Northeast Florida Kayak Fishing
Fishing Spots
When one considers all of the creeks and rivers in Northeast Florida & Southeast Georgia (not to mention the Atlantic Ocean!), there are dozens of places to take your kayak and do some fishing. While no self respecting angler willingly gives up the location of his/her favorite "honey holes," there are numerous places in the area where you can gain access to paddleable water and scout out your own fishing spots. If you know of additional launch locations that we should list here, please drop us an e-mail and tell us about it. You can also find a great source of kayak fishing spots in Northeast Florida at jaxkayakfishing.com.
Scroll down the page to discover places to launch a kayak and do some fishing in Northeast Florida and in Southeast Georgia.
Be sure to check the WEATHER & TIDES before you go! Note: Tide data shown below are approximations only. Proceed with caution!
Boggy Creek / Nassau Landing (FL) map tides
Approximately 4 miles west of I-95, South of A1A, on Edwards road. This ramp is maintained by Nassau County. Plenty of paved parking across the street; no facilities, other than a public trash can. Located in a quiet neighborhood, this is a well-maintained ramp. Paddle south for 3 or 4 miles to the Nassau River.
Approximately 4 miles west of I-95, South of A1A, on Edwards road. This ramp is maintained by Nassau County. Plenty of paved parking across the street; no facilities, other than a public trash can. Located in a quiet neighborhood, this is a well-maintained ramp. Paddle south for 3 or 4 miles to the Nassau River.
Cedar Point / Horseshoe Creek (FL) map tides
This is an unpaved, primitive launch located at the end of Cedar Point Road. No facilities. No fees. A few small powerboats launch here, but the "ramp" is barely usable for motorized craft. You can launch a kayak where the old ramp is, or to the left next to some old dock pilings. From this location, you can fish Cedar Creek, Horseshoe Creek, ICW and Sisters Creek. Fish for redfish, flounder and spotted seatrout here.
Directions: From Nassau County, take US 17 south and cross the Nassau River. Turn left at Yellow Bluff Road and turn left at the 2nd traffic light onto New Berlin Road. New Berlin will branch into a "Y" intersection with Cedar Point Road -- maintain your easterly heading on to Cedar Point Road (New Berlin Rd branches off to the right). Follow Cedar Point Road for approximately 6 miles. When you see the "Dead End" sign, look for a dirt road on the left that leads to the launch site. If traveling from Duval County, take SR 9A to New Berlin Road and turn left onto New Berlin. Travel for approximately to the "Y" intersection described above and turn right onto Cedar Point Road. Proceed as described.
This is an unpaved, primitive launch located at the end of Cedar Point Road. No facilities. No fees. A few small powerboats launch here, but the "ramp" is barely usable for motorized craft. You can launch a kayak where the old ramp is, or to the left next to some old dock pilings. From this location, you can fish Cedar Creek, Horseshoe Creek, ICW and Sisters Creek. Fish for redfish, flounder and spotted seatrout here.
Directions: From Nassau County, take US 17 south and cross the Nassau River. Turn left at Yellow Bluff Road and turn left at the 2nd traffic light onto New Berlin Road. New Berlin will branch into a "Y" intersection with Cedar Point Road -- maintain your easterly heading on to Cedar Point Road (New Berlin Rd branches off to the right). Follow Cedar Point Road for approximately 6 miles. When you see the "Dead End" sign, look for a dirt road on the left that leads to the launch site. If traveling from Duval County, take SR 9A to New Berlin Road and turn left onto New Berlin. Travel for approximately to the "Y" intersection described above and turn right onto Cedar Point Road. Proceed as described.
Cuno Creek / Wilson Neck(FL) map tides
This is a small boat ramp maintained by Nassau County, located east of Hwy 17 in Yulee (not far from Charlie’s Fish Camp). No facilities, adequate parking and a small dock near the ramp. The creek is fairly deep, even at low tide, which makes for an easy kayak launch any time. It flows south to the Nassau River, located approximately 1.8 miles from the ramp.
