SSFHMagazine July/August 2023

July/August 2023

This Issue

• 2023 Tour/Results/Events

-North Central Fl. Outdoor Expo

-City of Edgewater Kids Outdoor Day

• Salt & Freshwater Fishing

-Lobster Season

-Scallop Season

-Atlantic Red Snapper Days

• Local Fishing Reports

• Ponce Inlet Tide Tables

• Best Feeding Times

• Hunting News

Conservation of Florida Fishing Waters

Written By: Captain Martin Goldys Reel Harmony Fishing Charter Family Friendly Fishing (386)679-0317

www.ReelHarmonyFishing.com

ReelHarmonyFishingCharters@gmail.com

With over 4 million Floridian Anglers hitting the water each year, it is No Surprise the Saltwater Recreational Fishing industry produces approximately 9.2 Billion dollars in state revenue annually. This is a HUGE Economic impact in the state we call ‘Home’.

This growing Florida Saltwater Fishing industry provides over 88,501 jobs and employment opportunities each year. Of these 88,501 jobs, Florida’s Commercial Fisheries generate approximately $4.6 Billion in income annually.

There is no wonder why our surrounding waters seem so congested and overcrowded on any given day of the year.

As anglers and environmental enthusiasts, we all need to come together to ensure we preserve our precious waterways and resources. This action starts on a micro level in your surrounding community waters (i.e. Oceans, bays, creeks, estuaries, saltwater lakes, runoff ponds, drainage ditches, etc).

Advocating for cleaner water Management and statutes that provide clean water protection are actions we can all take whether a Recreational Angler or a Commercial Fisherman.

It will benefit the entire Saltwater Fishing Industry and community to invest in our local waters and resources they provide. The goal being to sustain what we have available and resources in place today so our children get to share these Amazing Coastal environments with their families.

We often hear of the term ‘Conservation’ being associated with fishing in Florida. What does it mean to conserve when you are a Florida Fisherman?

First, be Educated on the issues and problems that plague waters today. Second, Advocate for what needs to happen now to preserve our water ways for generations to come.

A Floridian Angler practicing conservation can appear in many different ways. Listed below are a few simple ways to involve yourself in the fight to help manage our waterways.

• Collect and Pick-Up trash ‘In & Around’ your local water ways (Arriving to the boat ramp or leaving the beach for the day, always be sure to have your grippers/gloves and a trash receptacle accessible)

• Correct those who you catch littering/polluting ‘in the Act’ as these behaviors will continue if not ‘Called Out’.

• Refrain from using harmful herbicides and Pesticides on your property as there is a direct Negative correlation with ‘Runoff’ from these chemicals

• Join an Environmental Agency/Organization that helps to Sustain our Florida waterways (i.e. CCA Florida Chapter, Captains For Clean Water, Lagoon Watermen Alliance, Surf Rider Foundation, etc.)

• Contribute funds to Environmental Agencies/Organizations in an effort to fight the cause (i.e. CCA Florida Chapter, Captains For Clean Water, Lagoon Watermen Alliance, FWC, Surf Rider Foundation, etc.)

• Partake or lead the efforts in organizing Routine Beach/Boat Ramp/Park ‘Clean-ups’

• Practice Sustainable Fishing when on the water (i.e. Eliminate ‘Bycatch’, safe ‘Catch and Release’ of ALL species, Ban overfishing of Endangered species, use ‘Lead-Free’ fishing gear, reduce fossil fuel use, follow ‘MSC certification guidelines’ (per Marine Stewardship Council), Become ‘Green Business Certified’, & adhere to the “Good Fish Guide”(per Marine Conservation Society)).

By following these simple steps listed above, YOU can help sustain our Florida water ways for years to come. Please help do your part in further protecting our Amazing Florida estuaries.

Let us help you get prepared!

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In Loving Memory Jack Escoe Jr. 7-19-1937 - 2-16-2021

SS Mixed Hardware or Electrical Connectors

P.O. Box 290002

Port Orange, Fl. 32129

386-478-3725

Email sfandginc@yahoo.com

Published By: Desiree’ Harbster

In Loving Memory of Roger S. Harbster 12/25/1929 ~ 4/24/2009 Dorothy F. Harbster 3/17/1936-4/18/2018

WRITERS:

Desiree’ Harbster

Capt. Lynda Hawkins

Insert Photo: Ryan Pratt released this bass to fight again. Photo courtesy of Bass N Gal Guide Service.

