Genung’s fish camp
When fishing captain Adam Morley was young, Genung’s Fish Camp was more than just a bait shop or a boat launch. It was the beginning of a passion that would come to shape him later in life.
Long before he and his wife Janine invested in the camp as owners in 2017, the camp itself seemed to invest in Adam.
“It’s a full circle story that begins in my childhood when my brother and I would ride our bikes over the SR-206 bridge to get bait from Jack and Mary Jane Genung…to go fishing under the bridge,” Morley said.
The Genungs founded the camp in 1948 and remained its owners and operators for almost 50 years. It’s hard to imagine they anticipated one particular young boy they served would be a future torchbearer of their prized institution.
But by kindling an early love for inland fishing in St. Augustine, the Genungs were inadvertently training the next generation to continue what they had started.
By 2017, Genung’s had already long left the founders’ hands, but Morley never stopped frequenting the camp.
He ran kayak fishing charters out of their shop beginning in the 2000s, eventually got his captain’s license at Genung’s and embarked on his career conducting guided fishing tours. He was approached more than once about potentially taking over and running it.
When Hurricane Irma wiped out some of the docks from which Morley was launching, he and his wife seized the opportunity to restore the fish camp and preserve its valuable history. The investment put in by the Morleys has revitalized Genung’s nearly 80 years into its life.
The primary store, elevated with a state grant to protect against flood damage, remains as vital as ever as a bait and tackle shop, kayak and paddle board rental launch, venue rental location and, soon, a food truck site.
Genung’s greatest value is that it’s living, breathing history. “Old Florida” has its legions of loyalists, but as a concept it’s loosely defined. It’s not always easy to distinguish true Florida history from the ye olde attractions that dominate modern St. Augustine.
“Lots has changed and been lost over the years that can’t be seen, but visitors still come and enjoy the feel of Old Florida as they sit under the old-growth oaks and look out at the Matanzas River,” Morley reflects. “[It’s been rewarding] watching my son growing up here and connecting with and making core memories with the water, our customers and friends. It’s a childhood that I believe will lead him to a happy and fulfilling life.”
The fish camp itself is protected by its deed for the time being, but the amount of time we have to enjoy it will correspond with how many generations take up the cause to preserve it.
“Knowing Florida like I do, I’m not too optimistic about future generations’ chances of experiencing Old Florida,” Morley says. “I’d love for the masses to prove me wrong on that. I say ‘masses’ because the individuals currently trying are simply fingers in a failing dam. It’ll take movement from the masses.”
Next time Florida feels like it’s changing all too fast, think of Genung’s Fish Camp. Make the drive. Wet a line. Paddle out. Sit under the old-growth oaks. If you have a next generation, take them to enjoy it while they can. It might just inspire the person who’ll take the next watch and protect their Florida.
-
Check us out.
-
-
Get seen in The Saint.
Contact us for marketing info.
contact@thesaintmagazine.com
-
Stickers. T-shirts. Shot glasses.
Coming soon.