Directions: From Interstate 95, take exit 373 and go east on A1A. Turn right on Hwy 17. Go left on Harts Rd. After the “S” curve, Harts Rd becomes Haddock Rd. Turn right onto Wilson Neck Rd. Turn right on Holbrook. Turn left on Lana. Turn right on Faye Rd. The ramp is at the end of Faye Rd.
This is a small boat ramp maintained by Nassau County, located east of Hwy 17 in Yulee (not far from Charlie’s Fish Camp). No facilities, adequate parking and a small dock near the ramp. The creek is fairly deep, even at low tide, which makes for an easy kayak launch any time. It flows south to the Nassau River, located approximately 1.8 miles from the ramp. Directions: From Interstate 95, take exit 373 and go east on A1A. Turn right on Hwy 17. Go left on Harts Rd. After the “S” curve, Harts Rd becomes Haddock Rd. Turn right onto Wilson Neck Rd. Turn right on Holbrook. Turn left on Lana. Turn right on Faye Rd. The ramp is at the end of Faye Rd.
Deedee Bartels County Boat Ramp. (FL) map tides
Located at the north end of Amelia Island, at the end of 14th Street N. and immediately west of historic Ft. Clinch. No fee. No phone. Lots & lots of free parking; public restroom and picnic facility available. Kayaks should launch from the sand beach to the right of the concrete ramp. Fishing piers are on either side of the ramp, so be mindful of fishing lines. Expect rough water whenever the wind is from the north or northeast. Powerboat traffic can be heavy here. This is also the intersection of the Amelia & St. Mary’s rivers, which makes for strong currents, large standing waves, and commercial ship traffic (including nuclear submarines from Kings Bay, GA!). Crossing the river(s) to Cumberland Island or to Tiger Island is not advisable for novice paddlers.
Directions: Take I-95 to exit 373 (Callahan/Fernandina Beach/A1A). Go east on A1A/SR 200 for 16 miles to the intersection of Atlantic Ave and A1A. Right on Atlantic left on 14th St. Continue 2 miles to boat ramp at end of road. Launch is sandy beach. Just before the ramp there is a bait shop/marina on the right at Egan’s creek. The bait shop also has a small ramp on Egan’s creek, but they charge $5 to use it.
Located at the north end of Amelia Island, at the end of 14th Street N. and immediately west of historic Ft. Clinch. No fee. No phone. Lots & lots of free parking; public restroom and picnic facility available. Kayaks should launch from the sand beach to the right of the concrete ramp. Fishing piers are on either side of the ramp, so be mindful of fishing lines. Expect rough water whenever the wind is from the north or northeast. Powerboat traffic can be heavy here. This is also the intersection of the Amelia & St. Mary’s rivers, which makes for strong currents, large standing waves, and commercial ship traffic (including nuclear submarines from Kings Bay, GA!). Crossing the river(s) to Cumberland Island or to Tiger Island is not advisable for novice paddlers.
Directions: Take I-95 to exit 373 (Callahan/Fernandina Beach/A1A). Go east on A1A/SR 200 for 16 miles to the intersection of Atlantic Ave and A1A. Right on Atlantic left on 14th St. Continue 2 miles to boat ramp at end of road. Launch is sandy beach. Just before the ramp there is a bait shop/marina on the right at Egan’s creek. The bait shop also has a small ramp on Egan’s creek, but they charge $5 to use it.
Egan's Creek. (FL) map tides
Also located near the north end of Amelia Island, at 1620 N 14th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The Bait House is on the right hand side of the road, immediately before the bridge that crosses Egan's Creek. The bait shop includes a small boat ramp; fee to use the ramp is $5. This is a well-stocked bait shop, with minnows, live shrimp, fiddler crabs, and a variety of tackle. Follow the creek left (under the bridge) to the mouth where it empties into the Amelia River, or go right all the way to Atlantic Blvd. You may encounter an alligator or two as you travel up the creek. Redfish, spotted trout and flounder are all caught in Egan's Creek.
