NATURE COAST WAYS - A Simple Guide for the Novice Coastal Vacationer

A lone pelican silhouetted by the setting sun - Cedar Island on the Nature Coast of Florida

Evening Sentinel

Growing up in the area, one knows all these joys and more, and learns the corresponding common sense lessons necessary to be proficient, or at least comfortable, on the flats. 

Navigating the narrow, shallow channels and avoiding the shallow-water hazards such as oyster bars, shoals and rock piles

The purpose of the warning signs “Idle Speed Only” and the unmitigated response of the residents when you ignore said signs.

High and low tide and their effect on channels and canals. 

Shuffling one’s feet when wading to avoid stepping on a resting sting ray. 

How to cut up live shiners (pinfish) for bait. 

And a wealth of other trivia, so crucial for one’s enjoyment of the “flats.”

Not so for the casual visitor. 

One:  WHAT TO PACK

            FOR THE RENTAL HOUSE

A Birder's Paradise

Rental houses along the Gulf Coast run the gamut from luxury to austere. 

In past years we have stayed in an antiquated “shotgun” house where the outside world was visible through cracks in the ancient cypress walls - where one would languish away an afternoon begging for a breeze to whisper through the length of the low-built house through the open front and back doors - where the smell of fried fish or boiled crabs had indelibly permeated the walls.  

At the other end of the spectrum we have stayed in an elegant multi-story designer house with custom ceiling fans created from fishing rods and sailcloth blades, floors adorned with handcrafted dhurrie carpets, and a gourmet kitchen with gleaming top-of-the-line appliances.  These amenities (or lack thereof) can still be had for the requisite dollars. 

For most any trip, however, one must plan on bringing in a considerable store of necessities.  A typical accommodation will provide a complete kitchen, sans food.  Dishes, flatware, cookware and small appliances like coffeepot, toaster, can opener and microwave are provided, as well as the more arcane utensils for crab boils and fish cleaning or frying.  Some kitchens boast dishwashers, while some others provide maybe a bottle of Joy!  Some houses have laundry facilities (a few are coin operated).  Generally visitors are required to bring linens for bed and bath – naturally you’ll want beach towels.  Pillows are usually provided.  Most landlords make available a supply of cleaning products and materials, as well as spare light bulbs, candles or flashlights.  

NEVER forget insect repellent!  While most houses have screened porches, and a stiff Gulf breeze will impede most flying bugs, mosquitoes and gnats abound, and simply wait for the stillness of a low tide, or for the setting of the sun on a calm evening.  And it seems those pesky sand gnats can make their way through the most tightly woven window or porch screens. 

Pack soap and shampoo, sunscreen and aloe vera gel (if anything can put the damper on a beach vacation it’s a painful sunburn) - also typical first aid supplies.

Pack all kinds of yummy snacks, because nothing whets an appetite like the salt air!  It’s a bit of a drive to a major grocery store, so don’t forget the peanut butter and jelly and fresh fruits and plenty of drinks.  Some local restaurants will prepare your fresh catch for you for a small fee, but frying up your own fish adds so much to the experience, so pack cooking oil and corn meal if you are so inclined.  We’re including recipes here, so if you’re planning a fish fry, remember also to include a Vidalia sweet onion, eggs, flour and brown sugar for your hushpuppies, and cheese for your cheese grits.  And for the sake of your taste buds, stop in nearby Perry or Steinhatchee on your way to purchase guava jelly to slather on those hushpuppies!

Many houses provide charcoal grills, but you’ll need to bring your own charcoal and lighter fluid. 

While the waters of the Gulf along the Nature Coast flourish with wondrous creatures and myriad delicious morsels, they are not the crystalline pools of the Emerald Coast, nor are they bordered by white, pristine sands.  The silt-rich bottom makes for some murky shallows.  For this reason, pack your “water shoes,” or at least some old tennis shoes or rubber boots.  A hidden shell or rock can deliver a nasty cut.  (Do not despair, however - A short boat ride from the shore reveals clear waters, waving grasses and, at low tide, glistening white sand bars).

Free to Roam and Explore

Blue crabs abound and are delicious as well as fun to catch.  Some rentals provide crab traps for use in the canals or from the dock.  You can purchase chicken parts for baiting the traps or use fish carcasses from your catch.  In a later chapter we will go into more detail with instructions also for “string” fishing for crabs, and of course, recipes. 

