North Florida: An ideal spot to celebrate ‘National Fishing and Boating Week’

Updated: June 15, 2021

Anglers and boaters will be out in full force this month, as America marks National Fishing and Boating Week.

While Florida is well-known as a sun worshippers’ paradise, perhaps less well known is Florida’s claim to the title of “Fishing Capital of the World.” With some 8,000 miles of coastline, 12,000 miles of rivers and streams and 3 million acres of lakes and ponds, Florida is the top recreational fishing destination in North America. What’s more, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife-Associated Recreation, Florida tops all other states in terms of the number of days people spent enjoying recreational fishing. Florida also ranks first in the number of fishing participants age 16 and older, and is the state where anglers spend the most money.

To mark National Fishing and Boating Week, Florida is offering a number of special educational and recreational programs, including license-free fishing days:

License-free saltwater days:

•      Saturday June 7
•      Sunday June 8

License-free freshwater day:

•      Saturday June 14
•      Sunday June 15

Not sure if you have or need a current license? The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission offers all the details on licenses as well as education and conservation programs.

Local Fishing Fun

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the St. Johns River to the west, St. Johns County is a prime destination for both residents and tourists who enjoy boating and fishing. Here are just a few of the fishing/boating offerings located in the Nocatee/Ponte Vedra area:

• Intracoastal Waterway: Located less than 3 miles from Nocatee Town Center, the Intracoastal Waterway connects the St. Johns River to the north with the Matanzas and Tolomatos rivers to the south. Nocatee residents looking for a day of boating and fishing fun may take advantage of the community’s new kayak launch located right on the banks of the Intracoastal. The Nocatee Landing, adjacent to the Tolomato River (Intracoastal West), is another scenic spot in Nocatee for fishing.
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• Guana Lake: Also known as Lake Ponte Vedra, Guana Lake is located just six miles from Nocatee. Florida Sportsman magazine notes that Guana Lake is unique in that is not affected by the tide as are other Florida coastal waterways. With miles of dunes and coquina shell beach, the lake is a popular fishing spot for those seeking redfish, trout, flounder and more.

• Atlantic Ocean:  Nocatee’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it easy for residents to enjoy a day of deep-sea fishing. Numerous local charter companies offer anglers the chance to cast a line for kingfish, tarpon, sailfish and more.

To learn more about new homes available in Nocatee, visit the Nocatee Welcome Center or call 1-800-NOCATEE.