Let's live off the land!

In the Market to Buy a Boat?

A Checklist of Things to Consider

Written By: Captain Martin Goldys

www.reelharmonyfishing.com

Owning a boat can give you the freedom to go anywhere you choose, have a home away from home, spend quality time with friends and family, learn new skills, possibly gain a return on your investment, and sounds like a dream. The reality is, owning a boat can be a huge responsibility and often lead to financial burden if you don’t plan properly. One aspect that always catches people off guard is the time and attention needed to maintain a boat. There isn’t a week that goes by that I’m not spending time caring for my boat in some capacity, ensuring that it’s always in top shape – just ask my wife. Knowing the costs associated and the amount of work it takes to keep your vessel running in an environmentally friendly manner is critical to being a responsible and happy boat owner – and proper attention and maintenance can save you money in the long run. As waterman and environmental enthusiasts, it’s critical that we educate ourselves to fully understand the boats we own, responsibilities, and time commitment that comes along with it:

Things to consider before purchasing your own boat:

- Do I have the appropriate budget to maintain, store, clean, insure, register, service, and fuel my boat as required?

- Do I have a safe place to store this vessel when it is not in use (in the water, in your yard, at a marina, on a lift, or in a dry storage Facility)?

- Am I capable of safely towing a vessel to the local boat ramp/launch site? Do you have the appropriate towing capacity on your vehicle? Are you comfortable with towing a boat on open roadways with other vehicles surrounding?

- Have I taken a boater safety course? Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must have a Boating Safety Education Identification Card to legally operate a boat in Florida – find a local class at https://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/courses/

- Who will help to maintain or service my vessel/trailer should something go wrong (identifying a certified mechanic for the type of vessel, trailer, or motor you have is important)? Knowing how to replace a trailer tire or swap out a wheel bearings/hub becomes necessary.

- How to appropriately clean and/or service my boat while keeping the environment in mind (using non-phosphate, biodegradable cleaners, dispose of hazardous waste properly, minimize boat cleaning and maintenance while in the water, Spill-proof your oil changes, do not add soap to a spill or contamination, prevent oily discharge from the bilge, “Stow it, don’t throw it”, and when fueling, stop the drops!) Source: Discover Boating-2024 National Marine Manufacturers Association

Additional Eco-Friendly boat maintenance tips:

-Fill portable fuel tanks on shore, never fill them on board. Take them ashore or on a fuel dock where spills are much less likely to occur. -Do not overfill fuel tanks as fuel expands as it warms.

-Close the vent on portable gas tanks when the engine is not in use or when the tank is being stored.

-Recycle fluids, when possible, by using a drain pan to capture used engine oil or outdrive oil.

-Avoid pumping out raw sewage if your boat does not have an installed toilet. Instead consider using a portable toilet which should later be emptied at a pump-out station or proper disposal site. Note: It is illegal to dump untreated sewage anywhere within the US three-mile territorial limit.

-Keep a supply of oil-absorbent rags on board, properly dispose of used oils and filters, and keep used solvents separate from used oil. Con’t on pg. 7

Float thru life with us and a boat load of good vibes!

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P.O. Box 290002

Port Orange, Fl. 32129

386-478-3725

www.fishnhuntmag.com

Email: fishandhuntday@gmail.com

Published By:

Desiree’ Harbster

Shelby Harbster Zona

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 Charters Capt. Bruno

Haley w/ Ponce Inlet Fishing Charter Network

Reel Harmony Fishing Charters Capt. Marty

Front Captions: This Triple Tail was caught by Troy Langford with Troy’s Small Engine Repair. He was fishing off stumps pass in Englewood Florida around the stone crab traps using live shrimp.

Insert: Happy young angler with a nice Crappie

Miss Ivy Butler caught this speck off her Mammaw Lynda’s dock.

Mobile Service Free Estimates

* Boat Lift Maintenance

* Welding & Fabrication

* Boat Repair & Maintenance

* Sea Walls/Docks/Pilings

407-383-7767

Capt Steele Doxtater

By: Desiree’ Harbster and Capt Lynda Hawkins

Get Caught Up with Caught Up Fishing Charters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

To plan your next fishing trip with Captain Bruno and book the ultimate fishing or boating charter adventure CALL 386-689-7409

Con’t from pg. 3 In The Market to Buy a Boat!

Written By:Captain Martin Goldys

-Wax your boat to create a protective layer, wash topside only (if boat is washed while in water) and use Nontoxic cleaners.

