Fishing and Boating
Our Fishing and Boating expert, Capt. Tommy Thompson, will tell you where the best fishing spots are, what’s biting, and tips on making your fishing and boating trips an exciting adventure!
Pack a Picnic for Steinhatchee Falls
OK, maybe “falls” is a bit grandiose. But I can tell you that there’s no finer spot than Steinhatchee Falls for a picnic, the start of a paddling trip or quiet contemplation. This favorite gathering spot has a boat ramp and the peaceful sound of the rushing river to recommend it. When you’ve got the …
Econfina State Park…Great Lodging and Fishing
Bonnie Kinsey WELCOMES YOU & INVITES you to enjoy a stay at the Econfina State Park. Nature surrounds these clean, efficiency hotel rooms bordering miles of leisure activity. A comfortable rest & relaxation spot worth staying at. Flexible check in/check out times. China dishware, micro, refrig, coffee maker, linens, heat/air, two twin beds and small …
Learn How to Take Better Fishing (and Outdoor) Photographs–A Program by Capt. Tommy Thompson, May 24, 2011
Don’t miss my program at the May 2011 meeting of the Gainesville Offshore Fishing Club on the 24th. I’ll cover digital file types, file sizes for publication, good posing techniques, photo editing software, keeping your gear dry, underwater cameras– and how to win photo contests. There will also be a brief discussion of digital video …
Weighing Anchor the Easy Way
From the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary: Weighing anchor doesn’t have to be difficult. The Coast Guard Auxiliary recommends these simple steps: • Motor up to the anchor until the line is vertical • Pull up the anchor • If the anchor is stuck motor across the anchor location. This will usually break the anchor loose • If …
“Good Vibrations”–All About Making a Racket While Fishing Florida’s Big Bend Shallows
Someone asked me the other day about my favorite lure color. Of course, my standard answer is, “light colors for clear water and dark colors for stained waters.” That’s probably a good general summary, but I remarked that while color (and smell) is important, noise might be a bigger factor in getting fish to bite …
The Gulf Oil Spill, Its Effects on Florida’s Big Bend Fishing, One Year Later
As the one-year anniversary of the ‘Gulf Oil Spill’ and tragedy approaches on April 20, 2011, lots of folks, including potential visitors to Florida, are asking about the oil, fishing and the present quality of Gulf of Mexico waters. Yes, there were reports last year of oil ‘globs’ on a few beaches along Florida’s Panhandle, …
Big Bend Bound For Some Great Fishing?–Fly Into Gainesville Regional Airport
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is an excellent choice for visiting anglers heading to the Big Bend. With service from Atlanta (Delta), Charlotte (USAir) and Miami (American) and a good supply of rental cars, the airport is convenient to some great fishing spots. It’s only about an hour from Yankeetown and about an hour-and-a-half from Cedar …
About Anchoring–Good Advice From The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
More good advice from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: There are two reasons to anchor: 1.) to attach a boat to the bottom and 2.) to keep a boat in position when there is an emergency. What anchor is best? That depends on the boat, the kind of anchoring needed and bottom conditions. While a …
Fishing in Hot Weather? How Much Ice is Too Much Ice?
From the April 15-17, 2011 Florida Sportsman Big Bend Fishing4Cast, by Tommy Thompson With the temperatures getting close to the low ‘90s over the past weekend, it’s time for anglers to start thinking about ice. Not ice as a result of weather, but ice to protect and preserve the fish you catch. Did you ever …
“Downtime” is Good Time to Check Your Boat’s Safety Gear
from the good folks at our U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary: “Downtime” is Good Time to Check Safety Gear WASHINGTON – Don’t arrive at a launch ramp and find your on-board safety equipment missing or in need of repair. Use “downtime” to check your boat’s safety equipment and make sure it’s in top operating condition. The …