St. John's River, Florida, River Guides, Maps

[smittypaddler]

I'm planning to cruise the St. John's this winter, and I'm looking for something like Quimby's, with charts showing water depths and buoys. I found some that tell me where to fish, but I just want to be a tourist, and keep it between the rocks. Any suggestions?

 

[TomC]

We use Tom Krantz's "St. Johns River Boating and Cruising Guide"-Complete charts-suggested anchorages and more. A little outdated, but a valuable resource. Can be ordered through Bluewater Books-800-942-2583.
No affiliation-just a satisfied user. We have cruised the St. Johns 5x in the last 10 years, and it is truly an experience not to be missed. The best time is late Oct.-early Nov.. Nice Wx.-temps-and little traffic. Don't miss Silver Glen Spring in the SW corner of Lake George. :lol:

 

[thataway]

Hi Tom,
I saw your post about cruising the St. John's. Any comments about where you might consider a secure launching ramp to leave the truck and trailer when cruising the river? I know that you all went on "your own bottom". We have a friend who used to live in Palataka and thought that might be a good place to "start".

Hope all is well--and perhaps we will get down your way--or you will get back up this way again! As soon as we get all of the "bugs" out of the Tom Cat 255, we will start doing a bit more "trailer cruising".

Regards,

Bob and Marie Austin

 

[TomC]

Hi Bob:
Tom Krantz's guide has a page full of possibilities, although 5 years old. I would think that the best place would be at Palatka, because that's where the river starts to become the best cruising. His book lists the City Dock,Palatka but I could not vouch for the security:-maybe a call to the Police Dept., or your friend, could help.
Sorry I can't be of any more help. We are planning to do the river around the last week of Oct.-first week of Nov. This is the time we have always done it and it works well for wx. and peace/quiet.
Would love to see you on the river!