What You'll Find at Huguenot Memorial Park
Huguenot Memorial Park sits at the north jetty of the St. Johns River inlet, where the river meets the Atlantic. The park is built on a narrow strip of land between the inlet and the river, giving you access to three distinct fishing zones: the north jetty itself, the inlet's deeper channels, and the calmer river flats on the west side. Most anglers fish the jetty for structure-loving species or work the flats for redfish and spotted seatrout.
The jetty runs roughly a quarter-mile into the inlet and is made of large granite blocks. It's a working navigation aid, not a recreational pier, so the current can run hard and the structure is uneven. The river side of the park is shallower and muddier, with seagrass beds and oyster bars that hold fish year-round. The inlet channel between the jetty and the opposite bank drops to 20 feet or more and moves a lot of water, especially on tide changes.
Access is free, and the park has a parking lot, restrooms, and a boat ramp. The jetty is open to foot traffic during daylight hours. No permit is required for saltwater fishing in Florida, but you do need a saltwater fishing license unless you're under 16 or over 65.
Key Takeaways
- The north jetty holds Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, and permit year-round, with the best action during incoming tide and low-light hours.
- The river flats west of the park are prime habitat for redfish and spotted seatrout, especially in fall and winter when water temperatures drop.
- The inlet channel between the jetties is deep and current-driven, making it good for larger species like tarpon and large jacks during summer months.
- Parking and boat access are free, but the jetty is rocky and slippery; wear shoes with good grip and watch for sudden drop-offs between blocks.
- Tide and time of day matter more than season here—incoming tide and dawn or dusk produce more bites than slack water or midday sun.
Jetty Fishing for Mackerel and Jacks
The north jetty is the most popular spot in the park and for good reason. The granite blocks create pockets of slack water and current breaks where baitfish gather, and predators hunt them hard. Spanish mackerel are the bread-and-butter species here, especially in spring and fall. They're fast, aggressive, and willing to hit small shiny lures. Jack crevalle show up year-round and fight harder than anything else your size. Permit also cruise the jetty, though they're pickier and require smaller baits and a quieter approach.
Fish the jetty on incoming tide, when water pushes baitfish against the rocks and predators position themselves to feed. The first two hours of incoming tide and the last hour before slack water are usually most productive. Early morning and late afternoon are better than midday, when the sun is high and fish move deeper or into the shade of the rocks.
Use small shiny lures—spoons, small plugs, or soft plastics in silver or pearl. Live baitfish like mullet or pinfish work well too, but lures are easier to cast and cover more water. The jetty is crowded on weekends, so weekday mornings give you more room and often fewer spooked fish. Watch your footing; the rocks are slippery, especially after rain or high tide, and the gaps between blocks can trap a foot or ankle.
River Flats for Redfish and Seatrout
The west side of the park, facing the river, is shallower and calmer than the inlet. Seagrass beds and oyster bars create the kind of habitat redfish and spotted seatrout love. Water depth ranges from 2 to 6 feet, and the bottom is mostly mud and grass. This is sight-fishing country if you have good light and polarized sunglasses, but it also works well blind-casting small lures or live shrimp.
Fall and winter are peak seasons for the flats. As water temperatures drop, redfish and seatrout move into shallower areas to hunt. Winter redfish can be aggressive, especially on incoming tide when baitfish move into the grass. Spotted seatrout are more active in early morning and late afternoon, even in winter. Spring and summer are slower, though you'll still find fish in the deepest grass beds and around the oyster bars.
Fish with light tackle—6 to 8 pound test is plenty for redfish and seatrout in this water. Small soft plastics (2 to 3 inches) rigged on a jighead work well, as do live shrimp under a popping cork. If you're wading, move slowly and watch for tailing redfish in the shallows. If you're casting from shore, focus on the edges of grass beds and the deeper pockets between oyster bars.
Inlet Channel and Deeper Water
The channel between the north and south jetties is 15 to 25 feet deep and moves a lot of water, especially during tide changes. This is where larger fish hunt, and it's the best zone if you have a boat. Tarpon move through the inlet in summer, usually on the incoming tide. Large jacks, big Spanish mackerel, and occasional snook also use the channel as a highway between the river and the ocean.
