Two More Reasons Natural North Florida’s Big Bend Coastline is Pristine

There are two reasons that the Big Bend’s Gulf waters are so well-preserved, both thanks to the folks at the University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station and the area’s friend and Sea Grant Agent, Dr. Savanna Barry. In recent months, Dr. Barry realized two of her goals that are of importance to anglers and …

A Beginner’s Guide to Bay Scallop Season: Catching, Cleaning & Cooking Fresh Gulf Scallops

Scalloping is the Natural North Florida’s alternative to South Florida’s lobster season.  It’s a combination of complete madness at boat ramps and marinas, motels filled to capacity, family fun, and some of the best eating around. Here is our comprehensive guide to scalloping in Natural North Florida to prepare you for the upcoming season. Read …

Steinhatchee Fishing Tournament Schedule, 2016

Thanks to the folks at the Sea Hag Marina, here’s a listing of the 2016 Fishing Tournaments at Steinhatchee, in Taylor County, Florida.   Check your browser and our fishing blog as the year progresses for more information on individual tournaments!

Paddle Natural North Florida’s Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is proud to announce the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail was awarded designation as a National Recreation Trail during National Trails Day June 4th, 2005. The Big Bend Paddling Trail was one of 37 trails in 23 states to receive this award. National Recreation Trail designation is an honor …

3-Day Trip: Fish North Florida’s Hidden Coast

The shorelines of Florida’s northwest counties are known for more than their white, sandy beaches and quaint, coastal cities. Their waters are abundant with a wide variety of salt and freshwater fish, and each county offers an assortment of boating, scalloping and other water activities. From freshwater kayak fishing to deep-sea charters, Florida’s northern shores …

Headed to Cedar Key, FL? Cedar Cove Condos Is A Great Place To Stay (and Eat!)

If you’re headed to Cedar Key, Cedar Cove Condos is a great place to stay.  All rooms have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s just a short walk to the shops and restaurants in “downtown” Cedar Key.  It’s also a quick walk to Cedar Key’s waterfront park, where you can rent a kayak …

Drive Florida’s Dixie Mainline–Hardly A Road To Nowhere!

If you’re driving from the Dixie County Big Bend coastal community of Suwannee to Horseshoe Beach (or vice-versa), you have two options.  The first involves traveling at least a 20-mile trip back to US19/98, heading to either Cross City or Old Town and then another 20-plus miles to your destination.  The other is a simple, …

Try Kayak Fishing in the Wakulla Backwaters

Last weekend I left my flats skiff behind in Steinhatchee and joined a couple of other outdoor writers in Wakulla County for a kayak-fishing adventure. Of course, over the years, I’ve made numerous trips out of St. Marks, Panacea and Spring Creek, but never had much chance to fish the shallow, close-in flats and inshore …

Fish The Wild, Wild Waters of Central Taylor County, Florida

The Taylor County Gulf shoreline is hardly “civilized”, but if you compare the area between Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach to that north of Keaton Beach, you’ll find a vast difference.  Heading northwest from Keaton Beach,  you’ll see a few homes and settlements at places like Dekle Beach and Adams Beach, but from there on, it’s …

Kayak Steinhatchee in Taylor County, Florida

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 …