June 15, 2017

Archive

Area residents seek return of traditional fishing spots on U.S. Hwy. 331 causeway

Freeport resident and avid fisherman Steve Underwood wants his old fishing spots back and he is not alone. Before the U.S. Hwy. 331 bridge construction, several popular fishing spots along the causeway north of the bridge offered a variety of locations to reel in a fish and launch a boat. Although happy about the new Thomas Pilcher Park on the southern end, it’s not a location where the fish are always biting according to Underwood. “The fishermen in this area...

Anglers can take advantage of more Gulf red snapper fishing starting June 16

Friday, June 16, begins the first weekend of an additional 39-day season for recreational red snapper fishing in Gulf federal waters and changes to the state season. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced these expanded fishing opportunities today, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) followed with an executive order setting the updated season in state waters. The 39-day season is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Friday, June 16, through Monday, Sept. 4. Also included are Monday...

Rags to Riches Regatta at Grayton Beach July 1

The 21st Annual Rags to Riches Regatta is set for Sat., July 1, 2017 along Grayton Beach in South Walton. The race brings together Hobie 16 sailing enthusiasts in honor of Independence Day in a time honored tradition. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and skipper’s meeting starts at 11 a.m. Entry fee is $45 per boat. The race will start and finish on the beach behind Red Bar in Grayton Beach, Florida, located just off Scenic Hwy 30-A in Walton...

Walton County fishing report for June 8

Fishing is good Bay: Still great reports of big trout. Shrimp getting harder to find, however fish are biting on frozen shrimp and squid. River: Catfish and a few bass being caught. Gulf: Great fishing. Folks reeling in all kinds of fish, red snapper, mingos. Click here for fishing forecast Bay and river report brought to you by Copeland’s. “Where the locals shop and the tourists are welcome.” Click here to find out more about Copeland’s. Copeland’s Gun and Tackle...

South Walton home to new artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico

South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) is currently installing new artificial reefs at several locations in the Gulf of Mexico just offshore South Walton’s beaches. As of June 5, 2017, the marine vessel Maranatha’s crew and SWARA began just off shore in Miramar Beach, and will head east to deploy several more over the next few weeks. Nine near shore fish /dive reef sites (approximately 2/3 nautical mile off the beach ~ 60′ depths) Three offshore fish haven reef sites...

Public meeting on proposed unit management plan amendment for Grayton Beach State Park June 13

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks, announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (CT). Presentation at 5:30 p.m. at Northwest Florida State College, South Walton Center, Room 120, 109 Greenway Trail (Off Highway 331 South), Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459. GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: Presentation of the proposed unit management plan amendment for Grayton Beach...

Governor announces license-free fishing days in June

Governor Rick Scott announced that June 3 and 4 will be a license-free saltwater fishing weekend, and June 10 and 11 will be a license-free freshwater fishing weekend for Florida residents and visitors. On these weekends, a fishing license is not required. Governor Scott said, “License-free fishing weekends are the perfect opportunity for Floridians and visitors to see for themselves why Florida is known as the Fishing Capital of the World. Fishing is a major economic engine for our state,...