Take A Kid Fishing–But Stop at Wilson’s Bait and Tackle in Perry, Fl First!

Have you seen that neon sign outside of Wilson’s Bait and Tackle in Perry?  And do you remember that it used to move, flash, and say, “Take a BOY Fishing”?  Well, times have changed, and lots of GIRLS go fishing–but Wilson’s is pretty much the same. In the world of the “www” and outdoor “megastores”, …

When The Weather Is Cool, Our Spring Waters Are “Warmish”

The Visit Natural North Florida 12-county region has more natural first-magnitude springs than anywhere else on earth.  And while they’re magnets for visitors during the warmer months, folks often overlook the fact that the water flowing from our underground aquifer is a year-round, constant 72-degrees F.     Some of the bigger springs are found …

Miller’s Marina, Suwannee, to Become GATEWAY MARINA, March 2016

  Things are changing at “Suwannee Town”.  Most interesting is that the Miller family has sold the marina bearing their name, and it’s now known as Gateway Marina.  “Gateway” is a fitting term, as the marina is the closest to the mouth of the mighty river and to the Gulf of Mexico. Plans for the …

Spring Warrior Fish Camp, A Great Destination on Taylor County, Florida’s Gulf Coast

Spring Warrior Fish Camp is one of the few “real” fish camps still remaining on Florida’s Gulf coast.  Located about 15 miles from Perry, it sits on Spring Warrior Creek, just a short run by boat from some of the best trout and redfishing anywhere in Florida.        

Sheepshead Providing Great Fishing Action and Eating on Florida’s Big Bend, Spring 2016

  First, they’re officially sheepShead, but many Floridians call them sheephead, with out the “S”.  and what’s more, sheepshead, found all along Florida’s Gulf coast, are notorious bait stealers. During most of the year, these small-mouthed fish inhabit coastal oyster and rock bars, docks and rock jetties searching for their favorite prey—crustaceans, including small crabs, …

The Mackerel Are Coming! The Mackerel Are Coming!

    Word is that the pods of bait fish that both Spanish and king mackerel love and follow are now north of Tampa Bay and heading towards our Big Bend/Natural North Florida waters.  That means, that by the middle of March, the “bite” should be hot and heavy at places like Seahorse Reef at …

15th Annual Steinhatchee Community Fishing Tournament, 3/12/16

I’ve always enjoyed fishing the Steinhatchee Community Tournament.  It occurs at a great time of year, and anglers typically find lots of species, lots of action, and have lots of fun!  I can’t fish this year.   I’ll be representing Visit Natural North Florida at Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin (probably in the cold and snow!) with …

2016 Trout Madness at Steinhatchee’s Sea Hag Marina Ends 3/31

There’s just one more month to enter and win the Sea Hag Marina’s February/March Trout Madness Contest!  Just catch a big trout, have it weighed and photographed back at the marina by an employee, and be eligible to win a $100 Sea Hag Gift Certificate.  There’s no entry fee, and you can enter once a …

“Let’s Speak Fish” With Capt. Danny Allen, Swamp Head Brewery, Gainesville, 3/9/16

This should be an interesting program, featuring Capt. Danny Allen (Southern Salt Charters), veteran Cedar Key guide.  It’s presented by (and at) Swamp Head Brewery. A very special guest will be Capt. Leiza Fitzgerald, CCA-Florida STAR Tournament Director.  Expect to learn about the CCA, the STAR Tournament, and especially about fishing for redfish on Florida’s …

Small Town Escape: Follow That Dream Down Highway 40 to Yankeetown, Florida

If you’re driving north or south on US19/98 and find yourself in the village of Inglis, near the highway’s intersection with the Withlacoochee River, be sure to turn west on SR40, locally known as “Follow That Dream Parkway”.    Yes, Elvis was there in 1961 filming Follow That Dream, one of his most successful movies, putting …