Boating Tips Archives - Page 5 of 7

Sarasota’s Best Locations for Fresh Produce and More!

11/19/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Sarasota's Best Locations for Fresh Produce and More!By Hannah M.Navigate Sunny Sarasota’s Farmers Markets Like a ProIf you’re looking for ideal activities to make your vacation unforgettable, there’s no end to the possibilities in Sunny Sarasota! The Sunshine State is known for the abundance of fresh produce. One great way to experience Florida’s tasty local fruits is by visiting one of the nearby farmers markets. Not only will you get your fill of fresh fruit, but the fun doesn’t end there at Florida’s farmers markets! Here you’ll find many different creatives and skills sets unique to this region.Keep this advice in mind for the most memorable experience of captivating Sarasota!The early bird gets the worm! The earlier you are, the wider your selection will be!Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen for your Sunshine State adventure.Pack snacks and drinks - you’ll want to stay refreshed and bringing a small cooler is a great way to do so. Talk to the sellers...

Historical Vacation Destinations Part 2: Matlacha, Florida

11/12/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Historical Vacation Destinations Part 2: Matlacha, FloridaBy Hannah M.Island Living in Historic Matlacha, FloridaA historic gem with an abundance of Seminole culture, Matlacha (Mat-la-SHAY) is a prismatic and peaceful paradise. The legacy left by the Seminole tribe is scattered throughout the tiny town, making Matlacha a historical hotspot full of fun adventures. This matured fishing village, nestled on a small island between Cape Coral and Pine Island, brings a charismatic charm unlike anywhere in the world and promises a serene stay. What to do in MatlachaBridge at Matlacha Pass Not only is this historic utopia full of fascinating culture, it is a fisherman’s dream! The bridge over Matlacha Pass (nicknamed the “World’s Fishing-est Bridge”) is famed for the abundance of aquatic life. The currents sweeping under the bridge brings an array of fish that draw in locals and visitors alike. Take in Matlacha’s aesthetic with a peaceful stroll down the bridge lined with local anglers casting their lines in “Matlacha...

Hooked On Fishing?

09/21/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Hooked On Fishing?By Hannah M. Reel in The Big One!Are you getting ready for your fishing trip on the sparkling waters of St. John’s River or Lake George? Whether you’re a new angler or “reel” expert, good fishermen are always looking for new tricks to help lure the best catch. Reeling in the big one can be fishy business, but fear no fish! Here are some great tips that will have you ready to tackle anything!Got Bait?When choosing what kind of bait to bring for the ultimate catch, live bait is always preferred! Worms and smaller fish are most commonly used and proven to be most successful. Freshwater fishing? Here’s a basic beginner tackle box guide to start with!Location is KeyToday there are many tools available to aid your fishing needs! Electronic fish finders are widely used and a certain way of leading you directly to the best fishing spots. If you’re new to the game, make sure you bring a...

Staying Safe While Having Fun on Vacation!

09/17/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Staying Safe While Having Fun!By Hannah M. Southern Florida is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Renowned for the alluring natural habitats, gleaming white sand beaches, calm rivers, and especially the intriguing wildlife. During your relaxing vacation in Southern Florida, you’re sure to run into the indigenous inhabitants- alligators. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind for an enjoyable vacation. Sharing is Not Caring!The most essential rule to keep in mind regarding alligators is to keep your food stored away. Do not feed them! Alligators have an instinctive fear of humans, which is favorable for us, as people are natural prey in the wild. Sharing your food can be dangerous, as it emboldens the alligator, and in turn, may look for other people in search of food. A good rule of thumb is to not feed any wildlife you may encounter. Alligator Mating SeasonSpring and Summer is alligator mating season in Florida, so be extra...

4 Boating Adventures in Sarasota, FL

08/02/201808/02/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

4 Boating Adventures in Sarasota, FLIf you’re not on a boat as a resident or visitor in Sarasota, you’re missing out on plenty of fun adventures on the water! From snorkeling to exploring the wildlife and luxury waterfront homes here, there are far more boating adventures than just coasting along Sarasota Bay. If you don’t own a boat, there are plenty of facilities where you can rent a boat, too. And if you’d rather not travel by boat, take out your kayak or canoe to enjoy these boating adventures in Sarasota.Tour Sarasota’s fabulous luxury homes.Sarasota has some beautiful mansions that you can see when boating along the Intracoastal Waterway! From luxury tiki huts to grandiose artwork in the backyard, if you go at a slower speed, you’ll get to take in all of your surroundings. Look to Bird Key and Northern Siesta Key to begin this unique boating adventure!Cast a line at the Middle Grounds.The Middle Grounds are one of...

