The Inshore Game Fish of Northeast Florida
The Cast Of Characters That Make Fly Fishing Jacksonville So Exciting!
While there are always surprises when fishing saltwater, these are our most common catches.
Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus)
Spotted Sea Trout (Cynoscion nebulosus)
Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)
Black Drum (Pogonias cromis)
Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)
Jack Crevalle (Caranx hippos)
Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)
Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus)
This is one of Jacksonville’s most popular game fish and are easily identified by the black eye-spot on the tail, which is used to confuse predators. They feed primarily on small baitfish and crustaceans and will readily take a well presented imitation.
Almost as popular as it’s relative the Redfish, these aggressive strikers are often found in the same areas. Feeding primarily on shrimp and small fish they are often eager to pounce on anything that crosses their path.
This strange looking fish is a welcome addition to any catch list. Usually found over mud or sand bottom, they can also be targeted near structure or at the mouths of tidal creeks.
Sometimes confused with the Sheepshead, this close relative of the redfish can grow to weights of over 100lbs. While the average size is much smaller, even these “pups” can put up a great fight on light tackle. Feeds primarily on crustaceans so crab flies are a no brainer.
The bad boys of our local waters, Bluefish are famous for destroying flies, lures, leaders and anything else that comes in contact with those famous teeth. When they are actively feeding, anything that comes within a few feet is sure to get clobbered.
One of the most underrated game fish in the state, Jacks are among the hardest fighting fish in the world. These bruisers readily take flies of all types and grow to weights exceeding 30lbs. Combine that with their propensity to school, and you have a perfect game fish.
These striped fish get their name from the sheep like teeth that fill small mouths. These strange dentures are perfect for crushing the crustaceans that make up almost all of the Sheepshead diet. One of the more difficult fish to fool on a fly, a Sheepshead is a welcome challenge for any fly angler.
Spanish Mackerel invade our waters seasonally and make a great target for Fly Anglers. Their willingness to take a fly and high speed runs make for an afternoon of constant action. If there are Spanish Mackerel in the area, small flashy baitfish patterns and high speed retrieves almost guarantee success.
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Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus)
The Silver King! This is the largest species that we target and they will put even the heaviest tackle to the test. Jacksonville plays host to schools of migrating Tarpon during several months of the year. Big tackle and heavy tippets are a must.
Known locally as a “ten pounder”, and for good reason. Though they seldom exceed a few pounds, novice anglers often swear they are fighting a ten pound fish. These smaller relatives of the Tarpon put on acrobatic displays and high speed runs that rival those of their larger cousins.