Capt Mike Nelson with Knot On Duty Fishing Charters pictured with a Atlantic Red Snapper caught offshore Ponce Inlet. Photo courtesy of Ponce Inlet Fishing Network.

Insert Photo: Crappie Addicts from Orange City can lay down some slam crappies (speckled perch). If you would like to know how to catch these beauties almost year round call them today!!

Welcome CRAPPIE ADDICTS Orange City 386-479-3266. Brian tells us that crappie are still biting good on the St. John’s River. Fish are seeking cooler water and shade with warmer temperatures. What’s working now: Fish deep water structure (lay down, bridges, pilings, etc). Dropping jigs on them with 1/32 oz. Slater jigs casting to them with Crappie Addicts Super Shad. Chartreuse, natural shad colors are doing well. Crappie Addicts has fishing gear including rods, reels, tackle and apparel. Live bait and pro advice as well.

15% off Everything tell them SSFHMagazine sent you!! Expires Sept. 30th.

Caught Up Fishing Charters Capt. Bruno Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty

VOLUSIA COUNTY

By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins

To plan your best day ever with Captain Bruno, book the ultimate fishing or boating charter adventure CALL 386-689-7409

RESULTS

35th. Annual LADY ANGLER Tournament

Bull/Cow Combo Team Y-Dindown

13.7 lbs Bull/12.8 lbs Cow

1st Place Bull Dolphin 16.7 lbs Team Sun Tanner

2nd. Place Bull Dolphin 13.7 lbs Team Y-Dindown

1st. Place Cow Dolphin 12.8 lbs Team Y-Dindown

2nd. Place Cow Dolphin 12.2 lbs Team Let Em Eat It

3rd. Place Cow Dolphin 10.4 lbs Team Pulling Wire

Large live shrimp from E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange produced this big line sider snook.

Mason Smith age 4 visiting from Tennessee caught his first grouper on cut sand perch. Photo courtesy of E & J Bait & Tackle in Port Orange.

Logan Brayman caught this 27” Red Drum (Redfish) from Spruce Creek on cut squid from E&J Bait & Tackle Shop in Port Orange.

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club will have its annual Membership Drive at 6:30pm on July 20th at the club. The club will be providing grilled chicken and members will bring in a dish. There will be games, corn hole, fish stories, and fellowship. If you’re interested in what the club is about, now is the time to check it out. If you join in July, you are a member through the end of the club’s fiscal year September 2024. For more information on the club visit www. hsfc. com or Facebook.

The club will have a knot tying and bait rigging clinic August 17th to teach the public and members how to tie various knots and to rig inshore and offshore bait. Several of the experienced members and past speakers will show techniques needed to be successful at fishing. Topics will include bottom rigs, trolling, inshore rigs, and more.

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club is located at 3431 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange. For more information contact Jeff Bender at membership@ hsfc.com.

This impressive wahoo weighed 105 lbs and was 68 inches long. Roy Lenois caught it last Mothers day. His neighbor Bruce had never been trolling before he was on the rod and Roy was at the helm. They had to chase the fish twice to keep it from spooling the Shimano TLD 25. A trip these friends will not forget any time soon.

