JUNE 2013



June Calendar Focuses on Catching & Flying Fish

It’s our family beach season on Florida’s Forgotten Coast with thousands of families from throughout the Southeast expected to converge on the many local rental homes within a couple miles of a beach.

And there are a whole lot of such beaches and residences as likely half of all the beach area homes in the region belong to “absentee owners” and many of them help offset their expenses by making them available as rentals. Some are what is what is commonly referred to as single family residences while some others easily hold upwards of 10 & 15 people. Family reunions are not that uncommon.

Because most all of our “volunteers” in the region are kept busy at work during this busiest of all seasons and there is really no need to “lure” additional visitors, the activities calendar for the month is not nearly as “busy” as most other months.

And most all of the planned activities focus on the outdoors and fishing. And why not? The weather is ideal and the fishing is fantastic. From fresh and “skinny water” fishing to bay and offshore angling. And because the waters are near sauna temps even the tarpon are chomping at the bit. Nothing quite compares with fly or light tackle fishing for a 200-pound Silver King.  Especially from a kayak or canoe.

CALENDAR FUN

For some two decades St. George Island has featured a most unique fish related activity. It is the annual “Mullet Toss” staged in the beach area of the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café on June 8. The sand is marked off with ribbons and contestants attempt to see how far they can throw a mullet. A deceased and usually very slimy mullet. This makes it rather risky for those spectators who always prefer to be up close and personal at such events.

Some actually take this challenge seriously while most just want to avoid looking too bad. Contestant ages and physical condition cover the full spectrum. From very small youngsters; to moms with fingernail polish; to college football tight ends. The entry fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children and proceeds benefit the Apalachicola Bay Charter School.

Activities start around 10 am and end about 5 pm. But always remembers that folks on St. George are always running on “island time.” Call 850-927-2987 or visit  www.BlueParrotCafe.net for additional details.

Also on June 8 Charles and Rex Pennycuff are hosting their 13th annual Fisherman’s Choice Youth Fishing Tournament on St. George Island. Kids 16 and under will fish for fresh and saltwater species. Each entry receives a t-shirt, and after the tournament, entrees are invited to attend a cookout at Fisherman's Choice where they will weigh in their fish, eat hot dogs and hamburgers and get some great prizes. In years past, Rex says they gave away 170 rods and reels, tackle boxes and a dozen cast nets. Prizes are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place, and include all major fish species. Entry is free and generally about 200 kids sign up. Call Fisherman's Choice for more information at (850) 670-8808.

Read more...