Eric Draper, deputy director of Audubon Florida. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors
More than 150 people attended the public forum on proposed legislation to allow drilling off Florida coast Feb. 4 at South Walton High School Feb. 4.
There were three presenters on the panel, Eric Draper, deputy director of Audubon Florida was at the forum speaking against the proposed drilling on behalf of protectfloridasbeaches.org. David McLain, senior policy director for Apalachicola Riverkeeper, also spoke against proposed drilling. As a former oil spill clean up expert, McLain spoke about the impact of an oil spills on Florida’s coastlines and estuaries. Eric Hamilton, Associate Director, Florida Petroleum Council, spoke in support of the proposed drilling.
Hands Across The Sand, a peaceful protest against the proposed drilling legislation is slated for Feb. 13. For more information, click here
presentation was quite weak, as he had no good answers on the risks. Eric Draper was great as he spoke about what Fla. really is and the importance of protecting our beaches. I liked his quote…”Can Floridian’s afford to bet the farm?” David McLain was wonderful as well talking about …The E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center sponsored the event.
Destin Fishing Rodeo the entire month of October / Destin Seafood Festival Oct. 2-4
Established in 1948, The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the ultimate fishing tournament for saltwater anglers of all ages.
• Open Everyday – October 1st through October 31st
• The Rodeo is FREE to angler’s fishing aboard a registered boat in the Rodeo.
• Weigh-ins everyday on the docks at A.J.’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
• Open to Private and Charter Boats
• FREE entry for Pier, Bridge, Jetty & Surf Fishing Read More…
Anglers compete for speckled trout, redfish, catfish and ladyfish at the Nick’s September Showdown on the Choctawhatchee Bay
Nick’s Restaurant is hosting speckled trout, redfish, catfish and ladyfish tournament on the Choctawhatchee Bay on Sept. 12. Starting time will be at daybreak. This is a Choctawhatchee Bay tournament and all fish must be caught on the Bay or estuaries from Brooks Bridge to Peach Creek.
ALL CONTESTANTS MUST BE REGISTERED BY 8:00 PM FRIDAY SEPTMEBER 11
Contact Trey Nick at 850-835-2222 or 850-978-2115 Read More…
Fourteen different species of fern can be disovered at Falling Waters State Park.
Enjoy fern-covered ancient sinkholes at this incredible park
Depending on what time of year you visit Falling Waters State Park, you may or may not view a cascading waterfall into a 100-foot deep ancient sinkhole, as the waterfall is dependent on the ground seepage from rainfall.
However, if you are a nature lover, don’t let the lack of a waterfall deter your interest in visiting this 173-acre State Park, as the geological wonders of the gigantic sinkholes are perhaps the most interesting feature this park provides.
Angler Brittany Williams shows off her gag grouper catch aboard the Trigger Happy.
Your guide to the best fishing in the Walton County area
For those that like to cast a line out in the water, it goes without saying that fishing is always good in Walton!
Most anytime of year, a good angler is bound to catch something – whether surf fishing for pompano, catching snapper in the Gulf, or reeling in a redfish in the Bay. The Gulf of Mexico, the Choctawhatchee Bay, the Choctawhatchee River, and its many tributaries offer a variety of both salt and fresh water fishing.
Visitors can stay and fish in South Walton, without the bustle of driving to Destin or Panama City Beach before dawn to catch a charter boat.
All of the local fishing guides/captains have years of experience under their belt and offer a unique experience for the visiting angler. Something the local captains say keeps folks coming back.
With the ability to get to deep-water fishing in a matter of minutes, the quick run time can lead to a catch in a mere 30 minutes.
There is something for everyone in the area, and the following is a list of some of the best pros to take you out:
In Shore Gulf fishing specialty
Capt. Jim Bishop and Capt. Jimbo Bishop – Fish On Charters
Capt. Jim grew up in DeFuniak Springs and has been fishing off the beach since he was a child. Jim and his son Jimbo both have Grayton charters.
The boats: 20’ Capehorns
Capacity: 4 adults
850-231-1667
850-685-4849
850-974-4357
Capt. Phil Hammond
Phil Hammond grew up in South Walton and has been fishing for more than 30 years in the area. He has been launching from Grayton since 2006.
