The Jacksonville fishery has shifted firmly into its early-summer pattern this week. Kingfish numbers are building on the nearshore reefs, redfish are working the marsh edges on the lower tides, and the offshore mahi push is positioned within reasonable runs. Wind has been a factor — multiple windy afternoons cut some trips short — but the morning windows have been productive.
Nearshore — Kingfish Build, Spanish Mackerel Numbers
The kingfish bite has improved significantly this week. The Mayport ledge, the Nine Mile Reef, and the structure off Ponte Vedra are holding fish in the 15-30 lb range with a few smokers mixed in. Slow-trolled live menhaden and blue runners on stinger rigs in the 30-50 foot depth zone are producing daily action.
Spanish mackerel numbers are strong. Schools are pushing along the beaches and around the inlet mouth, hitting trolled Clarkspoons (00 and 1 size) on planers, and casting Got-Cha plugs to surface-breaking fish on the calmer mornings. Often mixed with bluefish, ladyfish, and the occasional Atlantic bonito.
Inshore — Redfish on the Marsh, Sheepshead Holding
Redfish fishing has been the most consistent inshore action. The Sisters Creek and Browns Creek marshes are holding schools of slot fish working the falling tide. Cut blue crab or finger mullet on a Carolina rig with 25 lb fluoro is the high-percentage approach. Sight casting to schools pushing across the oyster bars at dawn produces the more visual catches — light tackle with 1/4 oz weedless jigheads and gold spoons.
The St. Johns River backwater is fishing well for the seasonal mix — trout, reds, the occasional flounder. Live shrimp under a popping cork on the deeper grass and oyster bars is the standard.
Sheepshead continue to hold on the inlet jetties and bridge pilings. Live fiddler crabs or shrimp on small hooks with light leader are the producer.
Offshore — Mahi Build, Sails Tapering
The mahi-mahi bite is building. Boats running 25+ miles east to the Gulf Stream edge are finding scattered schools on weed lines. Trolled ballyhoo and naked rigs over surface temperature breaks are producing schoolies in the 5-15 lb range. A few gaffers in the 20-30 lb class have come in.
Sailfish numbers have tapered from the spring peak but solid releases continue for boats putting in the time. Trolled ballyhoo on light fluoro with kite-fished baits accounting for the bigger fish.
Cobia continue on the buoys and the deeper artificial reefs. Sight casting to surface fish with bucktails has produced the better catches.
Surf
The surf has been producing a mix this week. Pompano numbers have tapered but a few continue to be caught from St. Augustine through Mayport on sand fleas and shrimp. Whiting are reliable. Black drum on cut bait through the inlet mouth surf. Big jacks pushing pilchards along the beaches in the morning hours.
What’s Ahead
The new moon is June 5 — expect more active offshore migration and an energized inshore bite cycle. Snapper-grouper federal season opens variably depending on species (verify NOAA dates). Water temperatures are climbing through the low 80s nearshore.
For this weekend: dawn redfish on the marsh, kingfish on the nearshore reefs once the breeze drops, mahi runs to the Stream when seas permit.
Tight lines.