Where white marlin are found out of Mayport
White marlin fishing out of Mayport centers on the Dry Dock (AFDM-9), about 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns jetties in about 120 ft of water. All distances on this page are measured from the jetties. The guide covers the run, the depths, and the structure worth plotting, and it makes no promise of fish.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Destination | Dry Dock (AFDM-9) |
| Distance | About 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns jetties |
| Depth | About 120 ft |
The run from the St. Johns jetties
The Dry Dock (AFDM-9) area lies about 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns jetties. Plan the run from the jetties rather than the ramp. As an owner-operator, you set the route, the pace, and the turnaround.
Depth at the Dry Dock
The Dry Dock sits in about 120 ft. The named reefs and wrecks between the jetties and the Dry Dock sit in 75 to 110 ft, so the water gets 10 to 45 ft deeper by the end of the run.
When white marlin show up off Mayport
Dry Dock reports note white marlin there in the past several years. The reports give a location but no calendar. For seasonal timing along the coast, see the Atlantic Southeast picture (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide). Mayport white marlin are a local report and not a guarantee.
Grounds and structure off Mayport
The named grounds below include depths and, where FWC publishes them, coordinates. The Dry Dock is the only ground here tied to white marlin reports. The shallower structure is a set of waypoints between the jetties and that ground.
Dry Dock (AFDM-9)
The Dry Dock is AFDM-9, a former Navy dry dock, about 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns jetties in about 120 ft. Dry Dock reports note white marlin there in the past several years.
Reefs and wrecks between the jetties and the Dry Dock
These are the named sites to plot on the way out, with FWC coordinates where listed:
| Name | Depth | Notes/FWC coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| Spike Reef | 110 ft | Bottom about 110 ft, wreck top about 75 ft |
| Blackmar’s Reef | 105 to 110 ft | Water depth 105 to 110 ft |
| Nine Mile Reef | ||
| Floyds Folly | 75 ft | 30 10.034 N, 81 09.322 W (FWC) |
| NSS Site, Coppage Culverts | 80 ft | 30 17.296 N, 80 57.598 W (FWC). Separate from the shallow-water Coppedge Tug |
| HH Site, Shark Barge | 77 ft | 30 00.950 N, 81 04.718 W (FWC) |
| CH Site, North Tug | 78 ft | 30 18.560 N, 81 04.150 W (FWC) |
Over Spike Reef your sounder will show two numbers: the bottom at about 110 ft and the wreck top at about 75 ft.
Coppage Culverts is a different site from the shallow-water Coppedge Tug, so check the name before you save the waypoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How white marlin are fished out of Mayport and who fishes for them
White marlin out of Mayport are fished by trolling, which is all that is documented locally.
Unlimited Trolling
White marlin are part of the local club’s Unlimited Trolling division. For spreads and baits, see white marlin trolling methods.
Owner-operators and club boats
Two groups fish for white marlin here:
- Private-boat owner-operators who run the 45 miles themselves
- Club anglers fishing the Unlimited Trolling division
Sailfish and blue marlin are covered under other billfish.
FAQ: white marlin fishing out of Mayport
How far offshore do boats run for white marlin from Mayport?
Boats run to the Dry Dock (AFDM-9), about 45 miles southeast of the St. Johns jetties, in about 120 ft. Measure the run from the jetties.
How deep is the Dry Dock?
The Dry Dock is about 120 ft deep. It is AFDM-9, a former Navy dry dock.
Do white marlin count in the Unlimited Trolling division?
White marlin are part of the local club’s Unlimited Trolling division.
What are the Spike Reef depths?
The bottom is about 110 ft and the wreck top is about 75 ft.
Is Coppage Culverts the same as the Coppedge Tug?
No. Coppage Culverts (NSS Site) is in 80 ft at 30 17.296 N, 80 57.598 W per FWC. The Coppedge Tug is a separate, shallow-water site.
Where are the rules for white marlin out of Mayport?
White marlin fall under both Florida state rules and federal HMS rules. See the Regulations section above, and check the agency pages before fishing.
