Bass tournament to benefit Crestview High School track team

Come enjoy great bass fishing on Black Creek, compete for cash and prizes, and support the Crestview High School Track Team. Meet at Black Creek Lodge in Freeport at daylight on Mar. 13. $50 per person. 50% payback, gift cards from Bass Pro Shop and Walmart. Special raffle for Quantum $320.00 rod and reel combo. Weigh in at 3:00 p.m. For more information, contact Ernie Martin at 850-689-2570 eve. 850-689-7177 ext. 2460 day.

Posted under Fishing

Sand dunes along the outfall on Camp Creek Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Recreational activities abound on these rare coastal dune lakes

Walton County Florida is well known for its beautiful beaches and great fishing. Less known to those that have never visited the area, are the unique and scenic coastal dune lakes that dot the coastline along the area’s beach dune systems.

Nestled along Scenic Highway 30A, Walton county’s coastal dune lakes are rare geological features that only occur in the Florida Panhandle, Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand and the northern Pacific coast of the United States.

Streams, groundwater seepage and rain are the sources that feed the coastal dune lakes. Storm surge creates intermittent connections to the Gulf of Mexico, called outfalls. This periodic connection empties lake water into the Gulf, and, depending on tides and weather, salt water and organisms from the Gulf flow back into the lakes. Read More…

Posted under Fishing, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun, Parks, paddle/surf/boat

Photo courtesy takemefishing.org

First 3,000 Floridians to purchase 5-year license gets free tackle, accessories and publications

Fish Busters’ Bulletin; March 2010
By Bob Wattendorf

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages families to enjoy all the pleasures of recreational fishing in Florida.  As a major partner in the Get Outdoors Florida! coalition (www.GetOutdoorsFlorida.org), they recognize the importance of active nature-based recreation in developing happier, healthier and smarter lifestyles for our residents, as well as the added benefit of encouraging a conservation stewardship ethic among resource users.

The angling industry also recognizes the pride Floridians take in our state’s recreational fishing heritage and designation as Fishing Capital of the World.  According to the last several national surveys by the U.S. Census Bureau dealing with fishing and wildlife-associated recreation, more people fish in Florida than in any other state, and more tourists come here to fish and spend their money than anywhere else in the country. Like the FWC, the angling industry wants to keep it that way and knows the quality of fishing depends on great resources and responsible management.
Read More…

Posted under Fishing

Season will reopen Apr. 1

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises anglers that regulations prohibit the recreational harvest of all shallow-water groupers (gag, black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind) from Feb. 1 through March 31 in all Gulf of Mexico waters off Florida, except in all waters of Monroe County.

Closing the recreational harvest of all Gulf shallow-water grouper species for two months each year during the spawning season reduces overfishing of Gulf gag grouper. It does this by limiting the unintended catch and possible mortality of gag grouper to help it rebuild its populations and achieve larger annual harvests in the future for this important species.
For more information regarding grouper fishing regulations, go to MyFWC.com/Rules and click on “Fishing – Saltwater.”
or  click here

Posted under Fishing

Photo courtesy of TakeMeFishing.org

Florida Fish Busters’ Bulletin

By Bob Wattendorf, FWC

It is that time of year again when freshwater anglers are taking advantage of the last of the winter crappie fishery and really looking forward to the spring spawn of bass and bream. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists have completed their analyses of the 2009 fishing data from creel studies (angler reported catches), electrofishing studies, Big Catch records and various measures of young-of-the-year sportfish production. In addition, they have considered habitat trends and reports from local fishing guides and bait-and-tackle shop operators in order to come up with a list of top fishing sites for 2010.

These lists include bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striper fisheries and are summarized below. In addition, regional biologists check with local fishing guides and bait-and-tackle shops quarterly (January, April, July, and October) to get insights into how major fisheries are producing and what anglers are using to find success on a variety of lakes and rivers throughout the year. All of that information, along with fishing tips, is available to improve your fishing success at MyFWC.com/Fishing/ , and then click on “fishing sites and forecasts.”

January’s cold snap set several records and caused significant fish kills in fresh water areas. Fortunately for the resource and most users, those kills were primarily limited to nonnatve fishes such as tilapia and sucker mouth catfish. Thus with the possible exception of peacock bass in Southeast Florida, the cold snap should not have adversely impacted the overall freshwater fishing prognosis for 2010.

Panhandle area featured species
Site – Size and Counties – Featured species
Apalachicola River/Lake Seminole -106 miles/37,500 acres, Gulf, Liberty, Franklin, Jackson, Gadsden, Calhoun     
Striped bass, channel, flathead and blue catfish
Read More…

Posted under Fishing, Outdoor Family Fun

Locals prepare for peaceful protest against pending legislation on Feb. 13, 2010

As the pending legislation for near shore oil drilling looms over the coastlines of Florida’s beautiful beaches, local businessman, Dave Rauschkolb has taken action to protest and bring awareness to the public.

