Bass fishing in Fernandina Beach, Florida, off the coast of Amelia Island, ranges from deep-sea situations to river-fishing and fishing off bridges and piers as well, especially from January to May. From the black sea bass of the Atlantic to the smaller brown and striped bass of Nassau Sound and the largemouth bass in the St. Mary's River, Fernandina is the place to come for bass. If you feel accomplished enough, you might even want to enter the Fernandina Bass Fishing Tournament in late May to early June.
Bottom Fishing for Black Sea Bass
When deep-sea fishing for sea bass, fish on the incoming tide and use jigs instead of live bait. You will have to get out into waters at least 45 feet deep to find sea bass, but they will be there, at a 40-foot bottom. Among sea bass, the most prized are the black ones because they are the largest. You won't find them much further south in Florida, so enjoy fishing for them in Fernandina Beach.
St. Mary's River
The middle and upper parts of the St. Mary's, fed by two swamps, are the ideal place to fish for largemouth bass. Do a combination paddle-fishing trip by canoe to the upper St. Mary's, where no motorized boats can go, and enjoy the tidal currents. The Fernandina Beach Chamber of Commerce can give updated information, based on water levels, to aid in safe passage on the river.
Nassau Sound
Big Talbot Island State Park's deep-water boat ramp gives easy access to fishing for striped bass. Be sure and file a float plan, since you can easily go from Nassau Sound out into the Atlantic without knowing it. Take advantage of the park's many hiking trails before or after your fishing expedition.
Fishing off the Pier
The George Crady Bridge Pier, at 3240 S. Fletcher Ave. in Fernandina Beach, is a great place to try your hand at bass fishing. Often crowded on weekends, it's a long way down, so bring a net to help with your catch. People have been known to fall off the pier while trying to reel in a fish. If you are not a Florida resident and are 16 and older, don't forget to buy a non-resident saltwater fishing license if you are going to fish from bridges, piers or land. Florida residents are welcome to fish in Fernandina's saltwater without a license.
Help Others Enjoy Fernandina Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts who are also interested in physical fitness will want to enter the Last Leg Rally and Benefit Run held in February on Fernandina Beach. The event is sponsored by Anchors Aweigh Charters, a nonprofit organization providing fishing charters to people with terminal illness and developmental or physical disabilities.
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