Florida · Northeast
TARPON FISHING
IN JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville is a solid destination for tarpon fishing. Book a charter and target tarpon with local experts.
About Tarpon Fishing in Jacksonville
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 — Jacksonville
Month-by-month availability for tarpon in Jacksonville, FL.
How to Catch Tarpon in Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville
Top spots where local captains target tarpon and other inshore species.
St. Johns River Mouth
The mouth of the St. Johns River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean creates a powerful tidal exchange that attracts redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and tarpon. The jetties flanking the river mouth are prime structure for sheepshead and black drum during winter months. Summer brings tarpon and jack crevalle into the outflow on the outgoing tide.
Sisters Creek
Sisters Creek flows through a network of salt marshes north of the St. Johns River and is one of the most productive inshore creeks in the Jacksonville area. Redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder inhabit the oyster bars and grass edges throughout the creek system. The protected waters make it fishable even when the ocean is too rough for offshore trips.
Nassau Sound
Nassau Sound at the northern end of Fort George Island is a large, productive estuary fed by the Nassau and Amelia rivers. Redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and sheepshead are found around the oyster bars and marsh grass edges throughout the sound. The sound's mix of habitats supports excellent fishing year-round with less pressure than the St. Johns.
Intracoastal Waterway (Jacksonville)
The ICW running through Jacksonville's beach communities features docks, bridge pilings, and residential canals holding snook, redfish, sheepshead, and flounder. The bridges at Beach Boulevard, Butler Boulevard, and J. Turner Butler create tidal funnels that concentrate gamefish. Night fishing under bridge lights is especially productive for snook and tarpon in summer.
Other Species in Jacksonville
More fish you can target while visiting Jacksonville.
Tarpon Fishing in Jacksonville — FAQ
Tarpon fishing in Jacksonville is productive during .
Tarpon fishing charters in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville, 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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