Rauschkolb has created ‘Hands Across The Sand’  as an action dedicated to protecting our coastline and waterways from the devastating environmental effects of oil exploration and support industries, and are organizing a protest along the Gulf Coast.

Mission Statement
1. To raise awareness about pending Florida legislation to drill for oil in our coastal waters.
2. To organize a Gulf coast wide and perhaps a statewide coastal movement to protest this legislation. This protest will bring thousands of Florida citizens to our beaches and will draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against near shore oil drilling in our waters. This event will be held on Saturday February 13, 2010.
3.  To convince our Legislators and Governor to drop any and all Legislation that would allow this folly.

Walton County area beach locations:

Main Protest Site: Seagrove Beach to Grayton Beach
(parking in Seaside and at the Van Ness Butler Jr. Beach Access between Watercolor and Seaside)

Additional Protest Sites with ample parking: Blue Mountain Beach Access, Dune Allen Beach Access, Ed Walline Beach Access, Gulfview Heights Beach Access, Inlet Beach Access, Miramar Beach Access

For more information, go to http://www.handsacrossthesand.com/

Posted under Birding, Fishing, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, paddle/surf/boat

Snook closure extended until September, temporarily closes bonefish and tarpon season until April

Catch-and-release fishing still allowed

•    Executive Order 10-02 (Dead Fish) Click here
•    Executive Order 10-03 (Snook, Tarpon, Bonefish) Click here
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued executive orders to protect Florida’s snook, bonefish and tarpon fisheries from further harm caused by the recent prolonged cold weather in the state, which has caused widespread saltwater fish kills.  The FWC has received numerous reports from the public and is taking action to address the conservation needs of affected marine fisheries.  The orders also will allow people to legally dispose of dead fish in the water and on the shore.
One of the executive orders temporarily extends closed fishing seasons for snook statewide until September.  It also establishes temporary statewide closed seasons for bonefish and tarpon until April because of the prolonged natural cold weather event that caused significant, widespread mortality of saltwater fish in Florida.  The other order temporarily suspends certain saltwater fishing regulations to allow people to collect and dispose of dead fish killed by the cold weather.

Read More…

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New changes eliminates non-residents without existing permit, limits boat captains to 20

Walton County Commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of a new beach permit ordinance on Jan. 12, tightening the amount of beach access permits issued.  The new ordinance prohibits non-residents from attaining new permits unless they already have current permit issued. In addition, there will be no more than 20 charter fishing operation permits issued, and charter operations must pay additional fee for trailer.

Highlights of the new ordinance include:
For residents:
• Owner’s property must have constructed on it a habitable residence and proof of real property ownership must be presented to tax collector
• Vehicle being registered must be titled in the name of the permit holder
Read More…

Posted under Fishing

Kayakers on Western Lake. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Kayaks an easy fit for anyone interested in outdoor fun

With the Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay and numerous lakes, creeks and rivers in the area, kayaking is a popular sport in the Panhandle. And with little maintenance cost after purchase, kayaking can be enjoyed by most anyone.
There are two basic configurations to choose from, the traditional cockpit style and the sit on top. In a variety of lengths, kayaks range from 8 – 20 ft. and weigh in anywhere from 40 – 70 lbs. Deciding which kayak to choose depends on the type of paddle experience one is looking for.

The Kayak Experience in Destin has both cockpit and sit on kayak types. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Marlice Brown of The Kayak Experience in Destin explained that the cockpit style offers a faster paddle and drier experience when using a skirt.

The Kayak Experience sells about equal amounts of both types, boasting a variety of manufacturers such as Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Wilderness Systmes and Eddyline. The Kayak Experience personnel are experienced paddlers who assist buyers in finding the perfect fit.

The first Saturday of every month the store offers demonstrations, and anyone interested can try out any model of interest. The store also sells books, maps trailers and accessories.

Yellowfin Ocean Sports sells and rents a variety of kayaks including several geared for fishing. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

Fishing kayaks have also become very popular, and can be accessorized with items such as live wells for bait and rod-holders.
Yellowfin Ocean Sports in Seagrove Beach offers both rentals and sales of a variety of kayaks, with a specialty in providing kayaks for the fisherman.
Yellowfin offers rentals and sales of Hobie and Ocean Kayaks, along with supplies for fishing excursions, live bait and tackle.
Yellowfin also offers daily fishing reports for the surf, inshore and the bay, and a variety of other services including suiting people up with an appropriate charter for fishing excursions.

Kayak sales and rentals

There are several dealers offering kayaks for purchase or rent in the South Walton and Destin area.

