Florida Sportsman is the complete fishing magazine for Florida and the Tropics. Devoted to fishing, boating, and outdoor activities in the Sunshine State, Florida Sportsman is the authoritative source for Florida's most active fishermen.
As we went to press at the end of March, our staff and field editors—same as you, no doubt—were beginning to grapple with the uncertainties associated with fighting the COVID 19 coronavirus. Among late minute decisions, we pulled our events calendars from the Ac tion Spotter columns. We will post new dates on our website, www. floridasportsman.com, as they are announced We decided to keep our accounts of fish migrations, seasonal tips and local recommendations, and in the months to come we’re adding more how-to advice for close to-home pursuits. We are especially committed to posting your photographs in the magazine and online. We love seeing your big catches, your smiling kids, the unique scenes of the Florida seaside, lakes and fields. We always have you in mind. Direct contacts…
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission concedes that southern flounder, the most popular of Florida’s three flounders, is currently undergoing overfishing and is likely to be overfished. The FWC also states in an October 2019 stock assessment that the current fishing practices will continue to place southern flounder in an overfished state. “It’s extremely rare to find a fish over five pounds today. Commercial giggers used to be able to get 400 pounds a night; now they’re lucky to get 200 pounds.”— Capt. Jordan Todd The history of flounder regulation in the state is straightforward: Prior to the net ban in 1995 there was none. Since January 1, 1996 flounder regs have remained unchanged; a 12-inch minimum with a ten fish recreational bag limit. Commercial limit? Besides the 12-inch…
Tucked between the larger and better-known fishing destinations of Boca Grande and Fort Myers to the south and Sarasota to the north, Manasota Key is the quiet and laid-back neighbor. Located in Charlotte County, the word Manasota is formed from the names of nearby counties of Manatee and Sarasota just to the north. It’s no secret that this portion of South Florida’s Gulf coast is a fishing mecca drawing anglers from all over. World-class tarpon fishing along with snook, redfish and seatrout are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to available species to bend a rod. Spanish and king mackerel, pompano, tripletail, cobia, snapper, grouper and flounder are just a few more willing targets. The small community of Manasota Key is geographically enveloped in this fine area…
GAME PLAN: Compact estuary with great fishing options for skiffs and paddle craft. Numerous no-wake zones make it especially kayak friendly. WHEN: Year-round. LODGING : WannaB Inn is an 80-unit resort sitting on five acres of land. Stump Pass is to the south, the Gulf of Mexico is to the west and Lemon Bay is to the east. BOATING: WannaB Inn has three docks and a boat ramp for those traveling with their own boat. Allure Boat Rentals is just down the road for those wanting to rent a boat. Boat ramp at Manasota Beach Park. EATS: Farlow's on the Water offers tropical dining with on-the-patio atmosphere. Another option, the SandBar Tiki and Grille, boasts an extensive menu and outdoor bars with a beachy casual vibe. LURES: 3.5-inch Vudu Shrimp…
MERCURY RACING 60R New for 2020 from Mercury Racing is a slick little performance solution for technical poling skiffs. The 60R is the only outboard in its class with a 15-inch midsection offering a lower center of gravity than competing 20-inch motors for better handling and stability as well as eliminating the need for a jackplate. This four-cylinder, 1.0 liter long-stroke powerhead is tuned for torque with a 6300 WOT throttle range for maximum acceleration. An 18-amp alternator is useful for maintaining a battery charge for electronics and bait pumps. The 60R features a 4.25-inch, high thrust gearcase to accommodate a stout 2.33:1 gear ratio which will handle up to 20 percent more prop-blade area than a standard case. The 60R is equipped with Smart-Craft Integrated Marine Technology and Engine…
I don’t think any bottom rig is more used, and less understood, than the classic “fish-finder” rig. In its most basic form, it’s an egg sinker on your mainline, tied to a swivel, leading to a leader, with a hook on the end. It’s been used for everything from croakers to grouper, and has possibly fed more Florida fisherman’s families than any other rig. It certainly sounds simple enough to build, but expert fishermen know that the basic rig is only the beginning. My first exposure to a variation on the rig was flounder fishing in Jacksonville. My buddy Roger Walker had fishfinders on his flounder rods, with only about ten inches between the swivel and the hook. I soon learned the reason he wanted them so short. Mullet was…
