The sizes of the boats determine your membership level; for a general estimate, keep in mind that prices typically begin around $3,500.00 for the initiation fee, along with dues of $350.00 a month.

As with many things in life, simplicity is the key. But focus on the basics and make sure that your lines are tied to a strong point – both on the boat itself and on the dock. Make sure that the point on the dock will be able to withstand any resistance or forces from the waves.

Contrary to what you might expect, the state doesn’t mandate or offer a “boating license” in the strictest sense of the word. But if you intend to operate any type of motorboat boasting at least ten horsepower, you’ll need to attend an approved boating safety class and obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification card.

The simplest way to get your license is to head online and apply from home, albeit with a modest convenience surcharge. You’ll find a variety of options for residents and visitors alike.

Think of it this way: golfers don’t generally buy golf courses – they join the country club and share the fairways and greens. And that’s kind of how we operate; freeing up our members from the stressful parts that come along with boating and getting them out into the water to make new memories with family, friends, and loved ones.

Investing some time upfront in learning how to properly dock your boat will save you from potential embarrassment and calamity down the line when you’re out on the water.

The fees can vary depending on region and your needs; in Florida, nonresident saltwater fishers can generally purchase a temporary license for as little as $17 for a long weekend.

If you are a Florida resident older than 65 (and yes, there are plenty of you!), you won’t need to pick up a license for recreational freshwater or saltwater fishing. You are also exempt if you are a child under 16 years of age (and if you are, you should be commended for doing your research!).

The Intracoastal Waterway is one of the most beautiful stretches of water a boater could ever find themselves on, running from as far north as Boston down along the Atlantic Seaboard and around the Gulf Coast to Texas. 

You will always find a wide variety of saltwater and freshwater options throughout the Jacksonville region and across the state, giving avid fishermen plenty of opportunities to bring home something to brag about.

As with many questions on boating and life in general, the answer is usually: it depends. The specifics of what equipment you need will be driven in part by the type of boat you’re bringing out onto the water. You can always be sure to check with the comprehensive regulations outlined on the website of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The best fishing boat model for saltwater environments can vary a bit based on your preferences. If you’re hitting the tournament circuit, you’ll likely want a hardcore vessel, while others may prefer smaller, stealthier models

Nobody under the age of 14 years old is permitted to operate a personal watercraft on Florida waters at any time.

Some of the top spots include the St. Johns River, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, and Nassau Sound. Whether you live near downtown Jacksonville or visit the Ponte Vedra beach area, you are bound to find a prime spot to do some fishing or just enjoy a sunny afternoon out on the water.   

Freshwater fans will want to hit the renowned Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, a truly incredible location with plenty of hideaways offering fly fishing opportunities.

Bringing a boat in for a safe anchoring is one of the most important and satisfying parts of boating. But be sure to only anchor your boat in safe and secure location.

The U.S. Coast Guard has advised that infants shouldn’t travel by boat if they are under 18 pounds, which is likely to take place when babies are between 4 and 11 months old.

Given Florida’s enviable climate, boating season never really ends in a sense; virtually every day can be a wonderful time to get out onto the water. Boating and fishing are a way of life here, not a one-time event.

Sunscreen is a crucial element in ensuring that you can enjoy a sunny day out on the boat without doing long-term damage to your health. It’s easy to write off an afternoon without sunscreen as not a major concern, but it can do real damage if you aren’t careful.  

As most boating enthusiasts either know or quickly learn, tides are lower in winter because that’s the time of year in which the moon is closer to the earth – creating higher tides due to the gravitational pull of the moon.

The terminology dates back as far as sailors using it in the 17th century and the language has stuck. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but the more time that you spend submerged in a true boating community, the more rapidly you will quickly find yourself speaking the lingo of a master boater without having to think twice.