The boat: 19’ Capehorn
Capacity: 4 Adults
850-258-8395
Capt. Kerry Jones – Not a Dog Charters
Captain Kerry has been in South Walton since 1969. He has fished and dived the local waters since and has an exceptional knowledge of the natural bottom structures that attract fish to the area.
The boat: a 20-foot catamaran custom-built by Captain Kerry.
Capacity: 4 adults
850-267-2514
850-865-7318 www.notadogcharters.com
Capt. Larry Pentel – Dead Fish Charters
Larry Pentel grew up in Walton 300 yards from the beach. Fishing local waters for more than 40 years, Larry is familiar with fish populations, their habits and most importantly their habitats. Larry has been a captain since 1999.
The boat: 20’ Catamaran
Capacity: 4 adults
850-685-1092
Website: www.deadfishcharters.com
Get an up to date fishing report from Larry at: http://cyberangler.com/fishing-reports/larry-pentel/1/
Capt. Mike Valentino
Mike Valentino has lived in South Walton for 12 years, and his family has owned a home in the area for more than 25 years. Mike has had his charter since 2005.
The boat: 17’ Cape Horn
Capacity: 4 adults
Office: 850-835-2989
Cell: 850-685-6787 www.TriggerHappyFishing.com
Photo courtesy Sam Wesley.
Capt. Jody Wesley
Jody Wesley has been fishing with his brother and father since a young boy. Jody, his brother Sam and father Gene, are lifelong residents of Walton county. Sam has had a charter since 1996.
The boat: – 19’ Cape Horn
Capacity: 4-5 adults
Office: 850-835-2980
Cell: 850-978-5658
Capt. Sam Wesley
Sam Wesley has been fishing with his brother and father since a young boy. Sam, his brother Jody and father Gene, are lifelong residents of Walton County. Sam has had a charter since 2000.
The boat: The Relentless – 17’ Cape Horn
Capacity: 3 adults
Contact: 850-231-2043 or 850-685-1086
Photo courtesy David Barron.
Bay and river specialty
Nick’s Basin Bayou Charters – Nick’s launches their charter from Nick’s Restaurant on the north side of the Choctawhatchee Bay. They will also meet clients at a variety of launch areas according to needs. Nick’s Charter’s have more than 50 years experience fishing the local area and are legends in Walton County.
Boat: 19’ Mako, 25’ Mako and 17’ skiff
Capacity: varied
Contact: 850-835-2222
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Shallow water/light tackle fishing
Photo courtesy Shallow Water Expeditions.
Shallow Water Expeditions – Fly and light tackle charters, backcountry flats, Bay and nearshore Gulf
Shallow Water Expeditions has 10 captains and a variety of boats to offer the angler. They have been in business since 2004.
Contact: 850.534.4349, 850.685.5756, 850.496.0594 or 850.534.4343
For more information, go to: www.shallowwaterexpeditions.com
Boats: 6 Technical Flats Skiffs 18 ft. (Hells Bay Boatworks, Maverick Boat Co., Back Country, Gordon Boatworks)
Flats Captains: David Mangum, Gjuro Bruer, Jason Stacy, Preston Sutter, Jeff Ragland, Christian Yergens
4 Center Console Tower Bay Boats 22-26ft. (Pathfinder-Blazer Bay)
Bay Boat Captains: Kyle Pitts, Jason Giles, Phillip Wilds, Mike Mangum
Bass Fishing speciality
Captain Harry Wright has been fishing for more than 40 years and has been a guide in the area since 1995. Capt. Wright specializes in bass fishing on the Choctawhatchee River year round.
Boat: 19 ft. Express
Capacity: 2 adults
Contact: 850.837.6262 or 850.585.1566
View a great day fishing on the Dead Fish Charter:
A walk between the sand dunes brings you to the Gulf of Mexico.
Rustic and diverse State Park a favorite for summertime scalloping
At the north end of the 17-mile St. Joseph Peninsula, just past Cape San Blas, you will find a unique Florida State Park with 6 miles of pristine beaches nestled along enormous sand dunes.
