Hurricane Boat Prep 101 As we move past Summer’s halfway point, spaghetti plots and CAT ratings become a regular part of boater’s vocabularies. The height of hurricane season is fast approaching, and as with all things boating, preparedness is key. Whether you’ve recently become a boat owner, or if it’s been a while since you […]
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WOW IT IS HOT! I am not just speaking to the fishing but to the July summer heat. Nonetheless, the winds have been tame and the storms not a big issue this year so far. Inshore, fishing has been pretty good for Redfish and Seatrouts. Snook and Mangrove Snapper have been ‘on fire’ with good […]
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There’s nothing like watching 4th of July fireworks from a boat. From Tampa to Naples, some of our favorite celebrations are back, so check out our list of boat-friendly fireworks displays happening all down our coast! Bonita Springs For boats that can navigate the Imperial River, Star Spangled Bonita in Riverside Park includes sunset fireworks. […]
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Anyone who’s spent any time boating in Florida knows how intense our sun can be. And while it’s common practice to whip out the sunscreen before hitting the water, have you thought about the importance of protecting your eyes? If not, it may be time to invest in some specialty sunglasses, and we’ve assembled some important […]
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It’s getting to be that time of year again when Southwest Florida boaters can expect daily afternoon storms to roll through from mid-June to late August. In fact, Florida sees upwards of 100 thunderstorm days each year, and while a brief storm on land isn’t a problem, it can quickly become a life-threatening situation on […]
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Boating and fishing have been exceptionally good during the month of May. Winds have subsided since the early months allowing more and more boaters and anglers to enjoy our estuaries both inshore and offshore. Inshore has produced large Seatrouts, Redfish, Snook and of course, summertime catfish. The Spanish Mackerel seem to have moved on or […]
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Spring in Florida typically means a couple of things. Fewer boats, and more windy days. Yep, just about the time the tourists start breezing out of town, windy conditions start blowing our boats around a bit more. Which gives us the perfect opportunity to pass along some great boat handling tips…because if you can manage […]
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The Bonita Springs Boat Show was a huge success thanks to the efforts of John and Kyle Good. The quality of the vendors and displays made every day of the show enjoyable with great crowds in attendance. 1st Mate Vicki and I always enjoy each event that the Marine Industries of SW Florida presents. Our […]
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Whether you’re a diehard reef angler or only occasionally venture offshore to target deep-water species, knowing how to use descending devices or venting tools will help the fish you release survive and help keep you out of trouble. We have the scoop on a new program that is helping Gulf of Mexico reef anglers meet […]
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Southwest Florida boaters rejoice! The Bonita Springs Boat Show returns March 3-6, 2022 with hundreds of boats from the area’s top dealers, all kinds of gear and accessories, and marine services pros. The show is held on the sprawling grounds of the Bonita Springs Poker Room, where you can grab a cold beverage and enjoy […]
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ROOKERY BAY MANAGEMENT PLAN A draft management plan that will have an impact on boating and boating access in the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has been prepared by the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection. The RCP seeks public comment on the draft plan, which covers the 2021-2026 period. Notice of Meeting/Workshop HearingThe […]
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As new and used boat values continue to climb, you might be thinking about selling off your current boat or trading it in for a newer or bigger vessel. Before you do, a few Southwest Florida marine experts have some advice for successfully navigating this unprecedented boat market. THE CURRENT MARKET “In my 29 straight […]
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The 21st Annual Charlotte County Boat Show is right around the corner and is the perfect way to start off the new year right. The show will deliver everything a Southwest Florida boater could want, all together in one place. Hundreds of boats from all the major dealers, local marine experts, and a huge variety […]
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Holiday fishing in SW Florida surely has rewards. Warm weather, beautiful scenery and lots of opportunity to pursue catching lots of fish, including a fish of a lifetime. Last month the SW Marine Industries sponsored the annual Ft. Myers Boat Show. The turn-out was magnificent with marine suppliers in record numbers showing off all of […]
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We’re avid boaters so of course we did our holiday shopping at the Fort Myers Boat Show! We found great gifts for every boater and every budget so if you’re looking for a little inspiration, check out what we couldn’t resist at this year’s show. Mokie Burns Fish-Inspired Art Fort Myers-based artist Samantha “Mokie” […]
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Southwest Florida’s biggest boating event is right around the corner! Now in its 49th year, the Fort Myers Boat Show is the largest and longest running boat show on our coast. This year’s show runs November 11-14 and features over 600 boats from over 130 manufacturers, plus accessory and equipment displays, so there’s a ton […]
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With the rising cost of buying a new boat, many boaters are leaning towards repowering their outboards. A repower helps your boat feel new at a fraction of the cost. No matter how experienced, most boaters have a lot of questions about repowering. With several factors at play including cost, type of boating, horsepower, and […]
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Fishing Marathon is about as good as it gets when the winds are cooperating. My last article made readers aware of my plans to spend two weeks in Marathon at a house located on Key Colony Beach. Unfortunately, the hurricanes that skirted the gulf side, the mid Atlantic Seaboard, as well as the southern tip […]
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