Conservation

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Shark and Stingray Smiles

I find that photography can have a powerful impact on the way people see the world around them and perceive things. It can even help us determine how we should feel about something. I love sharing images of shark and stingray smiles because they are actually quite comical, especially the rays. I hope they make people themselves smile, but also encourage them to think differently about these often demonized creatures.

Artificial Reef Updates: September 2016

Reefs in 55-foot depths have resulted in diverse fish assemblages. Eighteen species in the snapper-grouper complex, including black grouper, black seabass, gray snapper, mutton snapper, cubera snapper and yellowtail snapper have been documented on artificial reefs at these depths...

The Subverting of El Nino

Buying the land will not stop discharges in the next 30 years. Buying the land will not stop algae blooms. Buying the land will not stop the loss of oyster beds or sea grass, but all this hype over an anticipated weather event has brought overwhelming national attention to our state. If we allow water to be discharged to the Everglades as is presently suggested by the Buy the Land folks, HABs will flow through those gates just as they do east and west now. And why should we expect anything different?

St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program Update: August 2016

The St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program’s Oyster Reef Restoration Program has deployed its first subtidal oyster reef (oyster modules deployed below the low tide mark).

FWC UPDATE: Lobster Season

The 2016 regular spiny lobster begins on Aug. 6 and runs through the end of March 2016. Many people find the rules and geographical boundaries in southern Florida to be complex and confusing. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned lobster veteran, a quick review of the basic information is never a bad idea!

Algae and Anglers: What every angler needs to know about the algae tainting our waterways

How do we slow the flow of freshwater and toxic blue-green algae that’s pouring into our estuaries? Although the problem is complex and multifaceted, the only true option for eliminating coastal discharge of water from Lake Okeechobee is the creation of massive engineered filtration marshes in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of Lake Okeechobee.

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Outfitting Your Boat for Offshore Fishing

Outfitting a boat for offshore fishing can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing safety, education, and reliable equipment is key to success. From investing in quality safety gear and electronics to choosing versatile tackle and learning from experienced boaters, the right preparation helps reduce risk and maximize your time on the water. Check out some great tips here!

Peacock Bass: South Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Florida’s peacock bass fishery, created by stocking efforts in the 1980s, has quietly become a major success—producing hard-fighting, colorful gamefish that thrive in South Florida canals and offer anglers a unique, world-class experience close to home. Check out some great catches here!

For A Great Fight, Try the Rooster Fish

If you want a fight you won’t forget, target roosterfish. These inshore beasts crush baits and go on screaming runs—pure sport, all adrenaline.

Spring Flounder Trickle

While the fall flounder run is a well-known spectacle, the spring return is a more subtle "trickle" that begins as early as late February. Unlike the concentrated mass exodus of the fall, spring flounder gradually re-enter estuaries through passes and channels, eventually spreading throughout the bays from deep ledges to shallow marsh guts. This transition period offers excellent opportunities for anglers willing to brave the spring winds, using sinking lures for deep water early in the season and shallow-water shrimp imitations as temperatures rise.

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Owen’s First Wahoo

41”snook

20 inch sheepshead

ELLE with a snook