This page covers king mackerel fishing out of Mayport and links to the Mayport port page. Documentation for kingfish at this port is thin, so the local points below are limited to what is documented, and the rest is regional guidance for the Atlantic Southeast. The wider picture is in the king mackerel fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide.
When the species is around the port
The only kingfish-named month documented for Mayport is July, when the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament runs. That event is Jacksonville-wide rather than Mayport-only, so it shows timing for the area, not for this harbor. A general offshore season from April to September is documented for the area, but it is not specific to kingfish. Regionally, kings run north with warm water in spring and return south in fall, so those runs are the windows most likely to bring fish near Mayport.
Where boats run
Boats leave through the St. Johns River entrance at the Mayport jetties, and the offshore grounds lie to the east. The river entrance runs strong on the ebb. Northeast or east winds strengthen the flood, and southwest or west winds strengthen the ebb. Check the tide and the forecast before you cross the jetties. Check conditions yourself.
Grounds and structure
Harm’s Ledge sits about 28 miles off the Mayport jetties, a reef set down to about 90 feet. Nine Mile Reef lies a few miles from the jetties and holds five wrecks. Blackmar’s Reef is a natural ledge system with five wrecked ships and two planes, and Spike Reef sits at about 110 feet, where greater amberjack is named as a fish. None of these grounds is documented as a king ground.
How the species is fished out of the port
Kingfish methods are not documented for Mayport. The general approach for the species is slow trolling live bait over reef and ledge structure, on a stinger rig with a wire leader. Spoons and planers cover more water when bait is scarce. The rig detail is in the king mackerel species guide.
Who fishes it
The Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament in July is the one kingfish event documented for the area. Its entry details were not confirmed, so check them directly. No charter that targets kingfish out of Mayport has been verified, so ask operators which species they run before you book.
FAQ
When is the kingfish tournament?
It runs in July. It is Jacksonville-wide rather than Mayport-only, so check its entry details directly.
Which reefs are closest to Mayport?
Nine Mile Reef is a few miles from the jetties, and Harm’s Ledge is about 28 miles off them. Neither is documented as a king ground.
Are kings documented on these reefs?
No. The documented value of these grounds is as reef and wreck structure, so kingfish timing and location should come from local operators.
Is there a charter here for kings?
None is verified in this guide. Confirm targets with the operator before you book.
