An Exciting Paddling Expedition with College Friends in Kingsland and Surrounding Waterways
Day one started with us gliding along the St. Marys River waterways, soaking in the sun and scenery.
Hooked on Kingsland: My Unforgettable Fishing Charter
There’s something magical about getting up before dawn, the world still hushed in the predawn darkness. The excitement of the day ahead pulls you out of bed with ease, and as I made my way from Kingsland to the Crooked River State Park boat slip, the anticipation was almost too much to bear. This wasn’t just any morning; it was the morning I’d been looking forward to for months—my long-awaited fishing charter with Captain John.
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The sky was just beginning to lighten as we loaded up the boat, the first hints of orange and pink reflecting off the calm waters. After a quick stop to pick up some bait, we headed out, the boat cutting smoothly through the water as we made our way toward the North Side of Cumberland Island. There’s nothing quite like the cool, salty morning breeze against your face as you watch the sunrise over the horizon, the golden light spreading across the water. It was the perfect start to what would become an unforgettable day.
As we approached our fishing spot, it was clear that the waters were teeming with life. The Crevelle Jack were jumping everywhere, their sleek bodies slicing through the water as they hunted large groups of mullet. The excitement was contagious; you could feel it in the air as we cast our lines, hoping to land a big one. And it wasn’t long before I felt the unmistakable tug of a fish on the line. Reeling it in was a thrill in itself, and as the fish neared the boat, I could see it was a beautiful, big Jack. My heart was pounding with excitement, but little did I know that nature had a surprise for us.
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Just as we were about to pull the Jack into the boat, a massive 9-foot bull shark appeared out of nowhere. With one swift motion, the shark stole our dinner right off the line. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing—my first encounter with a shark that close, and it had taken my catch! It was a heart-stopping moment that I’ll never forget, and it left us all in awe of the raw power and unpredictability of the ocean.
Undeterred, we continued our day, the excitement of the shark encounter only adding to the adventure. As we moved to a different spot, I couldn’t help but notice the serene beauty of Cumberland Island in the distance. Two ospreys perched high in the trees watched over us, their sharp eyes ever vigilant, and further along the shoreline, a few wild horses grazed peacefully. It was like something out of a painting—nature at its most raw and beautiful, just as I’d imagined.
The fishing that day was nothing short of spectacular. We reeled in several redfish, tarpon, and even a few catfish. But the highlight for me was catching my very first flounder. Captain John had noticed my excitement and took the time to walk me through the process—how to lure the flounder in and just the right moment to set the hook. It was a skill I’d never quite mastered before, but with his expert guidance, I finally did it. The flounder was a whopping 8-pounder, and I couldn’t have been prouder. Holding that fish in my hands was a moment of pure joy, a testament to patience and the thrill of learning something new.
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And once I had the technique down, it seemed the flounder just kept coming. One after another, we pulled them in, each catch a new thrill. As if that wasn’t enough, we even managed to catch a few beautiful blue crabs. It felt like nature was rewarding us for our efforts, each catch a reminder of why I’d been so eager for this trip.
By the time we headed back to the dock, the sun was high in the sky, and I was beaming with satisfaction. The trip had been everything I’d imagined it would be and more. From the early morning serenity to the adrenaline rush of the shark encounter and the joy of finally catching that elusive flounder, it was an experience that left me completely hooked—on fishing, on the beauty of Kingsland, and on the sheer thrill of the adventure.Â
As I sat on the boat, watching the shoreline grow closer, I knew this wouldn’t be my last trip. I’m already planning my next visit to Kingsland, another fall charter with Captain John Q. There’s something truly special about this place, where every trip out on the water offers a new adventure, a new story to tell. And I can’t wait to see what the next one will bring!
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