Jacksonville, Florida, is a prime destination for bass fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, you’ll find plenty of excellent bass fishing spots in and around the city.
Freshwater Bass Fishing Spots in Jacksonville
St. Johns River
The St. Johns River is a renowned destination for trophy bass fishing in Jacksonville. This expansive waterway offers numerous access points, including Stockton Park, Stinson Park, Memorial Park, Sisters Creek Park, and Boat Ramp. Anglers can target largemouth bass, as well as other species like crappie and bream.
Pope-Duval FMA
The Pope-Duval Fish Management Area, located west of Jacksonville near Baldwin, consists of two old borrow pit lakes that are popular among bass anglers. The West Pond, which is approximately 10 acres in size, is particularly well-known for its potential to yield large largemouth bass, with a record catch of a 16-pound specimen.
Ronnie Van Zant Park
Ronnie Van Zant Park features a large pond that is stocked with fish, making it an accessible and convenient spot for bank fishing. Anglers can target bass, as well as other species like catfish and bream.
Doctors Lake
Situated in Orange Park, Doctors Lake is part of the St. Johns River system and is renowned for its excellent bass fishing, especially when using spinnerbaits.
Saltwater Bass Fishing Spots in Jacksonville
Nassau Sound Fishing Bridge
The Nassau Sound Fishing Bridge is a popular inshore fishing destination, providing access to the Atlantic Ocean through the Mayport Inlet. Anglers can target a variety of species, including bass, as well as other species like Flounder, Cobia, Redfish, Snapper, Pompano, and Trout.
Mill Cove
Mill Cove is another popular inshore fishing spot in Jacksonville, known for its shallow water areas and backcountry fishing opportunities. Anglers can target bass, as well as other species like Redfish and Trout.
Jacksonville Beaches
The beaches along the Jacksonville coastline offer excellent shore-based fishing opportunities. Anglers can target species like Flounder, Cobia, Redfish, Snapper, Pompano, and Trout, as well as bass.
Guided Fishing Charters
For those looking to maximize their bass fishing experience, Jacksonville offers a variety of guided fishing charters, both for freshwater and saltwater fishing. These charters provide anglers with expert knowledge, specialized equipment, and access to prime fishing spots.
Fishing Tournaments
Jacksonville hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament and the Northeast Fl Wahoo ShoutOut. These events offer opportunities for anglers to showcase their skills and compete for prizes.
In conclusion, Jacksonville is a fantastic destination for bass fishing enthusiasts, with a diverse range of freshwater and saltwater spots to explore. Whether you’re targeting trophy largemouth bass in the St. Johns River or seeking inshore action along the coastline, Jacksonville has something to offer for anglers of all skill levels.