Properly known as the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, folks call this popular State Park St. Joseph Park for short.
Considered part of the “Forgotten Coast,” in the Port St. Joe area of the Florida Panhandle, you will experience three nature trails and a wilderness preserve to explore.
There are10 unique plant communities, including hammocks, pine woods, and lowland marsh areas.
As a coastal barrier peninsula, St. Joseph provides excellent opportunities for bird watching with more than 240 species sighted in the park.
St. Joesph Bay a perfect habitat for birds, turtles and scallops.
A boat ramp is located at Eagle Harbor on the bay side, and provides an excellent launching area for boats, kayaks and canoes.
The bay is also a popular snorkeling area as the grassy areas are the perfect habitat for turtle watching, as the area is home to a green turtle rookery.
The Gulf side of the park is home to one of the largest loggerhead nesting areas in the county with 130-150 nesting turtles per year.
July 1 to September 10 it is scallop season, and the park is usually booked up well in advance with snorkelers diving for the sweet seafood.
Campers may stay in a full-facility campground with 120 sites, or at primitive campsites in the wilderness preserve, all providing a short walk to the beach,. Eight cabins on the bay side offer alternative overnight accommodations.
Click here for map
For Information about T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, please call 850/227-1327.
Hours of Operation
8:00 a.m. to sunset
Driving Directions
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located near Port St. Joe. On US 98 (heading East) turn onto SR30-A, travel to SR30-E, turn and travel to the park.
From Apalachicola, take US 98 West, turn left on C-30A, then turn left on C-30E and travel to park.
Park Fees
Admission Fees $4.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicles with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit Admission Fee $1.00
Cabin Fee
$90.00 plus tax
Camping Fee
$20.00 plus tax
Picnic Pavilion Fees
A 70-seat pavilion is available for rent at the Bayview picnic area, $35 (plus tax) per day. Water and electric are available. The pavilion overlooks St. Joseph Bay. Bathrooms, a nature trail and playground are conveniently located close by. Access to the Gulf Beach is approximately 1 mile south of the pavilion. For availability and reservations, please contact the park office.
8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe, Florida 32456
Phone: 850/227-1327
Fax: 850/227-1488
Boat drifts from Panama City Beach to Fort Morgan, Alabama
It may go down as one of the most bizarre boating accidents in years, but a 41-year-old Georgia man is recovering in Bay Medical Center after falling overboard April 17 while cobia fishing off Panama City Beach.
The 24-foot Century boat, which was borrowed, ran out of gas and was found beached Sunday morning at Fort Morgan, Ala.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Jeff Gager said Michael Bursten of Roswell, Ga., was cobia fishing by himself Friday afternoon in rough seas off the western end of Panama City Beach in the Laguna Beach area when he attempted to climb down from the “ling tower.” A wave hit the boat, pitching Bursten overboard.
The trouble was he had left the boat in gear, albeit running slowly, but all he could do was watch the vessel slowly chug off to the west and out of sight.
Bursten fell overboard roughly 300 yards offshore. Several beachgoers heard him holler for help and swam out to him.
Bursten, who was not wearing a life jacket, was admitted to the hospital for water inhalation and remains hospitalized.
Gager said the U.S. Coast Guard and Bay County Sheriff’s Office deputies also responded to the accident, and everyone thought the vessel would be found later, somewhere down the beach or perhaps in Walton County.
Saturday passed, and there was still no word about the vessel. Chris Palomba, the boat’s owner who lives in Lawrenceville, Ga., hired a private pilot to begin an aerial search, but then word came on Sunday the vessel was found beached in Alabama.
The distance between Panama City Beach and Fort Morgan is about 130 miles.
“Most boats, if you don’t hold the wheel steady, will turn to the right or left. There were 15-20 knot winds Friday and 6-foot seas and it’s just amazing the vessel ended up where it did,” Gager said.
“Be it resolved that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize the Get Outdoors Florida! coalition and the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and encourage all Floridians and their families’ participation in outdoor activities throughout the year.”
With those words, Gov. Charlie Crist and his cabinet prompted a huge leap forward for agencies, nonprofits and private groups that have been working to make it easier for youth, families and entire communities to get back to nature.
