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.
In this special double issue, we’re proud to showcase the fieldwork and expertise of our Boating Editor George LaBonte and the Florida Sportsman Best Boat crew. Likely you’ve seen them on Fox Sports Sun or World Fishing Network: George and co-hosts Rick Ryals and Lori Hargrave. If it looks like they’re having fun, it’s because they are. Captain Bligh would’ve been forced to walk the plank long ago, the minute he turned up his sun-crusted schnozzle at one of Lori’s sub sandwiches. And if, after eight seasons, you’re still wondering, “So, guys, what is the best boat?” well you’ve kind of missed the point. Our Best Boat crew is convinced that you can’t ask that question without the words “for me” or “for us.” Leave out the prepositional phrase, might…
We possibly can’t solve the backing down the ramp problem together, but we can fix the exposed bolts, splintered wood, broken cleats and potholes. As for backing down, a tip that always helps me is by putting your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, while looking backwards, if you turn your hand in the direction you want your trailer to go, it goes. Turn your hand to the right, the trailer tracks right. Easy enough. Fixing the ramps, not so easy. But, don’t let the city or county governments (the majority of boat ramp owners in FL) tell you there isn’t money available. Money is there, and the state is getting more money next year. Millions more. To begin with, you the angler, who buys fishing tackle and…
Tavernier seems to be a place between places—Key Largo and Islamorada—and that’s to the town’s advantage and yours. Between its two neighboring towns, Tavernier has managed to keep its low key tempo, and the fishing, diving and lobstering can be fantastic. It’s anywhere from five to seven miles to main reef points like Molasses Reef and Conch Reef. It’s much closer to patch reefs in Hawk Channel that hold hot fishing for snapper and grouper in the cool months. If you’re after pelagics, you can’t do better for wahoo, dolphin and sails than the blue water around the Elbow and Carysfort when the Gulf Stream swings close. For tuna and to deep bottom fish, shoot for the Islamorada Hump. In Tavernier Creek, you can go for tarpon, mangrove snapper and…
WHERE: First town beyond Key Largo on US 1 heading to Key West. Tavernier takes about an hour, or less depending on traffic, to drive to from central Miami. BAIT & TACKLE: Chris' Bait & Tackle, (305) 853-0191. RESTAURANTS: Check out Old Tavernier restaurant, Mar Bar for the Keys vibe and Chad's Deli for pizza and sandwiches. HOTELS: Lots of choices from economical to upscale, but some to consider include Creekside Inn and Island Bay Resort. Ocean Pointe Suites rents boat slips also. MARINA: Tavernier Creek Marina has all that you'll need and genuinely friendly help. Also on site are a boat rental, a dive company and Habano's On the Creek restaurant. ATTRACTIONS: It's a short drive to John Pennekamp State Park for snorkel and dive action. Plenty of dive…
In the outboard engine industry in 2021, more horsepower isn’t the only innovation turning heads. The role that digital technology has played in promoting a better outboard engine user experience can’t be overlooked. While each brand offers its own version of joystick operation and controls for multi-engine applications, Yamaha has unveiled its next generation Helm Master EX system which not only redesigns the hardware and user interface, it’s also the first version of this technology capable of operating in a single engine application for digitally controlled engines of 150 HP and above. Among the newly expanded functionality of this system is fully electric steering for digital outboards (2.8L F150-F350 B and C) that eliminates the need for hydraulic pumps or lines entirely. A single compact digitally controlled cylinder attached to…
With so much focus lately on building the biggest, fastest outboard engines with the highest horsepower, it’s refreshing to see improvements in outboard technology aimed at the middle of the market. Rather than just adding output and torque to drive the largest center consoles over the horizon at eye-watering speeds, at least one manufacturer is devoting research and developing new technology for the blue collar boater. New for 2021 from Suzuki is a pair of in-line four-cylinder models featuring drive-by-wire technology. Each model, the DF115BG and DF140BG, is the first in its class to offer this option. The addition of drive-by-wire provides a host of advantages over mechanical throttles and shifter controls. Not only does this equipment greatly simplify and clean up the rigging process for the builder or aftermarket…
