View from the George Crady Bridge

Straddling the Duval-Nassau county line and the pristine waters of the Nassau Sound, the historic George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park replaced a ferry system in the 1940s that once shuttled travelers and locals between Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville. Replaced by its neighboring newer bridge in the late 1990s, state Rep. George Crady fought to preserve this structure for the public.

An avid fisherman himself, his efforts resulted in the creation of a new state park and year-round access to these honey-hole fishing grounds.

Fishing and pedestrian use continues to this day from either end of the bridge. The middle section of the span was recently closed due to shoreline erosion brought on by recent hurricane seasons.

Today visitors can come to the bridge to enjoy the vistas and wildlife of the Nassau Sound.

To the north, the woods of Amelia Island State Park frame the shore. Look east to see the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Southern views of the driftwood beach and the tall bluffs of Big Talbot Island State Park reach out toward the sea. To the west, sunsets over the salt marsh of the Amelia River and Black Hammock Island stretch as far as you can see.

Scan the water for the dark silhouettes of the marine life that passes between the sea and the estuaries.

Spot the blow spray from a passing dolphin pod, or look for the peeping snouts of sea turtles, manatees and diamondback terrapins as they surface for a breath.

Marvel at the different kinds of fish like flat flounders, dazzling spotted redfish, spotted sea trout or striped black drum as they are reeled in.

Come face to face with a circling laughing gull, royal tern or osprey as it hunts for its next meal, and watch passing pelicans bob on the waves and currents as they lounge in the blue waters or take flight like giant pterodactyls of prehistoric times.

George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park is so much more than just a fishing spot. Epic views of sunrise, sunset and the wild places of Florida beckon you, and you never know exactly what you might see.