Blackfin tuna fishing out of Mayport centers on May, and the fish come to reef sites close in. The Jacksonville wreck (JW) sits about 7 miles off the beach, so there is no need for a 50-mile run. This page covers the season, the run distances, and named structure with depths and FWC coordinates. It doesn’t promise fish, but it should help you decide where to look within range.
When blackfin tuna are off Mayport
May is blackfin month outside the St. Johns, and local boats plan around that window.
For biology, water temperature and general methods, see our blackfin tuna species guide. For the coast beyond this port, see the wider Atlantic Southeast picture (see also the Atlantic Southeast offshore fishing guide). This page stays with Mayport.
- Window: May
- Where: outside the St. Johns, on near-shore reef sites
- Local approach: structure close in, not long runs
How far boats run from the St. Johns
The runs below go from close in to farther out. Before you run, check the Mayport port page and the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period.
The Jacksonville wreck
The Jacksonville wreck (JW) sits about 7 miles off the beach. It is a close-in reef site and the anchor of the short-run approach.
Nine Mile Reef
Nine Mile Reef gives up the occasional sailfish or blackfin tuna. Treat it as a stop on a near-shore run rather than a dedicated blackfin ground.
Close-in reefs versus long runs
Local boats work near-shore reef sites instead of making a 50-mile run. Start close, and move outward only if the structure you can reach isn’t producing. The grounds below run from 75 ft out to the Dry Dock at about 45 miles.
Grounds and structure off Mayport
These are the named grounds with depths and FWC artificial reef coordinates, listed shallow to deep.
| Site | Depth (ft) | Notes / FWC coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| Floyds Folly | 75 | 30 10.034 N, 81 09.322 W |
| HH Site – Shark Barge | 77 | 30 00.950 N, 81 04.718 W |
| CH Site – North Tug | 78 | 30 18.560 N, 81 04.150 W |
| NSS Site – Coppage Culverts | 80 | 30 17.296 N, 80 57.598 W |
| Blackmar’s Reef | 105 to 110 | Stated water depth |
| Spike Reef | 110 | Wreck top about 75 ft |
| Dry Dock (AFDM-9) | 120 | Former Navy dry dock, about 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns entrance |
The FWC coordinates and depths are reference values, and chart layers are not for navigation.
The FWC sites: Floyds Folly, Shark Barge, North Tug and Coppage Culverts
These four sit in the 75 to 80 ft band and are the closest-in structure on the list. Coppage Culverts is a separate site from the Coppedge Tug, which lies in shallow water.
Spike Reef
Spike Reef has bottom at about 110 ft and a wreck top at about 75 ft, roughly 35 ft of relief.
Blackmar’s Reef
Blackmar’s Reef sits in 105 to 110 ft of water.
Dry Dock (AFDM-9)
The Dry Dock is a former Navy dry dock in 120 ft, about 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns entrance. It is the farthest site on the list.
Who fishes blackfin out of Mayport
Strate Fishing Charters out of Mayport lists blackfin tuna among its targets, with Capt. Matt Strate running the operation. It’s a reasonable place to start if you want local guidance before taking your own boat out.
FAQ about blackfin tuna fishing out of Mayport
When are blackfin tuna off Mayport?
May is blackfin month outside the St. Johns. The fish are on near-shore reef sites, including the JW at about 7 miles off the beach.
How far do you run from Mayport for blackfin?
The JW is about 7 miles off the beach, and Nine Mile Reef is also close in. The farthest structure on this list is the Dry Dock (AFDM-9), about 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns entrance.
Do you need to run 50 miles for blackfin out of Mayport?
No. The local approach is reef sites close in rather than 50-mile runs.
What depth are the reefs off Mayport?
The FWC sites sit at 75 to 80 ft, and Blackmar’s Reef and Spike Reef run 105 to 110 ft. Spike’s wreck top is at about 75 ft, and the Dry Dock is in 120 ft.
Who runs blackfin charters out of Mayport?
Strate Fishing Charters, with Capt. Matt Strate, lists blackfin tuna among its targets.
