What Fish Are Biting? A Seasonal Guide to Northeast Florida Kayak Fishing

May 30, 2026

If you've ever wondered "What should I be fishing for right now?", you're not alone. One of the most common questions we get at North Guana Outpost is about what species are biting and when. The good news? Northeast Florida offers excellent kayak fishing year-round, but the species, techniques, and locations shift with the seasons.

Understanding these patterns means you'll know exactly what to target, where to find them, and what bait or lures to use. Whether you're planning a fishing trip months in advance or deciding what to chase this weekend, this seasonal guide will help you make the most of your time on the water.

Jack holding a red Fish while fishing from stand up paddle board

Why Seasonal Patterns Matter

Fish aren't randomly scattered across our waters. They're responding to water temperature, spawning cycles, baitfish migrations, and tidal patterns. In Northeast Florida, we're blessed with a unique estuarine system (the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve) that creates diverse habitats and attracts different species throughout the year.

From your kayak, you can access shallow flats, oyster bars, tidal creeks, and marsh edges that bigger boats can't reach. This gives you a huge advantage, especially when fish move into skinny water to feed or spawn.

Let's break down what's happening month by month.

SPRING: March - May

Water Temperature: 65-78°F

Target Species: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon (late spring)

Spring is when Northeast Florida's inshore fishing shifts into high gear. As temperatures rise, the waters become more inviting, and fish become more active. This is spawning season for many species, and baitfish migrations bring predators into the shallows.

Redfish Species like snook, tarpon, and redfish are highly sought after during this period. These fish are known to frequent shallow waters, such as flats and estuaries, to engage in their annual mating rituals.

Best Locations: Shallow grass flats, tailing on low tides, creek mouths, oyster bars
Best Baits: Gold spoons, soft plastics (root beer, motor oil colors), topwater plugs in early morning
Technique: Sight fishing! Look for tailing fish or wakes on the flats during low tide
Size Range: 18-27 inches (slot fish), with oversized bulls (30+ inches) also common

Speckled Trout Spring trout fishing is fantastic. They spread out across grass flats and feed aggressively as water warms.

Best Locations: Grass flats edges, potholes in grass beds, shallow bays
Best Baits: Topwater plugs at dawn/dusk, soft plastics (electric chicken, new penny), live shrimp
Technique: Cast to grass edges and work lures erratically; trout ambush from the grass
Size Range: 14-24 inches

Flounder Flounder move inshore in spring to spawn. They're ambush predators that lay flat on sandy or muddy bottoms.

Best Locations: Sandy flats, channel edges, creek mouths, areas with current
Best Baits: Live mud minnows and finger mullet, Gulp! swimming mullets, bucktail jigs tipped with shrimp
Technique: Slow dragging along the bottom; flounder strike as bait passes overhead
Size Range: 12-20 inches

Spanish Mackerel These fast, aggressive fish show up in spring and provide explosive action. They're often near beaches and inlets.

Best Locations: Surf zone, inlet mouths, nearshore reefs
Best Baits: Small silver spoons, Got-Cha plugs, live shrimp on light leaders
Technique: Fast retrieves; mackerel chase down fast-moving prey
Size Range: 12-20 inches

Tarpon (Late April-May) The legendary silver kings begin showing up in late spring. While big tarpon are a challenge from a kayak, juveniles (10-40 lbs) are perfect kayak targets.

Best Locations: Inlets, bridges, deeper channels, beach surf
Best Baits: Live mullet, crabs, soft plastic jerk baits
Technique: Present baits in current or along structure; be ready for explosive strikes
Size Range: 10-80+ pounds

Spring Pro Tips:

Early morning and late evening are prime feeding times
Watch for baitfish activity. Where the bait goes, the predators follow
Spring tides (new and full moons) create strong current and excellent fishing
April and May can have afternoon thunderstorms so always check weather before heading out

Fisherman on Stand Up Paddleboard holding a trout

SUMMER: June - August

Water Temperature: 78-88°F

Target Species: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Tarpon, Snook (limited), Jack Crevalle

Summer brings heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and some adjustments to your fishing strategy. Warm water, strong tides, and heavy bait movement bring redfish, black drum, flounder, and speckled trout into active patterns.

