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.
During the ups and downs of the pandemic, while some folks were celebrating the return of restaurant fare, many of us Floridians were enjoying the best food money can’t buy. Long after the COVID risk expires, we'll still be tending our grills and toasting to our good health. In this issue, Tim Lewis, a veteran Central Florida hunter and noted writer, offers some great tips on preserving the flavor of wild game and fish in the Sunshine State. Even during our so-called “winter” months, heat and moisture are the nemesis of the subtropical locavore. Whether we’re field-dressing wild hog or packing venison or gamefish properly for freezing, there are certain steps Floridians should take to ensure our game and fish doesn’t turn out “gamey” and “fishy.” I’m always keen to…
For you Gulf of Mexico anglers, would you like a bag limit of four kingfish instead of three? What about a longer red snapper season, weekends-only? According to Ed Walker, Chairman of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Advisory Panel (AP), both questions came up to the respective advisory panels yet not a single person representing recreational anglers spoke up. Not one “hell yeah” when asked about the possibility of a weekends-only snapper season for the year. We can’t be silent if we want to be represented. The advisory panels for the Fishery Management Councils are our chance to be heard. Advisory panel members play an important role in the federal fishery management process by providing information and recommendations at the grassroots level. And Walker thinks council members are listening…
Sunrise at Collier-Seminole State Park, and a Florida panther sits in the middle of the road, staring at Park Ranger Dana Parmentier. Parmentier had been driving through the campground when she spotted the creature sniffing around Site 102. When the big cat, a male of over 100 pounds, saw her, it turned and sat to watch, no fear evident in its green eyes. As long as Parmentier stayed in the ranger vehicle, it was as though they were in different worlds. And “different world” might be the best way to describe Collier-Seminole State Park, 7,000 acres surrounded by wilderness including the Picayune Strand State Forest, the Fakahatchee State Preserve, the Big Cypress National Preserve, and Everglades National Park. The park’s main entrance is a mere 17 miles south of Naples.…
GENERAL: Gate located at 20200 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34114. Open 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days per year. Entry $5 per vehicle. Phone for ranger station, 239-394-3397; park manager, 239-394-1224. FISHING: Blackwater River is brackish and holds bass, snook, mangrove snapper, redfish, and the endangered sawfish. Freshwater license needed to keep freshwater fish; saltwater license, for saltwater fish. Captain Bill’s Bait and Tackle: 11530 Tamiami Trail E, in Naples (10 miles from state park entrance). CAMPING: $24 per night. Reserve through ReserveAmerica.com or 1-800-326-3521. Restrooms, showers, firewood, ice, dishwashing station, laundry, dump station; water and electric in all sites. KAYAK& CANOE RENTAL: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 7 days a week; 1-800-719-8160. Rates $25 for 2 hours, $10 for each additional hour; $40 per half day (4 hours); $60 for…
SEA BORN FX 22 The FX 22 from Sea Born is a value-priced option with quality features that doesn’t cost any more than many name brand poling skiffs. The forward deck offers an anchor locker at the stem and both a large dry storage compartment in the center deck as well as a Sea Freeze insulated box in the step up behind it. To port and starboard are matching dry storage lockers that hold a ton of gear and double as rod lockers. Beneath the rear seat is wide access to your bilge systems. A pair of livewells to opposite corners of the transom join a forward console well to make a total of three. For anglers who like to stick the pole anchor on a flat and step out…
Most gaffs are sold with hooks of 2- to 4-inch gaps, for hauling large “meat fish” into the boat. There’s also a place on the boat for a much smaller gaff, useful for bringing small, active fish to the box—smaller dolphin, Spanish mackerel, snappers. It’s also very handy for lip-gaffing catches you plan to release—and just as versatile, for that reason, on the flats and other inshore waters. You may find it hard to buy a microgaff, but you can make one or get your local rodmaker to make one for you. There are a few things you’ll need. The hook may be the most important. The Mustad 34007 is a good fit, a stainless hook in a wide variety of sizes. For this chore, I pick a 9/0. Next…
