The North Florida King of the Beach, held July 31-Aug. 2, officially wrapped up Northeast Florida's 2026 kingfish tournament season.
It was a strong season, with plenty of bait near the beach and kingfish caught both shallow and deep. Sailfish added to the fun, with some showing up close to the beach this year.
The largest kingfish caught during Northeast Florida's major tournament season this year was an impressive 52.72-pound fish, landed by Team Marine Specialties during the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament.
Anglers can view live and final certified standings on the tournament's Live Results Portal. The local kingfish tournament circuit will reset in June 2027, but there's plenty of fishing ahead this summer.
Nearshore & Offshore
Tarpon: The “Silver King” is taking center stage. July and August are peak months for the annual migration, with big tarpon chasing smaller pogy pods just outside the surf from Jacksonville Beach south toward Ponte Vedra. Look for rolling fish and active bait pods, particularly early or late in the day.
King Mackerel: Tournament season may be over, but the kingfish are still here. Slow-trolling live pogies continues to produce results.
Farther offshore, vermilion snapper and amberjack continue to provide action around reefs and deeper structure.
Inshore & Intracoastal
Spotted Seatrout: Trout remain active, particularly early and late in the day, when temperatures are cooler and the water is cleaner. Check current FWC regulations before keeping fish.
Redfish: Slot-sized redfish can be found around marsh grass, oyster structure and creek bends. The approaching fall mullet run will bring some of the year's best opportunities for big bull reds around the St. Johns River, Mayport jetties and deeper Intracoastal holes.
Ladyfish & Jacks: Schools are busting bait throughout river channels, providing reliable action.
Freshwater
Largemouth Bass: Fish topwater early around lily pads and vegetation before bass move deeper as temperatures rise. Later in the day, work docks and deeper cover with plastic worms and crankbaits.
Bluegill & Shellcracker: Live crickets and red worms around shaded cypress knees and deeper creek bends continue to produce steady panfish action.
Shrimp: The summer shrimp run is underway in the St. Johns River. Some are still running small.
