How to Prepare for a Day Out on Matanzas River


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September 25th, 2026


The Matanzas River offers some of Northeast Florida's best fishing and paddling, but a little preparation makes the difference between a great day out and a stressful one. All Aboard Storage's Lightsey Depot offers real boat and RV storage near St. Augustine, and knowing what to check before heading out keeps the focus on the water rather than on problems you could have avoided.

Know the Real Tides Before You Go

The Matanzas River runs through part of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, and its currents can shift quickly with the tide, especially near the inlet where the water moves fastest. Strong tides here attract larger species like tarpon and snook during warmer months, but they also mean swift currents that catch inexperienced boaters and kayakers off guard without much warning. Check tide charts before launching, and plan your route with the current in mind rather than fighting against it the whole way back to the dock.

Pack the Right Real Safety Gear

Life vests are essential for every person on board, whether you're in a boat, kayak, or canoe, and it's worth having one for each passenger rather than assuming you'll share along the way. Bring more water than you think you'll need, since Florida sun and humidity dehydrate faster than most people expect out on the water. A basic first aid kit, a charged phone in a waterproof case, and a whistle or signaling device round out what you should have before leaving the dock.

What You'll Likely Catch

The river holds a genuine mix of species depending on the season. Redfish, trout, and flounder are common targets, especially early morning and late afternoon when the bite tends to pick up. Live shrimp and finger mullet work well as bait, while topwater plugs are particularly effective for redfish and soft plastics mimic baitfish for trout and flounder. Kayak fishing has become especially popular here, letting anglers reach narrower channels and marsh edges that larger boats simply can't access at all.

Respect the Wildlife You'll Encounter

Dolphins, manatees, and alligators all call this stretch of water home, and maintaining a safe distance protects both you and them. Manatees in particular move slowly and can be difficult to spot until you're already close, so keeping a careful eye out while navigating shallower areas matters just as much as watching for other boats on the water.

Prepping Your Boat Before You Launch

Check your battery, fuel level, and bilge before leaving storage, and make sure any safety equipment on board is current and in good working condition. A boat that's been sitting for a while benefits from a quick once-over rather than assuming everything's ready to go after weeks between trips out.

Where to Store Your Boat Between Trips

All Aboard Storage's Lightsey Depot offers secure outdoor parking for boats, RVs, cars, and trailers, along with climate-controlled indoor units for gear and equipment you'd rather keep protected from Florida's heat and humidity year-round. The property is fully fenced with controlled gate access and 24-hour video surveillance, and drive-up units make loading gear before a trip genuinely straightforward.

For a closer look at boat-specific storage options, our dedicated boat storage page covers sizing and setup in more detail.

Why Location Matters for Matanzas River Boaters

Lightsey Depot sits at 1470 Lightsey Road, serving St. Augustine South, St. Augustine Shores, Lincolnville, St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, and surrounding St. Johns County communities, several of which sit directly along the Matanzas River itself. Access runs daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, giving boaters an early start before a full day out on the water.

Getting Ready for Your Next Trip Out

Checking tides, packing the right gear, and respecting the river's wildlife turns a day on the Matanzas into a genuinely enjoyable outing rather than a scramble to fix something that could have been handled well beforehand.

All Aboard Storage - Lightsey Depot, located at 1470 Lightsey Road in St. Augustine, FL, offers the boat storage, security, and local convenience that area boaters genuinely count on.

Ready today to find secure storage for your boat before the next trip out?

Contact Us today to check availability at All Aboard Storage.