Directions: Take I-95 to exit 373 (Callahan/Fernandina Beach/A1A). Go east on A1A/SR 200 for 16 miles to the intersection of Atlantic Ave and A1A. Right on Atlantic left on 14th St. Continue 1.5 miles to the bridge over Egan's Creek. Turn right just before the bridge and park at the Bait House.
Also located near the north end of Amelia Island, at 1620 N 14th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. The Bait House is on the right hand side of the road, immediately before the bridge that crosses Egan's Creek. The bait shop includes a small boat ramp; fee to use the ramp is $5. This is a well-stocked bait shop, with minnows, live shrimp, fiddler crabs, and a variety of tackle. Follow the creek left (under the bridge) to the mouth where it empties into the Amelia River, or go right all the way to Atlantic Blvd. You may encounter an alligator or two as you travel up the creek. Redfish, spotted trout and flounder are all caught in Egan's Creek.
Directions: Take I-95 to exit 373 (Callahan/Fernandina Beach/A1A). Go east on A1A/SR 200 for 16 miles to the intersection of Atlantic Ave and A1A. Right on Atlantic left on 14th St. Continue 1.5 miles to the bridge over Egan's Creek. Turn right just before the bridge and park at the Bait House.
Fort George River / Alimacani Ramp (FL) map tides
The Alimacani Boat Ramp is an unimproved ramp located just west of State Road A1A (also known as Heckscher Drive) on the Fort George River. Access at high tide is excellent, but it can be quite muddy at dead low tide. An artificial breakwater makes launching easy, but watch the swift river currents as you leave the opening in the breakwater. Paddling upriver to the west takes you to some side creeks, sand bars and grassy areas that all make for good fishing. You can also access the mouth of Simpson creek with a short paddle from this launch. Beware of heavy powerboat traffic in this popular spot on the river during the warmer months. Parking is adequate, and a portable toilet and covered picnic pavilion are available.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 362A onto state road 9A east. Take the SR-105 E exit east onto Hecksher Drive. Follow Heckscher Dr. for approximately 11 miles. Follow the boat ramp sign on the right, which will take you under the bridge that crosses the Ft. George River and to the Alimacani park.
The Alimacani Boat Ramp is an unimproved ramp located just west of State Road A1A (also known as Heckscher Drive) on the Fort George River. Access at high tide is excellent, but it can be quite muddy at dead low tide. An artificial breakwater makes launching easy, but watch the swift river currents as you leave the opening in the breakwater. Paddling upriver to the west takes you to some side creeks, sand bars and grassy areas that all make for good fishing. You can also access the mouth of Simpson creek with a short paddle from this launch. Beware of heavy powerboat traffic in this popular spot on the river during the warmer months. Parking is adequate, and a portable toilet and covered picnic pavilion are available.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 362A onto state road 9A east. Take the SR-105 E exit east onto Hecksher Drive. Follow Heckscher Dr. for approximately 11 miles. Follow the boat ramp sign on the right, which will take you under the bridge that crosses the Ft. George River and to the Alimacani park.
Goffinsville Park (FL) map tides
Another county owned park, this land occupies a natural bluff on the Nassau River in Fernandina, on the location of a now all but washed away oyster canning factory (only bits of the foundation remain). Access is via an unpaved road. The county is in the early stages of developing the park. The plans are to improve the current primitive (sand and gravel) boat ramp, as well as building a fishing pier and hiking trails in 2008. The current undeveloped nature of the park makes it a quiet, but useful kayak launch. Use caution when the weather forecast calls for windy conditions. The river is fairly wide here and is prone to large standing waves and swift currents when the wind reaches 15+ mph. Paddle 1.5 miles east to Seymour point, then turn north into Alligator Creek. Fish the numerous finger creeks and oyster mounds in this area. Or, from the ramp, paddle south to the north end of Cedar Point Creek. Plan your trip and "ride the tide" to and from your kayak fishing destination.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 373 and travel east on A1A to CR 107 (Old Nassauville Road). Turn right and follow Nassauville Road south until you pass Spring Hill Baptist church on the right and Wilder Rd on the left. The next left is the road to Goffinsville Park and ends at the Nassau River.
