Don’t Have A Fishing Boat Or A Kayak? Rent One!

Not everyone’s lucky (or unlucky!) enough to own their own fishing boat or kayak.  However, renting is an option at several ports in Natural North Florida.  Whether you fish, scallop or just want to go for a boat ride, renting may be right for you.  It’s always nice to return to the dock and simply hand over the keys (or the paddle) to the marina or outfitter.  No cleaning or trailering–just lots of fun.

Expect to pay an hourly or daily fee, plus fuel (if applicable) and to leave a credit card and identification as a deposit.  Different marinas and outfitters have different contracts and rules, and it’s very important that you listen to any instructions you might be given.  Even if you’re an experienced boater, remember that rental craft may be different from others you’ve used.  Also, remember that the folks who rent boats are happy to give you advice about hazards and fishing spots.  Just LISTEN!

It’s also important, especially during winter trout and summer scallop season, that you call ahead for reservations.

Here’s a list of boat rental places along the Big Bend and Natural North Florida.

Yankeetown/Inglis:  Captain’s Cove Outfitters, kayak rentals

Cedar Key: Cedar Key Marina, skiff and pontoon boat rentals; Kayak Cedar Keys, kayak rentals; Cedar Key Boat Rentals & Island Tours, boat rentals

Suwannee: Suwannee Guides and Outfitter, kayak rentals (also at Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs State Parks); Miller’s Marina, houseboat rentals

Steinhatchee:  Sea Hag Marina, fleet of 16, 25-foot Carolina Skiffs; River Haven Marina, skiff and kayak rentals

St. Marks: Shields Marina, kayak rentals; St. Marks Outfitters, kayak rentals; Shell Island Fish Camp, skiff and pontoon boat rentals

…and a few inshore options

St. Marks and Wakulla Rivers:  The Wilderness Way (Wakulla), kayak and canoe rentals; TnT Hideaway (Panacea/Medart), kayak and canoe rentals

Dunnellon: Rainbow River Canoe & Kayak, canoe and kayak rentals