FISHING ON GUANA LAKE

Some fishing enthusiasts like to get on the water in a small craft, rather than a large fishing boat.  Try kayaking on Guana Lake for a connected experience.

Fishing on Guana Lake Experience

Fishing can be a relaxing, quiet experience and what better way to truly get that environment than by slowly traveling the Guana Lake on a kayak. The Lake is large and generally shallow, thus it typically provides calm waters that make it easy for most.

The Lake is positioned at the north end of the Guana River Wildlife Management Area, just west of Mickler’s Landing. You can park at the North Guana Outpost and they can provide kayaks and other equipment.

Launching from this area is dependent on water levels and these can vary, so check in advance to confirm that water levels are high enough. It takes some additional efforts to position your rods, lures and other equipment so they are easily accessible after you launch, so take your time in setting up prior to launching. After you get on the water you can often reel in spotted sea trout, redfish and flounder. The bottom is typically sand and mud and fish can frequently be scattered so take your time finding the right spot.

As you are out kayaking, remember these waters are very sensitive ecosystems that can easily be damaged.  You can be a “Sustainable PVB Guest” by:

  • Bring a refillable water bottle that can be attached to your vessel to eliminate any plastics from accidentally entering the water.
  • Be careful when launching your kayak, or when entering or exiting waters along the way – make sure you are not disturbing sensitive vegetation or habitat used by area wildlife.
  • Make sure to not let any fishing related materials or refuse to fall from your kayak that could damage the waters.
  • Launch is open February 10- November 10. The remainder of the year, the North end of the preserve is closed for waterfowl hunting season.

A different experience can be had on Guana Lake: View a natural light show created by species of bioluminescent sea creatures. An after hours trip, this close encounter can be experienced by signing up for a reservation at North Guana Outpost. (4415 Mickler Road, Ponte Vedra Beach or call 904-373-0306.) Tours launch from the north boat ramp on Guana Dam and are offered every night of the year.

Details

Experience: Kayak Fishing on Guana Lake

Address: 4415 Mickler Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

Hours: North Guana Outpost: – Monday – Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 8:30am – 6:30pm, Sunday 8:30am-5:30pm

Website: northguanaoutpost.com

Facilities Available: The launch provides direct access to Lake Ponte Vedra, is a short walk to the beach at Mickler’s Landing and is approximately two miles from the Intracoastal.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate – waters on the Guana River and Lake Ponte Vedra are typically calm.

Other Information: Great facility and launch for those with limited experience – the combination of rental gear, convenient launch access and calm waters allows a user to get a taste of a water experience while feeling in control.

Visit the Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center to learn more about the area.

Tips From The Experts

  1. Beat the heat in the summer by getting on the water early. The fish are most active prior to mid-morning.
  2. Bring a hat, sunscreen, phone, water and wear comfortable clothing for paddling that can get wet. Also think about getting waterproof phone cases and sun protective clothing.
  3. When launching from North Guana Outpost, look for rosette spoonbills, otters, in addition to fish. The mix of other wildlife adds to the fishing experience.
  4. If you are renting equipment, book ahead! By making a reservation for your rentals ahead of time, all you have to do is show up and get on the water faster!