big bend
Fishing Feature: 2016 Bay Scallop Outlook on the Big Bend
On our Natural North Florida coast, in Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson and Wakulla counties, we always seem to have a healthy “crop” bay scallops during the annual summertime harvest, which lasts from June 25 to September 25. This is no doubt due to the fact that we have crystal clear salty water under which lies …
Fishing Feature: The Importance of Lure Color and Style
Lures catch fishermen; fishermen catch fish. That’s a true statement, and while many anglers on Florida’s Big Bend lug tackle bags and boxes holding vast numbers of lures and baits, most of them have their “go-to” lures rigged and ready to fish. Springtime flats fishing usually begins in earnest when the water temperatures get …
Fishing Feature: The Often Overlooked Waccasassa Bay, Levy County
According to Dunnellon resident Buzz Phillips, who’s been fishing Waccasassa Bay his entire lifetime, the fishing’s not as good there as it was twenty or thirty years ago. That may be true, but the unspoiled waters reached by leaving the Waccasassa River are hard to beat when many other Big Bend ports are crowded …
Spring is Cobia Time on Florida’s Big Bend!
Our Big Bend channel markers provide good cover for predators. Proof comes in the springtime when visitors to our coastline question the appearance of boats circling almost every marker alongside the Barge Canal south of Yankeetown and either of the major channels at Cedar Key. Spring is “cobia time” and lots of anglers are on …
CCA-Florida’s STAR Tournament Begins May 28, 2016
Everyone needs a new truck, boat and trailer, or valuable outdoor-related prizes. And kids need scholarship money! The 2016 CCA-Florida STAR Tournament begins on May 28 and ends on September 5. Tagged, slot-sized redfish are being released all along Florida’s coastline, and winning is a simple matter of becoming a CCA Member and entering the …
Fishing News: Redfish daily bag limit in Big Bend to change to 1 fish per person
On May 1, 2016, the individual bag limit for redfish (red drum) will drop from 2 fish to 1 fish on Florida’s Big Bend (Pasco County to the Alabama line). The FWC’s Northwest Zone is affected, as shown on the map below: Red drum, also called redfish, channel bass, spottail, red bass or reds, are …
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, …
Paddle Natural North Florida’s Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is proud to announce the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail was awarded designation as a National Recreation Trail during National Trails Day June 4th, 2005. The Big Bend Paddling Trail was one of 37 trails in 23 states to receive this award. National Recreation Trail designation is an honor …
If You Fish or Boat on Natural North Florida’s Big Bend– Know Your Weather!
Yes, Florida is warm. And in winter months, it’s typically warmer than the rest of the country and most of Europe. But there are times when cold fronts appear and the temperatures get to freezing or just a few degrees below. For many of us “natives” 60-degrees F is cold! When it comes to boating …
“Seenie Otey” Is Just A Short Paddle From Cedar Key
On the charts and maps of Cedar Key and Dixie County, Florida it’s named “Atsena Otie Key”. But to locals, it’s simply “Seenie Otey”. In any case, this island is just a short paddle from the beach and harbor at the south end of the town of Cedar Key. There, you can launch your own …