Innholdsfortegnelse for December/January 2021-22 i Florida Sportsman

It was somewhere around the year 2011 when I first played with a simulated version of a brand new Helm Master system from Yamaha. It left me somewhat skeptical. I looked at it as docking my boat with a joystick and roughly holding position over a piece of bottom offshore. The 2021 version, Helm Master EX, offers vastly improved functions and performance. Through a system of double GPS antennae (one in the bow one in the stern), the system can hold your position and your heading regardless of wind and current. Incredibly, the “DriftPoint" feature will even hold your heading while you drift over a prime piece of bottom. I used “StayPoint” with a success I’ve never experienced before. Picture a 35-foot cat hull in the middle of St. Lucie…

These aquatic jungles are a fly fisherman’s best friend, as game-fish such as snook, redfish and more call them home. But, that maze of “walking trees” can be unforgiving if you don’t play your cards right. There are three species of mangroves found in Florida, the red, black and white, all primarily found in the peninsula. The red mangrove is the most familiar to anglers. It is the largest of the three and lives along the shoreline where conditions are the harshest. The red mangrove's prop roots grow downward from the trunk, providing stability to the tree as well oxygen to the underground roots. Fish love to circumnavigate these root structures. Overhangs, points, pockets, it’s a gamefish’s playground, with numerous spots to ambush prey. Fly casting around the mangroves demands…

LENGTH: 18' 7" • BEAM: 7' 7" • DRAFT: 10" • DEADRISE: 14 DEGREES WEIGHT: 1,850 LBS. • MAX HP: 175 • FUEL: 39 GALLONS MSRP: $49,000 (BASE PRICE) • www.tarponboatworks.com The combined love of fishing and a background in building top performing sailing yachts for America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race competitors steered owner Andy Lowe to his newest venture: building this edgy looking inshore fishing platform. Borrowing design elements from his sailing background and merging them with more traditional designed shallow water skiffs resulted in his newest design, the Tarpon Bay 19. The most obvious element taken from Lowe’s sailing background is the nearly vertical plumb line at the stem on this model. Where this feature is utilized to extend waterline length for added speed on sailboats, it…

LENGTH: 25' • BEAM: 8'4" • DRAFT: 15" • DEADRISE: 14 DEGREES WEIGHT: 3,500 LBS. DRY • MAX HP: 400 • FUEL: 90 GALLONS BASE PRICE: $112,000 • www.doradocustomboats.com One of the benefits of choosing a custom boat shop to build your next boat is the ability to adapt the interior layout of a proven hull design to suit your specific needs. A perfect example of this is the 25 SE we saw from Dorado Custom Boats this season. The 25 SE is a well-known favorite among fishing guides for its ability to perform equally well in shallow coastal environments, while offering offshore sloppy weather capabilities to match. The open deck layout concept offers easy 360-degree navigation around the boat for fighting a fish and the ideal gunwale height to…

LENGTH: 11' • BEAM: 3' • CAPACITY: 350 LBS. • WEIGHT: 47 LBS. HULL, 63 LBS. RIGGED COLORS: IVORY DUNE AND PAPAYA ORANGE • PRICE: $2,699 • WWW.HOBIE.COM Among fishing kayaks, the Hobie Lynx pretty much represents the optimal intersection of portability and mobility. Hobie designed the boat to be lightweight, and at 47 pounds it’s an easy carry to the water or lift to roof racks. But there’s nothing sub-compact about the boat—at 11 feet long by 36 inches wide, it’ll support up to 350 pounds of angler and gear and feels very stable on the water. The secret is in the construction, a multi-layer composite of plastic and fiberglass surrounding a lightweight EPS foam core. Very different from the common rotomolded polyethylene kayaks. As for mobility on the…

LENGTH: 30' 2" • BEAM: 10' • DRAFT: 33" (20" HULL) • DEADRISE: 23 DEGREES WEIGHT: 9,000 LBS. W/O ENGINES • MAX HP: 800 • FUEL: 240 GALLONS MSRP: $332,402 (BASE PRICE) • www.blackfinboats.com The demand for offshore fishing boats that combine blue water effectiveness with luxury amenities seems to be growing exponentially. The Blackfin brand has been ahead of the curve in this arena since their rebirth under the Monterey Boats flag in 2017. For anyone looking to combine equal parts fishing, family cruising and excursion boating while doing it in luxury style, the new Blackfin 302CC might be the perfect fit. Starting with a Michael Peters designed double-stepped hull that offers the smooth ride of a 23-degree deadrise bottom, Blackfin pushed the beam out to 10 feet on…

