NORTHEAST FLORIDA FISHING FORECASTS
Over time, we have discovered that fish do not read calendars or follow an exact schedule. Instead, their behavior and abundance are determined by factors such as water temperature, bait movements, and weather patterns. Similarly, fish do not pay attention to geographical boundaries as outlined on maps.
When using our regional forecasts as a reference, it's a good idea to consider the conditions in nearby regions along the East Coast or the Gulf Coast. This will give you a better understanding of what species of fish might be biting before, during, and after your fishing trip. Additionally, local fishing guides who are on the water almost daily can provide more accurate and up-to-date information on current catches.
Our regional forecast takes a broader approach and focuses on the most sought-after gamefish in the region during each season. For example, bass fishing has a longer season and can be found throughout much of Florida. In such cases, we provide more detailed information on popular and productive fishing spots, such as streams and bodies of water.
The Atlantic Gulf Stream near Florida's Atlantic Coast provides warm waters and diverse saltwater species, while the St John's River adds to the Atlantic Coast's abundant fishing opportunities. The fall months of October and November are the best time for offshore fishing, while spring is also a good time. For freshwater fishing along the Atlantic Coast, summer months are the best.
NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FISHING FORECASTS
Please keep in mind the migratory patterns of fish along with near shore and offshore currents. Search nearby locations for a full picture on forecasts for the area you're looking to fish.
FISH FLORIDA NORTHEAST REGION MONTHLY SALTWATER FORECASTS
| JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH | APRIL |
| MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST |
| SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER |
JANUARY NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Cobia
Snapper
Wahoo
Good
Blackfin Tuna
Grouper
Red Drum (Redfish)
FEBRUARY NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Snapper
Wahoo
Good
Blackfin Tuna
Cobia
Grouper
Red Drum (Redfish)
Pompano
MARCH NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Snapper
Wahoo
Good
Blackfin Tuna
Cobia
Grouper
Red Drum (Redfish)
APRIL NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Snapper
Grouper
Good
Cobia
Wahoo
Red Drum (Redfish)
MAY NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Snapper
Red Drum (Redfish)
Good
Cobia
Wahoo
Grouper
Marlin
Dolphin (Mahi)
JUNE NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Coming Soon!
Good
Coming Soon!
JULY NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Coming Soon!
Good
Coming Soon!
AUGUST NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Coming Soon!
Good
Coming Soon!
SEPTEMBER NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Coming Soon!
Good
Coming Soon!
OCTOBER NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Coming Soon!
Good
Coming Soon!
NOVEMBER NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Coming Soon!
Good
Coming Soon!
DECEMBER NORTHEAST FLORIDA SALTWATER FORECAST
Excellent
Coming Soon!
Good
Coming Soon!
FISH FLORIDA NORTHEAST REGION "LOCAL EXPERT" SALTWATER FORECASTS
The following is our curated list of local saltwater fishing forecasts in Northeast Florida. We share links and informations from "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.
Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach & Ponte Vedra, Florida - Captain Bob's
NORTHEAST FLORIDA FRESHWATER FISHING FORECASTS
Florida's freshwater fisheries comprise more than 8,000 lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and approximately 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals—with no closed seasons. The recreational fishery resources alone in these waters provide entertainment for more than 1.2 million anglers annually.
FISH FLORIDA NORTHEAST REGION FRESHWATER PLANNERS
| BLACK BASS | |||
BLACK BASS
Largemouth bass are found in almost every body of freshwater in Florida. With more than 8,000 lakes and other waters available, anglers sometimes face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top Spots for Black Bass aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch either good numbers of bass or to catch a trophy bass.
The largemouth bass is the best known and most popular freshwater game fish in Florida. Found statewide, largemouth bass have excellent growth rates, particularly in the productive waters of central Florida. Historically known for huge bass, Florida remains an outstanding destination to catch a trophy.
When to Fish: Spring is the best time of year to catch bass, when fish move into shallow water to spawn. Spawning may occur as early as January in extreme south Florida and as late as May in the panhandle, but March and April are peak months. Most large bass are taken at this time; after spawning, many large females move to offshore areas.
Range: Although the largemouth bass is by far our most common black bass, other species are found in Florida. The smaller Suwannee bass occurs in the Suwannee River and its tributaries, and in the Ochlockonee River. Favoring rock outcrops and moving water, Suwannee bass prefer crayfish to many prey items of largemouth. Crayfish-imitating crankbaits worked through deep-water bends will attract these hard fighting fish, as will plastic worms, plastic lizards or crayfish. The Santa Fe River is another good spot, and trophy-sized Suwannee bass up to three pounds can be found in the Ochlockonee River north of I-10.
These are the sites in Northeast Florida most likely to be best for black bass fishing in 2023.
While many famous bass lakes in Florida are located in the southern half, Northern Florida, particularly the Jacksonville area, should not be disregarded as it has some excellent bass lakes. The region provides year-round opportunities for outstanding fishing, and the waters listed below offer some of the best chances to catch big largemouth bass in the area. Although the Jacksonville area doesn't have as many well-known bass lakes as other parts of the state, there are plenty of unnamed and frequently neglected ponds and small lakes that harbor huge bass.
Rodman Reservoir is a vast artificial lake located along the Ocklawaha River about 90 minutes south of Jacksonville, provides some of the most consistently excellent bass fishing in Northern Florida. It yields more 8- to 10-pound bass annually than almost any other lake in the area. The lake, also known as Lake Ocklawaha, boasts a plethora of shallow flats that offer ample cover for bass.
The St. Johns River, which flows for 310 miles through 12 counties, is Florida's longest river and an excellent location to catch trophy bass in moving water. It is particularly known for producing sizeable catches. The river's unique blend of salt and freshwater culminates in its confluence with the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville. Largemouth bass thrive in the river, particularly in the middle and upper basins. The slow-moving current can be challenging to detect, but the river's abundant vegetation and woody cover, such as fallen timber and brush, provide excellent habitat for bass. Patience is advised when fishing for trophy bass in the St. Johns River, as they have a wealth of food sources to choose from and are typically well-fed.
Kingsley Lake, situated in Clay County, is a natural lake spanning 1,600 acres and is almost perfectly round. It is considered one of Florida's oldest lakes, formed when a significant sinkhole near present-day Starke flooded. The lake is also known for being one of the most consistent big bass producers in Northern Florida. Over the last decade, anglers have caught numerous largemouth bass weighing over 10 pounds, and a 15-pound behemoth caught in 2015 put this often-overlooked lake on the map. According to experts at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC), the lake's depth of up to 90 feet provides bass with the opportunity to stay cool during the hot summer months, enabling them to grow larger while expending fewer calories. During the summer, the majority of the big bass in Kingsley Lake can be found at depths of 15 to 20 feet, where the water temperature is often 25 degrees cooler than the 90-degree surface waters.
FISH FLORIDA NORTHEAST REGION "LOCAL EXPERT" FRESHWATER FORECASTS
The following is our curated list of local freshwater fishing forecasts in Northeast Florida. We share links and informations from "locals" to give you the best resource to plan your next fishing excursion. Check back before your next trip for the current fishing forecasts to the area.
Northeast Florida - FWC Fishing Regional Forecasts
FISH FLORIDA ALLIANCE
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