6 Nearby Destinations for Extraordinary Kayak Fishing

Few things in life compare to sitting in open water with a fresh catch. Northeast Florida is home to a diverse range of waters and fish. By kayaking, anglers can reach less pressured waterways and stalk skittish fish better than boaters. And all while getting great exercise! Locals have many options for kayak fishing, but these are our favorites.

Timucuan Preserve

The Timucuan Preserve alone has four rivers and thousands of acres of land and salt marshes to explore. There are several public launch sites for kayaks, including the Cedar Point Boat Ramp into Horseshoe Creek, which was once used as an event site for members of the Northeast Florida Kayak Krewe, a local angler group. As an additional incentive, the park’s entrance is free all year.

Dutton Island Preserve

The Dutton Island Preserve is another inshore fishing option with free admission. It has fishing piers for those angler friends who want to tag along but prefer the comfort of solid ground. The piers and kayak launches are on both ends of the island, and guests love their proximity to the parking lots. The island also offers a fire pit with a grill, fish cleaning stations, and picnic areas, if you catch our drift.

Image by Prince Charles Malaque, Unsplash.

West Chicopit Bay

A more specific recommendation is West Chicopit Bay, which is part of Helen Cooper Floyd Park, or Little Jetties. The bay is at the entrance of the Intercoastal Waterway (ICW), and has oyster beds, adjacent creeks, and an extraordinarily good collection of fish.

Depending on the conditions, it may be challenging to paddle to West Chicopit Bay from the ICW or the river, so it’s recommended to monitor the weather before departure and to carry safety equipment.

Image by Hushaan @fromtinyisles, Unsplash.

Guana Lake

Glow-in-the-dark water! Need I say more? Afterhours, Guana Lake has breathtaking views of bioluminescent life.These are tiny organisms that produce their own blue light. This phenomenon is visible nightly and year-round via tours hosted by North Guana Outpost. During regular hours, the park also has rental gear and calm waters, which are great for beginners. Another perk is that YouTubers like Fishing with the Oz and Freedom Fishing have shared their experiences with kayak fishing here, offering extra insight into the practice.

YouTube video by Fishing with the Oz filmed at Guana Lake.

Huguenot Park

With so many excellent inshore fishing locations in Northeast Florida, it’s easy to forget about the offshore locations. So for those seeking tarpon, Spanish mackerel, and other saltwater fish, the last two options in this list are for you. Huguenot Park has many kayak launch locations and access to the Atlantic Ocean. Kayak anglers have shared their successes netting finger mullet at the inlet lake during the summer months. Guests can also drive onto the beach at their own risk.

Hanna Park

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is another fishing option with plenty of facilities, including RV hookups, a camp store, and camping areas. Anglers may access the beach or choose calmer waters in the lake and launch from the southeast corner. Since this beach is a popular surfing destination, it’s perfect for kayak anglers who want more of a challenge.

Kayak With a Snack From Timoti’s

Not to name any favorites, but we’ve raved about Hanna Park and Timucuan Preserve before. Will they become your favorites? Check the weather, grab your fishing gear and a snack at Timoti’s, and hit the water!

Kayak Fishing Adventures in Northeast Florida’s Waterways