Author: NaturalNorthFlorida.com
The Advantages of Using Plastic Shrimp Instead of the Real Thing
Many Big Bend anglers are convinced that plastic (can you say “fake”?) shrimp are the equal of live shrimp when it comes to fishing on our coastal grass flats. It used to be that artificial shrimp looked nothing like the real thing, but in recent years they’ve almost reached a degree of hyper-reality! D.O.A. Lures’ …
A Closer Look at Cross City’s Historic Putnam Lodge
Here’s some history of the Putnam Lodge: Putnam Lodge, built in 1927-28 by the Putnam Lumber Company, is part of a bygone era in Florida’s forestry history. Here, beside the old Dixie Highway, Putnam Lodge, part of the “company town” of Shamrock, accommodated tourists, transients and company executives and clients. The lobby and the dining …
Successful Fishing and Boating Depends on Your Understanding of Weather
This is NOT what you want to see if you’re headed to our Big Bend coastline to boat or fish! A fun day on the Gulf or local rivers is very dependent on weather. And in Florida, in all seasons, it’s important to keep a “weather eye” peeled for weather approaching from the west. In …
Captain’s Cove Outfitters–Tackle and Bait in Inglis, FL
I recently visited with Jim and Nicole at Captain’s Cove Outfitters on SR40 in Inglis. If you’re headed to Yankeetown or any of Levy County’s great fishing spots, you’ll find the store just off US19, marked by the BIG ice plant out front. And in addition to some excellent advice on the local bite, you’ll …
Seatrout Anglers! Don’t Fergit Yer Measurin’ Stick!
There are millions (probably billions!) of seatrout in our local rivers and creeks right now. But while some are of the “keeper” variety, many are small. And ever since the late Capt. Paul Cronk had his photo published in the Gainesville Sun with President Carter and what seemed to be a short trout, Capt. Rick …
Interested in Oysters? Head to Ouzt’s Too in Newport, FL
I’m “old school” and only eat oysters in months whose spelling includes an “R”. Yes, I realize we now have cleaner waters flowing over oyster beds these days and have excellent refrigeration technology, but I’m still not a fan of oysters taken from warm water. Warmer conditions mean an increased danger of contamination, and oysters …
Fish Suwannee Town and the Mouth of the Suwannee River
The Suwannee River is the second largest river in Florida, flowing from Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp to the Gulf of Mexico. At the Gulf, the river serves as the boundary between Levy and Dixie counties, on Florida’s Big Bend. This part of our Nature Coast is secluded, and therefore offers some excellent angling without the hustle …
GULF SPECIMEN MARINE LABORATORIES at Panacea, Wakulla County–Fun and Informative For Everyone!
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab invites you to come out and visit our gift shop where you will find some unique gifts for your family and friends. Remember all proceeds helps support the aquarium and our mission.
The Great Goliath Grouper
You’re not likely to find Goliath grouper, which can easily tip the scales at 500-pounds close to shore on Florida’s Big Bend. But there’s not reason to suspect that when you think you’re hooked up to a rock on one of our offshore reefs and it starts to move, that you have a Goliath on …
Cold Weather Means Big Seatrout at Steinhatchee
It’s December, and the cold-ish weather has brought cool water temperatures to the Gulf and River at Steinhatchee, in Taylor County. That mean lots of seatrout are schooling, and anglers returning to the Sea Hag Marina have been bringing in steady limits (5 fish, one can be over 20″, none under 15″). Many folks are …