The Get Outdoors Florida! coalition, does not receive direct funding from government agencies. However, agencies such as the Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the departments of Environmental Protection (state parks), Agriculture and Consumer Services (state forests), Education, and Health are all actively involved. Their federal counterparts from the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are equally active, as are various universities, nonprofit groups, commercial enterprises and individual citizens. The partners have all known for years that children are healthier and happier when they have active outdoor recreation. They do better in school and such children grow up with a better understanding of nature and what it takes to be good stewards of our resources. Many coalition partners have built their own programs to address these concerns, but now Get Outdoors Florida! is allowing them to come together more effectively and efficiently based on solid research and a list of guiding principles and best practices.
Research published by the Children and Nature Organization has shown an array of major national health issues are related to reduced physical activity and to a reduced connection with nature. During the past 20 years, the amount of time children spend outdoors has been reduced 50 percent, with electronic media — from TV to video games — now accounting for an average of six hours of their time per day. Each hour of TV watched per day increases the likelihood of a child having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by age seven by an astounding 10 percent. Other effects include obesity, attention deficit disorder, impaired social skills, higher stress levels, asthma and poorer performance in the classroom.
For a summary of this research see www.GetOutdoorsFlorida.com and especially our links to the Children and Nature Network and National Wildlife Federation.
The New York Times reported on Andrea Faber Taylor’s research at the Landscape and Human Health Laboratory at the University of Illinois, which suggests all children benefit from spending time in nature. This may be because the brain uses two forms of attention: “directed” attention to concentrate on work, reading and tests, and “involuntary” attention which takes over when we’re distracted by things like running water, a beautiful sunset or watching a turtle slip into the water from a fallen log. Directed attention is limited and hours in front of a computer or playing video games can leave us feeling fatigued. Time spent in natural settings seems to activate involuntary attention, giving the brain’s directed attention time to rest.
The Get Outdoors Florida! coalition brings many partners together to show how easy it is to offset these trends, by simply letting kids play outdoors. Whether it is an afternoon gardening and watching butterflies, a casual bream fishing trip, a walk in a county park, or a weekend camping adventure getting outdoors is important and brings numerous benefits to children, families and individuals. To make it even easier for parents and groups that want a new experience in nature, www.GetOutdoorsFlorida.com lists simple activities and tips and provides a list of partners and events from all around the state that take advantage of Florida’s year-round temperate climate to provide an unending array of opportunities. The focus is on safe, active and ecologically sustainable nature-based activities which can be enjoyed for a lifetime—a lifetime that will be more enjoyable and last longer.
Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell phone, or 888-404-3922. Visit http://www.myfwc.com/Fishing/ for more Fish Busters’ columns.
Popular tournament enters 7th year at Baytowne Marina at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season, and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic has set the new precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments along the Gulf Coast.
The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards, as are the top three teams entered in the All Release Division, and the top three Crews entered in the Crew Division. Awards are presented to the top overall, release, lady and junior anglers, and the top overall release team has its name engraved on the “Magnificent Blue” perpetual trophy donated by Galati Yacht Sales and Viking Yachts.
For registration information: http://www.fishecbc.com/Assets/pdf/2009_ECBC_Entry_Form.pdf
For more information: http://www.fishecbc.com
The competition takes place in one of the most productive fisheries in the United States. In the past several years two blue marlin “granders” (blue marlin weighing over 1,000 lbs.) have been weighed in the Gulf, and state records for blue marlin and both bluefin and yellowfin tuna have been broken.
The ECBC is a “modified release” tournament and led the Gulf Coast tournament circuit in setting high minimum lengths for blue marlin. Blue marlin are the only billfish that may be weighed. Release points are awarded for blue marlin also, in addition to white marlin, sailfish and spearfish.
