Jacksonville Mayport Jetties: Offshore Access and Bull Redfish
Mayport: Jacksonville's Gateway to the Atlantic
The St. Johns River inlet at Mayport is one of the deepest and widest on Florida's east coast. The channel runs 40-plus feet deep between two massive rock jetties that extend well into the Atlantic, creating a funnel for bait, current, and predators. The north and south jetties provide land-based fishing access, while the inlet channel itself serves as the primary departure point for Jacksonville's offshore charter fleet heading to the reef, wrecks, and Gulf Stream.
The Mayport area represents a transition zone where the St. Johns River estuary meets open ocean. Bull redfish fishing targets stack up in the inlet from August through November, with fish in the 30- to 45-inch class feeding on mullet, menhaden, and crabs swept out on the tide. It is the most accessible trophy fishery in Northeast Florida.
Bull Redfish Season
When and Where
Bull redfish begin congregating near the Mayport jetties in late August as they stage for their fall spawn. The fish move in from the marshes and river system, gathering in schools along the jetty rocks, the inlet channel, and the nearshore beach within a half-mile of the inlet mouth. Peak fishing runs from September through November, with October typically producing the highest numbers.
| Month | Bull Red Activity | Average Size | Best Tide |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | Early arrivals, scattered | 30–36 inches | Outgoing |
| September | Schools forming, consistent | 32–40 inches | Outgoing, strong current |
| October | Peak—large schools, aggressive | 34–44 inches | Any outgoing |
| November | Tapering, still productive | 32–40 inches | Outgoing to slack |
| December | Stragglers, cold-water bites | 30–38 inches | Warm afternoon outgoing |
Tackle and Techniques
Bull reds at the jetties average 15 to 30 pounds, with exceptional fish exceeding 40 pounds. From the rocks, a heavy spinning setup handles these fish best: 7- to 8-foot heavy-action rod, 5000 to 6000 size reel, 30- to 50-pound braid, 40- to 60-pound fluorocarbon leader, and a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook. Live mullet, cut mullet, and fresh blue crab are the top baits. Cast into the current flowing past the jetty rocks and let the bait settle along the bottom—bull reds feed there, rooting in the sand and rubble.
From a boat, drifting the inlet channel with the same baits produces hookups on the schools suspended mid-channel. Some anglers also sight-cast to tailing bull reds on the shallow sand flats just inside the inlet mouth during calm conditions.
Bull redfish (over 27 inches) must be released in Florida under the FWC redfish regulations. The slot limit for harvest is 18 to 27 inches, with a daily bag of one fish. Circle hooks and quick releases give these big breeders the best chance at survival.
Offshore from Mayport
Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks (3–15 miles)
A network of artificial reefs and natural hard bottom sits within easy range of the Mayport inlet. These structures hold black drum fishing targets in winter, sheepshead year-round, and seasonal visits from cobia, Spanish mackerel, and king mackerel. The Jacksonville Reef Program has deployed numerous reef balls, concrete structures, and decommissioned vessels that serve as fish magnets on otherwise featureless sand bottom.
The Ledge (40–60 miles)
The shelf break off Jacksonville sits further out than South Florida—roughly 40 to 60 miles offshore. Full-day and overnight trips target this zone for red snapper (during the brief federal season), gag grouper, scamp, amberjack, and vermilion snapper fishing catches. The run is long but the payoff is significant—less fishing pressure than South Florida ledges means more fish and larger average size.
Gulf Stream (50–70 miles)
The Gulf Stream pushes past at 50 to 70 miles off Jacksonville, making it a full-day or overnight commitment. Spring and summer produce mahi-mahi on weed lines, wahoo on high-speed trolling runs, and blackfin tuna on the temperature breaks. The distance filters out casual boats, leaving serious offshore anglers with productive, uncrowded water.
Jetty Fishing Safety and Access
- The south jetty is accessible from Fort George Island and Huguenot Memorial Park
- The north jetty is accessible from the Mayport Naval Station area—check current access restrictions
- Jetty rocks are uneven granite boulders; wear studded boots or wading sandals with good traction
- The inlet current is extremely strong, especially during outgoing spring tides—heavy tackle prevents losing fish in the rocks
- Watch for ship traffic in the channel; the Mayport Naval Station brings large vessels through the inlet regularly
- Check the FWC saltwater regulations for all species-specific rules before fishing