Telephone service along the rural coast is first rate, and phones are usually available for local calling.  Cell phone reception, however, is sketchy at best.  A good example is Steinhatchee, Florida, where one must drive to the middle span at the top of the Steinhatchee River Bridge to acquire a signal.  Consider bringing a phone card for long distance, as this can be accessed via an 800 number from telephones which are restricted to local calling. 

If you still forget something, the marina, (like Keaton Beach Marina) and usually a small convenience store keep a small supply of most necessities, such as fresh milk, bread, ice cream and sometimes even fried chicken.  There are also a hot dog stand at Keaton Beach and a couple of outstanding restaurants at Steinhatchee and Perry. 

            FOR THE BOAT

You’ll find in the extras at the end of this book a list of the boating requirements for the State of Florida.  But briefly, here are a few tips for equipping your own boat.

Life jackets are required for each passenger, and if you’ve never spent any time in the water in a life jacket, you’ll want to pay that little extra to make sure they are not only adequate, but comfortable and will keep your head out of water with no effort, for an extended period of time.  That proverbial “ounce of prevention” will stand you in good stead in this instance.  You will also need a throw-able life preserver (the typical ring-type) whistle, fire extinguisher, flares and boating registration.  Of course, for any persons fishing you’ll need a fishing license.  At the time of this publication a fishing license is not required for a child under the age of 16, or for an individual fishing from a licensed fishing pier or structure.  A copy of boating and fishing regulations comes in handy, along with a listing of legal lengths of fish, preferably with picture identification. 

For most flats fishing the boat does not need to be anchored, but an anchor is still handy in many instances; more on that in a later chapter.

A tool box IS a must, with a few marine-specific tools.  These might include needle-nosed pliers (for removing hooks as well as more mundane tasks), screw driver, knife, lubricant spray for reels, heavy gloves.

A first aid kit might include antiseptic spray, bandaids, alcohol, antibiotic ointment…  items common to a typical first aid kit, but with the addition of items specific to the pain and inflammation of fish fin gouges, fish hook cuts, barnacle cuts, or sunburn.

For snorkeling or diving or just swimming from the boat an identifiable “diving flag” is needed. 

A marine radio is not required, but certainly provides an extra sense of security.  You can obtain from the marina information on the frequency monitored by their staff or the coast guard. 

Midsummer sun on the Gulf is relentless, so in that season a bimini top or fixed canopy for your boat is a plus. Likewise, we never go out without a good supply of water and snack foods. If anyone in your party is on medication, be sure to pack an emergency dose.  Again that ounce of prevention…

We keep a prepared “boat bag” with extra sunscreen, lip sunscreen or other lip protection, long-sleeved shirt (for that midday sun), towels, first aid spray, more bandaids, protein bars as well as some sugary snacks, children’s change of clothing.  Add whatever other items your particular passengers might need.

Masks, snorkels, fins and mesh bags for collecting treasures add fun to an excursion.  And after a few hours of fishing in the summer heat, a quick swim or dive is great!  Remember that dive flag is important to indicate swimmers in the water.

Fishing tackle is a natural requirement for full enjoyment of the flats.  A brief list would include rods and reels in varied weights and length, cane poles, dip net, gaff for larger fish, as well as hooks from tiny straight-shank to huge multi-barbs, sinkers, corks, and the all important   “Cajun Thunder.”  More later about that crucial item.

You can top off your tank at the marina, but make sure you have spare oil and gas if possible. 

Again, if you forget something necessary, the local marina is your first best bet. 

            FOR THE KIDS

Most children love the beach.  And most children thrive in the laid-back atmosphere of the flats.  The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are shallow here with no pounding surf, just gentle comings and goings of the tide with the distinct challenges and rewards of each. 

A caveat here…  Hopefully children will be encouraged to use care not to bring harm, through play, to harmless creatures.  Also take note of the species that are protected by law from harming or harvesting.

A fearsome-looking, yet gentle horseshoe crab momentarily landlocked Don't worry!  He's about to be rescued!

