Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park Fishing

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is Jacksonville's big beach park, with 1.5 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach backed by dunes and forest. The north end of the beach, by the famous surf break known as the Poles, lies beside the south jetty of the St. Johns River, and the river's current and bait make it the park's most productive stretch.

• Whiting, pompano and bluefish in the surf.
• Redfish and black drum toward the jetty end.
• Spanish mackerel and sharks in summer.
• Camping, trails and a freshwater lake make it a full day out.

The park is at 500 Wonderwood Drive, between Atlantic Beach and Mayport, reached from Mayport Road or Wonderwood Drive.

• Entry: A per-vehicle entry fee (lower for pedestrians and cyclists; half off for active military and veterans with ID), paid by cash or card, or an annual pass.
• Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in daylight saving time and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter; entry from 6 a.m. needs an early-bird ticket or annual pass bought in advance; last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
• Parking: Several beach parking areas with boardwalk access to the sand.
• The Poles: The northernmost beach, beside the naval station fence. The south jetty itself is on Naval Station Mayport property and off-limits; fish from the park beach and obey the signs.
• Surface: Soft sand beach below the dunes.

A classic Northeast Florida surf beach, boosted by the river mouth at the north end.

• Spring (Mar-May): Whiting and pompano on the bars, bluefish and Spanish mackerel moving north, black drum toward the jetty end.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Whiting and croaker at dawn, Spanish mackerel, blacktip and other sharks, redfish near the jetty end.
• Fall (Sep-Nov): The mullet run brings redfish, bluefish and jacks into the surf; pompano return late.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Whiting and black drum, bluefish on cold fronts, pompano on calm clear days.

Standard surf tackle does the job.

• Whiting and pompano: A 9-12 ft surf rod, a two-hook pompano rig, size 1-1/0 hooks, 3-5 oz pyramid sinker, and sand fleas brought with you, shrimp or Fishbites.
• Redfish and black drum: A fish-finder rig with 4-6 oz of lead and cut mullet, crab or clams toward the north end.
• Bluefish and Spanish mackerel: Metal spoons and Gotcha plugs through bait schools, with a bite leader.
• Sharks: Heavy tackle and a free FWC shore-based shark fishing permit; keep well away from swimmers.
• A sand spike and a cart make the walk from the lots easier.

Tides near the St. Johns River mouth are semidiurnal, two highs and two lows a day, with a range of around five feet.

• The incoming tide is best for whiting and pompano in the first trough.
• At the north end, the outgoing tide pulls bait from the river along the beach and brings redfish and drum.
• A light westerly wind flattens the surf; the Poles is a surf break, so big swells mean rough, cloudy water.
• Cold fronts in fall and winter trigger bluefish and whiting bites.
• Early morning is best in summer, before surfers and swimmers fill the beach.

An open ocean beach with some particular hazards at the north end.

• Rip currents: Common, especially near the jetty and the Poles; never wade deep to cast.
• Surfers: The Poles is a busy surf break; do not cast toward surfers.
• Restricted area: The jetty and the naval station beyond the fence are off-limits.
• Weather: Summer lightning; there is no shelter on the beach.
• Wildlife: Shuffle your feet for stingrays; sharks are common in summer.
• Access: Boardwalks cross the dunes; the beach itself is soft sand.

Hanna Park is one of Jacksonville's best-equipped parks.

• Restrooms, and picnic areas that can be reserved.
• A campground with tent and RV sites and cabins.
• Over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails and a 60-acre freshwater lake.
• Kayak and bike rentals and a campground store selling ice and snacks, plus a kids' splash park open from May to October.
• No bait shop is listed in the park; bring bait with you.

• Head to the north end near the Poles on the outgoing tide for redfish and drum.
• Early-bird tickets, bought ahead, let you start at 6 a.m., the best time in summer.
• Watch the surf forecast: big swell is great for surfers and poor for surf fishing.
• The lake is freshwater; a freshwater license is needed there, not a saltwater one.
• Pompano show up on clean, calm days in late fall and spring.
• Check park hours before a sunset session; last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is managed by the City of Jacksonville Parks, Recreation and Community Services; the jetty is on Naval Station Mayport property and closed to the public.

• Park hours and entry fees apply, including on re-entry; no alcohol, glass, balloons or fireworks, and no fires or grills on the beach.
• Collecting or disturbing animals in the park is prohibited, so buy sand fleas rather than digging them; pets only in designated areas on a leash.
• Swimming, cast nets and night fishing are banned on the lake.
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you are exempt.
• Shore-based shark fishing requires a free FWC permit.
• Check current FWC rules (myfwc.com) for size, bag and season limits before keeping anything.