.
Details
- Location: 4699 Lake Shore Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32210
- Hours: Never closes
- Price: Unknown
- Fishing License Needed: Yes
Lake Shore Pier
The Lake Shore Pier is one of the smaller piers on the list. Anglers interested in catching many freshwater species will find this a fantastic haven to drop their hooks.
At this upstream location, you’ll catch largemouth bass, bluegill, gar, blue, and bullhead catfish.
The downside it that it lacks authorized parking and even facilities. For the convenience of visiting anglers, there is a West Marine bait and tackle shop that sells fresh bait and fishing gear.
Though appreciated by both residents and tourists, visitors should know that this popular spot is well-traveled and quite loud because of the nearby traffic and train bridges.
Details
- Location: 4699 Lake Shore Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida 32210
- Hours: Never closes
- Price: Unknown
- Fishing License Needed: Yes
Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier
Although the all-wood pier is nearly a quarter-mile long, some of it has been closed due to storm damage.
If you prefer deep-water fishing, Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier is the boardwalk for you. Reel-in kingfish and redfish using a graphite or fiberglass spinning or casting rod.
You’re allowed to use up to three rods along the pier per person. Net fishing, flyfishing, and hand fishing are not allowed on the pier.
You can bring in small hand carts to carry your angling gear. If you prefer not to tote your own, you can purchase from the on-site tackle shop.
Additional amenities include a food stand, restrooms, and handicapped accessibility.
This site has an entrance fee. At $3 per adult angler and $1 per person over 6 who does not intend to fish.
Details
- Location: 9101 Dames Point Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32226
- Hours: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Price: $3 per fisherman, $1 per visitor, and kids under 6 are free
- Fishing License Needed: Yes
Trout River Bridge Pier
The optimal time to hit the water at the Trout River Bridge Pier is between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Catfish, smallmouth bass, blue catfish, and gar can be found in this brackish water.
This pier begins near the Jacksonville Zoo and extends all the way to the Trout River. If fishing in the early morning isn’t your style, the spot is brilliantly lighted at night.
The Trout River Fish Company sells fresh bait and fishing equipment all year long.
They offer crab legs, oysters, conch, and of course fresh fish, so you never go home empty-handed after a fun day at the Trout River Bridge Pier.
Details
- Location: 9549 1st Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
- Hours: Never closes
- Price: $2/person
- Fishing License Needed: Yes
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier
The George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is a former public bridge first constructed in 1948.
This Northeast Florida location is one of the top inshore fishing spots for flounder, tarpon, speckled trout, whiting, jack, and many other species.
Pick up your fishing license at the On the Line Bait and Tackle shop. Open on Wednesdays through Mondays, they offer snacks, fresh bait, tackle, and other fishing supplies.
After you’re done for the day, visit the pier fish cleaning station with flowing water for quick on-site cleaning of your catch of the day.
Details
- Location: 9101 Dames Point Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32226
- Hours: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to sunset; no night fishing
- Price: $2 per person
- Fishing License Needed: Yes
Final Thoughts
There are few activities as exhilarating as reeling in the big one. And there is nothing better than casting out your favorite bait while taking in the stunning view of a Jacksonville fishing pier.
This guide to the best fishing piers in Jacksonville highlights a handful of the numerous piers in the Jacksonville area. If you’re going to be fishing farther down south in Miami, you may want to check out these piers instead!
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