High tide brings in blue crabs to feed in the marshy shallows or canals.  Crabs are bottom feeders and will eat a variety of sea creatures, living or dead, decaying vegetation or discarded food.  Pack heavy twine or string for catching crabs, and provide chicken parts for bait.  The cheapest cuts are best, (necks or backs) and freshness is not an issue – in this case, rank is good!  (Washing of hands is always a good habit, and handling raw meat calls for special diligence.  However; in all our years of crabbing and handling of saltwater denizens, with reasonable cleanliness rules we’ve never experienced or encountered a case of salmonella or other bacteria induced illness.  We strongly encourage adult supervision and instruction.).  A chicken neck tied onto a length of heavy twine, tossed out into the canal or shallows generally attracts a number of hungry blue crabs (Be sure to hold onto one end of the string, though).  When the crabs bite or tug on the chicken with their claws, gently and slowly ease in the twine until you can scoop the crabs into a long handled net.  Young children need to be supervised and older children cautioned as to the sharpness and crushing power of a crab’s claws.  This activity can provide hours of pleasure and distraction, after which the crabs can be released or boiled up for a well deserved feast!  (Keep the crabs fresh in a deep bucket of cool seawater in a shady spot.  See recipes section  for preparation tips).

Small fish, known locally as “chubs,” dart by the thousands through the shallows.  Children armed with a minnow net and bucket will run off a lot of energy in pursuit – and here is a good early lesson in the sportsman’s practice of “catch and release.”  Children should be cautioned to use care with these tiny creatures.  The sand/mud bottom is strewn with myriad shells, rocks, barnacles (and, unfortunately debris scattered by careless humans).  For this reason sturdy water shoes, old tennis shoes or rubber boots help protect tender feet.  For those hardy youngsters, or young-at-heart adults, who insist on bare feet, encourage extra care to watch for sharp hazards. 

A shovel and bucket are of course a must for a trip to the beach.  At low tide the waters of the Gulf recede to uncover miles of sand and mud and fascinating small creatures.  Hermit crabs take up residence in discarded conch shells.  The tiny claws of small hermit crabs are virtually harmless, even to little fingers.  Conchs and snails crawl slowly from puddle to tidal pool, and possess no dangerous appendages.  Here again, hand washing after play is important. 

In the exposed sand and collected grass fronds washed ashore by the tide live a teeming mass of tiny “fiddler crabs.”  Males of this species possess one enlarged claw that can pinch, but not inflict serious damage or pain.  These miniscule crabs are not aggressive and will scamper and dart into their holes.  Children love chasing and digging for fiddlers.  A child’s blow-up boat filled with sea water makes an excellent temporary aquarium to observe fiddlers, hermit crabs, conchs and chubs or minnows.  Again – catch and release. 

Tiny child fingers grasp a briny scallop

In the summer months, scallop season from the first of July until the end of September adds another succulent food and hours of fun in the acquiring.  Pack mesh bags for collecting, long handled nets, and a mask and snorkel, if desired.  Many people simply wade at lower tides, dragging a bucket, tub or raft.  If you have access to a boat you can visually locate choice scalloping spots and go snorkeling, scooping up the scallops by hand to fill the mesh bag.  Scalloping is great fun for all ages, and so well worth the effort!

Blow-up rafts, boats and water toys are easy to pack and make for hours of safe fun in the shallow waters.  Beware sharp rocks and shells, of course.

Long-sleeved shirts are advised even in the heat of summer for protection after long exposure to sun.  This is equally important for adults who become overexposed.

Most rental houses provide cable or satellite television and sometimes VCR’s or DVD players.  Movies are often available for rent in local marinas or convenience stores.  Bring a few books, board games or playing cards for rainy afternoons or just some down time in the heat of the day.

Older children and adults sometimes find sport in “gigging” during receding or incoming tides, when the water depth is lowered yet still high enough and slick enough to see flounder or other bottom-hugging fish or large blue crabs.  (Blue crabs are fair game; however, stone crabs may not be gigged or captured.  Refer to state regulations).  Gigs are single or multi-pronged and barbed tools attached to long poles, which can be stabbed into prey.  These can be dangerous and can impale a bare or lightly covered foot, so use caution.  Gigs can be purchased at the marina or local bait and tackle stores.

Traffic is light on the back roads of the beaches so bicycles for youngsters and adults are a plus.  Bicycling, along with long walks, is also a great way to observe ospreys or eagles that nest in the area. Be sure to add a pair of binoculars to your equipment, likewise a camera to photograph wildlife - not to mention the incredible sunrises and sunsets.

