SSFHMagazine Jan/Feb 2023

VOLUSIA

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 Caught Up Fishing Capt. Bruno Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network

Capt. Bruno’s charter says they don’t have fish like this in Ireland. Book a charter with Caught Up Fishing Charters out of The River Deck in New Smyrna Beach. Redfish or snook like the pictures below this along with many other species can be yours! These species have regulations call Capt Bruno for info. at 386-689-7409

Boat: Top Notch Adventures

Capt. Aaron Highers (386) 243-0778

Species: Speckled Perch (Crappie) Photo submitted by: Ponce Inlet Fishing Network.

COUNTY

GIVE THE GIFT THAT LAST A LIFETIME! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE TO FISH Ponce Inlet - New Smyrna Beach CALL CAPT BRUNO TODAY!! 386-689-7409

FWC Regulations on Recreational Grouper Harvesting to Take Effect January 1, 2023

Atlantic anglers take notice: All recreational harvesting of groupers in shallow waters will be closed from January 1st, through to May 1st, 2023 according to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. The policy will limit the taking of many popular shallow-water grouper species until the summer. The affected species of grouper will be as follows according to FWC:

• Black grouper

• Coney grouper

• Gag grouper

• Graysby grouper

• Red hind grouper

• Rock hind grouper

• Red grouper

• Scamp

• Yellowfin grouper

• Yellowmouth grouper

The purpose of the policy is to manage the population of one of the most popular game and dining fish along the Atlantic coast of Florida. Those who fish for grouper either by rod and reel or by spearfishing will once again be permitted to legally harvest grouper in the month of May. For more information please visit myfwc.com.

By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins

Reported by: Chris Gollon

FWC proposes rule to help improve survival of released reef fish

At its Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Commission meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed a rule to require the possession of a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch and release, reef fish in state waters.

This proposed rule is designed to increase the survival of released reef fish, a top priority management issue in the Gulf and South Atlantic. If approved, this rule would also require the use of a descending device or venting tool if releasing a fish that is exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release. As reef fish are reeled up from depth, they can suffer pressurerelated injuries known as barotrauma.

Craig Patterson owner of Donald’s Bait and Tackle by the Dunlawton bridge in Port Orange caught this sheepshead.

These injuries include the stomach protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines and inability to swim down independently. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to reef fish.

Tools including descending devices or venting tools can help released fish recover from the effects of barotrauma. Descending devices are weighted devices capable of releasing fish at a depth that is sufficient to recompress expanded gas and help fish recover from the effects of barotrauma. Venting tools are sharp, hollow instruments that allow expanded gas to escape from an overexpanded swim bladder.

Barotrauma mitigation tool requirements have already been adopted in Gulf and Atlantic federal waters. In Gulf federal waters, fishers have the choice of possessing either a descending device or a venting tool that is rigged and ready for use. In Atlantic federal waters, fishers are required to have a descending device that is readily available for use.

A final rule hearing for barotrauma mitigation tool requirements will be presented at a future Commission meeting.

Find current reef fish gear requirements at MyFWC.com/ ReefFishGear. Anyone who plans to harvest or attempt to harvest, including catch and release, certain reef fish species in Gulf or Atlantic waters from a private recreational vessel (includes anglers over 65 years of age) must sign up for the free State Reef Fish Angler designation and renew it annually. Learn more at MyFWC.com/SRFS and sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information visit MyFWC. com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

Nathan Hayes was fishing with his daughter Violet and she caught her first redfish at the Mayport Jetty. Shout out to Capt Kirk in Mayport, FL.

Nautical Gifts

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club’s monthly seminars will resume January 19th with a seafood cooking seminar. The guest speaker TBD. Different recipes will be presented.

The February 16th seminar will feature Capt. Billy Pettigrew, owner and operator of Com’ N’ Getit Fishing Charters. He has over 30 years of experience fishing the inshore waters of Volusia County. He has participated in many redfish tournaments in several states throughout the years. Capt. Billy will share his expertise locating fish, determining the best techniques for catching fish once they have been located, and tournament prepping. His expertise is not limited to redfish but includes the many species found in our local waters.

March 16th will feature George Poveromo. George is well-known as the producer and host of the immensely popular Salt Water Sportsman National Seminar Series, the nation's longest-running and most successful educational course on recreational marine fishing techniques. Now into its 35th consecutive year, the National Seminar Series is an institution in the salt water sport fishing community. The tour visits eight major cities annually, and has educated over 140,000 anglers since its inception in 1988. As of 2022, the National Seminar Series evolved into a 13-episode, nationally-televised series. Most notably, George is the producer and host of the immensely popular, nationally-televised series George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, a brief business meeting at 7:00 PM, and the seminar at 7:30 PM at 3431 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange.