SALT & FRESHWATER FISHING MAPS

8 1/2 X 14 LAMINATED WITH HOT SPOTS MARKED AND EXPLAINED

Saltwater East Coast

SW#101 Edgewater Ramp to Turtle mound

SW#102 Turtle Mound to Oak Hill

SW#103 S. Bridge to Eldora Turtle Mound & Government Cut

SW#104 Port Orange Bridge to Ponce Inlet

SW#105 Oak Hill to Haul Over Canal

SW#106 Mosquito Lagoon to Haul Over Canal

SW#107 Ormond to Tomoka Basin

SW#108 New Smyrna Beach Bridges North & South

SW#109 Mosquito Lagoon Merritt Island Refuge to Haul Over Canal

SW#110 Sebastian Inlet North & South Backcountry

SW#111 Port Orange Bridge Mill Creek North to Ormond Beach

SW#112 Palm Bay to Sebastian

SW#113 Merritt Island to Palm Bay

SW#114 Haul Over Canal area Indian River City to Titusville

SW#115 Matanzas Inlet

Saltwater West Coast

WC#401 Suwannee River to the Gulf

WC#402 Cedar Key

WC#403 Crystal River

WC#404 Steinhatchee

SPECIAL $7.00 Per Map

Includes S & H & Sales Tax

Freshwater Lakes, Rivers & Streams

FW#201 Lake Dexter to Lake George

FW#202 Lake Beresford to Lake Dexter

FW#203 Lake George

FW#204 Lake George to Jacksonville

FW#205 Lake Crescent

FW#206 Rodman Reservoir & Dam (Backcountry)

FW#207 Lake Beresford to Brevard County Sawgrass Lake

FW#208 Lake Okeechobee

KH#301

How to Shrimp

Dip Netting Freelining & Shrimping

By: Roger S. Harbster

Over 40 years of knowledge!

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides July 2023

Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)

To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides August 2023

Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)

To calculate Mosquito Lagoon (Oak Hill) tides add 6 hours to Ponce Inlet Tides

•September 16, 2023•8:30am-2pm Menard May Park Edgewater

Held in conjunction with the River Rescue Regatta & Coastal Cleanup

• Registration will open at 8:30 am and will be on a first come first serve basis.

• Fishing contest for ages 3-15 years. First 100 Kids gets a chum bucket filled with goodies!

• Free Rods & Reels will also be given out children only (while supplies last!)

• All children must be accompany by an adult.

• Catch & Release from Menard May Park 413 S. Riverside Drive Edgewater

• Education: Fish ID, Knot Tying, Casting Techniques, and much more!

• Sharks Up Close & Personal! A hands on experience with Eric Sander (Councilman of SD)

• Mobile 3D Archery Range by Gobbler’s Lodge (You get to shoot bows & arrows)

• Breakfast snacks and Lunch will be provided bring your equipment, chair, blanket etc...

• EVERYONE IS A WINNER LET’S MAKE IT A GREAT OUTDOORS DAY!!

Spiny Lobster Sport Season

Season: July 26-27, 2023 (last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July each year)

Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park; 12 per person for rest of Florida

Possession limit on the water: equal to the daily bag limit Possession limit off the water: equal to the daily bag limit on the first day and double the daily bag limit on the second day

Night Diving: Prohibited in Monroe County (ONLY during sport season) Diving is defined as swimming at or below the surface of the water.

Regular Spiny Lobster Season

Season: Aug. 6-March 31

Daily Bag Limit: 6 per person

Minimum Size Limit: Carapace must be larger than 3”, measured in the water. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times. Find out how to measure a spiny lobster.

Harvest of lobster is prohibited in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park during the sport season and in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, in the Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary, and in the five Coral Reef Protection Areas in Biscayne National Park during both the 2-day sport season and regular season.

Wyatt Eskew with a black drum

NOAA Fisheries Announces Limited Openings of Recreational and Commercial Red Snapper Seasons in South Atlantic Federal Waters

What/When:

Each year, NOAA Fisheries announces the season opening dates for red snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic, in addition to the recreational season length. For the 2023 season:

The recreational sector will open for harvest on the following 2 days: July 14 and 15, 2023 (Friday and Saturday) – The recreational season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 14, 2023, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 16, 2023. The commercial sector will open for harvest at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 10, 2023, and will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2024, unless the commercial annual catch limit is met or projected to be met before this date.

If the commercial sector closes before 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2024, NOAA Fisheries will announce it in the Federal Register and publish another Fishery Bulletin.

During the Limited Open Seasons: The total annual catch limit is 42,510 fish.

The recreational annual catch limit is 29,656 fish.

The recreational bag limit is one red snapper per person per day. This applies to private and charterboat/ headboat vessels (the captain and crew on for-hire vessels may retain the recreational bag limit).

