Destination: Sister’s Creek, Deep Creek, Shad Creek
Directions: Sister’s Creek is the portion of the ICW that runs from the intersection of the St. John’s River up to where the Ft. George River joins the ICW. Sister’s Creek Marina (COJ), aka Kingfish Park, is located on Heckscher Dr, west of the Ferry dock. You can reach it via the Ferry and heading west, or 9A taking the Heckscher Dr. exit and proceeding east.
Description: Sister’s Creek includes a full service ramp at Kingfish Park, home of the Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament. Sister’s includes the ICW heading north up to where the Ft. Geroge River joins the ICW, and the areas between the ICW and Hannah Mills Creek to the immediate west. On the east side of the ICW at Sister’s Creek is Shad Creek, an extensive aquatic preserve that runs the length of Ft. George Island, populated with lots of small islands, grass, and flats. Shad Creek ultimately dumps back into the St. John’s River just east of the Ferry docks. Proceeding north in Sister’s Creek on the ICW you will find numerous creeks and tributaries with an awesome variety of fish. Further north in the ICW and to the east is Deep Creek.
Difficulty: Moderate. Paddling this area is actually pretty easy, however boat traffic and swift currents in the ICW channel can be a factor.
Closest Bait&Tackle Shop: White Shell Fish Camp
Launches: There are 3 launches accesible for kayak fishing.
- L1 – This is the main ramp at Sister’s Creek for boats. Parking is plentiful with good security and full facilities. To reach Hannah Mills you must go north in Sister’s Creek then paddle work west.
- L2 – Area at the back of Kingfish Park behind the picnic tables and playground at the old dilapidated docks. When the main ramp at Sister’s Creek is busy this is an alternate launch for kayaks. Although parking is plentiful and secure the problem with this launch is you must tote your yak and gear about 100 yards from the parking to the launch spot — this is really no problem if you have wheels and rig at the car.
- L3 – Joe Carlucci Sister’s Creek (COJ) ramp off McKenna Rd. There is plenty of parking and full facilities.
- L4 – Small launch on side of Ft. George Rd into the east side of Shad Creek. There is only room for a few cars and no facilities.
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