I was blessed to have the opportunity to travel the Florida coastline camping and fishing along the way to Okeechobee, Fl. where I visited family.
This adventure stated on from 17 Mar 2023 and ended on 27 Apr 2023. First stop was Pensacola, Fl. where I experience freeze warnings the first two nights there, brrr???? I stayed at the beautiful Fort Pickens campground for 4 nights at the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Enjoyed the beach and some fishing while waiting to check-in. (Day 1), was tough conditions but managed about 9 fish including a Little Tunny, Spanish mackerel and 6-7 speckled trout. (Day 2) Had a meet-up up with another Salt Strong member (Andy) and went out on his boat that afternoon and into the night for fishing around lighted docks. Caught nice redfish. (Day 3) Spent a few hours in kayak fishing flats with no luck; however, Andy contacted me and offered another night dock adventure. Caught several fish with the big prize another nice red just a little bigger than last night's (25").
Then I move down the road to Newport Park & Campground with a beautiful overlook of the St. Marks River. Here I had access to fish out of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge area in the Apalachee be. (Day 1) Great day special trout fishing, caught 12 trout including my personal best. (Day 2) Meet a fellow kayaker at boat ramp who also is a Salt Strong member. We fished together and had a good time, caught 4 trout, only 1 keeper that I released. ???? (Final day) thought I was going to be staying in the tent all day with projected thunderstorms; however, as time got closer I saw an opening. I went out for a few hours prior to the thunderstorms and caught a few trout. Then the wind started picking up so I headed back. Turns out the thunderstorms never materialized, but the bright side is no thunderstorms for departure day either.
Next was Shell Mound campgrounds just south of the famous Suwannee river in the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge area. I decided to shoot out and fish for a couple hours before setting up camp since I got in around 1:30 and the boat ramp was about a hundred yards from my campsite. Wow, caught a beautiful snook at 30". Day 2 fishing caught a nice red, the one above. Original plan was two more fishing days, but starting to get fatigued and losing motivation here. Although two awesome fish caught, I called it a win and went out on a high note. Time to head to Okeechobee.