About the Nassau Sport Fishing Association
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association (NSFA) was established in 1983 for charitable and educational purposes as a not-for-profit organization authorized by the State of Florida. In 2010 the Club was granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS as a public charity.
Its mission is to develop and promote salt water fishing in the Nassau County area while adhering to state, federal and local regulations, to encourage compliance with rules of water safety by club members and the general public, and to promote youth related community activities.
NSFA started out small in its early stages, holding club tournaments and social events. The club continued to grow and actively support a Youth Fishing Tournament and the placement of off shore artificial reefs. Reef "BA" located approximately 16.5 miles, 97 degrees east of the St. Mary's entrance buoy was created in 1995 and in 2006 the club partnered with the Fernandina Beach High School and the United States Coast Guard to create Captain Daddy (CD) Reef. CD Reef is located approximately 10 miles southeast of the St. Mary’s jetties at coordinates N30 35.928 W81 15.952.
NSFA also presents the annual Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo/SKA Tournament, the Black Drum Tournament and the Trout Tournament. Proceeds from the Trout Tournament support Big Brothers and Sisters of Nassau County. Both the Rodeo/Kingfish and the Trout tournaments feature youth awards to encourage youth participation.
Each year NSFA partners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to host a Youth Fishing Clinic at Fort Clinch State Park where every participant takes home a rod & reel and fond memories of a day fishing.
NSFA also provides its members with education on fishing techniques and a means for networking with other interested in fishing.
The Nassau Sport Fishing Association also actively supports the youth of our community through annual donations to the Fernandina Beach High School Business Partners, and sponsoring two $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors in Nassau County annually. NSFA also donates 15% of the profits from our Shrimp Festival Booth to the local high school swim teams and dive club.
Major Club Activities include the following:
Monthly Meetings: The NSFA Business Meeting is held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month and our Social "potluck" gathering is on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Both meetings are held at the Kraft Athletic Club on Amelia Island. The social meeting includes an educational component with speakers on fishing, boat safety, legislative updates, etc. Occasionally, the meeting dates are rescheduled due to tournaments and holidays; check our calendar for dates and times. Please join us to see what the club is all about.
Fish of the Month/Angler of the Year: The Fish of the Month is an interclub tournament where each member has an opportunity to catch the largest designated fish for that month. Monthly cash awards are given for the three biggest fish caught for that month. All anglers submitting weigh slips accumulate points toward the Angler of the Year Award.
Shrimp Festival: The coordination of a food booth at this local City of Fernandina Beach festival event supports the financial stability of our club, allowing us to provide the year's planned activities.
Interclub Tournaments: Interclub fishing tournaments provide sport fishing competition in salt water areas of Nassau County and promote compliance with state, federal and local fishing regulations. All interclub tournaments feature youth awards to encourage youth involvement.
Drum Tournament: This tournament is month long community event scheduled for the last of March and first of April. Target fish is the giant black drum. Drum fishing is a tradition in Fernandina Beach.
Fernandina Beach Fishing Rodeo/Kingfish Tournament of Champions (TOC): This event is presented by the Nassau Sport Fishing Association and is sanctioned by the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA). Major cash and prize awards are given out to the top anglers, lady anglers and youth anglers. This is a two-day public event and concludes with an awards ceremony and entertainment. Since 1983, this annual tournament has grown to become a favorite stop on the SKA Division 5 tournament trail, with numerous anglers competing for the right to fish in the SKA nationals in November. In 2011 a rodeo format was added featuring an additional five off shore and five in shore species as well. Proceeds from the TOC, if any, support the year's planned activities.
Youth Fishing Tournament: The Youth Fishing Tournament is a fun day of fishing for our community youth. This event promotes fishing by boys and girls 6 to 14 years of age. At the end of the day each young person leaves with a fishing rod and reel. Tournament motto: Hooked on fishing, not on drugs! NSFA partners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on this event.
Trout Tournament: This tournament is scheduled during the month of November and is open to the public. Target fish are trout, red fish and flounder in the inland waters. Proceeds from the tournament support Big Brothers and Sisters of Nassau County.
To join NSFA, please click here.
For more information, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .