If you are new to boat ownership in Florida, or if you are a non-resident boat owner, you are probably wondering about the registration and licensing requirements in the state. Here are some important tips on staying in compliance with boat registration, fees, renewals, boater license and safety course requirements in Florida waterways.

If your boat is a non-motor powered vessel less than 16 feet in length, it is not required to be registered or titled. However, if the vessel is 16 feet or more in length, it is required to be registered and titled. And, all vessels with any kind of motor must be titled and registered to be used on Florida's public waterways.

It’s just a little piece of hard wire, most often gold in color, and hurts like the dickens when it lodges in your skin, but it’s the most important piece of fishing hardware there is. It’s the most up-close and fishy personal part of your fishing attire. You can spend thousands on the rest of your equipment, buying the finest rods, reels, lines, and artificial baits, but if the hook isn’t sharp, or if it’s made cheaply, you’ll waste that perfect presentation and hookup. I’ve seen people do everything right except use a good sharp hook. Right down to setting the hook they had nailed it, but the big one got away on a technicality.

For a must-do boat excursion in Central Florida, consider St. Johns River and Silver Glen, located on the southwest edge of Lake George. Glen Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest along SR 19, north of the intersection with SR 40. Those who boat in the Central Florida waterways are already aware that one of the best boat outings is spent at Silver Glen on Lake George.  In fact, the area is so popular that boating groups have dedicated their names to it.  “Boat the Glen” is an example of one such group.

There is something for everyone at the 45th annual Tampa Boat Show, which is just around the corner, from September 10th through the 12th at the Tampa Convention Center at 333 South Franklin Street, in downtown Tampa. Thousands of boating enthusiasts from all walks of life will be there to observe the largest boat show in the Bay Area. The Convention Center is the best place to see and purchase new boats, boating gear ,and marine accessories. There are boats for every activity and budget, from luxury yachts to fishing and cruising boats, and personal watercraft displayed on land and in water. You will also find the latest in boat engines, electronics, accessories, and fishing gear.

There are a wide range of boat storage facilities accessible today, each offering a variety of services. Therefore, adequate budget boat storage should be attainable, even though storage fees in Florida tend to be more expensive than many other areas of the country. If you take your time and look around, rather than just going with the first storage facility you come across, you will find that there are some that offer an acceptable price.

The term “grouper” describes a family of saltwater fish, which includes a variety of species that live along the US Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Among them are Snowy, Nassau, Black, Red, Gag, Yellowtail, and Goliath Groupers. Groupers are considered one of the most prized fish along the Florida coasts. Known as a mild tasting, hard fighting bottom fish, the grouper is at home in the Southeastern United States. Florida Keys grouper may be some of the best grouper fishing in the world. The most common method for catching grouper is bottom fishing with heavy tackle. When a grouper aggressively strikes it will take the bait and usually take off quickly into the rocks, or any surrounding structure.

Many anglers have good fishing days—but not so common are the great catches that freshwater fishing can provide. What if I told you there is an opportunity for you to fish and catch large numbers of exotic species that you would expect to catch only on the Amazon? What if I also told you that you can experience all the action and more by traveling less than an hour from Miami?

 When it comes to fishing boats, bigger is not always better. There are many advantages to owning a boat that is, say, 17 to 25 feet, advantages such as less expensive to transport, cheaper to operate and store, and, perhaps one of the biggest advantages, how quickly can you get in and out of the water in a smaller boat.

My friend Kevin McCreay caught these beautiful snook near Boca Grande last Thursday night while fishing with me. We only had 7 live mullet between 13”—14” so that limited our fishing to an hour, but we still hooked into plenty of 38”—40” snook.  Why am I not in any photos you may ask, well ever since my last camera went in the drink about two weeks ago, I am reluctant to let anyone else use my new one… Let’s build some memories together now! Call 727-570-9711