Author: Tommy Thompson
“Early Birds” Catch The Fish–Summertime Fishing on Florida’s Big Bend
There are several reasons to get up early and go fishing on hot summer days. One, if you’re fishing from one of our busy scalloping areas (Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, St. Marks), you’ll beat the crowds to the water. Another, the weather is more likely to be calm, unlike the afternoons when thunderstorms usually develop. The …
Hike, Bike and Camp at Paynes Prairie State Park’s South Side, in Alachua County, Florida
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is biologically, geologically and historically unique. The park became Florida´s first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. Noted artist and naturalist William Bartram called it the great Alachua Savannah when he wrote about his visit to the prairie in 1774. The State Park …
How to Ensure You’re Getting Fresh Gulf Seafood!
Thanks to The Catch for this excellent information regarding fresh seafood! When you’re looking to buy fresh Gulf seafood, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the highest-quality seafood sourced straight from the Gulf. The first and most important step before you purchase seafood at a store (or order it in a restaurant) is …
Small Town Escape: Alachua, the Main Street of Natural North Florida
Don’t be fooled by all the new development, gas stations and fast food outlets when you exit I-75 at Exit #399, US441. You’re in the town of Alachua (pronounced Al-ach-u-way) in rural Alachua County (pronounced Al-ach-u-wah). And you’re in a real gem of a Natural North Florida town. The restoration of downtown Alachua is impressive, …
Bike, Hike or Ride Your Horse at San Felasco Hammock State Park, in Alachua County, Florida
This preserve has one of the few remaining mature forests in Florida. The limestone outcrops and extreme changes in elevation provide ideal conditions for many species of hardwood trees, including several champion trees. Bobcats, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, turkeys, and many species of songbirds make their homes in the 18 natural communities found in the …
Don’t Stand In Line–Order Your Florida Fishing License Online!
If you have a major credit card, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers you two ways to buy your fishing license without leaving your home. Convenience fees apply. Some licenses are not available online or over the phone (read more below). Follow this link to buy your license online. *(A $2.25 or $1.75 …
Boat Rentals at St. Marks and Steinhatchee on Florida’s Natural North Florida Gulf Coast
Not everyone has a boat (AKA a hole in the water in which to pour money!). And not everyone needs to have a boat if they only use it a couple of times each year. Florida’s recreational bay scallop season, running from June to September each year, is the perfect time to rent a boat …
Wade For Bay Scallops at Taylor County’s Hagens Cove Park
For the most part, harvesting bay scallops on Florida’s Big Bend is a boat-oriented exercise. However, there’s one place, on coastal Taylor County, where folks can wade out to gather bay scallops. The park at Hagens Cove is located between Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach, just off CR361 and is a good location for waders, kayakers …
Open House at Cedar Key’s Seahorse Key Marine Laboratory, July 18, 2015
Stop by The Nut Hut–Steinhatchee’s Source For Boiled Peanuts and Fresh Veggies
You don’t have to be tired of fresh seafood to have a craving for fresh vegetables and fruit. And nothing goes better with a cold beverage than some of the Nut Hut’s famous boiled peanuts. The Nut Hut is located about a half-mile north of the CR361 curve at Roy’s Restaurant, in Steinhatchee. …