Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass provide excellent bottom fishing opportunities out of Jacksonville. While not as abundant inshore, venturing a bit offshore to structure like wrecks and reefs will increase your chances. These fish are available year-round, but the fall and winter months often produce larger fish. Standard bottom fishing techniques with squid, shrimp, or cut bait work well. Use a two-hook rig or a jig fished near the bottom. The artificial reefs off the coast are prime spots to target them. Be prepared for a mixed bag, as you may also encounter other species like snapper and grouper. A local tip: pay attention to the current and adjust your weight accordingly to keep your bait on the bottom. Also, be mindful of the depth, as black sea bass typically prefer deeper water, often 60 feet or more.