LENGTH: 33' 11" • BEAM: 10' 3" • DRAFT: 22" (HULL) •DEADRISE: VARIABLE WEIGHT: 9,800 LBS. • MAX HP: 900 • FUEL: 400 GALLONS MSRP: SEE DEALER • www.invincibleboats.com If I were trying to demonstrate to someone who’d never ridden on a power catamaran how well they handle rough weather, jumping on any of the Invincible Cats would be a great first step. After being blown away by the 37 Invincible Cat last year, the 33 had its work cut out for it. My first concern was, could Invincible build one small enough to run great with only twin power that would also stand up to offshore weather of any consequence? The short and long answer is, absolutely. The 33 Catamaran proved to be another Morrelli and Melvin hull design…

LENGTH: 41' • BEAM: 12' 3" • DRAFT: 32" • DEADRISE: 23 DEGREES WEIGHT: 21,500 LBS. (LOADED) • MAX HP: 1,800 • FUEL: 525 GALLONS (+200 OPTIONAL) MSRP: $1.3 MILLION (AS TESTED) • www.solaceboats.com In just three years, Solace has positioned themselves as a top luxury brand. Innovative features on their new 41 CS set a high bar for other boats in her class. Designed to meet the needs of enthusiasts who enjoy multiple activities on the water, the 41 CS is a fishing-ready model with abundant creature comforts folded into a very practical design. Distinctive touches include a magnet system integrated throughout into fiberglass and wood parts that offer an ingenious method for holding items in place such as cushioned upholstery without any external hardware. Proprietary hardware built to…

OCEAN DEEP FISHING CAPT. KEVIN LANIER NORTHWEST Captain Kevin Lanier of the Cat 5 of KC’s Sportfishing, out of Port Saint Joe, specializes in giant red snapper. Invite him to jump on your boat, and he’ll be bringing some no-nonsense, heavy duty tackle. “Closures have resulted in our snap per growing to monstrous proportions. They have literally taken over our reefs, and we try and rig for the biggest ones possible. I don’t let my clients cull many fish. I want them to get their limit, and we’ll go look for something else ” says Kevin. Kevin starts with Accurate Valiant reels with custom Rain Shadow rods. He uses the standard fish finder rig with anywhere from a 8- to 12-ounce egg sinker. He uses a 6-foot, 80-pound leader made…

Behold Her Majesty, the Atlantic sailfish! If Florida anglers were to choose a single species that epitomizes offshore fishing, she’d win prom queen. Typically, the arrival of fall northeasters signals the onset of winter fishing—and unofficially, Florida’s sailfish run. Add dropping water temps, lower light conditions and predicable changes in the inshore current, and the stage is set for banner fishing. These “spikey” migrants return from as far north as Long Island: essentially the 40th parallel. Then, once they reach our waters, it’s our turn to figure out where and how to hook them. DURING THE EARLY DAYS of what was considered a “nuisance fishery,” commercial kingfish trollers took umbrage at a species they referred to as “boo-hoos.” These oddballs, sporting bills for noses, avoided hooks while destroying valuable trolling…

WHEN IT COMES TO SEASONS and regulations, reef fishing is as complicated as waterfowl or big-game hunting. There’s no indication it’s getting any easier to understand. You have a lot to learn, including hook specifications (non-stainless, inline circle hooks with natural bait in most waters), releasing devices and some special boundaries. The Fish Rules app for your smart phone should give you the current limits and seasons for the species you’re pursuing. Otherwise, scrutinize MyFWC.com for state waters, gulfcouncil.org for Gulf federal (beyond 9 miles from shore) and safmc.net for Atlantic federal waters (beyond 3 miles). Gag grouper is fairly easy to understand: The minimum size, 24 inches Total Length, is the same for both Gulf and Atlantic waters. The season closes in all these waters on January 1. Gag…