In addition to fishing tackle for the adults in your fishing party, if possible provide the children with their own lightweight version of rod-and-reel, dip net and tackle box.  Catching shiners from dock or boat is as much fun for the children as landing that trophy redfish or trout for an adult.  A small white sliver of raw bacon on a tiny hook with a lightweight sinker and they are set for hours!  A small cane pole rigged the same serves as well.  You can also purchase artificial bait like “bait-bait” to replace the bacon.  The kids on the dock for an hour before a day’s fishing trip will likely provide all the live bait you will need!

See to the needs of the children on your trip and you’ll find your own enjoyment geometrically increased!

Two: WHO NEEDS DEEPWATER?

            Flats vs. Offshore

Many would-be anglers think fishing in the Gulf of Mexico means motoring miles from shore on a deep sea fishing boat, hours riding swells and battling seasickness while trolling the deep waters for giant grouper or billfish. 

Fishing the flats actually can be the most laid-back, peaceful experience imaginable. 

The shallow waters inshore teem with feeding speckled trout, cruising blues, fat wily reds, lazy bottom-hugging flounder, truculent bewhiskered channel cats, streamlined Spanish mackerel, sprightly lady fish, acrobatic mullet, structure-loving cobia, even the occasional wandering wave-dancing tarpon or a lazily paddling sea turtle.   Not to mention thousands of silvery shiners and other pinfish, pink-mouthed grunts, ever-present blackfish, needlefish, shrimp, crabs, scallops, and more.  In other words, a veritable fisherman’s paradise thrives, well within sight of land. 

            Creeks

Marshy estuaries and tidal creeks ebb and flow to create cool, deep holes.  These shadowy reaches provide a haven for “gator” trout, monster reds, and huge schools of mullet, and can be reached with the smallest boat, or even on foot.  

A word to readers:

            Reds and Flounder

Red Drum, known colloquially as “redfish,” feed voraciously in the creeks, rocks and oyster beds near shore.  These beautiful fish can be easily identified by varying numbers of distinctive large black spots near the tail, by the notable weighted pull on your line when you are fortunate enough to hook a large one and by the overall thrill and challenge of landing one.  That said, their near-shore feeding habits mean you don’t have to put to sea in a large expensive boat to locate them.  Even dock fishers have a shot at monster reds.  Favored by gourmet chefs for blackened redfish dishes, they are also prized for grilling.  One drawback is the strict limits imposed by state and local governments on size and numbers. 

Flounder are bottom-hugging fish, identified by their wide, flat bodies, and the fact that both eyes are on the same side of the head.  Not easily caught with hook and line, they present a unique challenge, but can be caught and are well worth the effort.  Their meat is white and flaky, and readily lends itself to thick, succulent filets.  These highly desirable fish can be found slightly buried along sandy bottoms at varying depths. 

Another enjoyable pastime for floundering is to walk the flats at low tide with a gig.  For this experience to be its best the tide must be out, the wind at a minimum so that the water is slick and still, and enough sunlight to illuminate the bottom.  An additional floundering option is nighttime fishing, poling a small boat and making use of a powerful light and a gig.  Some prefer a headlight while others favor a spotlight.  The flounder are visible in the beam of the light source and can be gigged or speared.  One of the prime draws for this type of floundering is its solitude and quiet, poling slowly in calm water with the moon and stars your companions in the near-silent tranquility. 

            Speckled Trout

Ah, where to begin!  I have to say these are our favorites.  The sport, the beauty of the fish, the delectable rewards at the table!

Freshly-caught speckled trout in a full-sized sink  --  KEEPERS!!!

            Ski, Kneeboard, Snorkel, Swim, Kayak

Many of the children in our family have learned to water ski and kneeboard on the Florida flats.  On calm days, particularly at low tide, the water is calmer than a lake.  The tide goes out so far that anyone worrying about what might be on the bottom is reassured by seeing that very bottom almost dry!  A careful driver, a “spotter” also in the boat, and the proper safety equipment as well as knowledge of boating safety are absolute requirements for water skiing.  For children, a person in the water helping to steady them prior to being pulled up gives reassurance and needed security.  Above all, a heart full of patience helps!