Another county owned park, this land occupies a natural bluff on the Nassau River in Fernandina, on the location of a now all but washed away oyster canning factory (only bits of the foundation remain). Access is via an unpaved road. The county is in the early stages of developing the park. The plans are to improve the current primitive (sand and gravel) boat ramp, as well as building a fishing pier and hiking trails in 2008. The current undeveloped nature of the park makes it a quiet, but useful kayak launch. Use caution when the weather forecast calls for windy conditions. The river is fairly wide here and is prone to large standing waves and swift currents when the wind reaches 15+ mph. Paddle 1.5 miles east to Seymour point, then turn north into Alligator Creek. Fish the numerous finger creeks and oyster mounds in this area. Or, from the ramp, paddle south to the north end of Cedar Point Creek. Plan your trip and "ride the tide" to and from your kayak fishing destination.Directions: From I-95, take exit 373 and travel east on A1A to CR 107 (Old Nassauville Road). Turn right and follow Nassauville Road south until you pass Spring Hill Baptist church on the right and Wilder Rd on the left. The next left is the road to Goffinsville Park and ends at the Nassau River.
Haulover Creek (FL) map tides
One of several saltmarsh creeks along Heckscher Drive in Jacksonville, Haulover is an easy paddle with plenty of oysters, deep holes and structure to hold fish. Follow the creek west & north, and it leads to an expanse of shallows with lots of oysters and grass, but it doesn't connect to another waterway. If you travel east & south from the launch and go under the bridge, the creek empties into the St. Johns River, just across from Mayport Naval Station.
There are no facilities; parking is fairly plentiful along a wide spot on the side of the road. Be careful during the higher tides at the full and new moon. You may find your vehicle standing in salty water.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 362 onto state road 9A South toward Blount Island & Jax Beaches. Travel approximately 6 miles and exit east onto Heckscher Drive (SR-105). Continue on Heckscher Dr. for 10 miles. The second bridge past the Mayport Ferry is the launch site. Park & launch on the left side of the road.
One of several saltmarsh creeks along Heckscher Drive in Jacksonville, Haulover is an easy paddle with plenty of oysters, deep holes and structure to hold fish. Follow the creek west & north, and it leads to an expanse of shallows with lots of oysters and grass, but it doesn't connect to another waterway. If you travel east & south from the launch and go under the bridge, the creek empties into the St. Johns River, just across from Mayport Naval Station.There are no facilities; parking is fairly plentiful along a wide spot on the side of the road. Be careful during the higher tides at the full and new moon. You may find your vehicle standing in salty water.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 362 onto state road 9A South toward Blount Island & Jax Beaches. Travel approximately 6 miles and exit east onto Heckscher Drive (SR-105). Continue on Heckscher Dr. for 10 miles. The second bridge past the Mayport Ferry is the launch site. Park & launch on the left side of the road.
Holly Point / Christopher Creek (FL) map tides
Holly Point is a county maintained boat ramp at the south end of Nassauville road in Fernandina. There is adequate paved parking, along with picnic tables and restroom facilities. There is also a small floating dock adjacent to the ramp. Christopher creek is a relatively short paddle past some waterfront residences and empties into the Nassau River. Currents can be swift, so check the tide tables and plan your trip accordingly.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 373 and travel east on A1A to CR 107 (Old Nassauville Road). Turn right and follow Nassauville Road south and bear left at the end of the road where it becomes Albert Way. This road turns sharply right, becoming Bennet Ave. Follow Bennet to the end and bear left onto Holly Point Drive. Ramp parking is at the end of Holly Point drive.