When we think of catching largemouth bass, we mostly think of stillwater lakes or ponds. What comes next are impressions of logs, trees, lay-downs or docks, places where bass lie in wait to ambush prey. Any clump of grass, weeds, tree or branch protruding from the water’s surface, may be enough to attract a largemouth. The same sorts of structure come into play when targeting bass in flowing rivers, but the approach and tactics will differ some. Captain Larry Blakeslee guides anglers to largemouth bass on some of Florida’s most scenic and iconic rivers. The St. Johns, Suwannee and Santa Fe are three he fishes with clients. He targets the St. Johns in the vicinity of Crescent City and Sanford, east of Ocala. Blakeslee fishes the Santa Fe and Suwannee…

Fast, challenging, fun. Three words that describe snipe hunting perfectly. Whether you’re wanting to try your hand at wingshooting or you’re a seasoned veteran, these birds offer a great laidback hunting experience for all to enjoy. No need for endless gadgets, a truck bed full of decoys or a fancy shotgun. Throw on your blue jeans and a tee-shirt and enjoy the opportunity at what I like to call the “working man’s quail. " True, they are flavored more along the lines of dove or diver duck—but many of us find them delicious! Look at a snipe. There’s a reason for that elongated, reedy beak. This allows them to pierce into the moist soil, like a hypodermic needle, digging out bugs, worms and any invertebrates they can get ahold of.…

LENGTH: 22' 7" • BEAM: 8' 2" • DRAFT: 12" (HULL) • DEADRISE: 20 DEGREES WEIGHT: 3,100 LBS. (HULL) • MAX HP: 225 • FUEL: 60 GALLONS MSRP: $68,600 • www.dusky.com For many years Dusky has been introducing new boaters to the world of offshore fishing with various topside versions of the 227V hull. You might be skeptical of a center console in this class being capable of meeting your demands in the harsh conditions that the Gulf Stream often dishes out, but one ride in her would put your concerns to rest. The 227V XF features a hard chine and step V bottom design for a dry and easy ride along with a closed transom and integrated fiberglass Dusky Drive bracket to provide superior performance while keeping water out…

LENGTH: 26' 2" • BEAM: 9' 1" • DRAFT: 16" • DEADRISE: 18 DEGREES WEIGHT: 3,700 LBS. • MAX HP: 450 • FUEL: 90 GALLONS MSRP: $145,000 •www.bluewaveboats.com Since the release of the original 2800 Makaira, Blue Wave has become well-established as a legitimate choice for bluewater anglers. For 2022, the builder expanded the Makaira line to include a scaled-down version of the original, the all-new 2600 Makaira. The 2600 shares the deck layout of the original and offers some smart design innovations to enhance both comfort and fishability. To maximize work space on deck, Blue Wave incorporates a few noteworthy space-saving elements. Forward seating is added by recessing the gunwale and placing the seats in a setback position that doesn’t occupy unnecessary deck space. For a wide lane around…

BAYS AND BEACHES CAPT. RAY MARKHAM WEST CENTRAL Ray Markham knows the waters of West Central Florida like few else, and if he were to come fishing on your boat, he’d bring his weapons with him. “I’ll check three times to make sure I’ve got my polarized glasses. My fishing is all about what I can see,” said Ray. “I use 25-pound-test Ande Back Country leader. I can’t see it in the water, and I’m con vinced they can’t either “I’ll have a few packs of ¼-ounce DOA CAL jig heads with 3-inch CAL Shad. I’m nothing if not consistent. I like any color as long as it has glow to it. I’m an artificial fisher men, and CAL Shads are my go-to. “I carry a rubber landing net, but…

LENGTH: 27' • BEAM: 9' 1" • DRAFT: 18" (HULL) • DEADRISE: 22-24 DEGREES WEIGHT: 7,050 LBS. (RIGGED) • MAX HP: 400 • FUEL: 177 GALLONS MSRP: $236,921 (AS SHOWN) • www.sailfishboats.com When it comes to making the entire family happy, a boat better be a split purpose machine capable of doing multiple jobs on the same day. Sailfish Boats has been addressing these needs for years and the builder’s 276 DC might be the ultimate family platform. I liken it to loading up the minivan for a cross country camping trip. Whatever the plan is, if you think you might need anything, you better pack it just in case. This requires the most family friendly, versatile design on the water and a dual console does this work better than…