Redfish Redfish remain active but shift their feeding to early morning and late evening to avoid midday heat.

Best Locations: Flooded grass flats on high tide, oyster bars on low tide, shaded dock lines
Best Baits: Gold spoons, topwater plugs (early AM), live shrimp, soft plastics
Technique: Fish the first two hours after sunrise and last two hours before sunset for best action
Size Range: 18-27 inches

Speckled Trout Trout hold in areas with current and forage, typically around grass edges, oyster bar points, creek mouths, and sloped channels.

Best Locations: Deeper grass edges, areas with current flow, shaded docks
Best Baits: Live shrimp under popping cork, soft plastic jerk baits, topwater early/late
Technique: Focus on moving water; trout need oxygen-rich water in summer heat
Size Range: 12-22 inches

Flounder Summer flounder fishing can be excellent, especially in areas with good current and structure.

Best Locations: Inlet areas, channel drop-offs, creek mouths, sandy patches near grass
Best Baits: Live finger mullet, Gulp! baits, jigs bounced slowly along bottom
Technique: Fish with the tide. Flounder position themselves to ambush bait carried by current
Size Range: 12-18 inches

Tarpon Summer is peak tarpon season. These acrobatic fish provide the fight of a lifetime.

Best Locations: St. Augustine Inlet, Matanzas Inlet, deep channels, bridges
Best Baits: Live mullet, crabs, large soft plastics
Technique: Heavy tackle recommended; be prepared for long runs and aerial displays
Size Range: 20-100+ pounds

Jack Crevalle These bruisers are underrated fighters that pull hard and never give up. They're abundant in summer.

Best Locations: Inlets, channels, near schools of baitfish
Best Baits: Fast-moving spoons, topwater plugs, live bait
Technique: Match the baitfish hatch; jacks chase anything that moves
Size Range: 5-20 pounds

Summer Pro Tips:

Launch at first light to beat the heat and catch the morning bite
Always watch for afternoon thunderstorms
Stay hydrated and wear sun protection (long sleeves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Fish moving water. Stagnant areas have low oxygen and inactive fish

FALL: September - November

Water Temperature: 75-68°F

Target Species: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Bull Redfish

Fall is many anglers' favorite season in Northeast Florida. The mullet run starts earliest on the northeast coast (Jacksonville, St. Augustine) in September and works south through October and November. Water temps cool, fish feed aggressively to prepare for winter, and the weather is perfect.

Redfish (Peak Season!) Fall redfish fishing is absolutely phenomenal. Bull redfish in the surf and inlets of Jacksonville and St. Augustine provide trophy opportunities.

Best Locations: Surf zone, inlets, tidal creeks, oyster bars, grass flats
Best Baits: Cut mullet, live finger mullet, gold spoons, soft plastics
Technique: During mullet run, match the mullet — big bull reds are feeding heavily
Size Range: 18-27 inches (slot fish) and 30-45+ inches (oversized bulls in surf and inlets)

Speckled Trout Fall trout fishing is excellent as fish spread across flats and feed aggressively before winter.

Best Locations: Grass flats, creek mouths, shallow bays, potholes
Best Baits: Topwater plugs (morning/evening), soft plastics, live shrimp
Technique: Cover water — trout are actively feeding and less selective
Size Range: 14-24 inches

Flounder Fall brings a second run of flounder as they migrate back toward inlets to spawn offshore.

Best Locations: Inlet areas, channels leading to inlets, creek mouths
Best Baits: Live mullet, mud minnows, Gulp! baits
Technique: Target areas near inlets as flounder stage for offshore migration
Size Range: 12-22 inches

Spanish Mackerel These speedsters return in fall, chasing massive schools of baitfish during the mullet run.

Best Locations: Surf zone, inlets, nearshore areas
Best Baits: Small silver spoons, Got-Cha plugs, live bait
Technique: Fast retrieves; mackerel are aggressive and strike hard
Size Range: 14-22 inches

Pompano Pompano show up in fall along sandy beaches, providing excellent light-tackle action.