Holly Point is a county maintained boat ramp at the south end of Nassauville road in Fernandina. There is adequate paved parking, along with picnic tables and restroom facilities. There is also a small floating dock adjacent to the ramp. Christopher creek is a relatively short paddle past some waterfront residences and empties into the Nassau River. Currents can be swift, so check the tide tables and plan your trip accordingly.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 373 and travel east on A1A to CR 107 (Old Nassauville Road). Turn right and follow Nassauville Road south and bear left at the end of the road where it becomes Albert Way. This road turns sharply right, becoming Bennet Ave. Follow Bennet to the end and bear left onto Holly Point Drive. Ramp parking is at the end of Holly Point drive.
Lofton Creek / Melton Nelson Boat Ramp (FL) map tides
Lofton Creek is fresh-to-brackish at this location. You can catch both largemouth bass and the occasional redfish or seatrout along this stretch of the creek. You may encounter alligators of noteworthy size here, so proceed with caution, particularly in narrow portions of the creek. As you follow the creek south toward the Nassau River, it becomes saltier. Note the change in the vegetation as you approach some large overhead powerlines. The freshwater forest greenery gradually gives way to saltmarsh spartina and black needle grasses. Tidal flow can be strong in this creek; consider planning your trip so you can ride the tide on the outward leg of your trip and ride it back when the tide turns. There are no sandbars or other locations to get out and stretch your legs.
Directions: From I-95 take exit 373 east on A1A/SR 200 toward Yulee, approximately 4 miles. Immediately after you cross the bridge over Lofton Creek, the boat ramp is on the right. This is a paved ramp with plenty of parking, but no restrooms or other facilities. There is also a floating dock beside the ramp. No fees.
Lofton Creek is fresh-to-brackish at this location. You can catch both largemouth bass and the occasional redfish or seatrout along this stretch of the creek. You may encounter alligators of noteworthy size here, so proceed with caution, particularly in narrow portions of the creek. As you follow the creek south toward the Nassau River, it becomes saltier. Note the change in the vegetation as you approach some large overhead powerlines. The freshwater forest greenery gradually gives way to saltmarsh spartina and black needle grasses. Tidal flow can be strong in this creek; consider planning your trip so you can ride the tide on the outward leg of your trip and ride it back when the tide turns. There are no sandbars or other locations to get out and stretch your legs.
Directions: From I-95 take exit 373 east on A1A/SR 200 toward Yulee, approximately 4 miles. Immediately after you cross the bridge over Lofton Creek, the boat ramp is on the right. This is a paved ramp with plenty of parking, but no restrooms or other facilities. There is also a floating dock beside the ramp. No fees.
Pumpkin Hill Creek (FL) map tides
The property where the launch is located is a state park. Posted hours are 8:00 a.m. to sunset. No fee to use. This ramp is hand launch only; motorized craft are not allowed and posts are in place to prevent using a boat trailer here. You will need to carry or cart your kayak 70 yards or so past the posts to the water. The ramp is easily accessible at high or low tide, and not excessively muddy at low tide. Pumpkin Hill creek is a tributary of the Nassau River and flows north on an outgoing tide. Paddle left from the launch to locate deeper water. The portion of the creek to the right is shallow, more so at low tide.
Directions: See directions above for Cedar Point Creek to reach New Berlin Road. At the "Y" intersection on New Berlin, turn onto Cedar Point Road. Travel east on Cedar Point Road for 4.7 miles and turn left (north) onto Pumpkin Hill Road. Proceed to the gate at end of road and turn right into a grassy parking area.
The property where the launch is located is a state park. Posted hours are 8:00 a.m. to sunset. No fee to use. This ramp is hand launch only; motorized craft are not allowed and posts are in place to prevent using a boat trailer here. You will need to carry or cart your kayak 70 yards or so past the posts to the water. The ramp is easily accessible at high or low tide, and not excessively muddy at low tide. Pumpkin Hill creek is a tributary of the Nassau River and flows north on an outgoing tide. Paddle left from the launch to locate deeper water. The portion of the creek to the right is shallow, more so at low tide.
Directions: See directions above for Cedar Point Creek to reach New Berlin Road. At the "Y" intersection on New Berlin, turn onto Cedar Point Road. Travel east on Cedar Point Road for 4.7 miles and turn left (north) onto Pumpkin Hill Road. Proceed to the gate at end of road and turn right into a grassy parking area.