As I mentioned earlier, the tidal waters of the flats are not at first glance the crystalline perfection of many Gulf beaches.  The murky appearance is often caused by a muddy bottom and can be misleading.  However; a mask and snorkel reveal at once the beauty and clarity of the water itself as well as close-ups of hundreds of tiny darting fish and the random larger fish.  Waving grass fronds and scattered sandbars harbor small starfish, snails, tiny ghost-like crabs, baby puffer fish, scallops and lovely flower-like leaves, tendrils, sponges and coral or live rock. 

A sea kayak on the flats provides access to rocky shallows, creeks and inlets.  Even a paddleboat, small johnboat, canoe or rubber raft can be used along the marshy, tranquil shoreline. 

Thirty foot sleek outboard – twelve foot poled johnboat – somewhere in between – or no boat at all – There’s pleasure to be had on the water here.

Wave-runner snared by a shaft of light from the setting sun

Three: FISHING GEAR AND TACKLE

Fishing gear and tackle can run the gamut from homemade cane pole with hook, line and sinker, to heavy duty Penn reel on expensive composite rod.  For inshore flats fishing, the big rigs are not as important as for deep sea fishing.  This is not to say that there are not some very big fish inshore.  While fishing for speckled trout with 20 pound test line you might hook a 100 pound tarpon who has found his way to a relatively shallow feeding area.  Conversely you might inadvertently “foul-hook” a tiny shiner on a huge treble hook! 

            Rods

                 Reels

Reel selection offers hundreds of choices and prices.  For fishing for larger fish, while a larger spinning reel combo will suffice, a bait-casting reel offers more “sensation.”  

Whether you choose a spinning reel or a bait caster, you’ll want a reel that feels smooth when you reel in the line.  This smoothness bears a direct correlation to specifics of construction like numbers of ball bearings, etc.  Please refer to my additional links and resources for more detailed information.

A spinning reel is often considered more appropriate for beginning anglers; however, many old salts will use nothing but a spinning reel.  This reel is encased in a metal housing and offers less chance of tangled line.  The progress of the line’s release is controlled by a button easily manipulated.  A bait-caster is an open-faced reel, with exposed line that can easily backlash to become a tangled bird’s nest from a careless cast.  The release of the line is controlled by light pressure from the angler’s thumb, wherein timing is critical to avoid backlash.   

The weight of the line should correspond to the weight capabilities of the rod and reel.  Line is gauged by its “test,” or pounds it should be able to support, as in “10 pound test.”  Heavy test line will not flow smoothly from a small gauge reel and vice versa. 

            Net

A large “dip” net is useful for boating that large trout with the soft mouth that you have finessed up to the boat.  Losing one right when you are about to bring it aboard can be extremely disappointing, to say the least.  This net typically has a lightweight aluminum handle and a large, open-weave net.  Inexpensive nets last if cared for.  

            Tackle Box

Your saltwater tackle box needs to be roomy enough for large lures and have multiple compartments for hooks, sinkers, pliers, etc.  Corks or floats need to be large and colorful to be visible at a distance in choppy waves.  You’ll need room for quite a few, as they are frequently lost when the line is snapped by a voracious, toothy unknown.  Durable hard plastic with compartments, waterproof soft-sided vinyl or polyester gear bag with plastic inserts, neoprene handles…  There are many choices for tackle box, and a wide range of cost, and there are no hard and fast rules. 

            Tools

Every angler needs a few tools for mundane tasks and unexpected emergencies.  While some items are stocked in the boat for mechanical needs, like tightening battery cables, or outboard maintenance, many smaller tools need to be a part of your tackle box.   Needle-nosed pliers are a must for retrieving hooks from deep throats or tough lips, (fish- not human, hopefully!) as well as minor operations on tackle or equipment.  A file is handy for sharpening hooks.  A multi-purpose knife, such as a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife is indispensable.  These hold scissors, screw driver, knife blades, nail clippers, etc.  You can spend many dollars or a few, depending on personal preference. 