The commercial annual catch limit is 124,815 pounds whole weight (12,854 fish).

The commercial trip limit is 75 pounds gutted weight. There are no minimum or maximum size limits for the recreational or commercial sectors.

$150,574 PAID OUT!!

Mahi Championship Results

1st place- Nicely Done 49.7Lb Bull

2nd place- Longshot 33.8 Lb Bull

3rd place- The Office 30.7 Lb Bull

Thank you goes out to all of the participants and sponsors. 2023 was an awesome turnout with over 100 boats. Stay tuned to Facebook updates 2024 will be even BIGGER!

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

FWC announces winner of the School Fishing Club Conservation Project Competition

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program congratulates the Chambers High School fishing team as the Grand Prize winners of FWC’s School Fishing Conservation Project Competition. The students completed six conservation projects, including cleaning up and building monofilament recycling bins for their local waterbodies.

All student anglers participating in the FWC’s 2022-23 School Fishing Club Program were required to complete at least one conservation project to qualify for funding associated with the program. Prizes from our partners were offered for the conservation project winners as incentives for student anglers to complete multiple conservation initiatives throughout the year. FWC’s Conservation Project Competition awarded points per club participation in a variety of conservation-minded activities aimed at reducing the impacts of plastic pollution.

“Congratulations to these young anglers for their dedication to conservation,” said Tom Graef, FWC’s Director for the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “They are making a difference by leading the way for the next generation of anglers with these creative conservation projects.”

Chambers High School won the Grand Prize, a private in-person custom rod building class with Mud Hole Custom Tackle. Punta Gorda Middle School won the Second Place Prize, and A. Crawford Mosley High School won the Third Place Prize. Additional prizing for second and third place was provided by Toadfish and Pure Fishing.

“Supporting youth education is so important to our mission at Mud Hole Custom Tackle,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole’s Education Program Director. “We’re honored to contribute the Grand Prize in this year’s competition and are always supportive of FWC’s efforts to lead conservation projects here in Florida, our home state.”

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, based in Oviedo, is the world’s largest supplier of rod building and tackle crafting goods and instruction. From rod building and repairing, to fly tying and lure building, Mud Hole is the leading e-retailer and mail order supplier to hobbyists, small manufacturers, and large OEMs, worldwide. Offering a superior shopping experience at mudhole.com, rapid fulfillment, stellar customer service, and world class online content and instruction, Mud Hole Custom Tackle is the trusted source for the rod building and tackle crafting community.

FWC’s School Fishing Club Program welcomed 38 new and 14 returning student angling clubs in Florida to the program in 2022, supported by the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, and the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. The clubs committed to complete the provided FWC curriculum and at least one conservation project. Club mentors provided support and hands-on training in knot tying and fishing gear assembly, as well as assistance with the clubs’ local events to increase student anglers’ confidence in the sport of fishing.

Information about the 2023-24 School Fishing Club Program will be announced in the summer of 2023. For more information about the School Fishing Club Program, you can visit MyFWC.com/SFC.

Gulf sturgeons are in the Suwannee River and they are jumping. Gulf sturgeon are present in the Suwannee River as well as most other rivers in Northwest Florida, including the Apalachicola, Choctawhatchee, Yellow, Blackwater, Escambia, Pearl and Pascagoula.

Restaurant & Bar within walking distance

FWC reports ZERO boating accident fatalities over Memorial Day weekend

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers had one main objective over Memorial Day weekend: to keep boaters safe. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer and is one of the biggest boating holidays of the year. Partnering with other law enforcement agencies, FWC officers were proactive in getting boating safety messaging out to the public before the weekend and were on the lookout for reckless or impaired vessel operators.

Between May 27-29, FWC officers removed approximately 100 unsafe and impaired vessel operators across the state of Florida for boating under the influence and responded to over 30 boating accidents. There were zero fatalities reported during this time.

FWC officers were laser-focused on boating safety enforcement over the busy holiday weekend. Statewide, officers issued more than 4,000 warnings and nearly 900 citations for boating violations. They responded to more than 40 emergency calls for assistance and search and rescue.