Thomas Creek Preserve (FL) map tides
This park is part of the Timucuan Trail State and National Parks partnership and is jointly managed by the City of Jacksonville and the St. John's River Water Management District. The creek is a tributary of the Nassau River. Due to its inland location, expect to catch large mouth bass and other freshwater species. Striped bass are sometimes caught at the creek mouth where it meets the Nassau River.
Thomas creek is allegedly a Revolutionary War battle site. There are no markers, and the history is a bit sketchy, but the story goes that on May 17, 1777 there was a brief battle between Patriot Colonel John Baker and the British near here. The British won this one, but Col. Baker and half of his force escaped to Georgia. I wonder if they stopped to catch any fish along the way?
Directions: From I-95 take exit 373 and travel west on A1A/SR200 to SR 301 in Callahan. Turn left (south) on SR 301 and travel about 0.1 mile, turning left (south) onto SR115/Lem Turner Road. Travel approximately 4 miles to the traffic light at Lannie Road. Turn left (east) onto Lannie Road and travel approximately 3 miles. Turn left (north) onto Ethel Road. Ethel Road passes through the Montgomery Correctional Center and ends at the launch site. There is a paved ramp, but no restrooms or trash cans. No fees.
This park is part of the Timucuan Trail State and National Parks partnership and is jointly managed by the City of Jacksonville and the St. John's River Water Management District. The creek is a tributary of the Nassau River. Due to its inland location, expect to catch large mouth bass and other freshwater species. Striped bass are sometimes caught at the creek mouth where it meets the Nassau River.
Thomas creek is allegedly a Revolutionary War battle site. There are no markers, and the history is a bit sketchy, but the story goes that on May 17, 1777 there was a brief battle between Patriot Colonel John Baker and the British near here. The British won this one, but Col. Baker and half of his force escaped to Georgia. I wonder if they stopped to catch any fish along the way?
Directions: From I-95 take exit 373 and travel west on A1A/SR200 to SR 301 in Callahan. Turn left (south) on SR 301 and travel about 0.1 mile, turning left (south) onto SR115/Lem Turner Road. Travel approximately 4 miles to the traffic light at Lannie Road. Turn left (east) onto Lannie Road and travel approximately 3 miles. Turn left (north) onto Ethel Road. Ethel Road passes through the Montgomery Correctional Center and ends at the launch site. There is a paved ramp, but no restrooms or trash cans. No fees.
Borrell Creek (GA) map tides
Located off Highway 40 in St Marys, Georgia, Borrell Creek is a tributary of the St Marys River. From I-95, take exit 3 and follow Hwy 40 (Kingsland-St Marys Road) east approximately 6 miles to where it crosses over Borrell Creek. Launch area will be on the right, just past the Shadowlawn neighborhood. A railroad trestle crosses the creek to the south and is reportedly a great spot to catch seatrout. Redfish are also caught in this creek. Keep an eye out for the alligator near the restaurant.
Located off Highway 40 in St Marys, Georgia, Borrell Creek is a tributary of the St Marys River. From I-95, take exit 3 and follow Hwy 40 (Kingsland-St Marys Road) east approximately 6 miles to where it crosses over Borrell Creek. Launch area will be on the right, just past the Shadowlawn neighborhood. A railroad trestle crosses the creek to the south and is reportedly a great spot to catch seatrout. Redfish are also caught in this creek. Keep an eye out for the alligator near the restaurant.
Crooked River State Park (GA) map tides
Located 7 miles north of St Marys on Georgia Spur 40. From I-95, take exit 3 and travel east approx. 8 miles. Turn left on spur 40 and follow it north to the boat ramp at the end. Park hours are 7am-10pm. For information and reservations for picnic shelters, camp and cottage sites, contact (800) 864-7275.