Right Hook Species: Wahoo Capt. Austin Spitz

New Smyrna Beach

off Ponce Inlet, Florida

Tayler Rizza (right) & Lindsay Lamely (left)

from Donald’s Bait in Port Orange produced this nice redfish while the angler was fishing of the pier at Ponce Inlet jetties.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides March 2023

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils in the U.S.

Established by Congress in 1976 through the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage fisheries within U.S. federal waters.

Jurisdiction

The South Atlantic Council is responsible for the conservation and management of fishery resources in federal waters ranging from 3 to 200 miles off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida to Key West.

Responsibilities

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) is the primary law governing marine fisheries management in the U.S. Approved in 1976, the MSA extended the U.S. jurisdiction of fisheries out to 200 miles and established the eight regional fishery management councils, creating a transparent and public fishery management process. The councils must follow the guidelines outlined through the MSA, including 10 National Standards and Rules of Conduct to promote sustainable and ethical fisheries management.

The South Atlantic Council develops fishery management plans and recommends management measures designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the resources it manages. Specific responsibilities include:

DID YOU KNOW?

•Developing and amending fishery management plans for approval/ implementation by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce

•Setting annual catch limits and management measures based on the best available science

•Developing research priorities with scientists and stakeholder/industry partners

•Conducting public hearings and gathering public input on proposed fishery management actions

Managed Fisheries

Over 64 species of finfish, crustaceans, and corals are managed by the South Atlantic Council through eight fishery management plans. The South Atlantic Council works jointly with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, New England Fishery Management Council, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to address management needs across jurisdictional boundaries.

Council Members

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has a total of 17 members, with 13 voting members including eight citizens from the four southeastern states. Appointed members serve three-year terms and are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce from lists of nominees submitted by the governors of each state. Appointees are limited to 3 consecutive terms.

The dolphin fish has bright turquiose, green and yellow patterns, which fade almost immediately upon death. This species may be distinguished from the pompano dolphin by its 55-66 dorsal fin rays, and a very wide and square tooth patch on the tongue. The body tapers sharply from head to tail; irregular blue or golden blotches scattered over sides; anterior profile of head on adult males is nearly vertical; head of females more sloping; the single dark dorsal fin extends from just behind the head to the tail; anal fin margin concave and extending to tail.

Council Process

The South Atlantic Council meets four times each year, once in each of the southeastern states. The Council meetings are open to the public and available via webinars as they occur. Before final action on any proposed rule change is taken, the Council involves the public through informal public scoping meetings, public hearings, and input at Council meetings. Proposed rule changes are then sent to NMFS for further review, public comment, and consideration by the Secretary of Commerce before being implemented.

In addition, the Council receives input and recommendations from knowledgeable people from other state and federal agencies, universities, and members of the public who serve on various committees and panels. These include Advisory Panels, the Scientific & Statistical Committee, and the SocioEconomic Panel.

Dolphin are fast growing, prolific and have a short life span – an average of 5 years. Average fork lengths for males and females ranges from 34 to 55 inches. Males grow faster and usually live longer than females. The spawning season varies with latitiude. Dolphin collected in the Florida Current spawned from November through July, and those collected from the Gulf Stream near North Carolina were reproductively active during June and July. Small females may spawn 240 thousand pelagic eggs, and fish larger than 43 inches may spawn several million. Dolphin are attracted to Sargassum, a floating brown algae, which serves as a hiding place and source of food. Other sources of food associated with the Sargassum include small fish, crabs, and shrimp. Dolphin reach swimming speeds estimated at 50 knots and may also pursue fast -swimming fish, such as flying fish or mackerels.

Dolphin

Coryphaena hippurus, dorado, mahi mahi

SNS Automotive Repair

Established in 2004. Debary's source for quality auto repair and first class service since 2004. With over 70 years combined experience, their auto technicians will handle any of your automotive needs! Visit them today and experience their exceptional customer service. It's their goal at SNS Automotive Repair to always provide a comfortable atmosphere, along with great service and high-quality workmanship at a fair price. Their friendly staff is waiting to help you with your next automotive repair needs. Need a ride? SNS Automotive Repair offers drop off service for customers nearby.

FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory announces 2023 Triple Threat Throwdown challenge!

Enter to win a fully outfitted fishing kayak!