-When painting your boat, use ‘Hard’ bottom paint as it reduces the amount of toxic paint which sloughs off your boats bottom. Antifouling paint is often expensive and very toxic so avoid use if possible.

-Use a Tarp or Drop-sheet when painting/sanding your vessel to make hazardous debris collecting simple and easy.

-Mix paint and other liquids on shore instead of over or near the water.

-Properly dispose of old paint, solvents, thinners, and other hazardous materials at an appropriate household waste facility. In the US, recreational boat waste can be disposed of for free at any household hazardous waste drop site. For the locations nearest you, call The Hazardous Waste Hotline (US), 1-800633-7585.

Source: US Coast Guard Sea Partners, 2024

Basic Boater Safety Reminders:

• Make safety your #1 priority.

• Create a checklist of U.S. Coast Guard Required items/equipment for your vessel.

• Always wear a life jacket (Children under the age of 6 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD at all times when in a vessel less than 26 feet in length).

• Be especially careful when operating personal watercraft (jet ski, wave runner, jet boat, etc.)

• Enroll in a Boater Safety education course before you go exploring.

• Do not overload your boat. Know your vessels weight and person capacity.

• Maintain safe/appropriate speeds. Be observant of No Wake Zones.

• Obey channel markers, bouys, and other aids to navigation (Avoid Collision).

• Watch out for low water areas, submerged objects, and wildlife while navigating.

• Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the boat operator (Post a lookout).

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2024

Owning a boat could be the BEST or WORST decision and investment you can make. Please put thoughtful consideration into whether you have the time, funding, support, and energy to properly care for your vessel. Remember, owning a boat can have lasting impacts on your wallet, the environment, and surrounding wildlife. Be sure this is an investment you are willing to make!

Gladys with her daddy caught this bluegill at Central Park in Ormond she is 2

years old. Teach them young they will survive a lifetime.

Rick Case and Jim Stoltenborg on a recent trip. Rick Released an Atlantic Red Snapper 33” tail length and weighed over 21 lbs caught on a Yo-zuri metallic sardine. Jim’s released Red Snapper was 27” and weighed 15 lbs caught with squid. They fished at Port Orange Authority about 80’ down.

Christopher Blount caught this 45.65 inch Redfish from his Kayak weight unknown, and released it safely back into the Mosquito Lagoon.

Scott Laney with a beautiful snook caught on a nasty day near Ponce Inlet jetties.

From the water to the woods Scott Laney harvested this 140 pound 9 point hunting Missouri.

Bait

-Red Worms

-Live Shrimp

-Live Shiners

-Live Minnows

Hours

Sunday 5am-3pm

Monday 7am-3pm

Tues-Sat 5am-5pm baittackleme@gmail.com

-Live Fiddler Crabs (When Ava.)

-Canadian Night Crawlers

FWC approves new rules to support trophy bass management

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved new regulations to support trophy bass conservation during its February meeting.

The approved rules include largemouth bass fishing regulations changes for specific waterbodies, including Lochloosa, Orange and Newnans lakes in Alachua County.

Specific freshwater fishing regulations approved for these waterbodies prohibit killing or possessing any black bass that is 20 inches or more in total length. Also, the new rule requires circle hooks when fishing with natural baits greater than 3 inches in length. A circle hook is a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is not offset and is turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a general circular or oval shape.

“Florida bass need to have the right genetics and waterbody conditions to grow for a long time,” said FWC Commissioner Gary Lester. “Orange Lake is unique, like in its fluctuations in water levels, that makes ideal conditions for bass to reach record sizes.” To learn more about the Florida Trophy Bass Project, visit MyFWC.com/TrophyBass.

Shane Murray with a nice Black Drum caught out of the New Smyrna Beach area.

Recreational regulation changes for Atlantic snowy grouper began Feb. 25

Starting Feb. 25, the snowy grouper recreational season will close in Atlantic state waters, including all state waters of Monroe County. The modified recreational season is May 1 through June 30, with a new reduced possession limit of one fish per vessel per day. These changes are consistent with regulations in adjacent Atlantic federal waters.

Last year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved recreational management changes for snowy grouper and several other reef fish to be consistent with recent federal changes. Consistent regulations between state and federal waters can help improve the stock status of these fisheries, prevent federal closures while allowing harvest opportunities

coast-wide and aid in enforcement.

For current recreational snowy grouper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Grouper,” or download the Fish Rules App.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides March 2024

Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)

Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead!

Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge

Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm

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

Ponce de Leon Inlet Tides April 2024

Live & Frozen Bait Including Ballyhoo

Live Shrimp 50-$14.99 (per customer)

Reserve your Selects (Shrimp) by calling ahead!

Minutes from 3 Bridges and the Dunlawton Bridge

Open Mon-Fri 6am-10pm Sat 5am-10pm/Sun 5am-8pm

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

How it Works?

Purchase Plate

We Donate

Kids Go Fishing!

FISH FLORIDA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, supports organizations that teach people, especially children, about Florida’s fish and aquatic habitats through donations of fishing equipment, grants, and scholarships.

The mission of Fish Florida is to promote public awareness of and encourage the protection of marine fisheries and coastal habitats. This is accomplished through clinics, classes, seminars, presentations, displays and other means designed to teach and promote responsible angling, particularly to Florida’s youth.

Boat of the Month Sea Spirit Fishing Captain Nic Stephens (386) 763-4388

The year is 2004 and 22-year-old Nic Stephens makes his way aboard the Sea Spirit for his first day as its third mate. At the time there are five other head boats operating the waters in Ponce Inlet; a number that would continue to dwindle as time goes by. His morning is spent cutting bait and readying the vessel while assisting then Captains Leebo Lingo, Bryan Pinkley & Mark Leppla in any way he can, all while carefully taking note of every step of their morning rituals. The F.V. he has landed this entry-level position on is a special one; it serves as one of the original pillars of Ponce Inlet's fishing charter community. At this moment he doesn't know it, but he has firmly placed his foot on the ladder he will spend the next two decades climbing, and his choice of vessels is perfectly on point for the future. Spending his first couple of years mastering deck work before learning the ins & outs of the wheelhouse, he obtained his captain's license in 2010 and took over the helm after Captain Lingo's retirement in 2017. Maintaining the devotion to both the vessel and its place in its community, Captain Nic Stephens and his wife Haley are thrilled to announce that they've officially purchased the Sea Spirit, intending to continue this historically family-based local tradition into the next generation.

In 1948, Valda & B.G. Timmons opened Timmons Fish Camp in Ponce Park, continuing Valda's family boating business. At the same time, legendary boat builder Bob Sherbert was returning from serving in World War II, settling back into his work at Daytona Marina & Boat Works. [Originally building submarine chasers, Mr. Sherbert is renowned for his custom-built wood yachts. The Timmons' son, Frank Timmons would purchase the Marianne in the 1960s, pioneering the charter boat industry we see now in Ponce Inlet.] As demand for both F.V.s and fishing trips continued to increase, both Frank Timmons and Bob Sherbert were quickly expanding their businesses to keep up. Bob Sherbert would launch his own boat-building business, Open Seas Marine at Sea Love Marina in the 1970s. Shortly thereafter, his long time friend Captain Frank Timmons purchased two of his builds, the Marianne II and the Sea Love. The Sea Love would later be renamed the Sea Spirit, and she would continue to remain a staple in the party boat industry here for the next 50 years.

The Sea Spirit, a 65' cold molded double planked mahogany hull, offers its community & their visitors a modern-day hands-on adventure that celebrates our rich fishing culture. For years Captain Nic has held his predecessors with the utmost regard, and being able to keep this working piece of Florida's fishing history right here where it truly belongs is more than just a dream come true. It seems fitting that the last remaining head boat in Ponce Inlet would end up being one of its first, a legacy that continues to weather the storms in search of clear skies. The tides of the fishing industry have drastically changed over the course of Captain Nic's twenty-year career; as overregulation, outdated models and ideals, and improperly placed oversight both dampen and quell the vast majority of US fisheries. Landmark and current Supreme Court cases, such as Loper Bright Enterprises Inc. v. Raimondo & Relentless Inc. v. Department of Commerce, aim to dismantle the no longer useful 'Chevron Deference' which has allowed federal agencies to write regulations without judicial process or involvement since 1984. The vast majority of the regulations that currently inhibit and wreak havoc on our fishery were enacted after the implementation of this very precedent, by officials who were simply hired rather than being dutifully elected.

