Recess Sportfishing

Experience the Best Inshore & Nearshore Fishing Adventure in NE Florida!

-----About Recess Sportfishing-----
The origins of Recess Sportfishing go back to the early ‘90s when Dave Workman, Jr. and Frank Cole collaborated on the design, construction, outfitting and fishing of “RECESS”. A custom boat built by Tides Boatworks of Irvington, Virginia, “RECESS” set a new standard in small sportfishing

boats. At 27’10” long and powered with a 300 horsepower Caterpillar diesel engine, “RECESS” was a “small big boat” – a stable, fast and economical platform for chasing big fish in big water. But what made “RECESS” special was the unique and innovative features often only found on the big dollar, big boats custom built in Palm Beach and the Carolinas. Concealed state-of-the-art electronics raised out of the helm by an electrical activator and computerized electric teaser reels had not previously been found on this class of boat. The full teak deck and teak covering boards not only added to the classic styling of “RECESS”, but also enhanced her fishability. “RECESS” fished the blue water off Jacksonville and St. Off Northeast Florida and the Bahamas, “RECESS” was responsible for many remarkable catches of Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo and Dolphin before retirement in the late ‘90s. With the retirement of “RECESS”, Recess Sportfishing moved inshore – transitioning from fishing in thousands of feet of water to mere inches of water. While the water depth and the target species may have changed, the passion never has. The challenge of catching big fish in shallow water is every bit as alluring and rewarding. The spell-binding beauty of our tidal creeks and coastal waters rival any sights associated with bluewater fishing. And, it’s all here in our own backyard – just a short boat ride away. Whether you desire to seek your thrills in the rivers and creeks of Northeast Florida or “outside the rocks” in the nearshore waters of the Atlantic, Recess Sportfishing has the equipment, the experience, the expertise and the enthusiasm to make your fishing dreams come true. Let’s go fishing!


-----About Captain Frank Cole, Jr.-----
Frank was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where he began fishing and surfing at an early age. He acquired his basic fishing skills in the freshwater tributaries of the St. Johns River, the saltwater of the Intracoastal Waterway and the surf of Jacksonville’s beaches. During his early twenties, he honed his light tackle sight-casting skills in the clear waters of the Northern Gulf of Mexico for Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Cobia and Tarpon. In 1987, Frank purchased his first boat and began his offshore fishing career. Over the years, he pursued larger and larger fish, further and further offshore. Notwithstanding the thrill and excitement of blue water and big fish, Frank always maintained his passion for light-tackle sight-fishing. After a decade and a half of pursuing offshore gamefish from King Mackerel to Blue Marlin, Frank returned to the shallows and since 2000 has concentrated his focus and energy on light-tackle and fly fishing throughout Northeast Florida and the Northern Gulf Coast. Frank is passionate about sharing the incredible fishery and beauty the diverse Northeast Florida habitat has to offer. He prides himself as a waterman and a steward of our resources. He strenuously encourages conservation through catch-and-release.