Fishing
Washington Oaks State Gardens is a popular place for recreational fishing. Fishing can be enjoyed from the parks seawall in the Matanzas River and from the beach, if surf fishing is your pleasure. A number of different species are routinely caught including whiting and blue fish in the surf and redfish, drum and flounder and several species of trout along the seawall.-
Fishing from the seawall as well as surf fishing is allowed at Washington Oaks.
Non residents are required to posses a Florida Saltwater fishing license. Florida residents are not required to posses a license when fishing from shore.
For more information on licenses click here.
Do you need a Fishing License?
Fishing Workshops
The Friends of Washington Oaks Gardens State park are sponsoring fishing clinics for adults and kids. A Florida Park Ranger will illustrate some of the techniques anglers use to catch fish and the importance of conservation and safety. Participants will learn to identify saltwater fish species commonly caught in this area, and will learn how to use a fishing rod & reel.
Each workshop will be hands-on with participants fishing along the bank of the Intracoastal Waterway while applying their newly learned skills. All fishing gear will be furnished for each participant to use during the workshop, including complete rod & reel, fishing tackle and bait Upon completion of the workshop each participant will be awarded a certificate of completion and a souvenir fishing packet to take home. Also, participants will be furnished with snacks and beverages. If desired, you may bring a bag lunch.
The fee is $20.00 per workshop, per participant, which includes the park entrance fee. This is a four hour workshop and spaces are limited. Advance registration is required by contacting Melissa Kafel at (386) 446-6783, or E-mail: melissa.kafel@dep.state.fl.us