Located 7 miles north of St Marys on Georgia Spur 40. From I-95, take exit 3 and travel east approx. 8 miles. Turn left on spur 40 and follow it north to the boat ramp at the end. Park hours are 7am-10pm. For information and reservations for picnic shelters, camp and cottage sites, contact (800) 864-7275.
Etowah Park (GA) map tides
Located near St. Marys, GA, this park is actually part of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, but it is on a portion of the base that is open to the public. As this is military property, public access may be subject to change. The creek at the ramp has lots of oyster beds. Beware of extremely low tides here. Launching or returning near low tide is likely to be a very muddy experience.
Directions: From I-95, take Exit 3 onto King's Bay road and go east. At the end of King's Bay Rd (before the base gate), turn left onto GA-40 spur(Crooked River Rd). After approx. 1 mile, pass Crooked River Elementary School and turn right onto USS Oakridge Rd. Go left on USS James Madison Rd. Turn right on USS Proteus Blvd and follow it to a golf course on the right. The road will fork; take the dirt road on the left and follow it as it curves to the right. Boat ramp and park will be on the left.
As an alternative, Crooked River State Park is just a short drive north from here.
Jekyll Island (GA) map tides
From I-95, take Exit 29 and follow the signs east on U.S. 17 for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto the Downing Musgrove Causeway (GA 520). Cross onto the island through the Greeting Station, where they will collect a $3 daily parking fee. Follow Ben Fortsen Pkwy to Beachview Drive. Turn left onto Beachview and follow it to Clam Creek Road. Turn right on Clam Creek and proceed to the fishing pier at the end of the road. Parking is plentiful, and restrooms are available. You can launch a kayak in a small opening among the rocks on the left side of the pier. Caution: This is a narrow, rocky launch with numerous sharp oyster shells and barnacles. Launch with the assistance of a partner if you can. Launching solo is possible, but not recommended. For a more kayak-friendly launch site nearby, see Village Creek, below.
Fishing: Paddle to your left and explore several small creeks located along 2 miles of shoreline. Much of the shore is covered in coquina shell (broken oysters, etc.). Redfish will feed in shallows along this shell covered shoreline. Seatrout also inhabit the seagrasses along shoreline outcroppings. Explore the creek mouths for flounder. If you continue paddling southwest, you will reach the north end of the Jekyll River, which continues south to Jekyll Sound, at the mouth of the Little Satilla River. Consult the map link above for other potential fishing opportunities.
From I-95, take Exit 29 and follow the signs east on U.S. 17 for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto the Downing Musgrove Causeway (GA 520). Cross onto the island through the Greeting Station, where they will collect a $3 daily parking fee. Follow Ben Fortsen Pkwy to Beachview Drive. Turn left onto Beachview and follow it to Clam Creek Road. Turn right on Clam Creek and proceed to the fishing pier at the end of the road. Parking is plentiful, and restrooms are available. You can launch a kayak in a small opening among the rocks on the left side of the pier. Caution: This is a narrow, rocky launch with numerous sharp oyster shells and barnacles. Launch with the assistance of a partner if you can. Launching solo is possible, but not recommended. For a more kayak-friendly launch site nearby, see Village Creek, below.
Fishing: Paddle to your left and explore several small creeks located along 2 miles of shoreline. Much of the shore is covered in coquina shell (broken oysters, etc.). Redfish will feed in shallows along this shell covered shoreline. Seatrout also inhabit the seagrasses along shoreline outcroppings. Explore the creek mouths for flounder. If you continue paddling southwest, you will reach the north end of the Jekyll River, which continues south to Jekyll Sound, at the mouth of the Little Satilla River. Consult the map link above for other potential fishing opportunities.
St Marys River - US Hwy 17 (GA) map tides
The St. Marys River forms the border that separates Florida and Georgia. Redfish, seatrout and even striped bass (stripers) are caught here. There are two possible launch locations. The better of the two is on the east side of US Highway 17, along the north bank of the river. There is a concrete ramp here and adequate parking (see map link above).