Best Locations: Sandy beaches, near inlets, areas with clean sand bottom
Best Baits: Sand fleas, small jigs tipped with shrimp, Fishbites
Technique: Fish the troughs and wash near the beach
Size Range: 10-16 inches

Fall Pro Tips:

The mullet run (September-October) is the most exciting fishing event of the year
Mornings and evenings remain best, but midday fishing improves as temps drop
Watch for diving birds as they signal feeding fish below
Fall weather can shift quickly. Layer for cooler mornings

WINTER: December - February

Water Temperature: 55-65°F

Target Species: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Sheepshead

Winter is actually one of the best seasons for kayak fishing in Northeast Florida. While water temperatures drop, they rarely get cold enough to shut down the bite completely. Fish congregate in predictable areas, making them easier to target.

Redfish (Year-Round) Winter redfish are some of the most consistent fish you'll catch from your kayak. Winter months offer some of the best fishing for redfish and speckled trout in our area. Look for them on oyster bars, creek mouths, and deeper holes during low tide. On warmer, sunny days, they'll move onto shallow flats to warm up.

Best Locations: Guana Lake oyster mounds, tidal creek confluences, residential dock lines
Best Baits: Live shrimp, cut mullet, finger mullet, soft plastic paddle tails in darker colors (black/red, chartreuse/gold)
Technique: Slow presentations near structure; redfish are sluggish in cold water
Size Range: 18-27 inches (slot limit is 18-27 inches — know your regulations!)

Speckled Trout Speckled trout (spotted seatrout) hold in deeper channels and creek bends during winter. They're particularly active on moving tides.

Best Locations: Channel edges, drop-offs near grass flats, deep creek bends
Best Baits: Live shrimp under popping cork, soft plastic jerk baits (white, pearl, glow), MirrOlure suspending lures
Technique: Work baits slowly with subtle twitches; trout feed cautiously in cold water
Size Range: 12-20 inches

Black Drum These hard-fighting, bottom-feeding fish are a winter staple. They often travel in schools around oyster beds.

Best Locations: Oyster bars, shell piles, deeper creek channels
Best Baits: Fresh shrimp (whole or cut), blue crab pieces, clams
Technique: Fish on the bottom with a Carolina rig or fish finder rig
Size Range: 15-30 inches (some much larger!)

Sheepshead Known for their shenanigans with stealing bait, sheepshead are structure-oriented fish that love oyster bars, docks, and bridge pilings.

Best Locations: Docks, bridge pilings, rocky structure, oyster bars
Best Baits: Fiddler crabs, barnacles scraped from pilings, live shrimp
Technique: Light tackle with sensitive tips to detect their subtle bites; use small hooks
Size Range: 10-18 inches

Winter Pro Tips:

Fish during the warmest part of the day (late morning to early afternoon)
Focus on sunny days when fish are most active
Target low tide periods when fish concentrate in deeper holes and channels
Dress in layers. Mornings can be chilly, but midday warms up nicely

Best Kayak Fishing Techniques for Each Season

Reading the Tides Tides are critical in Northeast Florida. Fish the two hours before and after high and low tide for peak activity. Each tide stage moves bait differently and opens up or shuts down zones.

Winter: Focus on low tide when fish concentrate in deeper water Spring: Target incoming tides as fish flood onto warming flats Summer: Fish moving water for oxygen-rich conditions Fall: Work falling tides as bait gets swept toward inlets

Stealth is Key Your kayak gives you an advantage. You're quiet and can sneak into shallow water. Use this to your benefit:

Approach slowly and quietly
Make long casts to avoid spooking fish
Use your paddle to position, not a trolling motor (where legal)

Weather and Water Clarity Pay attention to water color and clarity. In clear water, downsize leader, switch to natural bait colors, and make longer casts. In stained or windy conditions, use brighter baits, corks, and scent-enhanced plastics.

