Stone Crab Season began in Florida state waters yesterday, and while this sweet succulent meat is allowed to be harvested until May, there are a few things you need to know.

Minimum Size Limit

Stone crab claws must measure at least 2 ¾ inches in length. Learn how to measure them properly HERE.

Daily Bag Limit

Individuals are allowed to harvest 1 gallon of claws per person or 2 gallons of claws per vessel, whichever is less.

How to Harvest

The claws are the only part to be taken from a stone crab, as they grow back when separated from the body properly. The law permits both claws to be harvested if they are of legal size, but it is courtesy to only harvest one claw per crab. This practice leaves the crab with a method of defense, and…

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Stone crabs are a delicacy in South Florida, and federal wildlife protection agencies like FWC would like to keep them abundant. In order to do that, they’ve made a minimum size for these delicious crustacean limbs. Here’s how to measure stone crab claws.

Stone crab claws must measure at least 2 ¾-inches in length measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable finger. This is the largest section of the claw that has both a movable and immovable finger, and is located farthest from the body of the crab.

For more information, visit http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/commercial/stone-crab/

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Pictured: Shannon Discount & Capt. Michael O'Conner of Boatsitters

Offshore, football-sized blackfin tuna have been pretty easy to get ahold of in about 200-400’ of water. You can use small daisy chains or troll with feathers, but quite a few have been caught trolling with small-skirted bonita strips as well. We had a lot of success with neon green and white skirts this week, but colors are a game that changes by the minute, so try a few different ones and switch the rest out as you go if your target fish is tending to a particular color. Dolphin have been in the same areas as blackfin, and wahoo have been non-existent. On the first cold front that rolls through, we’ll have our local favorite Junkanoo Lures ready. Regardless of our lack of cold…

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If you’re planning to bring your furry friend with you when cruising to the Bahamas, you’ll need a permit. You can request an application by the way of snail mail below, but most people choose the expedited process by calling 242-325-7502/9 or faxing 242-325-3960. A fee of $10 is required with your application, which can be downloaded HERE.

Your pet must be older than 6 months of age, have required vaccinations, and have a certificate of health from your veterinarian.

For more information about crossing to the Bahamas from Florida, GO HERE.

 

Director of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture

Levy Building, East Bay Street

P.O. BOX N-3704

Nassau, Bahamas

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  Below are the official Bahamian Ports of Entry. Learn more about checking in and other tips on how to crossing from Florida to the Bahamas by boat HERE.  

  • THE ABACOS: Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbour, Spanish Cay, Treasure Cay or Walker’s Cay
  • THE BERRYS: Chub or Great Harbour Cays
  • NORTH BIMINI: Alice Town
  • CAT CAY: at Hawk’s Nest Marina
  • ANDROS: Congo Town, Fresh Creek, Mangrove Cay or Morgan’s Bluff
  • NASSAU, NEW PROVIDENCE: any marina
  • GRAND BAHAMA: Freeport Harbour, Lucayan Marina Village and Port Lucaya; Old Bahama Bay at West End
  • ELEUTHERA: Governor’s Harbour, Harbour Island, Rock Sound or Spanish Wells
  • THE EXUMAS: George Town, Exuma
  • LONG ISLAND: Stella Maris Airport
  • SAN SALVADOR: Cockburn Town
  • MAYAGUANA:…

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This past weekend, Bluewater Babes Fish for A Cure celebrated their 10th Anniversary with a bang- literally! The usual festivities at Sailfish Marina were not only over the top, but the series of events culminated with a grand fireworks show over Peanut Island.   When it comes to fishing, SPICED RUM's Sherry Beswick took first place Kingfish with 42.7 lbs, Stacy Maderal of LUNATICO took second with 20.5 lbs, and Gwen Belcher of PRETTY WORK won third with 19.3 lbs. Tasha Ford of TEMPTATION won first place dolphin with 20.2 lbs, Tina Martin of THANKS GIRLS won second with 15.6 lbs, and Shannon Discount won third with 15.3 lbs. Billfish Champion Angler went to Emily Riemer of DAYSEA with 2 sailfish releases, Billfish Champion Boat went to DAYSEA…

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Boat show season in South Florida begins with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) in October, and ends with the Palm Beach Boat Show in March. Here are the dates for the 2018/2019 boat show season in South Florida.

 

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

October 31 – November 4, 2018

801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

 

Stuart Boat Show

January 11th – January 13th, 2019

54-290 NW Dixie HWY, Stuart, FL 34994

 

Miami International Boat Show

Februrary 14th – February 18th, 2019

3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149

 

Palm Beach International Boat Show

March 28th – March 31st, 2019

101 S Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

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Photo Courtesy of Jupiter Snooker

Snook and jacks are being caught in the early mornings or low-lit times of the day at the Juno Pier, Jupiter South Jetty, and inshore. Live mullet can be found during low light periods of the day away from boat traffic, and is usually the best bait for snook, as well as top water plugs.

Bottom fishing boats have been catching kingfish and mutton snapper near 120 – 200’ with sardines, and dolphin has been pretty consistent offshore, as well as blackfin tuna in 200-300’ with small-skirted bonita strips. 

This weekend, the 10th Annual Bluewater Babes Fish For a Cure Tournament will be going in full force, so don’t be alarmed if you see boats decked out in pink decorations and festive bikini-clad anglers. These…

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The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is considered the largest in-water boat show in the world. Owned by MIASF and produced by Informa Exhibitions, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is heading into its 59th year, now with more than 1,500 boats on display and 1,200 exhibitors. This year, FLIBS will even be telecasted by NBC Sports, and will showcase the newest vessels, technical innovations, and performance reviews, as well as highlight the area’s lifestyle amenities. Additionally, industrial designer Derek Jenkins has created a “Best of Show” trophy, which will be presented to the most innovative new model design on display.

“The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show represents some of the finest yachts and…

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This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bluewater Babes Fish For a Cure! From turning the Jupiter Lighthouse pink to a pink fireworks display at Sailfish Marina, these female anglers are going all out to raise money for a great cause!

Here is the 2018 schedule of events:

Captain’s Meeting and Early Party Pass “Happy Hour” Bucket Pick-Up

                Wednesday, October 3rd at Grand Slam in Riviera Beach, 6-8 pm

                Enjoy delicious bites by Lynora’s, and enjoy a free drink from Tito’s Handmade Vodka or a draft beer from Twisted Trunk. There will be Bluewater Babes authentic merchandise for sale, as well as raffle tickets for a $1000 shopping spree at The Gardens Mall and an Ocean Kayak Venus 11' n Fuscia from Nautical…

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