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Boating on Lakes | Rivers | Springs | Gulf of Mexico Considered by many to be the "Water Recreation Capital of America", the Original Florida region is home to eight scenic rivers. Mighty wide is the slow moving Suwannee, made famous in "Old Folks at Home", the song penned by Stephen Foster. Pure and spring-fed, the Santa Fe is known worldwide for its underwater caverns, and the adventurous divers who explore its depths. Explorer Jacques Cousteau dubbed Ginnie Springs the "Mount Everest of Cavern Diving". Among the longest cave diving systems in the nation, Peacock Springs has more than 28,000 feet of passages. Near Madison, Blue Springs features a maze of passages more than 3,500 feet in length. More people have learned cave diving here than anywhere else on earth. The hot days of summer bring to mind a cool pastime - tubing! At Ichetucknee Springs State Park - on one of the most pristine rivers in the world nestled in giant inner tubes, visitors, float lazily down the crystal clear waters. Whether it is boating, fishing, skiing or just plain ole' enjoying the outdoors, recreational activities are plentiful in The Original Florida. Our many navigable lakes and rivers, and the spectacular Gulf Coast, offer an array of open water and saltwater opportunities to enjoy. With more than 225 lakes, The Original Florida region is blessed with outstanding recreational opportunities. A favorite locale for fishing, swimming and skiing is the two-mile wide Ocean Pond in the Osceola National Forest. Contact (904) 752-2557 for information about picnicking, camping, and other amenities. Watch eagles and osprey from docks at public parks. Publicly available boat ramps are located on larger lakes, and many are suitable for fishing from boats. Fully equipped houseboats can be obtained for daily or weekly excursions on the Suwannee River. Canoe rental equipment is limited at most lakes, so be sure to make reservations in advance, or bring your own canoe and accessories. Fish camps and tackle shops are located throughout the region. Visitors can charter fishing boats and guides, although the majority of providers are located near the coastal areas. Our inland waters shelter American Shad, Bluegill, Crappie (Speckled Perch), Largemouth Bass, Shellcracker, Striped Bass, Sunshine Bass, Suwannee Bass (Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers) and Channel Catfish. The Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission regulates boating and fishing. Information on licenses may be obtained by calling 800-347-4356. The region is home to eight scenic rivers. Each is a cherished resource used for fishing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking or just floating on inner tubes. Another major attraction of the North Central Florida rivers are the hundreds of numerous crystal clear, freshwater springs which feed the rivers. The Original Florida's primary, cherished treasures are freshwater springs - an essential part of the region's aquifer and water supply. Adventurous divers come from all over the world to explore the underwater caves. By far, the most popular spring system is at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Along the 5.5 mile-long Ichetucknee River, where visitors enjoy a leisurely day "tubing" the crystal clear waters, 11 known springs pump an average of 25 million gallons of water per day. Near the park, a wide array of providers rent tubes and canoes. Outfitters located on the Santa Fe River and at Ichetucknee Springs offer custom canoe trips and guide services. Many of the springs in the region have state parks or private facilities that provide rentals of equipment, camping, concessions, restrooms and other amenities. Some of those locations include:
For more information about the springs, rivers and lakes in the Original Florida region, contact the Suwannee River Water Management District at (800) 226-1066. In terms of fishing, few locales provide better and more versatile opportunities. Freshwater fishing is available upstream on the Suwannee and other smaller rivers. Gulf fishing includes Amberjack, Barracuda, Bluefish, Bonito, Grouper, King Mackeral, Pompano, Redfish, Sea Tout, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Wahoo and Whiting. A number of marinas are available on the Gulf coast. In addition, a variety of fishing guides also work in the Gulf coast area. A number of quaint coast communities also provide locales for fishing villages, restaurants and scenic beauty. Included are:
Houseboating
FishingGuided fishing tours are available from various locations throughout the region. Below is a list of available fishing guides and charters by city.
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