            Hook, Line and Sinker

Hooks are curved or straight with wicked barbs at the tips to imbed themselves in the gristly tissue of a fish’s mouth.  You can specify straight shank or curved shank, offset hooks, hooks with tiny extra barbs on the shank to hold bait on securely, or smooth shank.  Some lures use multiple hooks.  Treble hooks are just that – three hooks forged together.  Hooks can be purchased in packages of varying sizes and multiple uses, relatively inexpensively.  Keep your hooks’ barbs sharp by filing off the dull or rusted tips.

Some fishermen consider a good rule of thumb for hook sizes to correspond to line weight in tens.  For example, a number one hook would be used with 10 pound test line.  A number two hook would be used with 20 pound test line.  A number three hook with 30 pound test line. 

Perhaps, just use a little common sense – small hook for a small fish, large hook for a hopefully larger fish! 

“Leaders” are lengths of steel wire to attach between the hook and the fishing line.  Some people refuse to use them, because fish can possibly see them in the water.  But, they are useful if you fear losing your rigged hooks or lures to severing by razor sharp teeth.

Sinkers, (as the word implies, they make the bait sink), or split shot, need to correspond to the weight of the line and baits.  Cut-bait alone is heavy enough in most instances to submerge at an appropriate depth, without benefit of sinkers. 

Bait being pulled through the water tends to twirl and spin.  A “swivel,” which is a small accessory with movable ball ends, allows for motion of the line and prevents twisting and snarling.  Again, the swivel can possibly be seen by the fish, so a small length of line (approximately twelve to eighteen inches) should be between the hook and the swivel.  Tie the swivel between that length of line, or the leader, if used, and the fishing line.

Swivel Illustration:

            Knots

Lose a gigantic fish; then upon examining the line, sans hook, find that the knot came untied rather than the line being snapped by the fish!  Not good!  A little knot-tying expertise would have gone a long way to prevent that unfortunate scenario.

There are many books, pamphlets and websites that offer diagrams and even videos to demonstrate technique.  I am including a few simple drawings of our favorite knots, with additional resources in the final chapter of this book.

Below is a table showing two knots, the first a simple “clinch knot,” which is fairly easy to tie and suitable for most light tackle.  The second is a variation of the same knot, with one additional loop, which perhaps provides extra strength.  These knots are suitable for tying directly into the eye of a hook or into a swivel or leader.

Illustration:

Note:  The eye of the hook is shown to the left of each drawing.  

            Pop That Cork!  Pop It!

So, for fun, take your pick.  Perhaps fill your tackle box with a variety of jigs, many colors and sizes and shapes.  Prepare to shiner fish from the dock before you venture out in the boat; or pull up in warm, shallow water to fish for your bait-fish.  You can usually purchase some shrimp or pinfish at the marina.  There are no wrong choices.  Just figure out what works for you and realize that what catches fish on one day or in one season, may not in the next.  Have fun.  Be adventurous and experiment.  And be prepared for anything to surface at the end of your line!

                 HOW TO CATCH, CUT AND FISH PINFISH

               

Pinfish, also known by the locals as “shiners”, are widely used as live or cut bait.  In even just relatively clear water, the scales of shiners catch the sunlight and flash brightly as they dart and dive searching for tiny morsels.  Even the tiniest shiner will often grab onto a hook, making you wonder when you bring it in, which is bigger, the hook or the fish!  If you are fortunate enough to boat such a trophy, you will often find just the tip of the fish’s “lip” caught on the hook.  Or perhaps that tiny fry was just darting by and snagged his dorsal fin on the tip of your hook. 

 

What size shiner you keep for bait depends on how you plan to fish, and for what prize.  Larger fish naturally cruise for smaller prey, so it stands to reason that a swimming small fish makes for an attractive lure.  Securing your live pinfish onto the hook is a matter of inserting the hook below the dorsal fin, just through the ridge of gristly tissue there.  This enables the shiner to swim freely without mortally stabbing it before you can use it as bait. 

 

I have frequently hauled in my line after a strike to find my seconds-before-spry shiner severed in half, as a predator snatched half and zoomed away.  These lightning swift strikes often occur before you even realize a fish is considering your offering.  The trick is to be able to set the hook at the exact moment the fish strikes, or to be fortunate enough that the fish took the hook into his mouth and ensnared himself firmly.  This takes practice and more than a little luck.

 

Fishing with a cut shiner is generally a more casual pursuit.  Lightning fast strikes still occur, but the fish is somewhat more likely to be hooked when he grabs the cut bait.

