Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “blog”
With its temperate climate and lush foliage, Florida is heavily populated with all types of flora and fauna. Here, in New Smyrna Beach, where we are virtually surrounded by water, aquatic life flourishes as well. For example, the Indian River Lagoon aquatic estuary alone boasts over 4,300 species of plants and animals! Okay, so let’s start from the bottom and …
Now, you may already know that Gerry’s Marina is an exceptional Sportsman, Bennington Pontoon and Stumpknocker dealer, but what you may not know is that Gerry’s now offers Cape Craft Boats! Cape Craft center consoles, bays and skiffs are known for their well-engineered design, sturdy construction and a boatload of features. The Cape Craft center consoles and bays offer a …
Can you picture yourself taking a leisurely cruise down the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway on a day where only gentle breezes blow and the sun glistens like magic on the water? Maybe you prefer to get up before the sun and share a thermos of coffee with your bros on the tranquil ride out to your favorite fishing hot spot. No …
Dip your toes in the water and park your butt in the sand…’cause here comes a very cool, one-of-a-kind piece of land! During low tide every day, as the water recedes, an island appears between the area where Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach nearly meet. That island was dubbed Disappearing Island; and it is where the magic happens! Although …
Before the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans called the area surrounding the St. Johns River home for thousands of years. Much later, this magnificent, 310-mile-long river was one of the earliest routes used by the Europeans during their explorations. In 1562, the French Huguenots established a colony at the mouth of the St John; and not long after, Spanish soldiers …
Sometimes it seems like fishing is rocket science. The bugs are biting, but the fish just won’t – no matter what you do! Ah, but it’s simple really…you just have to be smarter than the fish…or at least think like them! Let’s start with an easy one. Make sure you NEVER get sunscreen on your hook, line or lure. If …
Looking for something to do in New Smyrna Beach? Well, aside from all the amazing events throughout the year, boating activities are a no brainer here because New Smyrna Beach is virtually surrounded by water. And, trust me; there are tons of them too! Ok, hold on to the rail and brace yourself. Here we go… Just imagine…wouldn’t it be …
No wake zones are posted to help ensure boating safety, protect sea life and avoid boat damage. If you see a no wake sign, it’s time to wake up and power down. No wake means that you decrease your speed to idle speed – a speed no greater than is necessary to maintain steerage and headway, where absolutely “no wake” …
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission proceeds from permits and licenses are used to help improve Florida’s fisheries and your overall fishing experience. Both saltwater and freshwater fishing licenses are required, and can be obtained online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, at county tax collectors’ offices, through licensed agents or by calling 888-FISH FLORIDA. Florida residents who are exempt include: Those under 16 …
Boating Laws in Florida: The Basics A violation of the Federal Navigation Rules is also a violation of Florida law. So just to be safe, here are the basics of Florida Boating Law… Anyone born after January 1, 1998, must pass an approved boater safety course and carry that card plus a photo ID when operating a boat. If not, …
It’s difficult not to get caught up in the excitement that cool, new boating gadgets can create, but most often it is a low-tech, tried and true gadget that will save you a bunch of grief and heartache on your boating expedition. Here are just a few examples… Ok, so your phone may be high-tech, but its case isn’t; and …
Ever plan a nice day out on the water with a bunch of friends…or maybe you’re trying to impress the in-laws with a leisurely boat ride down the Intracoastal Waterway…and when you get to the marina, you realize that your boat is a filthy mess? I can’t even begin to imagine your mother-in-law’s summer whites touching a grimy seat cushion! …
Gerry’s Marina is raising eyebrows with our new and preowned boat inventory for 2019! Come check us out! These are just some of the boatalicious items we have in store… When it comes to used boats, we carry everything from Carolina Skiffs that are warrantied until 2022 and come with Magic Tilt trailers; to Bennington pontoons with a Bimini tops, …
The family-run Bennington business was first created in 1997 with a mission for high quality products and service. Today, generations later with the same admirable mission, Bennington offers 220 boat models with options to make any boater beam. For instance, the 2019 S Series Bennington pontoon models range from 16- to 25-foot with a variety of floorplans and favorite features …
We all (well, most of us anyway) like cool, high-tech gadgets, but what about nifty advancements specifically for boaters? Well, hold on to your captain’s hat because there some very interesting gadgets out there for techy boaters! The Seakeeper 2 offers gyroscopic stabilization, which – in regular human speak – means that it can stop your boat from rocking and …
There’s something fishy going on in New Smyrna Beach…in a good way. Under blissful blue skies and at the edge of pristine beaches, New Smyrna Beach – which is nearly surrounded by water – is a fisherman’s paradise. New Smyrna Beach is basically a barrier island with the Atlantic Ocean to the north and more wrecks and artificial reefs here …