LENGTH: 32' • BEAM: 8' 11" • DRAFT: 20" • DEADRISE: 24 DEGREES WEIGHT: 7,200 LBS. • MAX HP: 800 • FUEL: 200 GALLONS MSRP: SEE DEALER • www.glasstream.com The Glasstream brand is well-known for building high performance racing style boat hulls and finishing their interiors in numerous optional configurations based on a buyer’s particular interests. The 328 Pro-XS from the Glasstream High Performance line is a double stepped bottom performance hull which when paired with twin Mercury 400R engines provides an adrenaline rush reaching speeds into the mid-70 MPH range. A more modest power choice of twin 300 Mercury Verados offers 2.7 MPG cruise efficiency at 48 MPH and nearly 500 miles of range for distant offshore fishing excursions. The 328 Pro-XS is much more than a racing style…

LENGTH: 37' 4" • BEAM: 11' 4" • DRAFT: 2' 5" (HULL) • DEADRISE: 22 DEGREES WEIGHT: 15,600 (DRY) • MAX HP: 850 • FUEL: 343 GALLONS MSRP: $ 528,760 BASE W/ TWIN YAMAHA DIGITAL 425 XTO • www.pursuitboats.com The rise in popularity of boats combining comfort and fishability has had perhaps the single greatest impact on boat building in recent years. Similarly, the booming economy has created more demand for luxury sport boats that take comfort a cut above. For some time now, Pursuit Boats has been ahead of the curve in this regard and the S 358 Sport model is a classic example of taking comfort to the next level. Pursuit’s ability to add luxury amenities to a fishing platform without diminishing the model’s effectiveness is evident in…

LENGTH: 43' 10" • BEAM: 12' • DRAFT: 27" • DEADRISE: 22.7 DEGREES WEIGHT: 19,600 LBS. (FISH READY) • MAX HP: 1,700 • FUEL: 600 GALLONS MSRP: $835,921 WITH QUAD YAMAHA 425 • www.contenderboats.com The boom in popularity of larger center consoles has not been lost on Contender Boats. Not by a long shot. The introduction of the 44ST was met with immediate admiration and soon after the 44FA followed. While the former caters to the hardcore fisherman, the latter adds comfort features and amenities geared toward anglers who like to travel aboard and spend nights on the boat. Both have been extremely popular models for this brand. Contender fans who lie somewhere in the middle between these two camps asked for a model that allows space to go below…

When you lose count of bonefish releases after a day on the flats, it becomes a bookmarked memory. It was 20 years ago, an unforgettable April day, when Capt. Vern Robey silently poled us aboard his Silver King skiff on the Gulf side of Sugarloaf Key some 16 miles east of Key West. Thin and wiry, Robey could handle poling a skiff from dawn to dusk in the searing sun without taking a break and still be up for tarpon fishing that night. In those days, as now, a typical sight-casting trip promised more time spent searching than catching. Not this time. Robey and I gazed at the flat just ahead and beheld a veritable bonefish convention. We gasped in disbelief as scores of fish tailed and mudded, sometimes so…

A SMALLER MEMBER OF THE BLACK BASS FAMILY, Suwannee bass are found in the Ichetucknee, Santa Fe, St. Marks, Suwannee, Wacissa and Wakulla rivers in the Sunshine State. They also exist in a few waters in South Georgia. They are generally heavy-bodied but seldom exceed 12 inches in length. Mature Suwannee bass have bright turquoise coloring on the cheeks, breast and belly. The upper jaw does not extend beyond the eye. There is a shallow notch between the dorsal fins. They also have a distinct dark blotch where the lateral line meets the caudal fin and scales on bases of dorsal, anal and caudal fins. Suwannee bass spawn from February until June. They primarily feed on crayfish. They are mostly taken while fishing for other species, but popular lures for…

GARMIN G3 RELIEF SHADING AND MORE Everybody’s watching for the latest digital cartography updates, and Garmin just released a bunch. Desirable high-resolution relief shading is among options now available via the company’s newest g3 cartography update, v2022.0,for BlueChart g3 Vision coastal charts and LakeVü g3 Ultra inland maps. Relief shading offers a rich blend of color and shadow to create a multidimensional view of bottom structure to enhance situational awareness. It’s awesome for finding grouper spots, shelf breaks for pelagics, new bait sources, you name it. Other v2022.0 cartography updates include more than 400,000 updates to global chart content, NOAA rasters, new survey lakes and more. v2022.0 can be downloaded to Garmin chart cards via the ActiveCaptain app or via Garmin Express. GILL PRO TOURNAMENT 3 LAYER JACKET Fish on…