Fishing the channel from shore is possible but limited. You can cast from the jetty into the channel, but you'll need heavier tackle to reach the deeper water and hold bottom against the current. From a boat, you can drift the channel with live bait or work the edges with lures. The current is strong, so use a drift sock or anchor to slow your movement and give fish time to see your bait.
Summer is prime time for the channel, when tarpon and large jacks are most active. Spring and fall also produce, especially during the first few hours of incoming tide. Winter is slower, though you can still find fish on warmer days when the sun heats the water.
Tides, Time of Day, and Seasonal Patterns
Tide is the single biggest factor at Huguenot. Incoming tide pushes baitfish against the jetty and into the river flats, and predators position themselves to intercept them. The first two hours of incoming tide are usually the most active. Slack water—the period between tide changes—is slower. Outgoing tide can work, but it's usually not as productive as incoming.
Time of day matters too. Dawn and dusk are better than midday, especially in summer when the sun is bright and fish move deeper or into shade. Overcast days are better than clear days for the same reason. Night fishing is possible and can be excellent, especially for tarpon and large jacks, but the jetty is unlit and rocky, so it requires care and a good headlamp.
Seasonal patterns are less dramatic here than in other parts of Florida. Spanish mackerel and jacks are present year-round. Redfish and seatrout are most active in fall and winter. Tarpon show up in summer. The water temperature rarely drops below 50 degrees, so fish don't disappear entirely in winter—they just move to deeper water or slow down.
Gear, Tackle, and What to Bring
For jetty fishing, bring a medium-light spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 10 to 15 pound test. A small tackle box with spoons, small plugs, and soft plastics is all you need. The jetty is rocky and exposed, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses. Water shoes or boots with good grip are essential—the rocks are slippery and unforgiving.
For flats fishing, use lighter tackle: a 6-foot rod with 8 to 10 pound test works well. Bring small soft plastics, a few jigheads, and some live shrimp if you can get them. A net is helpful for landing fish in shallow water. Wading is possible on the flats, but the bottom is soft and muddy in places, so wear wading boots or water shoes.
Bring plenty of water, especially in summer. The park has no shade on the jetty, and the sun reflects off the rocks and water. A cooler with ice is useful if you plan to keep fish. Check the tide chart before you go—it takes two minutes and will save you hours of slow fishing.
Rules, Safety, and Practical Details
Huguenot Memorial Park is open sunrise to sunset. The jetty is open to foot traffic, but swimming is not allowed. Fishing is allowed year-round. You need a saltwater fishing license unless you're under 16 or over 65. Licenses are available online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or at most bait shops in Jacksonville Beach.
The jetty is a working navigation aid, so large ships and tugboats use the inlet. Stay alert and move to the side if a vessel approaches. The current can be strong, especially during tide changes, so never turn your back to the water. The rocks are slippery, gaps between blocks can trap feet, and the drop-off between the jetty and the inlet is sudden. Wear shoes with good grip and watch your footing.
Parking is free and usually available, though the lot fills on weekends. There are restrooms and a boat ramp. The park has no food vendors, so bring snacks or eat before you arrive. Cell service is spotty on the jetty, so let someone know where you're going.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Huguenot?
Fall and winter are best for redfish and seatrout on the flats. Spring and fall are good for Spanish mackerel on the jetty. Summer brings tarpon to the inlet channel. Year-round, incoming tide and dawn or dusk are more important than season.
Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?
You can fish from shore on the jetty and the river flats. The jetty is the most productive spot for foot traffic. A boat opens up the inlet channel and lets you cover more water on the flats, but it's not required.
Is the jetty safe to walk on?
The jetty is rocky, slippery, and has gaps between blocks. Wear shoes with good grip and watch your footing. Never turn your back to the water, and stay alert for large vessels using the inlet. It's safe if you pay attention and move carefully.
What size fish can I expect to catch?
Spanish mackerel run 1 to 3 pounds. Jack crevalle range from 2 to 8 pounds on the jetty, larger in the inlet channel. Redfish on the flats are usually 3 to 6 pounds. Spotted seatrout run 1 to 3 pounds. Tarpon in the inlet can exceed 100 pounds.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, unless you're under 16 or over 65. Saltwater licenses are available online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or at local bait shops. A 3-day license is cheaper than a yearly one if you fish infrequently.