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) saltwater angler recognition program, Catch a Florida Memory, will be giving away a fully outfitted fishing kayak to one lucky angler in its first-ever Triple Threat Throwdown! This challenge will run from Jan. 1 through Sept. 5, 2023, and will be an exclusive raffle opportunity for Triple Threat Club members to win a Bonafide SS127 fishing kayak, fully outfitted with an accessory package from YakAttack. To enter, participants must qualify for a Catch a Florida Memory recognition between Jan. 1 and Sept. 5, 2023, and be a member of the Triple Threat Club at the time of the raffle drawing, which will take place after all submissions from the challenge period have been processed.

Triple Threat Club status is awarded to anglers who have qualified for recognition in all three Catch a Florida Memory programs. This means the angler has caught a Saltwater Grand Slam, a Saltwater Reel Big Fish and has qualified for at least the Saltwater Life List 10 Fish Club. Anglers only need to qualify for the Triple Threat Club once and membership never expires.

Catch a Florida Memory’s saltwater angler recognition program rewards anglers for their fishing efforts while encouraging them to target a diversity of species. Anglers do not have to harvest their fish to be eligible for prizes and are encouraged to use proper fish handling techniques.

New to Catch a Florida Memory? Learn more and submit catches at CatchaFloridaMemory.com.

Tightline Anchor Inc. was founded in 2018 by friends and business partners, Thomas Langton and Greg Linton. They have since added another member to their team Farouk Dhanidina. The diverse team at Tightline is passionate about the outdoors and providing high performance and long-lasting anchoring tools to the small watercraft market. They have been growing alongside an explosive kayak fishing market but have found their 3.5lb K5 grapnel anchor meets the needs of other classes of watercraft owners including Jon Boats, Dinghies, Belly Boats, Jet Ski’s and Skiffs.

Tightline has begun to be recognized by kayak anglers that demand quality and invest in gear that makes their time on the water more efficient and most importantly, safer. An anchor for any vessel can be seen as the equivalent of brakes on your SUV and professionals understand that the right tool for the job is critical.

Tightline’s reputation has been forged in listening to customer feedback and implementing improvements in their anchor designs in what they describe as ANCHOR EVOLUTION. The current K5 is the result of 9 product iterations and hundreds of hours of field testing. Furthermore, Tightline is owned by the people customers talk to on the phone and through email correspondence, a rarity in today's marketplace.

Tightline stands behind their products and offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner ensuring the customer will have their anchor repaired or replaced in a timely manner. We understand the research and development team at Tightline is gearing up for a spring product launch that will enhance the fishing experience for those that frequent river locations. We’re excited to see Tightline continue to innovate and contribute to making time spent on the water safer and more fun!

For more information, please visit TIGHTLINEANCHOR. COM or call 281-881-7987

PUTNAM COUNTY

Celebrating another successful TrophyCatch season

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) TrophyCatch program has awarded prizes for the catch and release of more than 13,500 largemouth bass since the program began in 2012. Season 10 ended in October with these incredible highlights:

10-TAG Grand Prize Winner

Big congratulations to Dale Dew for winning the 10-Tag Grand Prize of $10,000. Thank you to all anglers who participated and targeted a pinktagged bass and helped TrophyCatch celebrate 10 years of success. Special thanks to Bass Pro Shops and AFTCO for supporting this special celebration.

Annual Phoenix Boat Winner

Congratulations to Michael Hendren, our Season 10 Phoenix Boats winner. Michael is from Winchester, Virginia and was over the moon that he was this year’s lucky winner. One of our finalists only registered for TrophyCatch and did not submit any catches. We remind everyone that you do not need to land a trophysize bass to be included in the annual boat drawing. All you need to do is register once at TrophyCatch.com for a chance to win a new boat in 2023.

Season 10 Hall of Fame Anglers

The TrophyCatch team also celebrated 14 anglers with the biggest catches of season 10 at the Hall of Fame Ceremony on Dec. 10 at Bass Pro Shops Palm Bay. TrophyCatch prizing is based on size, with bigger catches netting bigger rewards.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

Anglers who caught Hall of Fame bass weighing 13 pounds or greater were rewarded with a replica mount representing their bass from Gray Taxidermy; a plaque from American Registry; and a customized power bank from new partner, CellHelmet, among other awesome prizes.

The TrophyCatch Big Bag Prize winner is Bobby Rahn who submitted the heaviest combined weight for his top five bass approved during Season 10 and received prizes provided by Lake County Tourism. The Hall of Fame Champion for Season 10 is Grant Smelcer who caught and released a 14-pound, 4-ounce bass from Porter Lake in Washington County. Smelcer also received addition prizes including a Hydronaut Heavy-Duty rain suite from AFTCO. Visit TrophyCatch.com for more information on how to participate and stay tuned for updates about Season 11.

