Putting a boat gadget under the tree may feel like a cruel joke in the rest of the country, but here in Southwest Florida they make great gifts! Retailers are recommending you get a head start on your holiday shopping this year, so we’re putting out our 2020 boater’s wish list a little early! Our gift guide includes great ideas for all the captains (and Floridians) on your list.
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October 2020 did not disappoint as the Redfish bite was good. Moreover, it seemed that virtually every species that inhabit our SW Florida waterways are here in good numbers. They say the fish follow the bait. That being said, there is plenty of bait around for cast netting and purchasing. Crabs, Shrimp, Mullet, Pilchard, Glass Minnows and Threadfins galore! Birds are everywhere (inshore and offshore) diving ferociously to get their bellies full. Plenty of fish, such as Spanish Mackerel and Seatrout, lurking just below the surface for the opportunity to gorge themselves.
Read more “RED OCTOBER”
Whether you’re shopping for your dream boat or just need a great excuse to get out of the house, the Fort Myers Boat Show is the place to go. The show runs November 13-15 and offers the largest display of boats, boating products, and services on our coast. The show features 600+ boats from 130+ manufacturers, plus accessory and equipment displays, so there’s a lot to see. Here’s some insider advice for making the most of this year’s show.
Read more “What to Expect at the 2020 Fort Myers Boat Show”
October is definitely a ‘transitional’ month for most any of the Florida waters when it comes to inshore or offshore fishing. Air and water temperatures are coming down with the advent of the cold fronts from the north, east and northwest. Reef species move to shallower water and even inshore in some instances. Nonetheless, all species remain active and in good numbers with more migratory species, such as Spanish Mackerel, Permit and Kingfish arriving daily. Summertime heat is over.
Of course most boating guidelines focus on safety, and rightly so, but so much of the fun boating brings comes from the camaraderie we build as a community. Each time you take your boat out, you have a chance to make that particular day on the water more enjoyable for yourself as well as other boaters around you. Here are some obvious and not-so-obvious things to remember on your next outing.
Read more “5 GOOD HABITS FOR EVERY SWFL BOATER”
Greeting ‘fishing and boating’ friends! The waters of SW Florida and other ‘Ports of Calls’ are full of new boaters and clients looking to escape the restrictions that the COVID-19 Pandemic and scare has created. It appears to be the best escape on the planet and many are re-kindling the flames by enjoying their boats and fishing equipment of yesteryear, while others are just getting into the recreational aspects of fishing and boating. Labor Day Weekend was a testament to the number of people boating, fishing and enjoying the waters. Boats were out in huge numbers to support the Presidential Candidates with their flags waving and music playing.
One of the best perks of having a trailerable boat in Southwest Florida is being able to choose your own adventure. You can tow your boat to local launches for direct access to your favorite fishing spots, embark on a road trip along the Gulf Coast, or even haul it over to Route 1 and hit the Florida Keys. Being a responsible trailer boater goes beyond launching and loading, so check out our expert tips for making the journey safer—and less stressful—for everyone.
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The Corona Virus Pandemic has not stopped 1st Mate Vicki and I or others from enjoying the beautiful waters all around the State of Florida. The demand for boats, accessories and fishing equipment for recreation is at an all time high allowing our marine industry to introduce the ‘Wonderful World of Boating and Fishing’ to a larger client base. If one does not believe it, just go looking for boats, rods, reels and other accessories and they will find inventories at low levels.
Boating and Fishing this summer appear to be the preferred past time of Floridians to get out and about during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Outdoor activities offer freedom from confined, indoor activities that make Social Distancing very hard to manage. Nothing like being on the water enjoying our beautiful weather. I predict that the marine industry will continue to drive the economy long after the Corona Virus is gone.
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Have the channels seemed crowded lately? You’re not imagining things. People are flocking to boating for freedom and fun, filling our waterways with more experienced captains and more novice boaters. With this unprecedented level of traffic on the water, it’s up to each and every one of us to share the water in a responsible, safe manner. So, we put together a specially curated list of boating tips for navigating crowded waterways.
Read more “5 TIPS FOR BOATING ON BUSY WATERWAYS”