February 2025 — Jacksonville: Peak sheepshead month at Mayport jetties. Here’s what’s biting, where to fish, and the best techniques for this month.
What’s Biting — February 2025
Primary targets: Sheepshead (PEAK), Redfish
Water Conditions
Water temperatures are running around 52–62°F. Winter pattern is in full effect. Check the NWS marine forecast before heading out.
Outlook: Peak sheepshead month at Mayport jetties
Regulations Reminder
Sheepshead: 10″. 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
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Sheepshead — Top Target of February
February in Northeast Florida means sheepshead, and the bite is at its annual peak this month. The Mayport jetties, the Jacksonville Beach Pier pilings, and every bridge structure in the St. Johns system are loaded with pre-spawn convict fish. Fiddler crabs on a 1/4 oz knocker rig is the standard setup — small hooks (1/0 or 2/0) and quick reflexes when you feel the soft tap. Live shrimp and oysters also produce. The fish stage tight to structure in 8–25 feet of water through February, then disperse onto offshore artificial reefs for spawning by mid-March. Sister’s Creek railroad bridge, the Hart Bridge pilings, and the rocks at Huguenot are consistent producers.
Trout in the Deep Holes
Trout fishing has shifted entirely to the winter pattern: deep holes in the creeks, mid-day warming on dark-bottom flats. Pablo Creek, Sisters Creek, and the back side of Big Talbot Island are all holding fish in 6–12 feet of water. Slow-rolled soft plastics on a 1/8 oz jighead, MirrOlure Lil John or Z-Man Trout Trick, just ticking the bottom. Live shrimp under a popping cork during the warmest part of the afternoon will produce in the shallow flats. Numbers down compared to fall, but average size is the biggest of the year.
Redfish — Winter Patterns
Reds are in winter mode: schooled tight in deep holes, warming up on dark mud flats during sunny afternoons. Tailing fish on calm clear days at low tide near creek mouths offer sight-casting opportunities — gold spoons or weedless plastics work well. Cold fronts shut the bite down for 48 hours afterward; pick days carefully.
Hotspots and Regulations
Water temps 55–62°F. Florida saltwater license required. Sheepshead bag is 8 fish per angler with 12-inch minimum (no closed season). Spotted seatrout slot 15–19 inches, 5-fish bag, one over 19 allowed. Redfish — verify Northeast Florida-specific regulations with FWC before keeping any fish, as catch-and-release seasons sometimes apply in this zone. Top spots this week: Mayport jetty rocks at high slack, Pablo Creek railroad bridge, Spoonbill Point, the Acosta and Hart Bridge pilings. Tight lines.
Boat Ramps and Local Access
Mayport public boat ramp gives the easiest access to the inlet and Sister’s Creek system. The Sister’s Creek ramp puts you on the Intracoastal directly. The Goodbys Creek and Julington Creek ramps cover the upper St. Johns River system. For shore anglers, Huguenot Memorial Park offers walk-on beach and rock access (small fee). The Jacksonville Beach Pier and the Mayport jetty rocks are no-cost public structures. Always check NWS marine forecasts for wind direction before heading to the inlet — the bar can get nasty on a falling tide with east winds. Tight lines.