George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park

Located in Jacksonville, this one-mile long, pedestrian-only fishing bridge spans Nassau Sound and provides access to one of the best fishing areas on Northeast Florida.

Anglers catch a variety of fish, including whiting, jack, drum and tarpon. Access to the bridge is through Amelia Island State Park. The mile-long bridge is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Located seven miles north of Little Talbot Island State Park on State Road A-1-A or eight miles south of Fernandina Beach.

We welcome you to visit all seven of the parks which collectively comprise Talbot Islands State Parks: Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park, Amelia Island State Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, Fort George Island Cultural State Park, Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park and Big Talbot Island State Park.

Experiences

Bicycling
Cyclists can enjoy panoramic views of the Nassau Sound on the George Crady Fishing Bridge. The one-mile-long bridge parrallels the A1A roadway bridge whose road shoulders serve to link a southern four-mile segment of the paved multi-use Timucuan Trail on Big Talbot Island to a six-mile northern segment on Amelia Island. Cyclists may detour to the fishing bridge to take in the scenic views but keep in mind that through access across the Sound is prohibited. Remember to share the bridge with people fishing and use caution when biking around casting fisherman. Bicycles are available for rent at the nearby Kelly Seahorse Ranch at Amelia Island State Park.

Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.

Fishing
Nassau Sound is one of the best fishing areas in northeast Florida and home to the state record flounder, over 20 lbs! Fishing is popular from the George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park and along the shore of Amelia Island State Park. The fishing pier is closed to vehicle traffic and offers the bridge angler a mile of pier to wet their line in hopes of catching the next record fish or tonight's dinner. Many different species of fish can be caught in this area including redfish, whiting, flounder, speckled sea trout, jacks and tarpon.

Redfish and speckled sea trout are available throughout the year, but higher numbers are available in the spring and fall. Popular baits, including mullet and shrimp, and can be caught along the shoreline using a cast-net. Artificial baits are also very popular. Along the south end of the fishing bridge, several small grass flats hold a wide variety of fish. Tarpon follow the fall mullet run into Nassau Sound and gorge themselves before continuing their migration to more southern waters. A bait cleaning table with running water on the north side of the bridge offers an easy preparation station. Bring your fishing cart, shade umbrella and picnic lunch and enjoy wetting a line while taking in panoramic views of the Nassau Sound, Amelia Island and Big Talbot Island.

Fishing is permitted in accordance with Florida state law. Please go to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to obtain the most current saltwater fishing regulations and to obtain a fishing license online. The park does not sell fishing licenses. All fishing within the park must conform to the regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.

Picnicking
Enjoy a break from fishing or cycling at our picnic table platform located next to the restrooms on the north end of the bridge.

Wildlife Viewing
The fishing bridge offers a unique vantage point for wildlife viewing. Up above the Sound, there are unobstructed views of the water and sky. Take in the sweeping views of the Nassau Sound and be on the look out for bottlenose dolphins, black tip sharks and even loggerhead sea turtles swimming underneath the bridge. During the spring and summer, an estuarine species of turtle, called diamondback terrapins, may be spotted close to the shoreline of Sawpit Island, one of their nesting grounds. Overhead, osprey, brown pelicans and even Bald Eagles may be seen during the winter months.

Amenities

Pets
Pets are not permitted on the fishing bridge.

Restroom Facilities
Restroom facilities are located at the bathhouse at the north end of the fishing bridge.

Showers Day Visitors
Wash off the sand, salt and fishing grime at the outdoor shower, adjacent to the bathhouse at the north end of the bridge.

Wheelchair Accessible
The fishing bridge and nearby restroom are ADA accessible.