Deal’s Oyster House in Perry, Florida–A “Must Stop” For Great Seafood!

Don’t drive too fast on US98 west of Perry or you might miss Deal’s Oyster House.  This unassuming white building is home to some of the best seafood in the region and as they tell you “The finest people in the world come through that door”.  Of course, oysters (raw or fried) top the menu …

It’s Fall–And Those Big, Tasty Redfish Are Plentiful on Florida’s Big Bend!

Fall means that our Gulf waters are beginning to cool off, and the redfish are getting frisky and into a spawning mood.  However, the big “bull” and “spawner” reds are over-slot and wouldn’t be great to eat anyway.  Reds in the 18-27-inch slot are much better at the table. If you want to eat a …

Alligator Hunting–Another “On the Water” Opportunity

While the “deer and the antelope” roam much of North America, it’s the American alligator that appeals to hunters and fishermen during the late summer and early fall months in Natural North Florida.  Yes, we do have abundant deer, wild pigs and Osceola turkeys, but the chase for alligators is what stirs the spirit of …

Suwannee River Sturgeon Safety–Don’t Get Hit By a Jumping Fish!

Yes, the Suwannee River is a great place to boat and fish, but during the summer months, the sturgeon are jumping.  So take it easy and heed this advice from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:   It’s an ugly fish with a face only another sturgeon could love. It’s the prehistoric-looking, sucker-mouthed, scute-covered Gulf …

Need a Scallop Guide? Hire a Guide From River Haven Marina, Steinhatchee

Charter Services and Guides fishing out of River Haven Marina. Whether seeking offshore fishing or inshore adventures, we can help you find the right Captain for your needs. Tim and Shari invite you to call (352) 498-0709 for an Up-to-Date fishing and weather report or to book reservations in one of the many accommodations they have to …

Want To Go Scalloping? Don’t Have A Boat? Rent One At Steinhatchee’s Sea Hag Marina!

The Sea Hag Marina’s twenty-boat rental fleet is made up of 24’ Skiffs.  Each is powered by a fuel efficient 4 stroke Mercury 90hp outboard.  There is plenty of seating with two large coolers, sturdy dive ladders and bimini tops to keep you in the shade. Complete safety equipment is provided on each vessel and a …

Lionfish invasion: FWC moves forward with management changes, May 2016

Yes, there are lionfish all over the Gulf of Mexico, including some of the waters off Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties.  They live in deep waters, but are invasive and should be considered so.  Here’s a recent post from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: News Release Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Media …

Seatrout Anglers! Don’t Fergit Yer Measurin’ Stick!

There are millions (probably billions!) of seatrout in our local rivers and creeks right now.  But while some are of the “keeper” variety, many are small.  And ever since the late Capt. Paul Cronk had his photo published in the Gainesville Sun with President Carter and what seemed to be a short trout,  Capt. Rick …

Interested in Oysters? Head to Ouzt’s Too in Newport, FL

I’m “old school” and only eat oysters in months whose spelling includes an “R”.  Yes, I realize we now have cleaner waters flowing over oyster beds these days and have excellent refrigeration technology, but I’m still not a fan of oysters taken from warm water.  Warmer conditions mean an increased danger of contamination, and oysters …

The Great Goliath Grouper

You’re not likely to find Goliath grouper, which can easily tip the scales at 500-pounds close to shore on Florida’s Big Bend. But there’s not reason to suspect that when you think you’re hooked up to a rock on one of our offshore reefs and it starts to move, that you have a Goliath on …