Author: Tommy Thompson
Free Fishing Weekends In Florida, June 2015
Governor Rick Scott announced four license-free fishing days in June for Florida residents and visitors. The license-free fishing weekends are: Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, saltwater recreational fishing license requirement will be waived. Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14, freshwater recreational fishing license requirement will be waived. Governor Scott said, “This summer, we’re excited to make …
Gulf Anglers–Don’t Forget To Register For CCA-Florida’s 2015 STAR Tournament!
Just a reminder for everyone to register for the CCA STAR Tournament. The Tournament runs until Labor Day 2015 and still has some fabulous prizes, valued at about $500,000. That’s a bunch of money and with more than 120 tagged redfish distributed along the Gulf coast, everyone has a chance to win. And there are …
2015 Scallop Season Solutions (For Hook and Liners)!
Natural North Florida’s recreational scallop season isn’t necessarily a bad thing for fishermen. However, if you fish from Keaton Beach, St. Marks, Panacea, Econfina, Horseshoe Beach or Steinhatchee it can be aggravating. Those of you wishing to use launching ramps at these locations will probably find large, untrained crowds and those of you needing a …
Head East From Gainesville to Blue Water Bay Restaurant in Melrose
Now that the intersection of US301 and SR26 has been “passed over” by the new overpass, the 20-mile trip east from Gainesville to Blue Water Bay is pretty easy. And when you get there, the food’s pretty good, too! Blue Water Bay is open for lunch Monday-Friday, 11AM – 3PM; dinner Monday-Thursday 5PM – 9PM. …
6th Annual “Nauti Girls” Tournament, Steinhatchee, June 13, 2015
Can’t wait until Scallopalooza for an excuse to come back to Steinhatchee ??? All you ladies out there… come enter the Nauti-Girls Fishing Tournament! June 13…captains meeting June 12. Need a boat??? Hire one of our fantastic charter captains… call one of our marinas (River Haven, Good Times, or Sea Hag), or rent a boat …
Don’t Overlook This Species: Ladyfish Are “Elops” of Fun! May 2015
Elops saurus, the ladyfish, is one of the great species of Gulf game fish. They offer lots of fun but not much table value. Many consider them junk fish, but serious anglers and guides find them game with light tackle or fly rods. Bait pods are now showing up in near shore big Bend waters, …
Down The Less-Beaten Path Through The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
There’s nothing quite like the United States’ National Wildlife Refuge system, and Natural North Florida has three of the best– St. Marks, Lower Suwannee and Cedar Key. All are interesting and worth the trip, but The St. Marks Preserve, located in Wakulla County, in the middle of the Big Bend, is especially interesting to visitors …
Anglers–Be On The Lookout! Cobia Are Swimming Along Florida’s Nature Coast
Our Big Bend channel markers provide good cover for predators. Proof comes in the springtime when visitors to our coastline question the appearance of boats circling almost every marker at Cedar Key, Suwannee and Steinhatchee . Spring is “cobia time” and lots of anglers are on the lookout for ling, crab-eaters, or lemon fish–as …
Bay Scallop Season To Begin on Florida’s Nature Coast, June 27, 2015
The 2015 bay scallop season opens June 27th. Ports along Florida’s Nature Coast from the Pasco/Hernando county line north to the Mexico Beach Canal are expecting a record “crop” and are prepared for a very busy couple of months. This year’s season begins on June 27 and ends on September 24, giving everyone plenty …
Cyclists! Ride Tour De Melon, Chiefland, June 6, 2015
Excitement fills the air when communities unite for a worthy cause. Suwannee Valley Rotary Club holds this very exciting event each year on the first Saturday in June to unite the Tri County Area and involve hundreds of cyclists from all across the country. Our annual “Tour de Melon” event corresponds with Chiefland’s popular, well …