September 2025 — Jacksonville: Fall transition — excellent all-around inshore season. Here’s what’s biting, where to fish, and the best techniques for this month.
What’s Biting — September 2025
Primary targets: Redfish, Flounder, Seatrout
Water Conditions
Water temperatures are running around 78–82°F. Fall patternis establishing. Check the NWS marine forecast before heading out.
Outlook: Fall transition — excellent all-around inshore season
Regulations Reminder
Redfish: 18–27″. Snook: 28–33″ Atlantic. Always verify current regulations with your state fish & wildlife agency before your trip.
Local Tackle & Bait: Tackle Box (Jacksonville, 904-645-7633); Mayport area bait shops.
Charter Fishing: Inshore Mayport and St. Johns River charters: $400–$650.
More Jacksonville Resources
Jacksonville Fishing Guide · Jacksonville Seasonal Calendar · All Jacksonville reports →
Reports updated every Thursday on fishing.digital.
Snook Season Reopens
Snook season on Florida’s east coast reopened September 1 and the early bite has been excellent. The St. Johns River mouth, the rocks at Mayport, and the docks along the Intracoastal from Jacksonville Beach south to Ponte Vedra are all producing fish. Live mullet (4–8 inch) or pinfish on a 4/0 circle hook, free-lined into the current or fished tight to structure, is the textbook approach. Look for fish in 4–12 feet of water around any current break — jetty rocks, bridge pilings, dock lights at night. Slot fish (28–32 inches) are common, with the occasional fish over 36 inches in the mix for anglers putting in the time.
Redfish and Trout
Redfish are spread across the flats and creek mouths throughout the system. Live shrimp under a popping cork, cut mullet on the bottom near structure, or gold spoons sight-cast at tailing fish on low tide all produce. The shallow flats off Sisters Creek and the back side of Big Talbot are holding tailing fish on calm mornings. Spotted trout are on the grass flats at first light — topwaters early, then soft plastics on a jighead. The shorter days mean trout fishing is best in the cooler morning hours before the sun gets high.
Flounder Building, Kingfish on the Beach
Flounder are building into the channels and around the jetties — the seasonal migration is just starting and will peak in November. Live mud minnows on a jighead near structure is the early-season approach. Kingfish are stacked along the beaches and at the sea buoy. Slow-trolled live menhaden or pogies under a kite, or sight-casted spoons when they’re crashing bait at the surface, will produce smokers in the 20–40 lb range. The Jax Beach Pier is the easiest access point.
Conditions and Regulations
Water temps 80–82°F, just starting their seasonal drop. Florida saltwater license required. Snook stamp required for harvest, with a slot of 28–32 inches and a 1-fish bag limit (Atlantic side). Redfish slot 18–27 inches, 1-fish bag (verify regulations for Northeast Florida zone). Spotted seatrout slot 15–19 inches, 5-fish bag. Flounder 14-inch minimum, 5-fish bag (Atlantic). King mackerel 24-inch minimum, 2-fish bag. Hotspots this week: Mayport jetty rocks for snook on the outgoing, Pablo Creek for trout at dawn, Jax Beach Pier for kings. Tight lines.