Captain Nic reflects back to 2004, to a conversation with Captain Chris Gercken (FV Grouper Therapy), in which the fellow surfers discussed the best career options for a devoted surfer. Crediting Captain Chris with making the lightbulb go off in his head, Captain Nic quotes him as if he was told the secret yesterday; "Whenever the waves are big, I have the day off!". Captain Nic is not just an accomplished fisherman; he's also a barrel-riding, bluegrass-playing, true friend, father, and husband. He has built his outstanding reputation over the past two decades based on honesty, integrity, and dedication. After fully committing to the career and taking over the helm in 2017, the natural progression of owning the vessel was all that was left to accomplish. He has been patient in his approach to ownership, his faith never wavering that the opportunity would come when the time was right. Now that the time is right, his next focus is improving the already successful business with exciting and innovative ideas that will continue to involve the local community and all of its visitors.

Call it fate, Captain Nic and Haley first met aboard the Sea Spirit back in June of 2011. Invited by then 2nd mate and friend Bradley, Haley hopped on for a full day of fishing that she'll surely never forget. While Haley's 20 lb gag grouper may have been the jackpot winner that day, she insists she caught something far more important and that catch was certainly 'love at first bite'. Already having his 100-ton license at the time it would only be one year before Captain Nic ran his very first solo trip, the first of countless trips that Haley would personally be at the dock to see off.

When they met Haley was already an accomplished professional surfer, holding many titles, and continues to surf every chance she gets. She is also a philanthropist and President of the Mayday Memorial Surf Classic, which she founded in the wake of her mother's untimely death due to heart disease. Her devotion to the community is visible in all that she does, and she is looking forward to incorporating these ideals going forward.

Having both been raised on the water, Captain Nic and Haley harbor a deep respect for Mother Nature and all that she commands, and they are excited for the opportunity to be able to teach their sons (Mason 5, Miles 1) all of the lessons they have learned over the years. They invite you to join them this year to celebrate the next chapter of local fishing history, right at the very dock it all began at so long ago.

Trips aboard the Sea Spirit include: 5 HR Half Day Offshore Trips, 9 HR Full Day Offshore Trips, and the rare but highly sought after 12 HR Offshore Trip they offer exclusively to avid followers following their FB page.

Book Your Trip Today!

Their first trip as owners vs. the day they met

“Same starboard corner, same 6oz, long leader with a whole ‘dine on the bottom. A lot has changed in the 13 year difference of these pictures, but the timelessness of this special boat plus those attached to it will forever remain the same” said Haley.

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Upcoming Seminars

The Halifax Sport Fishing Club will offer a clinic March 21st to teach the public and club members techniques needed to be successful at fishing and catching bait. Several of the experienced members from the club and past speakers will have tables set up to teach rules, regulations, safety, conservation, knots, baits rigging, cast netting, reel maintenance, kayak set up/fishing, and more.

On April 18 straight out of Jacksonville we will have the one, the only, The Sinker Guy! Chip Brundage will be here to talk about the basics of surf fishing and share some of his knowledge and wisdom of the elite fishermen in our area! You ever wonder why the guy next to you is catching all the fish and you get none even though you both are using the same bait? Come to the seminar and find out why!

A brief business meeting will be at 7:00 PM and the clinic will begin at 7:30 PM at 3431 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange. All seminars are free and open to the public. For more information on go to the H.S.F.C. web site, Facebook or contact Dustin Smith, Programs Director at (386) 527-2144 or online at programs@hsfc.com.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

PUTNAM COUNTY

Governor Ron DeSantis Touts Record-Breaking Success of Great Outdoors Initiative

Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the record-breaking success of his three-month Great Outdoors Initiative, providing 50% discounts on Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses and Annual State Park Passes. First announced on October 14, 2023, the Great Outdoors Initiative encouraged Floridians to get outdoors and explore Florida’s natural resources by saving Florida families money. The discount lasted through January 13, 2024, and was the highest discount ever provided for these licenses and passes in Florida history. More than 75,000 Gold Sportsman licenses totaling $24 million and more than 55,000 state park passes totaling $2.86 million were sold during the initiative. More than 23,000 of the hunting and fishing licenses purchased were for first time license holders.

“Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World and is home to some of the best recreational lands in the country for Florida families to enjoy,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The success of this initiative is impressive and I am happy to see so many families take advantage of these savings to enjoy our great outdoors.”

The more than 75,000 sportsman licenses sold through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) totaled $24 million in sales, representing an increase of over 400% compared to the 18,300 sportsman licenses sold during this same period last year. The collective interest, sales and participation highlights the initiative’s impressive, statewide success and further underscores the importance outdoor recreation plays

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

within Florida’s overall economy. The more than 55,000 annual state park passes sold through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) breaks down to nearly 15,000 individual passes and more than 40,000 family passes. This is more than four times the number of annual passes sold during this same period last year.