The alternate launch location is a bit further east, on the northbound side of Interstate 95, also on the north bank of the river. This is an undeveloped natural dirt ramp with limited parking. It is also reportedly inhabited by homeless individuals on occasion, so safety may be a consideration. Use caution if you choose to launch here.
Since the St. Mary's River is the border between Florida and Georgia, be aware of the current fishing license regulations when fishing here. Depending upon your state of residence, which side of the river you fish, and which species you are targeting, you may (or may not) need a fishing license for Florida AND one for Georgia. Laws are subject to change, and at the time of this writing, there was some limited reciprocity between the states regarding species and specific locations. Regardless, Georgia law applies when fishing the north side of the St. Marys, and Florida law applies on the south bank. These regulations and which state recognizes what can be confusing to anglers. Just to be on the safe side, I always have a current fishing license for both states when fishing these waters. It keeps things simple, the cost is nominal, and the money supports wildlife management in whichever state's waters I happen to be fishing. Click below for links to regulations:
FLORIDA & GEORGIA FISHING REGULATIONS
The St. Marys River forms the border that separates Florida and Georgia. Redfish, seatrout and even striped bass (stripers) are caught here. There are two possible launch locations. The better of the two is on the east side of US Highway 17, along the north bank of the river. There is a concrete ramp here and adequate parking (see map link above).
The alternate launch location is a bit further east, on the northbound side of Interstate 95, also on the north bank of the river. This is an undeveloped natural dirt ramp with limited parking. It is also reportedly inhabited by homeless individuals on occasion, so safety may be a consideration. Use caution if you choose to launch here.
Since the St. Mary's River is the border between Florida and Georgia, be aware of the current fishing license regulations when fishing here. Depending upon your state of residence, which side of the river you fish, and which species you are targeting, you may (or may not) need a fishing license for Florida AND one for Georgia. Laws are subject to change, and at the time of this writing, there was some limited reciprocity between the states regarding species and specific locations. Regardless, Georgia law applies when fishing the north side of the St. Marys, and Florida law applies on the south bank. These regulations and which state recognizes what can be confusing to anglers. Just to be on the safe side, I always have a current fishing license for both states when fishing these waters. It keeps things simple, the cost is nominal, and the money supports wildlife management in whichever state's waters I happen to be fishing. Click below for links to regulations:
FLORIDA & GEORGIA FISHING REGULATIONS
Village Creek - St. Simons Island (GA) map tides
Nestled away in a quiet spot on St. Simons Island, Village Creek offers a maze of saltmarsh creeks and small islands with some terrific fishing. The launch has good parking and a covered picnic area with a fresh water supply and a hose to rinse off your gear. No restroom facilities. A small concrete ramp provides creek access for kayaks, canoes and small powerboats. From the ramp, paddle left and follow the creek to the larger waterway and network of creeks.
Directions: From I-95, exit east on GA 520 and travel across the Lanier Bridge. Turn right onto St. Simons Causeway. Continue for approximately 6 miles, then turn left onto Sea Island Road. Travel 2 miles, then turn left onto Frederica Road. Continue for 1.5 miles and turn right onto S. Harrington Road. The launch is at the dead-end of the road.
Nestled away in a quiet spot on St. Simons Island, Village Creek offers a maze of saltmarsh creeks and small islands with some terrific fishing. The launch has good parking and a covered picnic area with a fresh water supply and a hose to rinse off your gear. No restroom facilities. A small concrete ramp provides creek access for kayaks, canoes and small powerboats. From the ramp, paddle left and follow the creek to the larger waterway and network of creeks.Directions: From I-95, exit east on GA 520 and travel across the Lanier Bridge. Turn right onto St. Simons Causeway. Continue for approximately 6 miles, then turn left onto Sea Island Road. Travel 2 miles, then turn left onto Frederica Road. Continue for 1.5 miles and turn right onto S. Harrington Road. The launch is at the dead-end of the road.
Weather & Tides
Know before you go! Please always wear your US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD).
Know before you go! Please always wear your US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD).
Click Here for more local tides from the National Weather Service. Includes NE Florida and SE Georgia.