Yellowfin Ocean Sports
Seagrove Beach
(850) 231-9024
Rent: Hobie or Ocean Kayaks
Sell new and used Hobie, Ocean Kayak, Old Town Kayaks
Satellite rental location inside Grayton General Store at Grayton Corners
Rentals: Sit on top Ocean Kayak, Hobie Kayaks

Big Daddy’s
Blue Mountain Beach
(850) 622-1165
Sell new and used kayaks
Free delivery and pick-up

Sales only

The Kayak Experience
Destin
(850) 837-1577
Sales new and used: Old Town, Ocean Kayak, Necky, Eddyline, Wilderness Systems
Sit-in, sit-on fishing kayaks

Orvis
Grand Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach
(850) 650-2174
Sit-in, sit-on fishing kayaks

Bass Pro Shop
Destin Commons
(850) 269-6200
Sit-in, sit-on, various types

Sunjammers Watersports
315 N Hwy 79
Panama City Beach, Florida 32413
(850) 235-2281

Guided tours in South Walton

Into the Wild Eco-Diversions in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida offers a unique guide service accommodating anyone looking to explore nature in the Florida Panhandle.

You can reach Into The Wild Eco Diversions at (850) 974-2258.

Paddle clubs

West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club – http://www.clubkayak.com/wfckc/

Paddle fishing clubs:

• Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association – http://www.gulfcoastkayakfishing.com/
• Forgotten Coast Kayak Anglers: http://www.fcka.net

More paddle information

• Florida Paddling Trails Association – http://www.floridapaddlingtrails.com/
• To learn more about kayaking and canoeing http://www.americancanoe.org/

Finding where to paddle in Northwest Florida

West Florida Canoe and Kayak Club has a great forum that offer ratings and shares experiences on 46 different paddling locations in Northwest Florida:
http://www.clubkayak.com/greenwave/
The State of Florida Office of Greenways and Trails offers maps to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/paddling/Segments/Segment%20Home.htm

State Parks in Walton County
Grayton Beach State Park Western Lake: http://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach

Other Greenways and Trails Paddling in Northwest Florida:
From West to East:
Blackwater River Northwest of Crestview
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/blackwater_jackson_red.htm
Coldwater Creek North of Milton:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/Coldwater_guide.pdf

Rental Outfitters
Adventures Unlimited – 850-623-6197
http://www.adventuresunlimited.com/

Blackwater Canoe Rental – 1-800-967-6789
http://blackwatercanoe.com/

Action on Blackwater – 850-537-2997
http://www.actiononblackwater.com/

Shoal River Canoe Trail near Crestview:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/shoal.htm
The Shoal River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Twisting and turning through a remote part of the western Panhandle, the Shoal River trail covers 27 miles. Few indications of civilization are evident as you paddle through forests of maple, oak, gum, and cypress. Along the trail, creeks broaden into small lily-covered pools that provide excellent fishing. Sandbars along the bends of the river make good campsites. This narrow river is usually 3-4 feet deep, and water levels do not generally fluctuate more than 3 feet.

Yellow River Canoe Trail near Crestview/Niceville
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/trails/yellow.htm
The Yellow River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Located in the western Panhandle near Crestview, this trail offers 56 miles of very pleasant paddling. The Yellow River drains the state’s highest elevation. The current is faster than many other Florida rivers because of the river’s steeper descent to sea level. The upper section of the trail is bordered by hardwood forests and high sandy banks. Further downstream, the river widens and becomes more placid as it meanders through cypress-gum swamps. Sandbars can be found on some of the curves. Long sections of the trail, particularly on the upper section, are undeveloped, offering the paddler a glimpse of the Florida early explorers might have seen. Observing wildlife, particularly birds, is an enjoyable part of paddling this trail. Look for turtles sunning on logs over the water, or the large, long-legged wading birds such as the great egret as it stands motionless in the shallow water.

Econfina Creek Paddling Trail north of Panama City
Click here for PDF file: econfina_guide1
Outfitters
Econfina Creek Canoe Livery,
5641-A Porter Bend Rd.,
Youngstown, FL 32466
850-722-9032

Holmes Creek Paddling Trail in Vernon
(Access Point 1) Put-in: Wayside park off SR 79 in Vernon
Click here for PDF file: holmes_guide

Posted under Fishing, Kayak/Canoe, Nature, Outdoor Family Fun

10 day closure will enable FWC-authorized groups to collect lost and abandoned blue crab traps

The harvest of blue crabs from traps will not be allowed from Jan. 5 through Jan. 14 in all waters of Franklin County west to the Florida-Alabama border, except all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay.

This closure will give authorized groups the opportunity to identify and retrieve lost and abandoned blue crab traps from the coastal and inland waters in this area.

All commercial and recreational blue crab traps within three nautical miles from shore and in the inland waters of Franklin County west to the Florida-Alabama border, except all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay, must be removed before the start of the 10-day closed period.
Read More…

Posted under Fishing