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Public Fishing Spots · Jacksonville, FL

Public Fishing Spots in Jacksonville

15 listings · ranked by rating & reviews · updated 2026

Public fishing spots are the free, open-access places to wet a line - shorelines, banks, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and river access points that anyone can fish without booking anything. What you do need almost everywhere is a state fishing license, and rules on seasons, size and bag limits vary by state and often by water body, so it pays to check the local regulations before you go. Access, parking and facilities differ widely from spot to spot: some have boat ramps, restrooms and cleaning stations, others are just a pull-off and a trail to the water. The listings here help you find nearby public spots and what to expect when you arrive.

Below are 15 public fishing spots listings in Jacksonville, FL, ranked by Google review volume so you can start with the most established options and contact them directly. The most-reviewed is Mayport Boat Ramp Michael Scanlon (4.6★, 516 Google reviews).

Typical pricing

Public fishing spots are free to access, but a valid state fishing license is required almost everywhere, and seasons, size and bag limits vary by state and water body. Check your state agency for current rules and any local access restrictions.

See our full guide to fishing in Jacksonville for neighborhoods, local pricing and how to choose.

Top public fishing spots listings in Jacksonville

  1. 1
    Mayport Boat Ramp Michael Scanlon
    Charters

    Mayport Boat Ramp Michael Scanlon

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Mayport, FL · 4.6★ (516).

    ★ 4.6 · 516View →
  2. 2
    Morningstar Marinas
    Charters

    Morningstar Marinas

    Jacksonville

    Marina in Mayport, FL · 4.7★ (281).

    ★ 4.7 · 281View →
  3. 3
    Lions Club Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Lions Club Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Jacksonville, FL · 4.4★ (256).

    ★ 4.4 · 256View →
  4. 4
    Lonnie Wurn Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Lonnie Wurn Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Woodmere, FL · 4.5★ (189).

    ★ 4.5 · 189View →
  5. 5
    Oak Harbor Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Oak Harbor Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in North Beach, FL · 4.5★ (189).

    ★ 4.5 · 189View →
  6. 6
    Home Services By McCue Jacksonville Beach
    Charters

    Home Services By McCue Jacksonville Beach

    Jacksonville

    General contractor in The Beaches, FL · 4.6★ (155).

    ★ 4.6 · 155View →
  7. 7
    Mandarin Park Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Mandarin Park Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Southside, FL · 4.7★ (151).

    ★ 4.7 · 151View →
  8. 8
    Jim King Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Jim King Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Pumpkin Hill, FL · 4.6★ (151).

    ★ 4.6 · 151View →
  9. 9
    Lake Shore Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Lake Shore Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Fleming Island, FL · 4.3★ (149).

    ★ 4.3 · 149View →
  10. 10
    Curtis Lee Johnson Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Curtis Lee Johnson Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Lakeshore, FL · 4.4★ (146).

    ★ 4.4 · 146View →
  11. 11
    Wayne B. Stevens Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Wayne B. Stevens Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Ortega Farms, FL · 4.4★ (138).

    ★ 4.4 · 138View →
  12. 12
    Bert maxwell boat ramp
    Charters

    Bert maxwell boat ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Highlands, FL · 4.3★ (136).

    ★ 4.3 · 136View →
  13. 13
    Goodby's Creek Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Goodby's Creek Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Southside, FL · 4.6★ (133).

    ★ 4.6 · 133View →
  14. 14
    Harborview Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Harborview Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Northside, FL · 4.3★ (121).

    ★ 4.3 · 121View →
  15. 15
    Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Boat Ramp
    Charters

    Joe Carlucci Sisters Creek Boat Ramp

    Jacksonville

    Boat ramp in Little Marsh Hill, FL · 4.4★ (114).

    ★ 4.4 · 114View →

FAQ

Public Fishing Spots in Jacksonville - common questions

How many public fishing spots are there in Jacksonville? +
Lure Compass lists 15 listings for public fishing spots in Jacksonville, FL.
Who has the best-rated public fishing spots in Jacksonville? +
By Google review volume, Mayport Boat Ramp Michael Scanlon is the most-reviewed public fishing spots listing in Jacksonville (4.6★, 516 reviews). Rankings follow review count, not paid placement.
Do I need a license to fish a public spot? +
Almost always yes. Most states require a fishing license for anyone above a set age, whether you fish from shore or a boat, with some free-fishing days each year as an exception. Buy your license through your state wildlife agency and check the seasons, size and bag limits for the water you plan to fish.
Are public fishing spots free? +
The fishing access itself is typically free at public shorelines, lakes and river points, though some parks charge a day-use or parking fee and a state license is still required. Facilities range from full boat ramps and restrooms to nothing but a bank and a footpath, so check what a spot offers before you go.
How do I find good public fishing near me? +
Browse the public spots listed by city and state here for nearby shoreline, lake and river access, then confirm current conditions, access and any seasonal closures with the managing park or state agency. Local reviews can flag parking, crowding and what species people are catching.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Jacksonville? +
Most Jacksonville charters run about $450-$1,200. Half-day inshore trips on the St. Johns and around the jetties sit at the low end, while full-day offshore runs for snapper, grouper and mahi, and private boats, reach the top. Confirm the all-in price with the operator.
What can you catch around the Mayport jetties? +
The Mayport jetties and the St. Johns River hold redfish, speckled trout and flounder through much of the year, plus big sheepshead on the rocks in winter. It is prime inshore structure. Ask your captain to target the jetties if you want a shot at all three.
Can you do both inshore and offshore fishing out of Jacksonville? +
Yes, that mix is what makes Jacksonville stand out. Inshore trips fish the river, marshes and jetties for reds and trout, while offshore runs from Mayport chase kingfish, snapper, grouper and mahi. Decide which style you want and the captain will set up the trip.
What is the best season to fish Jacksonville? +
Redfish and trout are catchable year-round inshore, with winter adding sheepshead at the jetties. Kingfish fire up nearshore in spring and fall, and summer offers the best window for offshore mahi and bottom fishing on calmer seas. Season shapes whether inshore or offshore fishes best.

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Other categories in Jacksonville

Fishing ChartersFishing PiersBait & Tackle ShopsFishing GuidesMarinas & Boat Ramps