The Zego 300 is a twin-hulled platform made of roto-moulded polyethylene plastic. The hulls are foam filled, which means that the craft is virtually unsinkable.

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club’s 2023 Tournament Season will kick off with a new tournament Mach 25th. It will be an inshore series tournament “Spring Fling Inshore Tournament”.

The 22nd Annual Offshore Challenge will be April 21st, 22nd, and 23rd in which you will choose which day to fish.

The 35th Annual Lady Angler will be June 3rd.

The 3rd Annual Kingfish Tournament will be July 29th.

The tournaments will conclude with the Inshore Championship Tournament on October 21st.

For more information go to the H.S.F.C. web site or contact Scott Ibison, tournament director online at tournaments@hsfc.com or 386-589-6468.

South Atlantic Fishery Management

· Are you hooked on bottomfishing?

If so, use non-offset circle hooks when fishing for South Atlantic snapper, grouper species with natural baits north of 28° N latitude (just south of Cape Canaveral, FL). Make sure ALL hooks are non-stainless steel.

Non-offset circle hooks are less likely to snag a fish in a lethal area, such as the eye, gut, or gills. Hooks made of non-stainless steel will rust out much faster if they were to stay hooked in the fish. These measures increase the survival of released fish!

At its Nov. 30-Dec. 1 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule establishing a Springs Protection Zone for Nichols Spring and its associated spring run in Sumter County.

The Spring Protection Zone for Nichols Spring will be the first created in Florida. Anchoring, mooring, beaching and grounding of vessels was determined to have caused harm to bank vegetation, cypress trees and aquatic grasses in and around the spring. These activities will be prohibited within the Springs Protection Zone.

At its December 2021 meeting, the Commission established the criteria and process used to create Springs Protection Zones. FWC staff coordinated with Sumter County officials, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Department of Environmental Protection to review whether Nichols Spring met the criteria for the creation of a Springs Protection Zone and held a

public meeting for interested parties before approval.

The public will still be able to visit Nichols Spring but will be prohibited from anchoring, mooring, beaching or grounding a vessel within the spring or along the spring’s shoreline. The public will be able to anchor a vessel outside the protection zone and swim through the small spring run and into the spring. Tubes and rafts are not considered vessels in Florida and may still be used in the spring.

FWC Commissioners approve the first Springs Protection Zone in Florida at Nichols Spring

SEMINOLE-ORANGE

The Florida Trophy Bass Project is the FWC’s new initiative with the goal of Florida being the undisputed Trophy Bass Capital of the World. In the coming years, more effort will be focused on producing, documenting, and promoting trophy bass as well as increasing opportunities to catch Florida’s heaviest trophies. FWC biologists will be utilizing both proven and innovative management techniques to grow even more large bass in certain areas while also conducting research projects to learn more about what it takes to grow giant bass.

Examples of specific strategies to help us reach this goal are:

• Document a higher percentage of trophy bass catches

• Increase marketing for trophy bass and the opportunities to catch them

• Regulation changes

• Supplemental forage stocking

• Small bass removal through increased bag limits in specific places

• Genetics research

• Water level fluctuation

• Habitat enhancement

Share the Beach with Shorebirds this Winter!

This winter season, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds beachgoers how to help protect vulnerable resident and migratory shorebirds and seabirds while enjoying Florida’s coastal habitats.

Each winter, Florida’s resident shorebirds and seabirds are joined by both human and avian snowbirds coming to our state’s shorelines from colder climates. Both resident and migratory shorebirds rely on Florida’s sandy beaches for important habitat and resting spots. Whether you’re a fellow sunshine state resident or a visitor to our beaches this winter, you can have a big impact on conservation of coastal birds. Help shorebirds and seabirds along our coasts by following these simple shorebird-friendly tips:

Do the flock walk. Instead of walking straight through, try walking around flocks of birds at the beach and stay out of posted areas. Getting too close to resting shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds can cause them to flush, disturbing birds that may need important rest from long migratory flights.

Look for Critical Wildlife Area closures. Be on the lookout for signs designating Critical Wildlife Areas on the beach or coastal islands – these areas are closed to public access to protect high concentrations of wading birds and shorebirds. Boaters and beachgoers can help birds by keeping their distance and noise volumes low near CWAs.

Keep your pups at home. Even well-behaved dogs can frighten shorebirds, causing them to panic and expend valuable energy. If you bring your dog with you to the shore, go to a beach where they’re allowed and follow all leash laws.

Resist the urge to feed the birds. Sharing snacks with birds at the beach may seem harmless or even helpful but it can be harmful to them and other wildlife. Shorebirds and seabirds are healthiest when eating the natural prey they normally forage for, such as small invertebrates in the sand and fish they’ve caught themselves from the water.