**  Click on the link below this photo for additional photos and instructions detailing  how to cut life-like bait from a pinfish.

Click here for more photographs and instructions

Using a sharp knife, make a cut lengthwise from head to tail, making sure to split the tail at the fork so that each piece of cut bait has a piece that resembles the tail of a live baitfish. To keep your line from possibly tangling in the fins, trim off the first couple of finbones. Discard remainder of head and body.



Attach to your line pushing the hook through both thicknesses of outer scales at the top of the bait.



Each piece of cut bait offers certain advantages. The top piece of bait is slightly heavier and stronger, while the belly piece is lighter in weight, yet shines brighter in the water.

 

Now, a few words on actually fishing on the flats.

 

With no anchor, and the motor shut off and elevated so there is no “drag” from the motor acting as a rudder, your boat will assume a steady floating position with the direction of movement relative to the pull of the tide.  This movement with the tide is known as “drift,” and can range from almost inconspicuous, to being propelled swiftly and ceaselessly across the surface.  The direction can also be toward shore or out to sea.  Depending on the “chop” (the roughness of the seas and the amount of wave action), the boat will either bob lazily or rise and fall steadily with the motion of the swells.

 

These factors affect the direction you need to fish from the boat.  If you throw your line toward the same direction as your drift, your line will soon be overtaken by the boat and disappear beneath the hull.  This makes for no control and can cause your bait to become hopelessly entangled.  Take a moment to notice the direction of your drift; then cast toward the opposite side of the boat.  You will notice that your line becomes taut and your bait gradually sinks to the bottom and is dragged along with you. 

Four:  TIDES

Tides are a function of the gravitational pull of the moon on the waters of the earth.

Many people associate the rise and fall of a tide with the roar of waves crashing high on a sandy beach, to the surf hours later receding to leave much of the beach exposed and gleaming.  The effects of the tide on a true “tidal flat” are quite different, yet perhaps even more profound. 

The shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico, in this case from Apalachicola east to Cedar Key, encompass a marine area that is “tidal” by nature.  There is no crashing surf.  The waters of the Gulf “ease” in and out on the tides.  And an unsuspecting boater can be suddenly left literally aground on a sea of mud, as the water simply left while he was out fishing!

These two images show how the depth and width of a channel can be affected by the tide. While the dock is barely visible in the photo to the far right, you can see the distant house to the left of each photo for reference.  The camera angle is only a few feet different in each photo. AND - The photo to the right was taken at not quite low tide!!!!!

Incoming or Outgoing for Fishing

Five:  BOATING FOR DUMMIES

Okay, we’ve all seen our share of those folks who make us wonder where they were when the powers-that-be were handing out brains.

On a recent trip to the flats we were motoring in on an outgoing tide, knowing that we had a short time to make the channel before the water became too shallow to navigate.  In these circumstances one’s best option is to “plane-off” at a good cruising speed, maintain that plane so that the boat draws as little water as possible, and slow down and allow the boat to settle only when approaching the “no-wake” zone near the interior canals.  As we were making the turn at the outer channel markers near the outer approach to the main canal, we saw a large boat cross-wise about halfway to shore.  Assuming the boaters were experiencing technical difficulty, we had to drop from our plane and cut the engine to idle speed to give them time to recover and resume their progress.  As we floated at the mouth of the channel, we noticed they were not working with the motor, but were fishing!  Across the entire width of the narrow canal!  Any boater with a very little savvy should realize this is a major no-no.  It literally left us, and any other returning boaters still coming ashore, with no way in!  To either side of the canal are craggy oyster bars with razor-sharp pinnacles, bordered by sand/mud shallows of mere inches at low tide. 

        Channel Markers

Red and green channel markers show the way for safe passage Rule of thumb - green on right going, red on right coming back in

        No-Wake Zones - Be Considerate!

The fish house near the dock displays a sign warning IDLE SPEED - NO WAKE Not just for the sake of courtesy

Your Friendly Game Warden

As with any situation involving vehicle traffic, legal restrictions apply for watercraft.  For example, just as for most instances in meeting a car, if you proceed toward an oncoming boat, your passage should be to the right.  If you imbibe alcoholic beverages, you should not drive, or pilot a boat.  Some areas have "open container" laws regarding boats.  Check the state or local regulations for the area you plan to visit.

