Slow Down (Paddle!) Levy County’s Backwaters at Shell Mound

Whenever anyone asks me to recommend some Gulf fishing waters that are protected from early winter winds, the Shell Mound backwaters north of Cedar Key always seem to top my list. Located about 10 miles north of the town of Cedar Key and halfway to the town of Suwannee, Shell Mound offers visitors not only …

Great Kayak Fishing Access at Rocky Creek, on Dixie County’s “Road to Nowhere”

At Casey’s Corner Store, on Highway 358, in Jena, on the way to Steinhatchee, you can veer left onto the “Road to Nowhere”, CR361.  About 5 miles south you’ll cross Rocky Creek, but just before you reach the creek, you’ll see a sign marking “Rocky Creek Boat Ramp Road”.  If you’re a small craft boater …

Looking For “Dallas Creek” in Taylor County? Try Spelling It, “Dallus”!

Don’t ask me, but Dallus Creek’s name is spelled with a “u” and not an “a”.  I’ve never seen it done that way, so I suspect someone went to Texas, had a bad time, and came home to “dis” the Texans! No matter, Dallus Creek is located between Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach, Fl.  It starts …

Where’s The Beach?—at Horseshoe Beach!

If you’re heading to Horseshoe Beach, forget about swimming and sunbathing along sandy shores. But if you’ve got fall fishing on your mind, you’re heading in the right direction. This small fishing village is located at the dead end of CR351, about 25 miles southwest of Cross City and US19/98, on a small peninsula jutting …

Heading To The Water? Use Florida Boat Ramp Finder For The Best Access

If you’re heading to the Gulf, the rivers or the lakes in our Natural North Florida region, be assured we have plenty of boat ramps with public access for your use.  And the best way to find them is to use the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Boat Ramp Finder.  It’s a complete listing, …

Summering in Simmering Suwannee Sound, Levy County Fishing At It’s Best!

Many anglers write off fishing our Big Bend waters in summer, simply giving in to the crowds of scallopers who invade our coastal ports, boat ramps, restaurants and motels. But we do have excellent summertime fishing opportunities in our less-busy darker waters. And Suwannee Sound, between the towns of Suwannee and Cedar Key, tops my …

How to Ensure You’re Getting Fresh Gulf Seafood!

Thanks to The Catch for this excellent information regarding fresh seafood! When you’re looking to buy fresh Gulf seafood, you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the highest-quality seafood sourced straight from the Gulf. The first and most important step before you purchase seafood at a store (or order it in a restaurant) is …

Be Safe on the Water This Summer

By: Bill Mahan, Florida Sea Grant Agent – UF IFAS Extension Bay County It’s that time of the year when our beaches and waters fill up with folks who want to enjoy their time soaking up some rays and playing in the water! However, the water can be a dangerous place, so be alert to …

Gulf Anglers–Don’t Forget To Register For CCA-Florida’s 2015 STAR Tournament!

Just a reminder for everyone to register for the CCA STAR Tournament. The Tournament runs until Labor Day 2015 and still has some fabulous prizes, valued at about $500,000. That’s a bunch of money and with more than 120 tagged redfish distributed along the Gulf coast, everyone has a chance to win. And there are …