Author: Tommy Thompson
Going Scalloping On Our Natural North Florida Gulf Coast? Plan Ahead!
Participating in Florida’s bay scallop harvest (see: Bay Scallops: The Gulf of Mexico’s Tastiest Treat) is lots of fun, but before you head out the door and head to Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, or St. Marks (all in Natural North Florida!), you’re advised to do some preliminary planning. Other than the “simple stuff”, like having your …
Cool Off In Gornto Springs–A Dixie County Favorite!
There are many “plain ‘ol swimmin’ holes” left anymore. Many have been privatized and others (for the better) have been turned into state parks. One of my favorites is Gornto Spring, sometimes referred to as Guaranto Spring, in Dixie County, alongside the Suwannee River. Gornto Spring Park has nice restrooms, picnic facilities and a boat …
Florida Marine Fisheries Seeks Angler Input, Steinhatchee, July 20, 2015
Do you have ideas about how Florida’s marine fisheries should be managed? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to hear from you. Whether you are a seafood aficionado who wants priority placed on getting fish to the dinner plate, a recreational fisher who prefers to catch and release or a commercial fisher …
2015 Bay Scallop Reports, Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach
The second week of Florida’s 2015 recreational bay scallop season proved much more productive than the first. There were no steady sea breezes keeping the water dirty and the travel to the scallop grounds rough. And the mid-day low tides made it easier for kids and beginner-swimmers to search the grass for the tasty bivalves. …
Be Safe on the Water This Summer
By: Bill Mahan, Florida Sea Grant Agent – UF IFAS Extension Bay County It’s that time of the year when our beaches and waters fill up with folks who want to enjoy their time soaking up some rays and playing in the water! However, the water can be a dangerous place, so be alert to …
2015 Scallop Harvest Tops Predictions on Florida’s Natural North Florida Gulf Coast!
Photos are worth thousands of words! Yep, this is the year folks on Florida’s Natural North Florida Gulf coastline have been waiting for. Opening day of recreational bay scallop season at Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach and St. Marks have exceeded everyone’s expectations. It’s busy, the water’s clear, and the scallops are easy to harvest.
Bay Scallop Abundance Survey Results, June 21, 2015
The “Bay Scallop Abundance Survey” results from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is always wildly-anticipated by folks hoping to catch their limit of these tasty bivalves during the summer harvest. The 2015 season begins on June 27 and ends on September 25. There’s plenty of information about the “how-to” of gathering your own …
Catch Fish, Not Birds, When Fishing Natural North Florida’s Coastal Waters
Birds that become entangled in fishing line almost always die a slow, agonizing and painful death. To avoid hooking or tangling sea birds, use the following techniques: Cast away from birds, especially if you’re fishing with topwater lures or baits If dock fishing, let the current take you line towards the fish rather than casting …
World Sea Turtle Day Celebration, Gainesville, FL–June 20, 2015
World Sea Turtle Day Celebration Jun 20th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Florida Museum – 3215 Hull Road, SW 34th Street and Hull Road Gainesville, FL 32611 GET DIRECTIONS Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day with the Sea Turtle Conservancy! Children and families are invited to tour the Museum’s sea turtle exhibit with …
Marine Fisheries Management Workshop, Steinhatchee, July 16, 2015
Steinhatchee – Steinhatchee Community Center, 1013 Riverside Drive Do you have ideas about how Florida’s marine fisheries should be managed? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to hear from you. Whether you are a seafood aficionado who wants priority placed on getting fish to the dinner plate or a recreational fisher who prefers …