Local Florida Boating Destinations

Fishing & Boating the Butler Chain of Lakes

Dream of pristine waters with crystal clear waters and sandy bottoms in a gorgeous setting...?

The Butler Chain of Lakes is comprised of many lakes connected with an extensive canal system. The lakes offer incredible bass fishing as well as other abundant freshwater species. The systems canals allow for endless exploration, literally around every bend there's something new. The wildlife on the Butler Chain is extremely diverse and you could expect to see Bald Eagles, Herons, Egrets a vast array of ducks and water birds.

Boating Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is situated on Florida's beautiful west central coast. The bay is a large natural harbor and estuary connecting via deep water to the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa Bay is a brackish estuary and has existed for approximately 6,000 years, it was originally a large freshwater lake possibly fed by the Florida Aquifer through underground natural springs. It is thought that the lake became connected to the Gulf of Mexico following the last ice age when rising ocean levels and a large sink hole near the current mouth of the bay created the connection between the lake and the gulf.

There are many points to access Tampa Bay by boat ramp, lift or hoist. Many marinas and public access areas are available.

Tampa Bay is widely known for its rich fishery. Snook, Redfish, Trout and Tarpon frequent the bay and can be caught on a variety of both live and artificial baits.

NASA Satellite image of Tampa Bay

Port Canaveral Boating is Out of This World!

From space shuttle launches to cruise ships to citrus shipments Port Canaveral is a busy and exciting place. Known as the largest Cruise Ship port in the world millions of tourists pass through the port each year.

Many rocket launches occur at the Kennedy Space Center which is visible from the port. Groups of onlookers often gather or raft-up in the port to have launch parties and to watch the spaceships leave earth.

Port Canaveral is also a busy shipping port. Goods such ranging from oranges to cement all pass through Port Canaveral on a regular basis.

Aside from all of this action, Port Canaveral also offers a great boating and fishing. It's deep rich waters provide excellent fishing opportunities.

Ponce Inlet Boating

Situated just south of Daytona Beach on the eastern side of Central Florida Ponce de Leon Inlet (also known as Mosquito Inlet) has much to offer any boater. From inter-coastal inlets and lagoons to the vast Atlantic Ocean there is something here for everyone.

A must see on a trip to Ponce Inlet is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light House. Construction of the light house was completed in 1887 it still stands today os one of the most complete, best preserved light stations in the United States. The lighthouse tower is open year round to the public and the 175 foot tall lighthouse and surrounding area is steeped in history and tradition.

Boating the St. Johns River

Deemed the longest river in Florida and one of the most significant in terms of both commercial and recreational use the St. Johns River only drops an astounding 30 feet in elevation from it's headwaters to it's mouth.

Many early settlers to the United States called the banks of the St. Johns River home. Today many banks of the St. Johns are 'slightly' more developed than those encountered by early settlers and Native Americans. The city of Jacksonville (pictured above) sits on the banks of the St. Johns providing breath taking city views of the St. Johns River.

The St. Johns River offers great fishing opportunities for both the fresh, brackish and saltwater angler. The St. Johns River is unique in many ways but perhaps the most unique is that it flows in a northerly direction. So by going 'up-river' you will actually be heading south.

The St. Johns harbors a huge variety of wildlife and is fed in many places by crystal clear natural springs from the Florida aquifer.

A testament to the diversity of the St. Johns River as Manatees winter in Blue Spring State Park.