Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Jacksonville fishing report is a seasonal outlook for the week of November 12. Northeast Florida sits on the cool side of this week’s cold fronts, with forecasters predicting a stronger front early Friday and the coldest morning of the season so far on Saturday. That cooling usually accelerates the winter pattern around the St. Johns River jetties, Mayport and the Nassau Sound beaches, favoring whiting, sheepshead and red drum.
What’s Hitting
Whiting should be the most consistent surf target from Jacksonville Beach to Little Talbot Island, especially on the incoming tide. Sheepshead are moving onto the jetty rocks and bridge pilings, and their numbers usually climb steadily through November. Red drum of many sizes roam the St. Johns River jetties and the inlet channels, and the late-fall bull reds may still be found at the mouth. Black drum also gather around deeper structure as the water cools. Flounder are leaving the creeks and heading toward the inlets.
Where to Find Them
Fish the St. Johns River jetties on moving water, focusing on the tips for reds and the rocks for sheepshead. Huguenot Memorial Park gives anglers access to the north jetty and the river mouth. In the surf, look for sloughs along Jacksonville Beach and the quieter stretches near Hanna Park. Inside, the Intracoastal docks and the Fort George River provide shelter during northwest wind.
Tides & Conditions
With the new moon on November 9, tides remain strong through the end of the week, then moderate toward the first-quarter moon on November 17. Post-front northwest winds can lay down the surf but also drop water levels in the backwater on low tide. Onshore wind returns Sunday. Plan jetty trips around the last two hours of the incoming tide for clearer water.
Tackle & Tactics
For whiting, use a two-hook bottom rig with small circle hooks and shrimp or Fishbites on a light surf rod. For sheepshead, try fiddler crabs or barnacles on a short fluorocarbon leader and a small strong hook. Red drum respond to cut mullet or blue crab on a fish-finder rig, or a jig with a soft-plastic paddle tail along the rocks. After a cold night, slow down and fish closer to the bottom.
Local Intel This Week
Huguenot Memorial Park offers beach and jetty access near the St. Johns River mouth. The public beach accesses along Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach are convenient for whiting and drum. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park has beach access and a quieter stretch of surf. The Mayport boat ramp is a common launch for the jetties. Watch for commercial traffic in the river channel and give large ships space. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Dress warmly for Saturday morning.
This Week’s Tip
After the front, fish the jetty rocks on the incoming tide with fiddler crabs and a short leader. Keep the bait tight to the rocks and set the hook at the slightest tap to catch sheepshead.
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