Properly stash all trash. Trash and food scraps attract predators while litter on beaches and in the water can entangle birds, turtles and other wildlife. Beachgoers can help birds and other native wildlife by properly disposing of all trash, filling in man-made holes in the sand, and removing all personal gear from the beach before sunset. Fishing line can be deadly to waterbirds, sea turtles and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit mrrp.myfwc.com.

For more information about ways to help shorebirds in Florida while at the beach, go to MyFWC.com/Shorebirds

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY

Hurricane Ian derelict vessel removal efforts continue

Weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and partner agencies continue their efforts to remove vessels rendered derelict by the storm in Charlotte, Collier, Lee and Monroe counties.

Imagery from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has identified over 7,500 potentially displaced vessels. FWC officers have assessed over 4,200 vessels on the waters of the state.

“Our deployed officers continue the mission by locating owners and delivering notification of rights packets and waiver forms,” said FWC Boating and Waterways Section

Representative Capt. Travis Franklin. “The assessment phase is all but complete at this point, though we do have new DVs pop up here and there almost daily."

In Lee County, 708 vessels were identified as derelict and over half of those vessels have been removed or brought into compliance.

3 BEDROOM CABIN IN HOG VALLEY! Enjoy the peace and quiet from your 10x12 screened porch, or BBQs with friends and family on the large front deck. Cabin is situated in the middle of 4 lots totaling .72/acre. Two of the lots measuring 80 x100 each have separate parcel account numbers making them buildable. Located in beautiful Ocala National Forest with miles of hiking/ATV trails to explore and close to the Ocklawaha River.

NICE AND DRY WOODED 80x110 LOT in Salt Springs with access to Big Lake Kerr through community lot. Restaurants, shopping and the springs are only minutes away. $11,000

LAKE

Welcome to THE TAVARES DOG HOUSE on Ruby Street in Tavares. Their chili cheese dogs are delicious. Good service, good food and fun events. Stop in and say “Hi”.

BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE 352-267-0062 Bass are being caught on the Harris chain using topwater, swimming worms and crank baits. Under docks, deep holes and at points are good locations to fish. A slow falling sinking weightless worm or a chrome blue or green Rat-LTrap reeled in as slowly as possible, are both working quite well. For the fishing trip you’ve dreamed of give me a call.

Porter at BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE 352-460-0695 said on the Harris Chain the specks are hitting with the cooler weather. Big Lake Harris has been producing some nice ones fishing jigs off the grass lines. During the Black Friday tournament they weighed in 5 bass that weighed 37 pounds.

Jerk baits have been working well. Brookers has a well stocked shop and expert knowledge on the current fishing, both freshwater and saltwater. They also carry frozen salt water bait

PONTOON SALOON located on Lake Eustis in Tavares. They are next door to LAKESIDE BAIT AND TACKLE and you can get there from

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land or from water. They have a nice dock where you can tie up your boat. Stop in and say “Hi” and have a friendly drink or a nice meal.

HARRIS OIL 352-383-0922 is located at 21901 US Hwy. 441, Mt. Dora. They carry 100% non ethanol gasoline for your boats, mowers and chain saws. They also have gated self storage.

Heidi of LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE at 352-742-3336 tells us specks are being caught in about 4-6 ft. of water out of Little Lake Harris, big Lake Harris and Lake Dora right now using minnows and jigs. Bass are still trying to come in but this heat is making it slower than usual. Bass are being caught flipping pads out of the grass and from under docks. Dark colored plastics and chatter baits are working well.

Jim from FISH CAMP ON LAKE EUSTIS 352-742-4400 tells us they are now open from 11 to 8 daily and 11 to 9 on Fri. and Sat. and have live music on Saturday from 1 to 4. They carry local produce, local meats, local craft beers and wines. You owe it to yourself to stop in and check them out, they are located ¼ mile East of Dora Canal.. right on Lake Eustis next door to LAKESIDE BAIT AND TACKLE and are easy to find from the water or the highway.

ANGLER’S FAMILY RESORT

352-489-2397 Owen reports fishing has been really good. Bass are being caught on both wild or domestic shiners. On the Withlacoochee River they are catching bass around the lay down trees or any structures. Catfish are being caught using frozen liver and night crawlers.

A 12 room State of the Art motel is open at Anglers Resort. They also have pontoon and Jon boat rentals. Stop in and visit, you'll love the friendly staff and beautiful River.

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

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

Jennifer Edwards bagged 2 impressive bucks during the same hunt. She was hunting from the Panhandle Tri state area.

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.

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.

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.