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 …

Try Gainesville’s Sweetwater Organic Coffee It’s Caramelized–NOT Carbonized!

There’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee.  And nothing worse than one made with over-roasted and burned beans.  I’m not “dissing” the big coffee chains, but many coffee drinkers just don’t know any better than drinking what many consider “carbonized” coffee beans. Not only is the coffee roasted at Sweetwater Organic Coffee tasty, …

Hints For Staying Warm (and Healthy) on Wintertime Fishing Trips

Yes, we live in Florida, but cold overcast days are not unheard of.  We don’t have many where the mercury drops below 32-degrees for very long, but the combination of dark skies, little sunshine and salt spray can take its toll on our comfort and health. Professional anglers and guides sometimes can’t pick their days, …

Who-Dat Bar & Grille at Good Times Marina, Steinhatchee, Florida–A Good Choice For Lunch or Dinner!

Marina “food” can come in several iterations.  At one end of the spectrum, expect to find cans of Vienna sausages, sardines and Saltine crackers.  However, at the other, you’ll find quality seafood, sandwiches and even a bar serving quality liquors and beers.  Add to that good service by a  friendly staff of servers and bartenders, …

Florida’s Governor Scott Announces $1.6 Billion Plan to Restore Florida Springs, February 2015

From The Fishing Wire: ORLANDO –Governor Rick Scott highlighted a dedicated source of revenue that will provide $1.6 billion for Florida springs restoration over the next 20 years as part of his proposed 2015-2016 “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget. If passed by the Legislature, $50 million will go toward springs restoration next year. Governor Scott said, …

Florida’s Big Bend Coastal Creeks Offer Excellent Wintertime Fishing–Just Don’t Get Stranded By The Tide!

Fishermen are lucky.  When wintertime arrives in Florida, all that’s usually necessary is a light coat to keep away the cold.  However, cold-blooded fish species like seatrout, redfish (red drum), black drum and sheepshead, are not so lucky.  They’re cold-blooded, and as water temperatures fall into the 50s, they seek the warmth of deep creeks, …

Fanning Springs’ Lighthouse Restaurant Re-Opened and Renewed–February 2015

You remember the old Lighthouse Restaurant, don’t you?  Or did you drive by during the times when the food was not very good and the service slow and wish the restaurant would return to its former glory?  Well, fret no more.  New owner Jamie Griffin has brought The Lighthouse back and has come out swinging …

Meet The VNNF Crew at Tampa Outdoors Expo & Boat Show Feb. 27-March 1, 2015

We’ll be there!  On Saturday, Capt. Tommy Thompson will be selling autographed copies of his books, “The Saltwater Anglers Guide to Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida” and “The Saltwater Anglers Guide to Florida’s Big Bend & Emerald Coast” for a paltry $20 at our booth, #303.  You’ll also have a chance to get your very …

Visit and Enjoy Cherry’s Seafood & Steaks in Downtown Trenton, FL

  Lots of folks were glad to hear that Jeff Cherry had opened Cherry’s Seafood & Steaks in Trenton.  Yes, there are other eateries in Trenton, but this one is truly special.  Jeff is the grandson of A.D. Cherry, whose seafood business was a staple for many years in St. Petersburg.  Now you can have …