Fishing, Boating & Diving Abounds in Martin County

With the Gulf Stream just offshore, Martin County reigns supreme for sport fishing, and holds the distinctive title of “Sailfish Capital of the World.”

Martin County is a yachtsman’s and fisherman’s paradise. Boasting more than twenty marinas, a dozen fishing charter and boat sightseeing companies, plus a variety of bait and tackle shops, boating and fishing excursions are popular pastimes in Martin County.

The natural water wonderland of Martin County provides endless fishing and boating opportunities, complete with supplies and facilities for all size boats, whether power or sail. Martin County also offers access to Florida’s only cross-state canal via the St.Lucie Locks and Okeechobee Waterway system to Fort Myers on the west coast.

Whether arriving via the Intracoastal Waterway aboard your own boat or renting a craft when you get here, Martin County has numerous facilities to accommodate you, as well as guided boat tours. Anglers enjoy off shore and inshore fishing for more than 600 species of game fish. Martin County also offers intriguing natural and artificial dive sites.

Throughout myriad inland waterways, those who enjoy water recreation can find passion. Choose from guided boat tours, day fishing charters, pontoon and paddleboat tours, canoeing, kayaking, river sightseeing cruises, eco-tours and fishing tournaments. From the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Okeechobee, through the Indian, St. Lucie and Loxahatchee rivers, Martin County accommodates all those beckoned by the love of fishing and boating.

For the ultimate boating or fishing experience, the variety and quality of Martin County’s natural resources promises to make every excursion a memorable one.

To help take advantage of all the boating, fishing and diving experiences throughout Martin County, and for a complete listing of all the equipment and sporting rental shops, bait and tackle shops, boat rental and fishing and diving charter companies, as well as guided boat tours and boat ramp locations, please visit the Martin County Convention & Visitors Bureau Web site: www.MartinCountyFla.com.

BAIT & TACKLE -- Dozens of bait and tackle shops are available for fishing and boating supplies.

BOAT RAMPS -- Over a dozen boat ramps allow access to all the waterways throughout Martin County.

   1. Broward St. Boat Ramp, Stuart
   2. C-23 Canal Park, Palm City
   3. J& S Fish Camp, Indiantown
   4. Jensen Beach Causeway, Jensen Beach
   5. Jimmy Graham Park, Hobe Sound
   6. Leighton Park, Palm City
   7. Phipps Park, Stuart
   8. Sandsprit Park, Stuart
   9. Shepard Park, Stuart
10. Timer Powers Park, Indiantown

BOAT RENTALS -- Watercraft is available for fishing, pleasure cruising or canoeing the bountiful waters of Martin County.

DIVE SITES

Donaldson Reef
Cluster of steel tanks and barrels sunk in 58 feet of water to create this artificial reef.
Due east of Gilbert’s House of Refuge, Hutchinson Island.
Ernst Reef
Created from old tires – a 60 foot dive site
4 1⁄2 miles ease/SE of St. Lucie Inlet, Stuart
Georges Valentine Shipwreck
Designated as one of Florida’s shipwreck preserves in 2006. Sits in shallow water just a few hundred feet behind the House of Refuge.
USS Rankin
Rankin is a 459-foot ship used in WWI. Deck hatches are open and allow for exploration.
7 miles east/NE of St. Lucie Inlet, Stuart

EQUIPMENT RENTAL -- Every type of sporting equipment from boats to bicycles to roller blading is available.

FISHING & DIVING CHARTERS -- For the ultimate in sport fishing and underwater exploration, experienced charter companies are ready to make any excursion a memorable one.

GUIDED BOAT TOURS -- Relax and enjoy Martin County’s natural wonderland while exploring the abundant waterways.

MARINAS

   1. AA Marina
   2. Harbor Inn & Marina
   3. Harborage Yacht Club and Marina
   4. Hinkley Yacht Services
   5. Hutchinson Island Marriott Marina
   6. Indiantown Marina and Yacht Club
   7. Manatee Marina
   8. Mariner Cay Marina
   9. Martin County Marina
10. Monterey Inn & Marina
11. Nettles Island Marina
12. Northside Marina
13. Outrigger Harbour Marina
14. Pelican’s Nest Marina
15. Pirates Cove Resort and Marina
16. Riverwatch Marina
17. Sailfish Marina / Stuart
18. Sailfish Point Marina
19. Southpoint Anchorage Marina
20. St. Lucie Marina
21. Stuart Cay Marina
22. Stuart Harbor Marina

For a complete listing and more details, please visit the Martin County Convention & Visitors Bureau Web Site:www.martincountyfla.com.