ST. AUGUSTINE KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Tide-Drawn Lines: Kayak Fishing the Matanzas River
Rent fishing kayaks from Genung's Fish Camp to explore the Matanzas River’s islands, oyster beds, and winding creeks while targeting shallow‑water species and watching abundant wildlife.
Tide-Drawn Lines: Kayak Fishing the Matanzas River.
Experience the Matanzas River by fishing kayak: paddle among small islands, glide past oyster beds and thread narrow creeks where dolphins and manatees surface and shorebirds wheel overhead. For anglers this shallow estuarine network is home to Reds, Flounder and Trout—a compact wilderness of water, tide and feathered life that rewards quiet exploration.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphins, Manatees and a Sky Full of Birds
The Matanzas teems with fauna: paddlers commonly encounter dolphins and manatees and a wide variety of birds from herons and pelicans to raptors—making every drift a chance encounter with coastal wildlife.
Shallow‑Water Species Within Reach
Fishing kayaks and solo skiffs are the best tools for working the estuary’s flats and creeks, where anglers chase reds, flounder and trout in the shallow water channels that weave through the river.
Islands, Oyster Beds and Narrow Creeks
The river landscape is a mosaic of small islands, oyster beds and winding creeks—tight channels and shallow flats that reward local knowledge and a steady paddle stroke.
What the day feels like
What It Feels Like On the Water
This is an independent outing: rent a fishing kayak or a solo skiff and push off into a tidal estuary where the route is yours to read by current, channel and birdsong. Expect quiet stretches that open into broad flats, sudden channels bustling with wildlife, and the patient work of finding fish in ankle‑to‑knee‑deep water—a tactile, close‑to‑nature form of fishing and exploration.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental best serves and the operator’s stated restrictions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring sun protection, water, any personal fishing license required and clothing for sun and spray. The operator rents fishing kayaks and offers a Solo Skiff for shallow creeks.
Rental durations and rates provided: 1 hour $20; 2 hours $40; 3 hours $60; Half day (4 hours) $80.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What rental durations are available and what do they cost?
Rental options listed are 1 hour for $20, 2 hours for $40, 3 hours for $60, and a half day (4 hours) for $80.
Where will I paddle?
You’ll paddle the Matanzas River among small islands, oyster beds and winding creeks in the St. Augustine area.
What wildlife might I see?
Paddlers commonly see dolphins, manatees and a variety of birds including herons, pelicans and raptors.
What fish can I target from a fishing kayak here?
Anglers can target reds, flounder and trout in the shallow creeks and flats of the estuary.
Does the operator provide kayaks?
Yes — the offering is to rent one of the operator’s fishing kayaks; a Solo Skiff is also recommended for shallow creeks.
Is this a guided trip?
The provided information describes independent kayak rentals rather than a guided outing; confirm with the operator for guided options.