Fishing

What comes to mind when you think about fishing? Patience, relaxation, challenge, and memories are a few words often associated with fishing. Fort Matanzas National Monument is surrounded by an abundance of water, creating excellent fishing opportunities! These include the Atlantic Ocean, Matanzas Inlet, Matanzas River, Summer Haven River and the Intracoastal Waterway.

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Details

Activity

Fishing

Licenses

• The laws and regulations of the State of Florida apply when fishing at Fort Matanzas National Monumnet. 36 CFR 2.3
• A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish in saltwater or to possess saltwater species. All waterways surrounding Fort Matanzas National Monument are saltwater.

 

Fishing Regulations

• Bait: Bait, except for mullet and shrimp, is not included in bag limits. Saltwater bait: shrimp, mud minnows, menhaden, pinfish, fiddler crab, or mullet. Bait may be taken with hook and line, dip net (not wider than 3 feet / 0.9 m) and cast net.
• Digging: Collecting plants and animals within the boundaries of Fort Matanzas National Monument is prohibited. This includes such things as fiddler crabs, mole crabs (sand fleas) and driftwood.
• Closed to Fishing: Fishing is prohibited from all park boardwalks, docks, and from the shoreline above mean high tide within 50 feet of the fort docks.
• Marine Mammal Etiquette: Manatee and dolphin frequent the area, please keep an eye out. Slow to an idle if observed, but do not approach or molest.
• Shrimp: Shrimp may be taken by landing or dip net with an opening no larger than 96 inches around the perimeter or cast net with a stretched length no greater than 14 feet.
• Local Management: Fort Matanzas is located in the NE Red Drum Management Zone in St. Johns County, FL.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

Fishing location include the soft coquina sandy beaches and rock jetties behind the Visitor Center.