Where did everyone go?

The St. Johns River was once the Bass Fishing Capital of the World.

Today, most fishermen go somewhere else.

Fish camps have ceased to exist. Bait shops and restaurants have closed their doors. Riverside lodging facilities book more rooms for bikers than boaters.

Spray Results SJR - 2023

Video showing the aftermath of “routine herbicide treatment” on a backwater on the St. Johns River. This type of treatment occurs annually at a minimum, under the guise of navigational concerns, and affects both native and exotic plants.

We want our fun back.

Scientific data from the Florida FWC proves that St. Johns River gamefish populations are at historic lows. Area managers have concluded that aquatic habitat loss is to blame, but habitat restoration projects are still in their infancy, and have yet to prove viable.

In addition, current habitat management operates in ways counter-productive to providing a stable environment for fish and wildlife.

Herbicide use - known as “spraying” by most river users - is a necessary method to control exotic plants, but continues to be an largely unsupervised practice. Disconnect with the public has resulted in poor communication and little input on what is best for the river’s users and its inhabitants.

In short, the fishing outlook is gloomy, getting worse, and little is being offered in terms of a resolution. No wonder the boat ramps are deserted. Our river deserves better.

We need a unified voice for every outdoor enthusiast who enjoys the St. Johns River.

Habitat affects us all.

  • Manatee lovers

  • Birders

  • Commercial fishermen

  • Eco-tourists

  • Boaters

  • Crabbers

  • Airboat adventurers

  • Paddlers

  • Shrimpers

  • Anglers

  • Springs enthusiasts