Central Florida offers one of the world’s best places to enjoy the water – from the ocean, to the gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway, to peaceful rivers and lagoons…and pontoon boats are one of the best ways to traverse which ever you choose! The spacious design of pontoon boats makes them perfect for fishing because you can fish from anywhere in the …
As all successful fishermen know, being well informed about the tides for where you are about to fish is imperative for a bountiful day of fishing. Luckily, there are plenty of places that you can access valuable fishing information – such as tide times – for New Smyrna Beach… Just go online and type in tides4fishing.com/us/florida-east-coast/new-smyrna-beach to access tide tables, …
The Daytona 500, which has justly earned the moniker of “The Great American Race,” is held annually at Daytona International Speedway, a location that is just as earnestly referred to as “The World Center of Racing.” This year, in 2020, the 62nd Annual Daytona 500 is scheduled to be held February 16th. Everyone should experience the majesty of the Daytona …
Everyone knows the outcome of the iconic tortoise and hair race, but today our sea turtles in New Smyrna Beach need a little help. There are three species of sea turtles found in New Smyrna Beach – the loggerhead and green turtle (which are threatened) and the leatherback (which is endangered). Loggerheads, sporting large, log-like heads, are the most common …
Practicing boating safety can greatly reduce damage and injury and definitely increase your fun quotient, so… Be prepared. Check the local weather before your departure; keep an eye out for sudden changes in wind, temperature and clouds; and bring a radio for updates. Bring a throwable device and at least one life jacket on board for each passenger – a …
So many things can determine the success of a fishing trip, but none are more important than the tide. Knowing how to determine the tides can help you become a better fisherman. Rising and falling tides get bait fish moving and larger game fish follow. Fish also use tides to carry them to and from their feeding grounds, so the …
NEW Smyrna Beach is aptly named because, aside from its quaint seaside charm, it offers some uber-cool NEW (and annual) events! January was simply bursting with talented artists and culinary delights, as the New Smyrna Beach Festival of the Arts showcased the creations of over 200 amazing artists and then the area’s best chowder chefs lined both sides of Flagler …
It’s always interesting to see what is trending now, but even more exciting to check out the newest boat trends for the year! The new boat trends for 2019 include new tracking methods, improved networking, better ways for boat owners to save money and more. What would you think about round the clock GPS tracking? Well, 2019 is slated to …
If you’ve never been to a boat show, you really should go at least once. It’s an amazing experience to become of one of the tens of thousands of visitors who get to witness the hottest boats and boat trends to date. It may also makes you wonder how the heck they can get a 50-foot sport fisher upstairs in …
New Smyrna Beach is a charming beachside town full of history and rich in traditions. One terrific New Smyrna Beach tradition is our Christmas parade…and we not only have one by land, we have one by sea! The New Smyrna Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a wonderful annual tradition that you have to experience. As night descends on our enchanting …
New Smyrna Beach is virtually surrounded by water, making it a boater’s paradise. Whether you enjoy running your sport fisher along the Intracoastal, your flats boat down the rivers and lagoons or simply appreciating a fun family outing on the bay, New Smyrna Beach is a great place for boating. You don’t have to run far to run into fantastic …
The Intracoastal Waterway is 3,000 miles of inland waterway comprised of natural inlets, artificial canals, saltwater rivers, bays and sounds. Offering spectacular scenery rich with wildlife and much calmer waters than the open sea, it’s a remarkable route for pleasure boating. Who wouldn’t want to cruise along the beautiful waterways along our coast? A trip from the New Smyrna Beach …
New concept boats include everything from tiny skiffs, all the way up to superyachts! Here is just a small sampling of some of the coolest new concept boats… The XFish, designed to meet the ever-growing demands of kayak fisherman, is part fishing skiff and part stand-up paddleboat. This skinny, 12-foot concept boat gets added stability from its catamaran-like hull and …
Best Casual Restaurants to Eat in New Smyrna Beach If you just docked your boat and your stomach is talking, Merk’s Bar and Grill is conveniently located right next door. Merk’s is home of the famous Frankenstein Wings, mile high deli and – if you came for a big bite – the “grande” wet burrito and the king size quesadillas! …
New Smyrna Beach is surrounded by water on three sides, making it a fisherman’s dream. It’s a place where there are plenty of great spots to fish and plenty of great ways to do it. Sight fishing is popular in the winter months on the Indian River grass flats and Mosquito Lagoon, where redfish run in the shallows from the …
What better place to take your own nature tour than along Florida’s longest river – the St. John’s River? At 310 miles long, the St. John’s River is one of the few in Florida that flows north. Stretching half the length of this beautiful state, the St. John’s River is home to manatee, the gentle giants of the sea; gators, …
As that old saying goes, “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” and that certainly holds true for your boat. In fact, certain boat maintenance and upkeep even helps increase the longevity of your vessel! We all want our boats to last as long as possible, and in the best shape possible; and wiping down your boat seats and interior can make …