5 Boating Etiquette Guidelines to Follow

06/28/201806/28/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

5 Boating Etiquette Guidelines to FollowEven if you’ve been boating for decades, it never hurts to brush up on your boating etiquette. Yes, like manners for the table—Don’t slouch! Chew with your mouth closed!—there are even manners for when you’re boating. Here are some boating etiquette guidelines to abide by when you’re enjoying your day out on Bradenton waters.Maintain a low speed when entering and exiting.Whether it’s your neighborhood or a marina, keeping a low speed when you’re entering or exiting either is not only respectful to your neighbors and marina, but it keeps the noise level down, too.With respect to noise levels, keep the music down, as well.While boaters and their loved ones like to enjoy their time on the water with their favorite tunes, some boaters would prefer to hear nature and the hum of the waters and their boat while they enjoy the sunset instead. Neither are wrong, but you should be respectful to both to practice boating...

Top 3 Reasons to Love Boating if You Don’t Fish

04/25/201804/25/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Top 3 Reasons to Love Boating if You Don’t FishDon’t think that you have to be an expert angler to love boating! There are many other reasons to love a day out on the boat, from spending time with your loved ones in a new way to simply enjoying time on the water. Here are some of the top reasons to love boating even if you don’t fish:1. More access to waterwaysOne of the No. 1 reasons you will love boating is that you’ll have much more access to our hidden waterways. There are severals areas near Riviera Dunes Marina that are only accessible by boat, which means there is much territory you have yet to discover.2. It’s a unique, affordable activity When you want to break up your beach routine, a day on the boat is a great way to mix it up here in Palmetto. If you don’t own a boat, you can always rent a boat for a set amount...

A Quick Boating Guide for Stormy Weather

03/01/201803/08/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

A Quick Boating Guide for Stormy WeatherPicture this: you’re out on the boat with your loved ones and all of a sudden you hear stormy weather brewing in the distance. While you can often watch out for storms before heading out on your trip, it never hurts to know what to do if you’re suddenly caught in a storm.It goes without saying that you should always have life vests aboard when boating. You should also notify a family member, who is not accompanying you on your trip, of your boating plans regardless of the type of weather you’re expecting. In addition, if the weather conditions are looking particularly stormy, you should reschedule your trip for a more accommodating day.Here are some tips for boating in stormy weather:First, make sure to have back-up essentials. Here are some key items to have on board:External battery phone charger: In the event that your phone battery gets drained, pack an external battery phone charger to charge your phone...

A Guide to Pontoon Boat Fishing in Sarasota

02/16/201802/16/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

A Guide to Pontoon Boat Fishing in SarasotaAnglers love pontoon boat fishing as they’re comfortable, can accommodate a group of people and are sturdy, which is especially true during rougher water conditions when a small boat would typically rock in the Sarasota waterways.If you’re a boating novice or looking to learn more about pontoon boat fishing, you’ve come to the right place! Here's a quick guide in order to help you have a successful fishing day on your pontoon boat. Remove or lower your bimini top.If you don’t have much experience fishing on a pontoon boat, then you don’t want to make the mistake of having your boat’s bimini or canopy top interfering with your cast. Before you set sail on your fishing trip, remove or lower your bimini tops to ensure your hooks don’t catch on them.Bring a second anchor.While pontoon boats are sturdy, they can be a bit hard to keep still when fishing if the wind begins to...

6 Tips for Protecting Our Local Marine Species

02/07/201802/07/2018 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

6 Tips for Protecting Our Local Marine SpeciesYou love our local area in Bradenton, Sarasota and Palmetto for its pristine beaches, but it’s also known for its wonderful marine species, especially sea turtles and manatees. Though, it’s important to remember that these local beaches are home to these endangered species as well. Here are helpful tips to keep in mind to ensure we’re protecting our local marine species:1. Obey the waterway signs.Waterway signs do not solely exist for boaters’ safety, but they are for the manatees’ safety, too. Obeying the speed limit ensures that you slow down when necessary so that you have a clear view of the water and do not see any manatees before proceeding.2. Steer clear from shallow waters when possible.When boating, remain in deep waterways because manatees tend to feed in shallow seagrass beds. In addition, try not to anchor your boats in these areas and in coral reefs because these areas are often habitats for...