Get Your Seafood Dinner “Fresh From The Shrimp Boat Restaurant” in Horseshoe Beach

As one of the locals told me, “It don’t get no fresher”.  And despite the grammar, when you know your seafood was recently swimming in local waters, that’s all that counts. The Shrimp Boat isn’t hard to find.  It’s on Main Street (the MAIN street!!) just across from the boat ramp.  There’s plenty of parking …

“More Than The Usual” at Horseshoe Beach Marina in Dixie County

Horseshoe Beach Marina USED to be pretty typical for a place that’s off the beaten path, on a stretch of Florida’s Gulf coastline that’s known for having lots of fish, but not much more.  Before it’s purchase by Dennis Buckley, the marina rarely had gas, and the operator was torn between his (very good) guiding …

Take A “Day-Cation” on Florida’s Santa Fe River at Ellie-Ray’s

If you’re boating on Natural North Florida’s Santa Fe River or just touring US129 in Gilchrist County, stop by Ellie Ray’s for lunch–or a fun weekend.  With plenty of RV sites, a huge boat dock, a restaurant as well as  a beautiful swimming pool, Ellie Ray’s is a must-see place on the Santa Fe River. …

Fishing Feature: Paddle Boat Outfitters Guide

Natural North Florida’s coastline, often referred to as the “Big Bend”, is perfect for paddlers.  Whether cruising, birding, scalloping or fishing, there are a number of outfitters in our area willing to point you to the nearest launch spot.  Some of our best paddling is along the coast, but several of our rivers are worth …

Fishing Feature: Marina, Bait & Tackle Guide

The sign of a healthy fishery like the one we have in Natural North Florida is that we have lots of resources for anglers and boaters.  And it’s not only hooks, sinkers and bait!  All the shops and marinas listed below are staffed with anglers who are willing to direct you to the best (and …

Scallop Information For A Successful 2016 Season on Florida’s Big Bend

Scalloping on Florida’s Big Bend Here are some links to “Scalloping Basics”, as well as information on lodging and marine facilities on our Natural North Florida Big Bend coast.   Recommended Reading:   Bay Scallops—The Gulf of Mexico’s Tastiest Treat www.saltwateranglersguide.com/?page_id=2215   Scalloping 101 www.saltwateranglersguide.com/?s=scalloping+101   Lodging Recommendations   Seahorse Landing Condos, Cedar Key (seahorselanding.com) …

Take The Easy Road–Rent a Boat For Scallop Season at Steinhatchee’s Sea Hag Marina

Owning your own boat has advantages.  You can use it when you want and how you want.  And if it’s bay scallop season on our Natural North Florida Gulf coast, you can launch it at St. Marks, Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, Suwannee or Cedar Key and make the run to the “scallop grounds”.   But …

Florida’s Big Bend Waters are Clean and Clear, July 2016

There’s been lots of news lately about the condition of Florida’s waters, both Gulf and Atlantic.  Yes, in the southeast, where the St. Lucie River empties into the Indian River (at Stuart) and in the southwest, where the Caloosahatchee River empties into the Gulf of Mexico, there is green algae as a result of pumping …

Fin-Fishing Options To Bay Scalloping on the Natural North Florida Gulf Coast

There’s a common misconception that all fin fishing comes to a screeching halt when recreational scallop season opens June 25 on Florida’s Big Bend. Yes, sleepy fishing villages like Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, and St. Marks come to life as multitudes of visitors pump much-needed dollars into the local economies. But while scalloping is …

Sizzlin’ Summertime Fishing at Cedar Key

The town of Cedar Key has two distinct personalities. One, it’s a fun place to visit, walk the streets, sight-see, shop in small galleries and eat at better-than-average restaurants. Second, and certainly more important to fishermen, it’s a great place to do some excellent inshore and offshore fishing, especially during the hot summer months when …