The FWC reminds all boaters to enjoy time with friends and family but do so safely and don’t forget to designate a sober operator before departing from the dock.

For more information about boating safety, visit MyFWC.com.

Team Ocean Grown

SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY

FWC urges boaters to go slow and be alert for jumping sturgeon

Gulf sturgeons are in the Suwannee River and they are jumping. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is urging boaters on the Suwannee River to go slow and maintain 360-degree awareness for jumping sturgeon now through the end of summer. In past years, boaters have been injured by direct strikes with sturgeon. There is no warning; if a boater passes through when the fish is in the air, there is a chance of injury.

To stay safe around jumping sturgeons, follow these three safe boating practices:

• Go slow; allow more time for the vessel operator to react if a sturgeon jumps in front of you.

• Be alert and pay attention to your surroundings. This includes what a boater sees and hears.

• Always wear your life jacket. If you're knocked out of the boat, hurt and unconscious, a life jacket will help keep you afloat.

Scientists have determined that sturgeon jump to communicate with other sturgeons and refill their swim bladder to maintain buoyancy. While sturgeons can jump anywhere in the river, the fish in the Suwannee are commonly observed jumping where they gather in "holding" areas.

Holding areas are where they spawn, usually the deeper holes in the river. Major holding areas in the Suwannee

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

occur above Jack's Sandbar; below Manatee Springs; between Fanning Springs and Usher Landing; below Old Town Trestle; below the confluence of the Santa Fe and Suwannee rivers; near Rock Bluff; and below Anderson Springs.

Gulf sturgeon are protected under state and federal laws and cannot be harvested. To report sturgeon collisions, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) For more information about Gulf Sturgeon, go to MyFWC.com

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY

The 2023 recreational bay scallop season in the Fenholloway River through the Suwannee River Zone opened June 15 and will remain open through Labor Day (Sept. 4). This includes all state waters in Dixie County, a portion of Taylor County, the towns of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee and a small portion of Levy County.

From July 1 through Labor Day in this area, and for the duration of the open season in other areas, regular bag and vessel limits apply. Regular season limits are 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

Scallops may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net. There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida. Throughout the season and region-wide, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit. For information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com

(4 pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel.

What an opportunity! Unfinished 2-story frame home with cedar siding, huge living room with an unfinished kitchen at the end, potential for bedrooms to be upstairs or downstairs. Has 2 beautiful completed bathrooms with tile shower and flooring, laundry hook-ups, 2 verandahs on upper level, and a L-shaped porch. Needs CHA unit and air handler. A perfect blank canvas to complete to your heart's desire. Situated on almost half an acre with a detached 2-car carport. All building materials that are in the house will remain. Located in the Ocala National Forest which provides miles of ATV/UTV trails to explore, public boat ramps for the Ocklawaha River, Lake Kerr, Lake George, Orange Lake, access to various springs and more!

BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE

352-267-0062 The Harris chain has been giving up some nice bass. A Rat-L-Trap is a good bait to look for fish. Try yo-yoing it – cranking it fast then slowing down and cranking it fast again any place you have a slight drop or a hole. The bream and shellcracker are still biting using grass shrimp, crickets and worms. The local small lakes are producing some nice sized bass. Freelining a shiner (without a bobber or weight) is still producing some of the bigger fish. A slow falling sinking weightless worm or a white and chartreuse spinner bait reeled in as slowly as possible, are both working quite well. For the fishing trip you’ve dreamed of give me a call 352-267-0062.

Capt Lynda Hawkins

Gordon at BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE 352-460-0695 said bluegill and shellcracker bass are still biting using worms and crickets, Venetian Village is producing some nice ones right now. The recently held Bass Nation High School Championship was held on the Harris Chain. It was a two day tournament and it took over 37 pounds to win. One of their good customers, Tanner Wolf and partner came in 2nd place with 37 pounds another good customer Jason & Landon Haynes came in 3rd place with 36 pounds. Congratulations guys good job.

John Fisher with a 53” redfish caught and released from the NSB/Edgewater area.

Corey with Boat & Yacht Masters of Florida caught this Flounder from the Halifax River.

BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE

Owners Bill & Natalie Brooker

1351 A. W. North Blvd. Leesburg, Fl. 34748

352-460-0695

BrookerBait@gmail.com

BASS CAPITAL

By Captain Lynda Hawkins

Lorraine from BASS WORLD LODGE 386-467-2267 reports bream are big. Mark recently caught and released 15 bass. Jim is still catching lots of nice big catfish. Lafon has been catching lots of bream and he recently went fishing with Jim and they both got soaking wet but caught a warmouth perch and an ufo. (Unidentified fish organism). All were catch and release. Bass World Lodge has been in the fishing business over 50 years and has had fishermen from all over the world who have experienced the fun of an old fashioned down to earth fish camp.

GEORGETOWN MARINA & LODGE 386-467-2002 report panfish are being caught using worms, crickets and grass shrimp according to Nolan. Two of their customers recently caught 3 nice bass up to 5 ½ pounds fishing just past Little Lake

Astor/Pierson Citgo

Cheapest Gas in Town!

LIVE BAIT & TACKLE

Wine-Beer-Cigs-Soda-Ice

Snacks-Groceries-Refill Propane

Hot Pizza & Chicken Wings

Open 7 Days

Sun-Thur 6am-10pm & Fri-Sat 6am-11pm 1380 W. St Rd. 40, Pierson

386-749-0180

Georgetown Marina, Lodge & RV Park

A full service marina, located near the N.E. corner of Big Lake George

You can see what Lake George produces some big bass and nice crappies.

(386) 467-2002 georgetownmarina.com

Gulf Recreational Red Snapper

Florida's 2023 Gulf red snapper season opened on June 16 and runs consecutively through July 31, 2023

The season will reopen in the fall for 3-day weekends during October and November (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

This season applies to recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf state and federal waters. For-hire operations that do not have a federal reef fish permit may also participate in the season but are limited to fishing for red snapper in Florida Gulf state waters only.

George. Another customer caught some crappie down on the East side of Lake George and caught their limit using bobbers and minnows.

WEST COAST CRYSTAL RIVER & DUNNELLON

By Captain Lynda

ANGLER’S FAMILY RESORT

352-489-2397 Owen tells us the fishing has been pretty good using shiners for bass. The Rainbow and where the two Rivers met is producing some nice ones. They are catching them in the grass beds and lily pads. Crickets and worms are producing some nice bluegill around the bridge pilings.

Stop in and visit, you'll love the friendly staff and beautiful River. Take a few minutes and enjoy a wonderful meal right on the River at the Blue Gator Tiki Bar, the food is absolutely delicious.

NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA OUTDOOR EXPO

Boats, RVs, archery, guns, fishing, power sports & more

Ocala, FL, – The North Central Florida Outdoor Expo takes place Saturday, August 12th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the World Equestrian Center in Expo Center 2 (1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, FL 34482).

Guests at this event can fire BB guns, throw an axe, compete in a virtual fishing tournament, pet a live alligator, shoot arrows and so much more!

Entry is $5 cash and free for children 17 and under. The first 100 guests will receive free gifts, courtesy of Crystal River Kayak and Dive Center and Two Men and a Truck.

For a list of participating organizations and companies, please visit www.937kcountry. com or www.windfm.com.

Nice bass caught on bait from Crappie Addicts in Orange City

Ike Leary Jr. with a 28 lb kingfish caught offshore Ponce Inlet.

Photo courtesy of Granada Pier Bait & Tackle.

#BoatOfTheMonth Rare Breed Charters

Captain Daniel Levesque

386-341-0793

Rare Breed Charters, our next feature boat, has been making waves & lots of memories this year! With noteworthy charter catches such as the beautiful #WhiteMarlin caught during the Halifax Sport Fishing Club Offshore Challenge, to their current ranking in the #EastsideTunaRoundup, this Captain has a fiery passion that is poised to hit the seasons highlight reels hard.

Accomplishing catches like a marlin with a professional fishing team is pretty common in this area, however Captain Daniel makes dreams come true by taking his die hard charter clients out and showing them how it's done! So if you've ever wanted to fish a tournament but don't know where to start, he's definitely your man! Outfitted with 3 vessels that can take you anywhere from the skinniest of backwaters or all the way to the other side of the gulf stream- you will definitely enjoy the areas fishing with this crew!

