Honest John’s Fish Camp

About Honest John’s Fish Camp

Located on Mullet Creel, adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon, Honest John’s Fish Camp began as a government homestead in 1887. Robert T. Smith and this brother came from southwest Georgia seeking a new life after the ravages of the Civil War.

“Honest John” Smith, founded his namesake fish camp in the 1950s at his rustic family homestead. Located along the Indian River Lagoon, this secluded 44-acre tract is widely regarded as one of beachside Brevard County’s last surviving vestiges of Old Florida.

Over the past 128 years, the fish camp has evolved from a pioneer homestead to a fishing mecca to an ecotourism site.

The Four Original Mullet Creek Islands

The four original Mullet Creek Islands were split into 10 smaller ones during the 1950s when Brevard County constructed mosquito-control impoundments, ditches, and berms. The Florida Circumnavigation Saltwater Paddling Trail, a statewide sea kayaking path, skirts the Mullet Creek Islands.

Adventure Kayak Tours Departure Location

The paddle excursion launches from the fish camp and heads directly south, slowly winding down Mullet Creek through the islands. At the south end of Mullet Creek, the tour loops back around the islands, winding back at the fish camp. The three tour loops back around the islands, winding back up back at the fish camp. The three-mile round trip takes about 2 to 2-1/2 hours depending on weather conditions.

Maritime hammock, mangrove swamp, and marshland provide critical habitat for songbirds, wading birds, green and loggerhead sea turtles, fish, and manatees. Droning insects provide the soundtrack.

Honest John’s Fish Camp Tour Details

• Location: 5 miles North of Sebastian Inlet.
• Class: Typically flat water creek.
• Distance Paddled: 3 miles round trip.
• Water: brackish to salt.
• Wildlife: Manatee, dolphin, osprey, otters, herons and other various water birds.

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.