Left Something Behind? Cedar Key’s Marina Hardware Is A Good Source For Bait and Tackle

Have you ever arrived at the boat ramp or fishing pier and all of a sudden realized that you’ve forgotten your bait or an important piece of tackle?  It’s happened to me on several occasions, and often there’s no solution other than going to a “Plan B”.  However, when it happens at Cedar Key, it’s …

Surprise, Surprise! — It’s Snook Season On North Florida’s Big Bend

If you remember your Korean War history from high school, you’ll likely recall that the 38th Parallel, or line of latitude, was important because it marked the border between North and South Korea.  In Natural North Florida, and in terms of snook fishing,  we have an important line of latitude, too. Eons ago, when I …

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 …

There’s Still Time To WIn Sea Hag Marina’s 2015 Trout Madness Contest

Winter is the time to catch big trout along our Natural North Florida shoreline.  And here’s a special offering from the Sea Hag Marina: Win a $100 gift certificate to Sea Hag Marina (Steinhatchee or Keaton Beach) by simply catching and bringing in the heaviest trout in February or March.  Entries must be photographed at …

Coming Soon to Florida’s Gulf Waters: CCA Florida’s 2015 STAR Tournament

If you snooze, you just might lose (a truck or a boat/trailer/motor)!  While the CCA Florida STAR Tournament‘s start is a few months away, it’s time to start thinking about participating.  Mark your calendars and be sure to get out on the water as much as you can during the tournament, get the Smartphone APP, …

Natural North Florida Dining Essentials: How to Eat a Blue Crab

Visitors to local restaurants along our Big Bend Gulf Coast (and inland, too!) are often intimidated when a large plate of steamed blue crabs arrives at their table.  Sometimes they’re accompanied by nutcrackers and hammers, but for the most part, getting to the “meat of the matter” is simply a hands-on operation. When you order …

Manatees Headed to Warmer Water with Cooling Temperatures in Florida

From:  The Fishing Wire The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to help protect migrating manatees by looking out and slowing down for these aquatic mammals that often rest or congregate underwater and can be difficult to see. “During Manatee Awareness Month, the FWC encourages the public to celebrate manatees by learning …

Sailing South? Transient Sailors Welcome at Steinhatchee, FL

If you’re sailing (or motoring) south towards  Florida’s southwest coast there’s a big gap (about 130 nautical miles!) between the end of the southbound Intracoastal Waterway at Carrabelle and Tarpon Springs, where it assumes it’s marked route.  That being the case, it’s always nice to find safe haven and anchorage, especially if the weather starts …

Greater Amberjack–Natural North Florida’s “Reef Donkeys”

Amberjack are found throughout Florida’s offshore marine environment. The species is very strongly associated with wrecks and artificial reefs in waters that exceed 60 feet in depth. Amberjack swim in schools and feed on baitfish, squid and crabs. Anglers typically use 50 to 100 pound tackle, but lighter tackle can also be used in many …

Consider Renting A Boat at Steinhatchee, Florida

  If you don’t fish, boat or even scallop more than ten or so days a year at Steinhatchee, on our Natural North Florida Gulf Coast, it might pay you to consider renting a boat rather than owning one.  First, there’s the cost of owning and maintaining a boat–and likely a trailer.  It’s common knowledge …