Updated: Thursday, June 25, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, July 2, 2026
This Jacksonville fishing report covers late June, as Northeast Florida settles into its summer rhythm. King mackerel are the lead offshore target, moving onto the nearshore reefs and wrecks and following the menhaden pods along the beaches. Redfish work the marsh on the flood tides, trout sit on the creek mouths, and the river and inlet offer plenty for inshore anglers. Plan around the flood tide for marsh reds, calm morning seas for kings, and afternoon heat and thunderstorms that push everyone in early.
What’s Hitting
Kingfish are the offshore draw, prowling the nearshore reefs and the area around the jetties. Redfish tail the marsh grass on the higher tides, and trout hold on the creek mouths and oyster bars. Mangrove snapper and flounder round out the inshore mix around the inlet structure, and the piers add whiting, pompano and passing Spanish mackerel.
Where to Find Them
Find kings on the nearshore reefs and wrecks in 40 to 70 feet and around the St. Johns River jetties when bait is thick, including the pods off Jacksonville Beach and Little Talbot Island. The artificial reefs a few miles off Mayport are worth a look when the pods thin along the beach.
Reds work the Nassau and St. Johns marsh on flood tides, and trout sit on the creek mouths and bars of the lower river and the grass edges off the Intracoastal. The downtown river docks and Intracoastal creek mouths hold flounder and trout for anglers staying inside when the ocean is rough.
Tides & Conditions
Summer water is warm and often a little stained after storms. Flood tides are prime for marsh reds, and early morning is best before the afternoon heat and thunderstorms. Nearshore seas are usually fishable in the morning calm, so watch the afternoon sea breeze. Creek trout fade once the sun is high, so be on the grass early and off the water before the storms roll in.
Tackle & Tactics
Summer kings follow the menhaden, so find the bait first and fish the edges of the pods rather than the middle.
- Kings: slow-troll a live menhaden (pogy) or ribbonfish on a light-wire stinger rig just off the pod. Wire leaders prevent bite-offs, and the stinger catches short strikers.
- Reds: throw a gold spoon or cut bait to tailing fish on the flood.
- Trout: at first light, work the grass edges with a topwater or live shrimp under a popping cork, then switch to a soft plastic along the deeper creek bends as the heat builds.
- Inshore outfit: a 3000- to 4000-class spinner with 15- to 20-pound braid handles reds and trout.
Local Intel This Week
The Sisters Creek ramp (Joe Carlucci, also known as Helen Cooper Floyd) and the Mayport ramp at Wonderwood Drive put you minutes from the St. Johns River jetties and the nearshore bait pods. The Goodbys Creek ramp serves the lower river, and the Pablo Creek ramp is the launch for creek trout off the Intracoastal. Shore anglers can work Huguenot Memorial Park and the Jacksonville Beach Pier early for Spanish and the occasional king, while the Jacksonville Beach and Saint Augustine piers add whiting and pompano. Check current FWC and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish.
This Week’s Tip
When you find tailing reds on the flood, kill the trolling motor and make a long, soft cast well ahead of the fish. Reds in shallow grass spook off a close splashdown, so get in front of them and let them find the bait.
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