Some of the best parties are those with just a few of our finest friends, outdoors on a beautiful day. Good company and sunny days generate great times, but you’ve done that a bunch, right? Long to put a sweet spin on your party plans? Try hosting a party on a pontoon boat! Pontoon boats can hold 10-15 people without …
Do you like to watch the sky’s stunning splendor slowly disappear at sunset? Maybe you are more of a moonlight in your eye like a big pizza pie kind of guy/girl? Enjoy romantic adventures to foreign lands? All those things are possible and they can be even more romantic and magnificent when you experience them on a boat. A cooler …
Want to buy a great boat, but just can’t seem to get the cash together right now? That may no longer be a problem. Did you know that Gerry’s Marina in New Smyrna Beach provides financing for up to 12 years on certain boats? That’s right! You can purchase a 2019 Stumpnocker 174 Skiff Tiller and amortize payments over the …
Ever hear the saying, “Good things come in threes”? Well, it’s true, especially when you’re talking about the three fantastic perks that come along with purchasing a boat from Gerry’s Marina. The first terrific perk you get to enjoy when you buy your boat at Gerry’s Marina is FREE THREE MONTHS STORAGE for your boat. With this freebie, you also …
Do you have a need for speed? If you do, you are going to want to keep that in check while you are operating a boat. Speed limits on the water are put in place for a number of very good reasons. One of the most important reasons to obey posted speed limits is to protect our manatees. In Florida, …
Boats come in all shapes and sizes. There are pontoons which are great for big parties and family outings, center consoles that are terrific for fishing, go-fasts that – you guessed it – go fast…and so many more. However, once you decide on which type of boat suits you, there are even more things you can do to make your …
There are pros to renting a boat, like you don’t have to pay a bunch of money up front to buy it, you don’t have to take care of it and you don’t have to worry about storing it in the off season; but here’s a thought…Florida’s weather is so temperate, there really is no off season! OK, that being …
Beware boat owners! There are a few things you need to take care of when you get a boat. Florida state law requires a wearable or personal flotation device for all those aboard your vessel, and any children under six or those being towed behind your vessel must be wearing one. All boats with motors must be registered, and boat …
Here fishy, fishy! If you want to catch fish in New Smyrna Beach, you have to think like a fish in New Smyrna Beach. Here are some tips for the best times to catch the most fish, based on fish rationale… If you are a river or lake fishing, remember that fish eat bugs, so it only makes sense that …
Love to take glide leisurely through the gorgeous Intracoastal with the sun at your back and your friends at your side? Want to get up before the sun rises and race the best fish to your favorite fishing hole? Continually look for wonderful adventures to have as a family? Imagine pulling your boat up to a beautiful island where you …
Toys, toys, toys girls and boys…who doesn’t like toys? And let’s take this one great leap forward…who doesn’t love boat toys? There are some great, innovative, new boat accessories out there – some absolutely no boat should be without! Safety first…the Marine Safety Life Cell is a buoyant device that stores all essential safety equipment to ensure survival. And check …
Jon boats are small, light boats that generally have a flat hull. This unique design makes Jon boats extremely versatile. They can be easily navigated through narrow and shallow waterways, through which larger boats and boats with more of a V-shaped hull may not fit. This makes them an excellent vessel for exploring the smaller channels in New Smyrna Beach, …
Over 30 years ago, Gerry’s Marina began a journey that would be filled with top-quality boat sales and service, superior marina services, and unparalleled customer service. Established with the intention of educating and helping boaters by providing an ideal atmosphere for purchasing, servicing and/or storing their boats, Gerry’s Marina first opened up shop for pontoon sales at 179 N Causeway …
Did you know that there are a bunch of different types of water skiing you can, and the New Smyrna Beach (NSB) area is an excellent place to do it because NSB is virtually surrounded by water and NSB residents enjoy perpetual summer? Traditional water skiing is when a person skims the surface on two skis while holding onto a …
Tubing behind a motorboat can be a boatload of fun for the entire family, it can add another level of pleasure to your boating experience, and it is very simple. There is no learning curve for riders; there is no fancy technique required; and (ok, now don’t laugh or shout out any names) there isn’t really any coordination required. Just …
Gerry’s Marina has been meeting Central Florida’s boating needs for over 30 years, so we know boats. We can’t promise you will bring the right bait, have enough gas or remember to pack your cooler with mile-high sandwiches and refreshing beverages, but we CAN put you in a boat that will put you on fish! Okay, so which boat is …
We kneel when we ask the love of our life to marry us; we kneel as a sign of reverence if we are religious, and we kneel to tie the shoe of our child. Ah, but lest we not forget one more very fun place we kneel…knee boarding! Kneeboarding is a water sport in which an individual is towed, most …
