Lake George is the second-largest freshwater lake in Florida, covering an impressive 46,000 acres (14 miles by 6 miles). Located along the St. Johns River approximately halfway between the river's headwaters near Melbourne/Palm Bay and its outlet at Jacksonville, this vast body of water has several distinctive characteristics. Lake George features a remarkably consistent bottom structure with minimal variation across its length and width. Once past the shallow shoreline areas and the sloping drop-off into 10-12 feet of water, the lake maintains a uniform depth with little underwater terrain variation. Another unique aspect is the lake's significant salt content, which allows both freshwater and some saltwater species to thrive, including a substantial blue crab fishery. The lake has limited vegetation except along the shallow shorelines, and an active Armed Forces bombing range occupies the east-central portion of the lake.