Surf fishing is a terrific family outing — or a quiet escape to get away alone. Be prepared with our popular checklist and how-to guide. (Photo by Jerry Lower, The Coastal Star)
Fishing
Soft and steady breezes in the Florida Keys can take the edge off the hot sun, making these islands a great destination no matter the time of year.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has reopened eight months after Hurricane Ian’s 10- foot storm surge blasted it. It has superb white sand and clear water.
Florida kayak fishing has grown in popularity over the past decade. Give an angler a new way to float, and he’ll go fishing. Here’s a guide to Florida kayak fishing with a checklist of what you need.
The first weekend of April is the time to pull out your fishing gear again and fish in freshwater — no license required.
Renting a houseboat in Everglades National Park lets you glide into the wilderness of Whitewater Bay and experience its splendor at dawn, at sunset and marvel at its starry skies. Fishermen will love it, but even without fishing, there’s plenty to enjoy.
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
One of South Florida’s most scenic beaches, Deerfield Beach is a diamond in the rough.
Flamingo is a long way from the entrance to Everglades National Park, but we love it for the wildlife — manatees, crocodiles and an osprey nest right in the marina. Kayaking into Florida Bay is a splendid way to see the many birds and spectacular scenery. Our guide provides tips for hiking too.
Sebastian Inlet is always a favored destination, largely because of these two awesome campgrounds make your getaway.
A Florida fishing license is required by most people for most fishing activities, but there are exceptions. Do you need one?
This out-of-the-way destination reminds us of artsy waterfront towns like Key West and Cedar Key. West of Fort Myers, Matlacha is a colorful collection of little wooden houses surrounded by good saltwater-kayak trails. Artists love this funky little village.
DAYTONA BEACH — Tiger Bay State Forest is a vast wilderness quite close to Daytona Beach International Speedway, and it’s a great destination for camping, fishing, off-road bike riding, hiking and horseback riding.
The variety of kayaks can be overwhelming, and it’s difficult to choose which is best for you. Our guide to buying a kayak helps you decide.
Phipps Park Campground is a great escape for family camping near Stuart. Rent a tent or bring your own, and the RV sites are waterfront.
I’ve paddled a lot of trails in the Everglades, but so far, the Turner River is my favorite. It goes from pristine cypress swamp, through mangrove tunnels to sawgrass marsh, and it teems with birds, gators and fish. It’s everything the Everglades offers in one trip.