Timucuan Preserve, Jacksonville, Florida

Story by Conor Mihell

The Timucuan Preserve of northeastern Florida was known as the “place where waters meet” to Native Americans. This collection of creeks and saltwater marshes offers typical inshore fish—including redfish, trout and flounder— in bountiful numbers. “It’s as diverse an estuary as any in the country,” says Mike Kogan, founder of www.jaxkayakfishing.com, an online community of Jacksonville-area kayak anglers. Kayaking makes it possible to get strikes regardless of the tidal height, which ranges up to six feet. Access the Timucuan via Jacksonville and the Intracoastal Waterway.

WHAT’S BITING: Redfish, trout, flounder.

SEASON: Spring and fall.

ONSHORE ATTRACTION: Nearly 50 miles of
beach, pro sports and the usual big city attractions
keep everyone busy.

LOCAL LORE: Shrimp on a jig head is the
number one weapon, while flyfishermen
have most luck with clousers, toad flies and
gurglers.

INFO: Jacksonville Kayak Fishing; www.jaxkayakfishing.com.