Captain Daniel is a lifelong archery enthusiast and fisherman, whose rootsbegan in Key West before he found his home in Volusia County. In true outdoorsman spirit his dream has always been to provide a one of a kind all inclusive getaway through his several business ventures; with plans to one day to grow into much, much more. Book lodging with on site target practice at Gobblers Lodge 3D Archery Range and add customized fishing trips through Rare Breed; he offers a truly unique experience for vacationers looking to live the true Floridian way of life. For more information about the Rare Breed Experience visit: https://www.rarebreedcharters.com/rare-experience

Currently on the roster is their 17' Skimmer Skiff for backwater & bowfishing adventures, a 24' Pathfinder for inshore & nearshore fishing, and last but certainly not least their 31' Cape Horn for all of their offshore fishing trips. Each individual vessel is well equipped specifically for the types of fishing they're purposed for, with some flexibility when requested in advance. From poling platforms to out & down riggers, live bait to the best Westwind Witches available, guaranteed top of the line gear... you name it, they've got it covered!

As a Key West native and lifelong fisherman Captain Daniel is also well versed in spearfishing and insists that his favorite fishing will always be Yellowtail Snapper fishing in the Keys & Bahamas. He solidifies this sentiment adding "..there is nothing more rewarding than light tackle fishing for these delicious fish!" Take note: we do occasionally catch these fish in our own waters!

Rest assured; our vessels are the best in the industry, our roster handpicked & credential checked. We pride ourselves in providing the areas charter community with the exposure and support that they deserve We will forever stand behind our calling of connecting Angler & Captain in a comprehensive & meaningful fashion.

Mention this ad and receive $100 off Hog, Deer & Turkey Hunts!

DEER HUNTING SEASON

August 1st-January 1st

3 DAYS HUNTS $1,295.00

5 DAY HUNTS $1,995.00

Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!

We have the longest deer season in the US August 15th-January 1st, with weapon of choice for the entire season. The velvet hunts last through Labor Day weekend and the rut is throughout the months of October and November. We hunt seven days a week and allow two bucks per day, only with one small (under 12" wide) per hunter, per season.

We have open areas where first timers can take a buck, Long Managed Trophy Areas where bucks must be a minimum of 15" outside spread. Then we have our special Big Trophy Area, where the bucks have been on strict management for only mature bucks for the past 13 seasons, the bucks there have to be 16" outside spread of 110 Boone and Crockett Score. That area will be for very serious Trophy Hunters only.

Spring Turkey Season March 20th-May 5th

3 Days $1,395

Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!

Turkey Season opens on March 20th each year and runs through May 5th. We have 5,500 of prime turkey woods with a mixture of river bottoms, pine ridges and lots of food plots planted with chuffas, the turkey’s favorite. Our seasoned guides are very familiar with our properties and are very personable and experienced. While on your turkey hunt , if you would like to sit for a wild hog in the afternoon, you are allowed to take one hog during the three day hunt for no extra charge. We have lots of them and some really big ones.

Wild Hog Hunts Year Round

3 Days $1,095

Meals & Lodging Included with all pricing!

We can hunt hogs year round and some of our most productive hunts this past year took place in May, June and July. We have plenty of land now with hogs to be able to hunt large groups, up to 10. We can even accommodate bow groups that large. Hogs are very smart animals, don’t come thinking they are just dumb farm animals. This is a fun hunt for all who just do not want to quit hunting after their deer season closes.

The finest deer, hog, and turkey hunting in the low-country of South Carolina!

Road Ehrhardt, South Carolina

July 29, 2023

Fish in state waters ONLY

(20 miles North & South of Ponce Inlet)

$$ Thousands of dollars in prizes $$

Paying out 1st-5th heaviest king

Captain’s Party July 27th 6pm • HSFC Clubhouse

Fish day July 29th

Weigh-in 4-6pm

First Turn Port Orange

Entry $250

HSFC members $200

For more information contact:

Tournaments@HSFC.com or visit www.HSFC.com