Florida blesses bass anglers with big fish potential nearly year-round. But one special period spikes that “personal best” potential: the prespawn. Given the state’s length, pre-spawn timing can vary significantly. That said, insight from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s Freshwater Fisheries Research Section substantiates the prespawn lore. Look for coves, bays and canals where fish are likely to spawn. From there, locate staging areas where fish are likely to tarry and feed. Specifically, FWRI Research Associate Drew Dutterer points to the state’s TrophyCatch program, which recognizes three tiers of notable catches: 8-10 pounds (Lunker Club), 10-13 pounds (Trophy Club) and over 13 pounds (Hall of Fame Club). When the program surpassed 100 Hall-of-Fame catches in early 2021, FWRI sent HOF anglers a bonus survey to collect new catch…

Grilled Quail, Greek Style 12 quail, dressed and spatchcocked ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice 3 garlic cloves, minced Zest of one lemon 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped Salt and pepper Serves 4. Prep and Cook Time: One Hour Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest in a bowl. Rub the birds with the mix and let them marinate for 20 minutes. Then, sprinkle each individual bird with salt, pepper and rosemary. Place them on an open hot grill, breast side down, and cook until the breast side is browned. Flip them over, cover the grill and cook about one or two more minutes. Take care not to overcook and don’t shy away from any pink meat near the bones. Serve…

How shallow is it necessary to explore? How often will you find yourself in the most modest of depths? IN AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME for boats sales, the consumer has a multitude of choices when it comes time to decide on a model. Not only are there a dizzying number of hull selections to choose from, but countless options, accessories and performance features to consider. These choices result in more time wondering which model might suit you best. To further complicate matters, the industry faces challenges of its own. Resulting from supply chain issues, delays in availability in parts and materials used to construct these boats have builders and dealers alike anxiously waiting. Demand far outpaces supply and orders for some boats are backlogged for as much as three years. One…

LENGTH: 27' W/O BRACKET • BEAM: 9' 4" • DRAFT: 17" (HULL) • DEADRISE: 18 DEGREES WEIGHT: 5,900 LBS. (DRY) • MAX HP: 600 • FUEL: 170 GALLONS MSRP: $185,000 BASE • www.sheaffermarine.com When it comes to elegant lines and timeless craftsmanship, you’d be hard pressed to find a better example of a modern boat company adhering to these standards than Sheaffer Marine. For over three decades Ben Sheaffer has been producing his classic 24-foot models for discerning coastal anglers who demand excellence. More recently for 2022, the new S270 King Hybrid was introduced to allow expanded offshore capabilities while retaining the coastal fishability found on the 24. The S270 King Hybrid includes a raised foredeck and a high forward sweeping sheer line with the proud bow lines of an…

OFFSHORE BOATS ARE UNDERGOING a significant evolution. There’s the obvious, such as the ever-growing length of these hulls and the multiple outboard power configuration, but there are also new angles in how they are constructed above deck. A universal trend that extends across the spectrum of boats from the smallest to the largest is that people want to be comfortable. For anglers who have traditionally put fish-ability above all else, boat creature comforts have always taken a back seat to performance. Sure, the ride to and from the fishing grounds was made more comfortable from the perspective that offshore center console hulls are typically designed to ride smoothly in rough waters. Upon arrival however, it was time to go to work and you spent most of the day on your…

LENGTH: 27' 7" • BEAM: 9' 4" • DRAFT: 16" • DEADRISE: 18.5 DEGREES WEIGHT: 4,300 LBS. (DRY) • MAX HP: 600 • FUEL: 120 GALLONS MSRP: $269,000 NICELY EQUIPPED (TWIN 300 MERCURY) • www.caymasboats.com The HB series from Caymas has proven to be a deadly effective platform for mixing your time between inshore and offshore fishing. Since its introduction, 28 HB owners have pushed farther and run harder to more distant waters and the need for a twin engine model was a natural evolution. The stylish exterior design lines are immediately recognizable as a Caymas but that alone won’t get you across the pond comfortably. The 28 HB twin engine model also offers the extra reliability, security and ride performance necessary to embark on a day run to the…

The Aegean Series from Stamas is a standout among outboard fishing boats and keeps alive the tradition of family excursion boating and fishing. This classic express sport fisherman with raised helm and full sized cabin below is more commonly associated with the diesel inboard boats of the past. The Stamas 326 Aegean brings all of the functionality and comforts of this trusted design into the modern era with upgraded style and the convenience and efficiency of 1.6 MPG cruising economy with reliable outboard power. Live aboard family vacation trips to the Bahamas or the Keys are a reality with this air-conditioned cabin design offering a double berth forward and twin sized aft cabin for the kids. Dining table for family meals and a galley with refrigerator, microwave, electric stove top…