Essential Gear for Kayak Fishing in Northeast Florida

Rods and Reels

Light-Medium Spinning Setup: 6'6"-7' rod, 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line
Medium Spinning Setup: 7'-7'6" rod, 3000-4000 size reel, 15-20 lb braided line
Always use a fluorocarbon leader (15-25 lb) to prevent line visibility and abrasion

Must-Have Tackle

Gold spoons (1/4-1/2 oz)
Soft plastic paddle tails (3-5 inches) in various colors
Topwater plugs for early morning action
Popping corks for presenting live bait
Jig heads (1/8-3/8 oz)
Circle hooks for live bait

Kayak-Specific Essentials

Rod holders (at least two)
Tackle storage (waterproof bags or boxes)
Fish cooler or livewell (if keeping fish)
Landing net
Fish grips or lip gripper
Measuring board (know your size limits)
Pliers and hook remover
First aid kit

Safety Gear (Non-Negotiable)

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Whistle or air horn
Phone in waterproof case
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, sunscreen)
Water

Florida Fishing Regulations: Know Before You Go

License Requirements You need a Florida saltwater fishing license to fish from a kayak in our area. Licenses can be purchased online at https://gooutdoorsflorida.com/ or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA

Important Regulations (Always Verify Current Rules)

Redfish: 18-27 inch slot limit, 1 fish per person per day Speckled Trout: 15-20 inch slot limit, 4 fish per person per day (min size 15") Flounder: 12-inch minimum, 5 fish per person per day (check for seasonal closures) Snook: Highly regulated with slot limits and seasonal closures. Check current rules Tarpon: Catch-and-release only in most cases; special tags required to harvest

Regulations change, so always check the latest rules at MyFWC.com before your trip.

Where to Launch Your Kayak Near North Guana Outpost

North Guana Outpost (4415 Mickler Road, Ponte Vedra Beach) and Guana Outpost South (600 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach) Our two locations offer direct access to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve - some of the best kayak fishing water in Northeast Florida and often called a "mini Mosquito Lagoon".

Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine) Launch into Salt Run for excellent redfish and trout fishing

Matanzas Inlet Great for flounder, redfish, and seasonal tarpon (check conditions - inlet fishing takes experience)

Palm Valley Boat Ramp Access to Tolomato River and backcountry creeks

Girl on a stand up paddleboard holding a redish

Month-by-Month Quick Reference

Month	Top Species	Best Technique	Water Temp
January	Redfish, Trout, Black Drum	Slow presentations, oyster bars	55-60°F
February	Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead	Deep holes, structure fishing	58-63°F
March	Redfish, Trout, Flounder	Warming flats, grass edges	63-68°F
April	Redfish, Trout, Flounder	Sight fishing, topwater	68-73°F
May	Redfish, Trout, Tarpon	Aggressive feeding, live bait	73-78°F
June	Redfish, Trout, Tarpon	Early AM/late PM, moving water	78-83°F
July	Redfish, Trout, Flounder	First/last light, shaded areas	83-88°F
August	Redfish, Tarpon, Jacks	Early mornings, inlets	85-88°F
September	Redfish, Trout, Mackerel	Mullet run begins!	80-85°F
October	Bull Redfish, Trout, Flounder	Peak mullet run action	75-80°F
November	Redfish, Trout, Pompano	Transitioning patterns	68-75°F
December	Redfish, Trout, Black Drum	Deeper water, slower retrieves	60-68°F

Tips from North Guana Outpost

After over a decade of directing anglers to these waters (and personal experience), here's what we've learned:

1. Fish the tides, not the clock. A moving tide at 2pm beats slack water at sunrise.

2. Don't overlook small creeks. Some of our best redfish and trout come from skinny water creeks that barely show on the map.

3. Match your bait to water clarity. Natural colors in clear water, bright colors in murky water.

4. Keep your drag loose. Trout have soft mouths and throw hooks easily with tight drag.

5. Practice catch-and-release. Take only what you'll eat, and release fish carefully so they can fight another day.

6. Learn to read the water. Look for baitfish, bird activity, structure changes, current seams as these all signal where fish will be.

7. Stay safe. Check weather, wear your PFD, tell someone where you're going, and know your limits.

See you on the water!

North Guana Outpost - Your gateway to Northeast Florida's coastal adventures since 2014

NGO Staff