The local law enforcement officers for "on the water" are the Federal or State Game Warden, or Marine Patrol.  They usually travel in well-marked boats, and in recognizable uniform or distinctive attire.  They may sound their horn on approach, or use a voice amplifier, but usually will just motor slowly toward your boat.  If you see a game warden approaching, make preparation to display to him/her your required safety equipment, fishing license, and boat registration.  You may also be required to open your live well or ice chest to show the number of fish, or to confirm legal lengths.  And, if time allows, you may well enjoy a few tips or entertaining conversation! 

Boat Lift/Launch Ramp

Checking in with the Marina

Draft

Six:  JUST FOR KIDS

Seven:  PERILS and JOYS

                    Thunderstorms

Majestic and Beautiful - But, keep a "weather-eye out"

                Sun

Salt water amplifies the effects of the sun on skin and hair.  A good sunscreen, SPF 30 or more, is a must to avoid a painful burn.  Someone who has never experienced the speed and depth of a beach sunburn might not truly imagine how serious it can be. 

Enjoy the magnificent sunshine, but use some common sense and caution.

               Low Tide/Big Boat

At high tide, water laps high up on these pier timbers

You've seen the photos earlier depicting changes effected by an outgoing tide.  Keep a check daily of the times of high and low tides.  Plan your fishing trip to either stay out during the dead low, with ample food and drink for a few extra hours; or to return before the tide recedes too far to get your boat back in.  In the photo above, notice the narrowness of the channel.  Had you stayed offshore until this "dead" low tide, you would be stuck at sea for a while. 

Know the depth of the "draft" of your boat,  (How deep the water must be to enable your boat to float).  Factor in the weight of passengers and extra equipment. 

Pay attention, at low tide, to the appearance of shoals, sandbars, oyster bars, submerged timbers, near the canals and boat docks.

Know that time and the flow of creeks can change the shape of channels. 

               Stingers/Teeth/Fins/Shells/Hooks

     Bugs - Mosquitoes, sand gnats, horseflies, yellow-flies, and other pests simply require bug spray and the occasional swat.  If bitten, apply a medicinal spray or cortisone cream.  Pay special attention for children outside at dusk or dawn or at times of very calm, low tides.  The occasional scorpion, spider or centipede may appear from a palmetto or other underbrush, most non aggressive.  Pretty much just like anywhere else.

Don't worry overmuch or let the thought of these small perils spoil your vacation.  Again, just use a little common sense and caution.


JOYS

Sun, gentle breezes, lapping water, glorious sunsets, good food, good fun.........  the joys to be found at the coast are limitless.  Sit on the deck, close your eyes, (or keep them open to join in one of my own personal challenges: searching for that elusive green flash at sunset), sip a tall, cool drink, relax and leave your cares behind for a few days or weeks.





HOPEFULLY YOU HAVE FOUND SOME USEFUL INFORMATION, AND POSSIBLY INSPIRATION, TO VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL AMERICAN TIDAL COASTS!

Please come back and check for other articles in this series, as I will provide greater details on many items found here.  Also, watch for my knols on these and other topics.   

Thanks for Visiting!!!!!!!!!!!!

***I would like to test the viability of a Knol that features input from visitors to the Gulf Coast - in a format different from the comments below.  While this Knol is published in an "open collaboration" mode, perhaps visitors would like to see their own photographs or stories in a separate Knol, with more ease of contributing.  Please email me at strickland13@gmail.com with contact information, or leave a comment note below with ideas or suggestions.

LINKS and RESOURCES

JUST FOR KIDS
Knol - NATURE COAST WAYS - FOR KIDS

RECIPES
Knol - NATURE COAST WAYS - ONGOING (Additional topics like tips on preparing your day's catch, Recipes, photos)

PHOTOGRAPHS
Knol - NATURE COAST WAYS - SUNSETS AND MORE (A Photo Collection)

My Favorite Place to Stay on the Nature Coast of Florida: The Eagles Nest at Dekle Beach
www.eagles-nest-vacations.com

Florida Fishing Regulations:
http://floridaconservation.org

Georgia Fishing and Boating Regulations:
http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/

Alabama Saltwater Fishing and Boating Regulations:
http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/saltwater/

Map: