Fishing and Boating
Our Fishing and Boating expert, Capt. Tommy Thompson, will tell you where the best fishing spots are, what’s biting, and tips on making your fishing and boating trips an exciting adventure!
Natural North Florida’s 2018 Bay Scallop Season Opens Soon!
Pinning down the dates for the 2018 bay scalloping season isn’t as easy as it’s been in past years. Essentially, our most popular scalloping areas (Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach and Horseshoe Beach) open on June 16, while northern parts of Taylor County (not including Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach) and Wakulla County open on July 1. The …
Fort White–The Good Jumping-Off Spot for Ichetucknee Springs State Park!
The Ichetucknee River and springs put Fort White on the map, so to speak. Originally settled near “Fort White”, a military post built in the 19th century at the time of the Seminole Wars, this Columbia County town is truly a gateway to one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks. Ichetucknee Springs State Park stretches …
A Valuable Tool For Kayak Anglers! A Guide to Kayak Fishing Trails in the Nature Coast, From Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key
What’s small enough to carry on a kayak, waterproof, and presents enough information about kayak fishing Florida’s Big Bend to keep any angler occupied for many months? It’s the new guide to Kayak Fishing Trails in the Nature Coast, compiled by William Wolfson, a summer intern at Cedar Key’s UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station. There …
Doug Johnson Reeling For Kids Fishing Tournament, May 31 & June 1, 2018, Steinhatchee, Florida
The Doug Johnson Reeling For Kids Fishing Tournament is scheduled for May 31 & June 1, 2018, at Steinhatchee, Florida. Started over 15 years ago, the event has become one of the largest fishing tournaments on Florida’s Big Bend. It benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alachua County, and just last year donated over …
“The Granddaddy of All Tournaments”–Optimist Club of Perry Saltwater Fishing Tournament, at Steinhatchee, May 5, 2018
Now in its 27th year, the annual Optimist Club of Perry, FL Saltwater Fishing Tournament has become one of the largest fishing events on Natural North Florida’s Big Bend. While Perry is landlocked, it’s the county seat of Taylor County, which has some of the best saltwater angling in the state. And appropriately, the event …
2018 Shands Saltwater Trout Tournament, Steinhatchee, April 29, Sea Hag Marina
The Shands Fishing For Kids Saltwater Trout Tournament, one of the largest and most popular fishing events in our Natural North Florida region takes place on Saturday, April 28 at Steinhatchee. Weigh-in and a celebratory fish fry will be held at the Sea Hag Marina. With some excellent (and guaranteed) payouts, this promises to be …
10TH ANNUAL ROCK THE DOCK FISHING TOURNAMENT, April 28 & 29, Panacea, Florida
10TH ANNUAL ROCK THE DOCK FISHING TOURNAMENT April 28-29, 2018 Woolley Park | Panacea, Florida There are many reasons to love the Rock the Dock Fishing Tournament, but it’s definitely the fishing itself that is the star attraction. Anglers come from throughout the region to test their skills in the coastal waters of Wakulla County. …
A FEW WADE OR PADDLING OPTIONS FOR FISHING NATURAL NORTH FLORIDA’S GULF COASTLINE
Updated page, originally posted 10/7/17 While Florida’s Big Bend boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental United States, it has surprisingly few places one can fish without a powerboat. There are several paddleboat launches, ranging from primitive to improved, but with no beaches or barrier islands, wade-fishing is a limited option. …
“Eew” – Frog Legs! A Natural North Florida Favorite!
You no longer have to be the one to catch (and clean and skin—“Eew”) frog legs. Many seafood specialty shops sell them, and I’ve even found imported, frozen frog legs acceptable and tasty. That’s a good option for visitors to our Natural North Florida region. Also, you’ll find them in many restaurants in the region. …
Plan Ahead For 2018–FWC discusses regional bay scallop seasons on Big Bend
This information may not be “official”, but our guess is that it will likely become so before Florida’s recreational bay scallop season begins in 2018: At its December meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) discussed draft changes that would create regionally-specific bay scallop open seasons and would allow a trial …