LENGTH: 39' 8" • BEAM: 12' 8" • DRAFT: 21" • WEIGHT: 14,500 LBS. (DRY) MAX HP: 1,200 • FUEL: 604 GALLONS • MSRP: SEE DEALER • www.worldcat.com The rock solid stability at rest along with the smooth ride offered by the 400CC-X from World Cat should be reason enough to impress anyone who rides on one but there’s so much more to it than that. This brand continues to evolve with the market demand and has stayed relevant in the increasingly popular cat market every step of the way. Smart design innovations such as a forward lounge seating layout that allows you to arrange independent components of the sectional seating to your liking by the use of a sliding track for the center pieces is a fine example. In…

OCEAN SURFACE FISHING CAPT. RICK RYALS HOST, FLORIDA SPORTSMAN ACTION SPOTTER PODCAST If my neighbor just bought a 26-foot center console, my first grab would be a tube of copper wires. We do a lot of ballyhoo trolling off Northeast Florida, and I don’t care if you’ve got a hundred different colored sea witches, in my opinion, ballyhoo have to be harnessed to the hook and leader by a piece of copper wire for the bait to run properly. Copper wire can also be used as an impromptu outrigger by wrapping one end around a rod butt and one end around the line. A strike will pull the line out of the wrap and create an automatic drop back. I have also seen it used to recon nect a hydraulic…

Passing the 20-year mark in the guiding business, Ed Zyak had seen a lot of changes. What were once fertile expanses of seagrass teeming with life had succumbed to mismanagement by water agencies and now offered little more than desert habitat. The forage species and gator trout Zyak frequently produced for clients in the waters around his hometown of Stuart, Florida, had become few and far between. Time was marching on and not always for the best. The challenges faced in the guide game require a lot of ducking and weaving to adapt. EARLY IN HIS CAREER, Zyak established himself as a top producer in a competitive field of inshore guides. Before long he was approached by a manufacturer of popular inshore skiffs and offered a pro staff deal for…

NEARLY ALL FLATS on the Gulf and Atlantic sides of the Lower Keys may hold bonefish, permit and tarpon. Be sure to stay up to snuff on access regulations since all of the Keys are encompassed by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (floridakeys.noaa.gov) and its numerous restricted and prohibited areas. As anywhere in Florida coastal waters, familiarize yourself with recreational fishery regulations. FISHING GUIDES: Capt. Drue Eymann, keysonthefly.com, 305-209-1760; Capt. Jamie Connell, 305-304-7667, flyingfishkw.com. BOAT RAMPS: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) catalogues boat ramps in the Keys online under the Things to Do pull-down at MyFWC.com. The Florida Boat Ramp Finder portal reveals whether each ramp charges a fee, is paved and provides dockage and restroom facilities. SLEEP & EAT: Parmer’s Resort fits in with the…

Humans are “omnivores” by nature—that is, we are thought to have evolved eating a variety of plant and animal foods, making us more versatile and successful than had we been pure herbivores—plant eaters like deer—or carnivores—meat eaters like the Florida panther. But it appears to me, reviewing many decades in the woods and on the waters, that Florida outdoorsmen are a lot more “omni” than most when it comes to inventive and adventurous eating. There is hardly anything that swims in our waters, runs or crawls in our woods or flies in our skies that adventurous Florida sportsmen and women have not tasted, and in a few cases consumed to the brink. Sea turtle meat was still sold in restaurants in the Keys, legally I think, until the Endangered Species…

While fishing in Crystal River, I pulled my anchor and found a barnacle-encrusted item attached to it. A local archaeologist told me it was an axis vertebrae from an ancient elephant called a mastodon. He also told me that it could be anywhere from 100,000 years old to 10,000,000 years old. That’s what I love about fishing in Florida—you never know what you’re bringing to the boat. My daughter and daughter-in-law are elementary school teachers and they take it to their classes. The kids love touching something that old. I have four grandkids and this will stay in the family, hopefully forever. Writer with the anchor and his catch of the day... or epoch? SEND US YOUR STORY If you have had an interesting, exciting or funny experience in the…