Common Sharks of Florida–Read All About Them!

Sharks are not necessarily bad, but it’s good to know your limits when you encounter them on our Gulf waters.  Just in time for summer, Common Sharks of Florida, SGEF-203, offers illustrations and facts about the most common sharks encountered by beach goers and recreational anglers. Florida’s shark population is diverse and includes species that …

Come to Steinhatchee For Some Great Paddling–and Fishing!

We’ve come full circle.  Now, modern interpretations of eons-old paddle craft are the latest rage when it comes to fishing.  Many are as simple as rafts and others, like Hobie’s Master Angler 12, are fitted with modern conveniences like cozy seats, pedal or electric drives, depth sounders, and even live wells.   But no matter your …

Sea Tow Offers Hurricane Season Tips for Boaters

SOUTHOLD, N.Y., – The official forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season, issued on May 23, called for “an active or extremely active season” this year. For the six-month hurricane season, which begins on June 1, NOAA predicted 70 percent likelihood of 13-20 named storms (winds of …

Florida’s Apalachee Bay Maritime Heritage Paddling Trail System

Trail Overview Be transported to a different time and place as you paddle Apalachee Bay’s Ten Maritime Heritage Trails. Designed for enthusiasts of all levels, enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography as you explore one of Florida’s last great bays, its inlets, rivers, and springs. Apalachee is one of the healthiest and most productive bays …

Taylor County Florida Artificial Reefs!

Just in time for summer and some great offshore fishing! Taylor County’s offshore marine environment draws diving and fishing enthusiasts from all over the Southeast. With over 50 miles of coastline, Taylor County is in a position to reap major recreational and economic benefits from a successful artificial reef program Volunteers are the heart of …

Steinhatchee is all about recreational fishing!

Steinhatchee is all about recreational fishing.  Just a short drive from US19/98, this one-ramp fishing village sits at the mouth of the Steinhatchee River, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico between Cedar Key and St. Marks.  What’s between Cedar Key and St. Marks?  Not much—thus the popularity of Steinhatchee to anglers from far and …

Fish Shired Island, near Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County, Florida

I always thought Horseshoe Beach was an out-of-the-way and rather desolate spot to begin a fishing trip—until I discovered Shired Island.  Located about 5 miles south of Horseshoe Beach at the southern end of Horseshoe Cove, mile-long Shired Island is likely an ancient kitchen midden composed of discarded shells.  Prehistoric Americans no doubt found plenty …

A Day at the Beach? Or a Day at the Bars? Go Fishing at Keaton Beach in Taylor County, Florida

Yes, there’s a small beach at Keaton Beach.  However, that small stretch of sand isn’t what brings folks from all over the state to this small Taylor County coastal town in March.  It’s the bars—and not the drinking kind. Anglers understand the concept of ‘structure’ and the rugged shoreline to the northwest of Keaton (Locals …

Wade Fishing in Natural North Florida

I’m fortunate to have fished much of Florida’s shallow shoreline, and have noticed one big difference between our Big Bend and the rest of the state’s west and north Gulf coast—a decided scarcity of wading spots that are accessible to those without boats.    The advantage that non-Big Benders have is barrier islands and their beaches.  …

Try Yankeetown For An “Old Florida” Fishing Experience

As winter comes to an end at Yankeetown and southern Levy County, game fish move from the confines and protection of the Withlacoochee River and it’s feeder creeks into the bays.  There, they await the first appearance of bait fish and pause to enjoy the warmth of the dark bottom of Waccasassa and Withlacoochee Bays.  …