“I want to thank Governor DeSantis for establishing the Great Outdoors initiative between us and FWC to highlight Florida's natural spaces,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “It’s our hope that everyone gets outside in the coming year and discovers firsthand what makes Florida so special.”

“Since October, over 75,000 people have taken advantage of the Great Outdoors Initiative by purchasing a license that will support conservation and provide an incredible opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful state to live in and recreate,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

At a time when soaring inflation is adversely affecting families across the nation, Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-209, which directed DEP and FWC to offer a significant 50% discount on Florida State Parks annual entrance passes and FWC Gold Sportsman hunting and fishing licenses, respectively. These savings helped make the great outdoors more accessible to families looking to enjoy Florida’s natural resources.

In addition to creating and maintaining more than 50,000 jobs and benefitting the state economically last fiscal year to the tune of $3.6 billion, the Florida Park Service boasts the honor of being the only four-time winner of the Gold Medal distinction which recognizes the nation’s best park system.

Legislation signed by Governor DeSantis in 2023 also affords

WE FOUND THE PERFECT SPOT!

Restaurant & Bar within walking distance

110 Georgetown Landing Rd. Georgetown, FL 32139 (Office) 386.524.4265 • (Cell) 305.986.2496

www.portcoveresort.com

Rates starting at $55.00 per night $850.00 per month

• Offering 74 RV sites along the St. John’s River

• Boat House with 24 boat slips

• Pool & Relax area

• Spice Garden

• Kids Playground and more......

SPRING FLING

Floridians the first chance to reserve campsites. Starting January 1, 2024, Florida residents may now make campsite or cabin reservations up to 11 months in advance. Non-Florida residents may make campsite or cabin reservations up to 10 months in advance.

Florida is renowned as the Fishing Capital of the World, and FWC offers freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses for experiencing the best of coastal and inland fishing options, along with unique hunting opportunities. The economic impact on our state through these opportunities is tremendous with nearly $15 billion contributing to our state’s economy.

Governor DeSantis wholly encourages Floridians and visitors alike to experience our state’s natural resources, and supports activities such as fishing, hunting and hiking that are family traditions for millions of Floridians.

To find a state park near you, visit: FloridaStateParks.org.

To find more information on fishing and hunting licenses in Florida, visit: MyFWC.com/License/Recreational.

ASTOR AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS SPRING FLING FESTIVAL

Saturday MARCH 23rd 10:00am till 3:00pm

Craft Vendors 10-3pm

Hot Dog & Burger Tent 11-till

Beer & Wine Tent 11-3pm

Raffles – 50/50 – Family Fun

ANNUAL RUBBER DUCK RACE

Races begin NOON for 3 Heats 1st -$500.00 2nd -$250.00 3rd -$150.00 Win additional $50 if Decorated duck wins! Regular Ducks are $5.00 each

Decorated Ducks are $6.00 each 352-759-2679 for more info!

Proceeds to benefit: Student Scholarships / Area Schools / Astor Library

ASTOR AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS

FESTIVAL

SEMINOLE-ORANGE COUNTY

LAKE COUNTY

By: Captain Lynda Hawkins

LAKESIDE BAIT & TACKLE at 352-742-3336 Larry tells us that several people were catching 3 or 4 pound bass during the recent big bass tournament. It took a 10.54 pound bass to win. People are catching huge bluegill using crickets. Specks are on and off with Lake Griffin doing really well. Styrofoam bobbers and minnows are what’s working right now.

BASS N GAL GUIDE SERVICE

352-267-0062 Richard West won the recent Big Bass Tour which was a 3 day tournament on the Harris Chain. Richard weighed in a 20.58 pound lunker. Second place was Darryl Beatrice with a 10.4 pound lunker. Bass are still being caught on the Harris chain using a swimming worm or a small shallow running crank bait. A slow falling sinking weightless worm or a chrome blue or green RatL-Trap reeled in as fast as possible, are both working quite well. Specks have started hitting in and around the lily pads and grass using minnows and a bobber or a jig head with a minnow. Colors in chartreuse or hot pink are both working well.

BROOKER BAIT & TACKLE 352460-0695 Gordon tells us specks are biting good as they have been moving in the grass. On the bass scene the recent Sheriff’s tournament took over 33 pounds to win. Lake Apopka was the hot lake.