Tuesday, June 16
4:00pm-7:00pm Dock Walk at Baytowne Marina
7:00pm-9:00pm Mini Gras in The Village of Baytowne Wharf
9:15pm Fireworks in The Village of Baytowne Wharf Wednesday, June 17
4:00pm-7:00pm Dock Walk at Baytowne Marina
4:00pm-9:00pm Registration at the Baytowne Conference Center, 2nd Floor
6:00pm-7:00pm Captain’s Meeting in the Camellia Ballroom, Baytowne Conference Center
7:00pm-10:00pm Kick-off Party in the Azalea Ballroom, Baytowne Conference Center
7:00pm-9:00pm Wednesday Night Concert Series in The Village of Baytowne Wharf featuring Kyle Lamonica
10:00pm-’til? Discover the Nightlife in The Village of Baytowne Wharf Thursday, June 18
11:00am-3:00pm Jackpot Entry at Baytowne Marina
4:00pm-7:00pm Dock Walk at Baytowne Marina
6:00pm-7:00pm Boat Parade at Baytowne Marina
View the Parade from Baytowne Marina or the boardwalk in The Village
7:00pm Official Start of Tournament Fishing
8:00pm Sunset Cinema in The Village of Baytowne Wharf featuring Happy Feet Friday, June 19
All Day Enjoy Special Events & Sponsor Exhibits at Baytowne Marina and in The Village of Baytowne Wharf
4:00pm-9:00pm Weigh-In at Baytowne Marina
5:30pm YOLO Board Stand-Up Paddleboard Race at Baytowne Marina
7:00pm-9:00pm ECBC Concert Series in the Events Plaza at The Village of Baytowne Wharf featuring Coconut Radio Saturday, June 20
All Day Enjoy Special Events & Sponsor Exhibits at Baytowne Marina and in The Village of Baytowne Wharf
4:00pm-10:00pm Weigh-In at Baytowne Marina
7:00pm-9:00pm ECBC Concert Series in the Events Plaza at The Village of Baytowne Wharf featuring Coconut Radio Sunday, June 21
10:00am-1:00pm Awards Brunch in the Azalea Ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Baytowne Conference Center
11:00am Awards Presentation
Gov. Charlie Crist and his Cabinet signed a resolution Mar. 24 encouraging families to Get Outdoors Florida! The resolution recognizes the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and promotes Get Outdoors Florida! activities April 4-5 and throughout the year.
When introducing the resolution Commissioner Charlie Bronson said, “Spending time outdoors is a healthy and emotionally satisfying experience for people of all ages, and is especially beneficial for our children, and allows them an enjoyable way to get physical exercise, enhance mental and social development and gain an appreciation for Florida’s great array of natural areas and diverse wildlife.”
Following the signing, a group of children were invited to an outdoors play station set up at Cascades Park near the Korean Memorial Park in downtown Tallahassee to participate in several nature-related activities hosted by the Get Outdoors Florida! coalition to demonstrate how outdoor activities can stimulate children’s imaginations and spirits (www.GetOutdoorsFlorida.com).
“Just being outside — it’s a gift that makes us all feel better! Turn off the tube! Shut down the computer! Escape to the wonders of the natural beauty our state offers,” said Jeff Doran, a member of the Get Outdoors Florida! coalition.
Research shows the detrimental effects of reduced, unstructured outside play – the reality for many youths in today’s world. The negative side effects include obesity, Attention Deficit Disorder, impaired social skills and higher stress levels (www.childrenandnature.org). Because an array of social and medical issues are linked to society’s nature deficit, Get Outdoors Florida! ambitiously aspires to be a champion of families, particularly children, enjoying the outdoors.
The Get Outdoors Florida! coalition is a partnership of land managers, government agencies, children’s advocates, health care professionals, public interest groups and other individuals formed in 2008. The group strives to engage families in outdoor experiences that will help them achieve healthier lifestyles and gain an appreciation of Florida’s natural resources.
“When we connect people with nature, we have the opportunity to enhance education, public health, child welfare, tourism, wildlife conservation and land management,” said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, one of the partners in the coalition. “Everyone wins.”
The Florida Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights proclaims that each Florida child has the right to enjoy specific nature-based activities, such as swimming in a healthy lake, climbing a tree, catching a fish or camping out under the stars.
For more information, to become a partner, make a donation or to find ideas for outdoor activities, visit the Get Outdoors Florida! Web site at: http://www.GetOutdoorsFlorida.com.
