Fishing around Jacksonville FL

[ctf58]

Still a long way off, but, my employer might be sending me for training sometime after July to Jacksonville FL for 2 weeks at a time for a total of 6 weeks. I really want to fish for some of them big Florida large mouth bass while I there on the weekend and in the evenings. I'll have to buy a cheap rod and reel and might get to leave it at the hotel in between training sessions. Does anyone have advise on public fishing areas near Jacksonville on the eastern side of the St. Johns river? The St. Johns is making my mouth water looking at it and some of the feeder creeks on Google Earth .

It looks like every inch of the St. Johns has private docks. :-/

Also any techniques as to how to fish/lures for a spinning set-up??

P.s I will be shore fishing and do not want to get eaten by gators. Or if anyone lives down there and needs a back seat filled I could pony up a little gas money for their generosity.

Thanks in advance

Clint

[billgator]

Hey, most of the retention ponds in Jacksonville have big bass lurking in them. I would try some of the corporate ponds around J. Turner Butler expressway (we call it JTB) on the Southeast side. If you can find one you don't get kicked out of, you'll have a great shot at a good fish.

For the beaches area, Hannah Park in Mayport has a freshwater lake with huge bass in it(but they are finicky).

I'd be wary of the St. John's river as it can be unelievably tough to fish. If you can't resist the urge, I'd focus on doctor's inlet, just south of town in the orange park area. There are a ton of docks and over the years it has been much more consistent for me than the river itself.

If you can get access, the endless number of lakes in the keystone heights area are great producers this time of year, and offer clear water with white sand bottoms, which will aid in bed fishing right now.

As far as lures are concerned, I'm a died hard senko fan, but gold bladed spinnerbaits are sometimes good in the river, as are trickworms. If you are trophy hunting, when fishing in ponds you HAVE to toss a live bluegill under a float. NOTHING will give you as good a chance for a big fish. I promise. In the river, a big, wild, golden shiner under a float is a great choice... and there is a difference between the farm raised shiners and the wild ones. Hope that helps!

[ctf58]

Thanks for the information. It is a big help. getting to the corp. ponds will probably be easier for me anyway. and I hadn't really thought of it. I will be without a car more than likely and will either have to walk or get a cab. I'll check google Earth for the area I'm staying.

Thanks again

[ctf58]

Ok things fell through for my trip, BUT 03-2012 through 05-2012 I will be in Jacksonville with a vehicle. I'll be staying near UNF at Candlewood Suites near Butler Blvd and I-95. I am excited to get down there and fish. Billgator has given some good suggestions. Anyone got any other suggestions for a shore fisherman on the south-east side

[ctf58]

Ok things fell through for my trip, BUT 03-2012 through 05-2012 I will be in Jacksonville with a vehicle. I'll be staying near UNF at Candlewood Suites near Butler Blvd and I-95. I am excited to get down there and fish. Billgator has given some good suggestions. Anyone got any other suggestions for a shore fisherman on the south-east side

OK reservations are made! Be in Jacksonville 3-25-12 through 05-04-12. I just want to catch some fish after class and on weekends. Be a shore walker.

I've read some of the other post about Jacksonville fishing. Here is an image of the area I'm looking at for after classes but on the weekends I'll extend my area if there is a good place.

I've never been to Jacksonville and am going to miss the big spring push here in KY and also my first spring with my BassCat and I'm really bummed out about that.

[ctf58]

[ctf58]

bump

[ctf58]

Okay 7 weeks till I head to Jacksonville Fl for my 6 week training. Should I take a spinning rod or baitcaster? I personnaly like baitcasters but only have room in the car for one rod and small tackle box.

Need to know what to take to Jacksonville rod and tackle wise.

Also still looking for more ideas for some evening/weekend fishing spots around UNF.