It’s Time For Natural North Florida’s Bay Scallop Harvest…

….and the 2018 season promises to be one of the best.  Especially at Steinhatchee, in southern Taylor County!   We’re always cautious to put out information in advance of the season, and now, by July 1, we’re certain that this year’s scallop harvest at Steinhatchee will be one of the best in recent years.  This …

Plan Ahead For 2018–FWC discusses regional bay scallop seasons on Big Bend

This information may not be “official”, but our guess is that it will likely become so before Florida’s recreational bay scallop season begins in 2018: At its December meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed draft changes that would create regionally-specific bay scallop open seasons and would allow a trial …

Horseshoe Cove–A Hidden Fishing Destination On Natural North Florida’s Gulf Coast

Florida’s Big Bend coastline is the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline in the lower 48 states, and Horseshoe Cove and the surrounding area is an excellent example of a place that hasn’t been overdeveloped or encroached upon by “civilization”. I like that—and so do the fish! It’s located south of the “forgotten” village of Horseshoe …

Big Bend Shellfish Trail–Florida’s Working Waterfront Communities

Shellfish harvest and consumption in Florida is an important facet of the maritime heritage of many coastal towns. Natural North Florida’s Big Bend has several towns that still harbor local shellfish fisheries. These working waterfront communities are places where present day fishers carry on the traditions of past generations. The Big Bend Shellfish Trail Map …

Paddle Florida’s Big Bend Coastline At The 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure, October 11-14

If you’re an avid paddler, consider joining 99 others at the 2017 Hidden Coast Paddling Adventure.  This year’s 4 day trip will depart the Steinhatchee River and head south to Yankeetown, on the scenic Withlacoochee River.  On the trip, you’ll see wildlife and “Natural North Florida” at places like Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee, and Cedar Key.  …

New “User-Friendly” Dates Announced For Big Bend 2017 Recreational Bay Scallop Season

In recent years, Florida’s Recreational Bay Scallop harvest rules were fairly simple.  You could “catch” your limit of these tasty morsels from the Pasco/Hernando County line to the Mexico Beach Canal from July 1 until September 24th.  Some places were better than others with regards to the size and number of scallops available.  But now, …

Florida’s 2016/2017 Stone Crab Season Opens October 15th–Great Eating Ahead

The result of stone crabbers’ hard work–a plate of mighty fine eatin’ There’s nothing more tasty than a Florida stone crab.  And some of the best come from the ports of Natural North Florida. Florida’s stone crab population is highly regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).  Not only do regulations apply …

Fall Fishing on Natural North Florida’s Big Bend Flats

  The term, ‘flats’, means lots of things to lots of different anglers. Bonefishers love to sight fish over stretches of shin-deep, pure white sand or marl. Tarpon enthusiasts often find their prey on ‘flats’ that are six to eight feet deep, and everyone knows that redfish prefer shallows where the rough, rocky bottom holds …

Get Your Seafood Dinner “Fresh From The Shrimp Boat Restaurant” in Horseshoe Beach

As one of the locals told me, “It don’t get no fresher”.  And despite the grammar, when you know your seafood was recently swimming in local waters, that’s all that counts. The Shrimp Boat isn’t hard to find.  It’s on Main Street (the MAIN street!!) just across from the boat ramp.  There’s plenty of parking …

Headed West To Horseshoe Beach? Don’t Miss Lily Creek Store on Hwy 351

Located about halfway between Cross City and Horseshoe Beach, Fl, Lily Creek General Store and Cafe is a “must stop” if you think you’ll need any supplies for your vacation or fishing trip.  While there are some supplies available at the Horseshoe Beach Marina, you might consider stopping and browsing at Lily Creek Store before …