BASS CAPITAL

By: Captain Lynda Hawkins

BASS WORLD LODGE 386-4672267 reports Mark and TJ caught some nice bass which were released. Bass are biting well.

By: Capt Lynda Hawkins

orlandoboatsales2@gmail.com

www.orlandoboatsalesinc.com

407-253-7111

Another customer caught some specks using minnows. Specks are being caught with minnows under a bobber if you can find a place to fish that is out of the wind. Jimmy caught 2 catfish and a nice bass using red worms. Gary from Michigan caught some big specks.

GEORGETOWN MARINA & LODGE 386-467-2002 Chris tells us they are catching some nice specks using live minnows. The water is really high right now. Bass are just starting to hit good this week. To see pictures go to face book/Georgetown Marinia.com.

Spring Wildlife News - Many wildlife species are more active in spring, and the FWC is encouraging the public to be aware and take precautions to protect vulnerable wildlife and avoid conflicts. Information and media resources, including photographs, video footage, and useful information are available at https://myfwc.com/news/spring-news on a variety of species and seasonal topics.

Sea Turtle Nesting: These large marine reptiles begin nesting in the spring. You can help by keeping beaches dark at night and free of obstacles during their March through October nesting season. Artificial lighting can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient hatchlings, so avoid using flashlights or cellphones on the beach at night. Turn out lights or close curtains and shades in buildings along the beach after dark to ensure nesting turtles aren’t disturbed. Clear away boats and beach furniture at the end of the day and fill in holes in the sand that could trap turtles.

MARION-CITRUS COUNTY

Spring Wildlife News

Birds of prey, also called raptors, can become more aggressive during this time of year while they are nesting and raising their young. Raptors will dive or swoop at people and pets who come too close to their nest, within about 150 feet, because they view people and pets as threats to their young.

Spring days are a good time to spot a gopher tortoise, as they become more active, foraging for food and searching for a mate. We also celebrate and honor Florida's official state tortoise during the Spring, with Gopher Tortoise Day on April 10! If you find a baby animal, it is best to leave it alone. Baby animals rarely are orphaned; a parent may be nearby searching for food or observing its young. Instead, report wildlife you think may be injured or orphaned to the nearest FWC Regional Office.

R.J.’s Boat Lifts, Inc is owned and operated in Central Florida by Dick and Pam Cavender. The Cavenders believe in the importance of hard work, excellent service and quality products. With that philosophy in mind, they founded R.J.’s Boat Lifts, Inc.

Since 1985, R.J.’s Boat Lifts has specialized in selling, installing and servicing boat and jet ski lifts. Almost forty years later, R.J.’s is a trusted name among customers across central Florida and companies like Universal, Legoland and Carney Island Park.

Their team specializes in selling and installing ShoreStation free-standing lifts and boathouse strap and cradle kits. R.J.’s sells and installs dock mounted and floating jet ski lifts and floating docks. Their team also services, maintains and re-cables boat lifts and offers yearly maintenance options.

A certified ShoreStation dealer for nearly forty years, R.J.’s sells and installs free-standing ShoreStation boat lifts and products. Some of their ShoreStation products include PowerScreens, canopies and dock mount PWC lifts. They have been named one of their Platinum Dealers since 2019 and are listed as a Preferred Dealer with Certified Service.

Their grandson Sam Cavender joined the team in 2017 to insure that R.J.’s Boat Lifts will carry on with the same Cavender quality it has always been known for.

R.J.’s also carries EZ Dock floating lift and dock systems.and has worked with EZ Dock since 1999.

Boat Hoist USA is their main hoist, motor and parts supplier. They have worked with them for over 15 years.

Location: Reed Canal Park

919 Reed Canal Rd, South Daytona

• Entry Form & Pre-Registration up to the first 100 will be at the South Daytona Police Department

• After 100 Pre-registrations are received you can enter the morning of the event starting at 8:30am.

• Education & Fishing for ages 5-15 years. First 100 Kids registered 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 Reed Canal Park

Granada Pier Bait & Tackle

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

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

• Breakfast snacks and Lunch will be provided bring your fishing equipment, chairs, etc...

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

3150

4

Customized Trips Upon Request

All Bait & Tackle Included

No Fishing License Required

Mosquito Lagoon

Banana River

Tomoka River Basin

Ponce Inet Area

Redfish-Tarpon-Snook

Black Drum-Sheephead-Trout

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

DEER HUNTING SEASON

August 15th-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

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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

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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!