Florida · Northeast
TARPON FISHING
IN FERNANDINA BEACH
Fernandina Beach is a solid destination for tarpon fishing. Book a charter and target tarpon with local experts.
About Tarpon Fishing in Fernandina Beach
The Silver King. One of the most exciting gamefish in the world, known for spectacular aerial acrobatics.
The Silver King is arguably the most exciting gamefish in the ocean. Atlantic Tarpon are massive, silver-scaled fish that can exceed 200 lbs, with mirror-like scales the size of silver dollars. When hooked, they launch into spectacular aerial acrobatics — sometimes jumping 6-8 feet out of the water — creating the most thrilling sight in sportfishing. Their oversized, upturned mouth and prehistoric appearance (the species is 100+ million years old) make them instantly recognizable. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in most areas.
Scientific name: Megalops atlanticus
Tarpon Seasonal Calendar — Fernandina Beach
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Fernandina Beach, FL.
How to Catch Tarpon in Fernandina Beach
Techniques & Bait
Live crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy spinning: 7'6" heavy rod, 6000-8000 reel, 50-65 lb braid, 60-80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fly: 12-weight rod, large arbor reel with 200+ yards of backing. Circle hooks (5/0-7/0) are required in many areas.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Fernandina Beach
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
Amelia River
The Amelia River flows along the western shore of Amelia Island, with oyster bars, dock pilings, and marsh grass shorelines providing prime habitat for redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and spotted seatrout. The river's tidal creeks and deep bends concentrate fish on moving tides, with the best action on the last two hours of an incoming tide. The historic waterfront district offers convenient boat ramp access.
Nassau Sound
Nassau Sound is the major inlet at the southern end of Amelia Island where the Nassau and Amelia Rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean. Strong tidal currents funnel baitfish through the sound, attracting tarpon, bull redfish, jack crevalle, and flounder in impressive numbers. The sound's vast sand flats and oyster bars create diverse habitat for both inshore and nearshore species.
Lofton Creek
Lofton Creek is a blackwater tidal creek feeding into the Amelia River, surrounded by pristine salt marsh and maritime forest. Redfish, flounder, and spotted seatrout feed along the creek's oyster-lined banks and in the deeper holes at creek bends. The creek's remote feel and minimal boat traffic make it a favorite among kayak anglers seeking solitude.
Fort Clinch Jetties
The rock jetties at Fort Clinch State Park guard the St. Marys River inlet at the northern tip of Amelia Island. Sheepshead, redfish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and drum congregate along the jetty rocks on every tidal change. Shore anglers can access the north jetty from within the state park, making it one of the most accessible fishing spots in the area.
Other Species in Fernandina Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Fernandina Beach.
Tarpon Fishing in Fernandina Beach — FAQ
Tarpon fishing in Fernandina Beach is productive during .
Tarpon fishing charters in Fernandina Beach are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live crabs (blue crabs or pass crabs) drifted in passes and channels during the spring migration is the classic technique. Live mullet, pinfish, and threadfin herring are also top baits. Artificial lures like DOA Baitbusters, large soft plastic swimbaits, and heavy jigs worked near bridges and passes at night produce trophy fish. Fly fishing for rolling tarpon on the flats using large Tarpon Toads, EP baitfish patterns, and Black Death flies (2/0-4/0 hooks) is considered the ultimate fly fishing challenge.
No — when you book a charter in Fernandina Beach, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tarpon regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Tarpon in Fernandina Beach, you may also catch Black Sea Bass, Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, Speckled Trout. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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