What Do You Do if You Fall off Your Boat?
We are all familiar with the old flip flop soft shoe routine across a slippery, wet boat deck. Fishing boat decks can get greasy from bait and, if we are lucky, fish slime. Even recreational boats that are not used for fishing can quickly get wet and slippery. It’s easy to lose your footing in […]
What Fish You Can Expect to Catch in Florida Waters
With deep water just off the coast and hundreds of miles of river that is home to a thriving ecosystem, Florida is a fisherman’s dream come true. Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway encompasses some of the state’s most productive waterways. Abundant with mangroves and weed lines, it attracts bait species such as menhaden, shrimp and crabs…and great […]
Sport Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Ever taste fresh Mahi that was cooked on a cedar plank? You don’t even have to do much to it to make it a mouthwatering morsel. Maybe you like to catch fish more than you like to eat them. Either way, if you are in New Smyrna Beach, you are in luck. Sport fishing is […]
Exploring the Islands of New Smyrna Beach
With literally miles and miles of parkland, beachside shopping and dining, a wide array of historical sites to see, and marine life and activities out the wahzoo, New Smyrna Beach is one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the country, but that is not all it offers. The majestic beach town of New Smyrna […]
Florida Corals and How to Protect Them
Think of coral reefs as the rain forests of the sea. They support an extensive biodiversity of fish, invertebrates and sea mammals – an estimated 25% of all marine life! Home to over 1 million diverse aquatic species, coral reefs produce food and billions of dollars in tourism. They hold potential treatments for many of […]
What You Will See While Snorkeling in Florida
Sparkling, crystal clear water, picturesque bottom structure reminiscent of the finest roman architecture and thousands of species of sea creatures make Florida one of the absolute best choices for snorkeling. Florida’s waters are simply teaming with marine life. It’s a virtual symphony of color and movement. If you are wondering what you will see while […]
What to Pack if You Plan to Sleep on Your Boat
Ah, the wonders of boat sleepovers, but don’t be mistaken…there can be perils too. We are land creatures, so when on the sea, we are out of our natural element. Everything can go very smoothly as long as we play it safe. To best enjoy overnighting on your boat, just remember – “safety first”. Make […]
St. Johns: A Brief History
At 310 miles long, the St. Johns River is Florida’s longest river and one of the few that flows north. The fishing options here are diverse, and the moving water resulting from seasonal rainfall stimulates feeding. Stretching half the length of this beautiful state, it is one of Florida’s greatest locales for bass fishing. Year […]
Blue Springs: A History
Framed by picturesque oak trees and discharging an historical average of 165 million gallons of water each day, Blue Springs is the largest spring on the St. John’s River. The spring run flows approximately 1,050 feet through hardwood and palm forest to the St. John. Timucuan Indians made the Blue Springs area their home until […]
Abandoned Towns along Florida Waterways
Florida’s subtropical beauty and allure have inspired and demolished dreams for centuries. In fact, Florida has earned the title of the state with the most ghost towns east of the Mississippi…upwards of 240. Let’s give you just a little taste, shall we? Perky Ghost Town, R.C. Perky’s ill-fated 1920s investment in a bankrupt sponge farm, […]
Pontoon Boats: The Perfect Party Boat
Florida offers one of the world’s best places to enjoy the water – from the ocean, to the gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway, to peaceful lakes, rivers and lagoons…and pontoon boats are a great way to get you and a bunch of other people there! Pontoons make particularly great party boats because they are so roomy. The […]
Perfect Weather Conditions for Boating
Ever see some dark clouds, hear thunder in the distance or feel the breeze begin to pick up and wonder “weather” you should still go boating as planned? It’s always a good idea to error on the side of caution when it comes to weather and boating. Always take shelter as quickly as possible in […]
Boating Laws and Manatees
In Florida, approximately 25 to 30 percent of manatee deaths are attributed to watercraft. These gentle giants, which are at risk of becoming extinct, are protected by rules established by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. When coming into contact with manatees while boating, the best policy is to look, but don’t touch. Interaction with manatees […]
There Is So Much to Do in New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach, known for its small town charm and beachside appeal, hosts some truly remarkable events… The Annual Festival of the Arts, with fabulous art displays by over 230 talented artists, live music, a student art exhibit, a creative education tent, food court and more, is held every January. Get your groove on for […]
Florida’s Best Spots for River Fishing
Whether you are freshwater or saltwater fishing, Florida is one of the world’s top fishing destinations. Florida offers some of the largest rivers and lakes in our country, and a whole pile of trophy fish just waiting to be caught. Here are just a few of Florida’s best spots for river fishing: Indian River Lagoon […]
Daytona Beach Events
Daytona Beach is world famous for its beautiful beaches and its action-packed events! If you are a race fan, you probably think of the Daytona International Speedway as the Taj Mahal of racing venues. If you aren’t necessarily a NASCAR enthusiast and you visit the recently renovated home to the Daytona 500, you just may […]
Basic Boating Terminology
What’s in a name? A lot if you are a boater. The language used by boaters can sometimes seem foreign. Let’s see what we can do about that. Here are some of the main terms you may need to know if you are boating: Aft or Abaft – toward the back of boat Stern – […]
Boating Tips
Safety first! The most important tips for boating are safety tips. First of all, since the major cause of drowning is not wearing a life jacket, it is a REALLY good idea to wear one when you are boating. Also, if you are going to spend time around the water, it is best if you […]
Florida Speed and Boating Regulations
Any law enforcement officer may stop a vessel at any time to check for boating safety equipment compliance, so besides the fact that the required equipment is imperative for the safe operation of a boat, you want to adhere to all regulations to stay out of trouble… All vessels are required to have a personal […]
Watch Out for Manatees
Manatees are peaceful aquatic mammals that paddle with flippers and can measure up to 13 feet and weigh up to 1,200 pounds. They are slow moving – typically about three to five miles per hour, and they sleep submerged half the day – only surfacing to breath every 20 minutes or so. The lazy buggers […]
Safety First!
Boating is great fun, but it is important for us to respect the water. There are a few simple safety measures that should be put into place that will help us continue to enjoy our fun as safely as possible: First and foremost, there should always be a life jacket for each person on the […]
A Boatload of Florida Boating Events!
Florida is well known for being a boating and fishing oasis, so it is no wonder that it is host to so many terrific boating events throughout the year. The Florida Sportsman Fishing Expo was held in February in Fort Myers this year. There are also a slew of annual boat shows. Some of the […]
2017 Events for New Smyrna Beach
Everyone loves a good outing – from a party to a parade. In New Smyrna Beach, we are particularly fond of great events, and what better place to hold them than our charming, beachside town? After spectacular fireworks in honor of the New Year, New Smyrna Beach will host the 41st Annual Festival of the […]
Boats and Motors – Size Matters!
It all comes down to the age old adage, “Size matters,” but, when it comes to boats and motors, does the person with the biggest toys win? Not necessarily. The winner is the one who gets the right size boat and motor for their particular desires. It’s important to make certain the size of the […]
Understanding Fresh Water vs. Salt Water in Our Area
Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River (which is part of a 3,000 mile Intracoastal water system), New Smyrna Beach is a fisherman’s dream. While the angling options are endless both inshore and off, the lines between fresh water and salt water can become a little blurred here. On the northern end, you’ll find […]
New Smyrna Beach Christmas Parade
The holidays are coming, and there is no better way to celebrate than with a parade…and when it comes to Christmas parades, New Smyrna Beach pulls out all the stops. Prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular sights and sounds of the holiday season! The theme of this year’s annual New Smyrna Beach Christmas parade […]
