Hagen's Cove near Keaton Beach, FL

   

Hagan's Cove is owned by the state of Florida and located approximately 5 miles south of Keaton Beach on CR 400/361.  A friend who knew I'd been looking for places to fish saltwater and who knew the area took me here.

It's clean with picnic tables, an observation deck and a restroom (actually just an upscale outhouse - bring your own toilet paper!)  Except for the restroom it appears well kept.

Observation Deck

The "Bathroom" - TP not included

A bit of warning - this site tends to be isolated.  My daughter and I came recently and my truck was burglarized while we were out on the water.  If you must leave your vehicle pack your valuables with you.

The launch site is vehicle accessible and kayak friendly though shallow.  On my last trip my daughter and I had to walk over a hundred yards to get our kayaks in deep enough water to sit in.  Even at that paddling was more like poling.  The tide was down, of course.

In fact, it's shallow pretty much everywhere.  It will not be unusual for you to get out and pull your kayak behind you.

 Wade fishing at the mouth of a creek immediately south of the launch site

As expected trout, reds and flat fish seem to be the popular targets.  On my two trips I've come up skunked fishing the creek just south of the launch site but others have great success.  I'm still new at this salt stuff.

Anyway you can do what I did.  Enjoy the scenery!

I wish horseshoe crabs were good to eat.  They're everywhere.  Apparently, the only thing edible are the eggs.

After paddling for several hours time for an island break and redneck staples, Vienna sausage and crackers and an ice cold drink from my Polar Bear cooler.

This area is very beautiful and peaceful.  I found this video made by Motohika from Japan that really captures the area well.


If you can't see the full screen, double click the middle of the video after it starts.  Be sure to turn up the sound!





In addition to fishing, scalloping is very popular.  The season usually runs July through September.  For more info the link is HERE.  


For tides and and local information call the Keaton Beach Marina at 850-578-2897.  KBM's website is www.keatonbeachmarina.com and has a lot of additional info about the area.


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LINKS:

Current Georgia river levels: Real Time Georgia Streamflow

Solunar Tables for your zip code: HERE

Rigging your kayak: Captain Dick
Interactive map by Angling Technologies: HERE

FORUMS
Georgia Kayak Fishing
Georgia River Fishing
Jax Kayak Fishing
Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing (you might need to be registered to view this one)

FLY FISHING RESOURCES

DP Poppers
Fly Fishing West Georgia
Books and DVD by George Roberts:
Master the Cast
Fly Fisherman's Guide to Saltwater Naturals and Their Imitation

Saltwater Casting - 10 Steps to Distance and Power (DVD)

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If you are a resident of Georgia and like to fish from a kayak I recommend becoming a supporting member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association located at GeorgiaKayakFishing.com.

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