Anglers–Be On The Lookout! Cobia Are Swimming Along Florida’s Nature Coast

  Our Big Bend channel markers provide good cover for predators. Proof comes in the springtime when visitors to our coastline question the appearance of boats circling almost every marker at Cedar Key, Suwannee and Steinhatchee . Spring is “cobia time” and lots of anglers are on the lookout for ling, crab-eaters, or lemon fish–as …

“Customer Fish”: Catch Fish–And Let Someone Else Cook Them!

Yes, you’ll still have to clean your catch, but in many coastal settlements and towns along our Natural North Florida coast, there are restaurants with “customer fish” on the menu.  There’s nothing quite like fish, fresh from the Gulf, served in the comfort of a restaurant, and usually accompanied by side dishes like grits, butter …

Take a Tour and Taste a Sample at Island Grove Winery, near Gainesville

I’m a product of college in the 60’s.  That means when I hear the words “local”, “southern” and “blueberry wine” in the same sentence, I think of the  Boones’ Farm Apple wine and “Mad Dog 20/20” common at fraternity parties.  But I’m a pretty open-minded guy and recently took the opportunity to visit Island Grove …

Coastal Conservation Association Florida STAR Tournament Begins May 23, 2015

Imagine a 108-day fishing tournament that covers the entire Gulf Coast of Florida, including all the waters of Natural North Florida.  With almost $500,000 in prizes (a truck, 3 boats and motors, and countless other prizes) this inaugural tournament will attract the attention of anglers state-wide. The big prizes (truck, boats and motors) will be …

Kevin’s Redtrout Shootout, Wakulla County, May 30, 2015

It’s back! The Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel Redtrout Shootout will take place May 30, 2015. Cash rewards will be paid out to the top 10 teams weighing in the heaviest combined weight of (1) redfish and (1) spotted seatrout. With an entry fee of $75.00 per angler and a guaranteed cash purse, you …

On The Hunt For Big Seatrout and Redfish in Natural North Florida? Try Soft Plugs!

Getting a wary seatrout or redfish to attack an artificial lure isn’t always a problem.  However, if they’re big and trophy-sized, they’ll often spit the lure out just as they get to the rod tip.  Years ago, in a faraway place called Texas, Mr. Paul Brown, a retired postmaster, handmade soft lures called “Corkys” and …

Fiddler’s Restaurant in Steinhatchee: The Place To See and Be Seen

There’s no hiding out in Steinhatchee if you eat at Fiddler’s Restaurant. You’ll see just about everyone in town at this popular eatery, located at 1306 SE Riverside Drive, known for its great seafood, steaks, cold beer, generous cocktails, and professional service.  Even when the main dining room is busy and the crowd overflows to …

Don’t Miss The BBQ at Hamaknocker’s in Wakulla County, Florida!

I write about cooking and food in the monthly “Sportsman’s Kitchen” column in Florida Sportsman magazine, so I guess I’m qualified to make a comment on Florida’s BBQ tradition.  That said, in my humble opinion, Florida has NO BBQ TRADITION.  Yes, we have barbeque (and some folks still consider “grilling” to be barbequing), but mostly …

SCUBA Diving At Its Best at Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto Springs in Levy County, Florida

Many of Natural North Florida’s springs are unique.  In fact, in our 11-county region, we have the highest concentration of natural springs the world.  Many are just “seeps”, bubbling through the rock, but others, like Devil’s Den and Blue Grotto, are downright spectacular!  And while many of our springs, especially those in our Florida State …

6th Annual Jim Moye American Cancer Society’ Tournament, Saturday, May 23, 2015, Horseshoe Beach

The 6th. Annual Jim Moye  American Cancer Society’s Saltwater Fishing Tournament Will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015 Memorial day weekend Horseshoe Beach Florida Open to all who love to fish, have fun and wish to support early detection cancer research. Sign up starts at 6:00 am Tournament fishing safe Daybreak till 4:30 pm …