Inglis & Yankeetown, Florida

THINGS TO DO

Experience the wildlife, sunsets, paddling, bike and horse trails, fishing, sailing and the last little bit of Old Florida in and around the Lower Withlacoochee River and Gulf of Mexico. Gators, otters, dolphin, tarpon, manatee, shore birds, bald eagles and more can be seen in  this part of Florida's Nature Coast. 
TIP: The best time to experience our beautiful wildlife is early morning or late afternoon. Take advantage of this pristine natural habitat and estuary and only leave your footprints behind. We are proud to share these natural wonders with you for an experience of a lifetime.

Paddling

Paddling

There are many paddling opportunities on the Withlacoochee River and the coastal estuarine system around the Gulf of Mexico. There are eight trail maps available. Adventurous visitors have miles and miles of coastline and tidal creeks to discover. Paddle the Withlacoochee River to Bennett’s Creek and observe the roseate spoonbills,
wood storks, egrets, eagles, and more.
For  interested or avid canoe or kayak fisherman, the Inglis & Yankeetown area has some of the best inshore fishing for species such as sea trout, redfish, snook, flounder, sheepshead, cobia, and tarpon . Hook into a twenty-four-inch redfish and have the time
of your life. Several paddling events are held on the river throughout the year, so check out our calendar for more information.
Locally, kayaks may be rented at B’s Marina& Campground (352-566-8319).
Many Florida State Parks with rivers, lakes and coasts feature designated paddling trails, canoe and kayak rentals, and guided tours. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also maintains a catalog of designated paddling
trails statewide as well as other resources for paddlers.

floridadep.gov/PaddlingTrails
Birding

Birding 

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail (GFBWT) is a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. At its core is a network of 514 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent bird watching, wildlife viewing or educational opportunities. This 2,000-mile, self-guided highway trail is designed to conserve and enhance Florida's wildlife habitats by promoting birding and wildlife viewing activities, conservation education and economic opportunity. 

floridabirdingtrail.com
Bicycling and Hiking Trails

Bicycling and Hiking Trails

Inglis is a cyclist’s delight. It is the hub of several bike trails. Head East on the Inglis/Yankeetown Bike Path and you end up at Risher Park and the Lake Rousseau Spillway. Travel South to Felburn Park Trailhead and the Marjorie Harris Cross Florida Trail to the Gulf. Go West through Yankeetown to the Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve. As
of now (March, 2021), there are no local bike rentals.

Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is a 413 acre preserve situated in Yankeetown on the salt marshes of the Gulf of Mexico. This facility has over 5 miles of walking trails , kayak launch, a 30 foot observation tower and home of the Ellie Schiller Education Center. Programs are held at the Preserve from November to April . This unique park will give you a feel for our native Florida Environment with much plant and animal wildlife. Take an early morning birding walk and discover the many species that exist on the preserve or get that morning exercise on the trails and enjoy the views.

wgpfl.org
Others Trails

Other Trails

Black Prong Trailhead & Horse Trails
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Fanning Springs State Park
Goethe State Forrest…
Inglis Island
Nature Coast State Trail
Withlacoochee Bay Trail (including Felburn Park)
FOR MORE INFORMATION on these and other trails, search the website below.

alltrails.com
Scalloping

Scalloping

Scalloping is fun for the family and easy to do in about 4 to 8 feet of
water. Scalloping is a great underwater Easter Egg Hunt with a mask,
snorkel and fins. If you can swim, you can scallop! 
You can get to the scalloping area by boat or car from Inglis and
Yankeetown. Believe it or not, some say it is actually easier to get there by boat from the Withlacoochee Channel than it is to drive to Crystal River. 

You may stay in Inglis or Yankeetown at one of our local motels, B&B,
campgrounds, or cabins and launch your boat at one of our many boat ramps. Enjoy a beautiful ride out the Withlacoochee River Channel and plug in these GPS coordinates to reach the scalloping area: Marker 18 A Withlacoochee Channel 28.59.005 N - 82.47.543 W To #39 Area Power Plant (Barge Canal) and 28.56.317 N - 82.48.108 W takes you across to Crystal River. 
Be Sure To Follow the Rules

If you are between the ages of 16 and 65 you are required to have a
current Florida saltwater fishing license to catch scallops.
Non-residents over the age of 16 are required to have a valid Florida Fishing license. Scallopers under 16 years of age, Florida residents 65 years of age or older with proof of residency and age, or scallopers on a charter boat with a valid recreational saltwater fishing license don't need a fishing license. 

Scallop Limits
The bag limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops (in the shell), or 1 pint of
scallop meat per person per day with no more than 10 gallons of whole scallops or 1/2 gallon of scallop meat aboard the vessel at any time. Scallops can only be harvested by hand or with a landing or
dip net. 

Divers-Down Flag is REQUIRED
Flag displayed on boat – must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches. A
stiffener is required to keep the flag unfurled. Must be displayed above the highest point of the boat and taken down when divers are out of the water. 

Flag displayed on float attached to snorkeler– must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches.  Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of a divers-down flag on open waters and within 100 feet of a flag within rivers, inlets, or navigation channels. 

Vessel operators must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance
of at least 300 feet from divers-down flags on open waters and at least
100 feet from flags on rivers, inlets or navigation channels. Vessels
approaching divers-down flags closer than 300 feet in open water and 100 feet in rivers, inlets and navigation channels must slow to idle speed.

Big Bend Shellfish Trail Map

Boating, Sailing, and Fishing

Launching from the river will give you a wonderful look at the Withlacoochee River, one of Florida's Outstanding Waterways. The Greater Withlacoochee Area offers fresh or saltwater fishing
on your own or with one of our Chamber Member Guides. Marinas, bait and tackle shops, fishing licenses, campgrounds, motels, boat ramps and boat rentals are also available through our Chamber members. (See the listings under the “BOATING & FISHING” tab on our HOME PAGE.)
There are several boat launches. B’s Marina and Campground,  Yankeetown Marina, one near the USCG Station, and the recently upgraded and larger one at the mouth of the river at the Gulf end of CR40.
Tarpon, red fish, trout, scallops, cobia, mackerel, shark, grouper, and more can be found in and around the mouth of the river and of course, in the Gulf of Mexico. Both the Withlacoochee River and Lake Rousseau offer a variety of freshwater fish, such as larger-mouth lunker bass, brim, catfish, and crappie.

IMPORTANT TIPS
Our tides change twice daily and can raise and lower as much as six feet, so a chart would be helpful for your adventure. Proceed slowly and carefully so you don’t get stuck up a creek or
in a shallow anchorage. Don't Forget to Follow Safe Boating Rules and Please Respect the Environment.

Big Bend Shellfish Trail Map

A unique ROAD TRIP to the
Big Bend Shellfish Trail

floridashellfishtrail.org
THINGS TO DO PLACES TO STAY WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO SHOP EVENTS WANT TO LIVE HERE? BOATING & FISHING SURROUNDING AREA SERVICES
Links
Surrounding Area
Mailing Address
  • P.O. Box 427, Inglis, Florida 34449

Visitors Office

167 Highway 40 West
Inglis, Florida 34449
Office hours: Fridays 10-2
Telephone: 352-447-3383

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