Recreation

In the late 1890s, tourists traveled in buggies and mule-drawn carts over plank roads to “take the waters” at mineral springs in Panacea, Lanark, and Newport.

In the early 20th century, fish camps became popular―quiet and often-isolated clusters of cottages or campsites where fishing enthusiasts could come to pursue their love of the sport.

Today, the Big Bend’s natural beauty, bountiful resources, and friendly people draw visitors to Cedar Key, Suwannee, Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, Econfina, St. Marks, Panacea, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, St. George Island, and Apalachicola. These communities offer well-equipped marinas, charter boats, and guides for offshore, bay, lake, flats, or upriver fishing. From bass and pan fish to grouper, amberjack, cobia, wahoo, dolphin, snapper, and king, the choices are endless. Surf casting can land sea trout, flounder, sheepshead, redfish, pompano, and Spanish mackerel.

Divers explore reefs and shipwrecks. Families harvest scallops. Residents and visitors explore bays and rivers by kayak, canoe, or sailboat. Florida’s Historic Big Bend Paddling Trail follows routes once used by Spanish missionaries to transport goods to St. Augustine in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Whether you are shelling on white sand beaches at St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge or St. George Island State Park; watching migrating birds and butterflies at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge; hunting along the Lower Suwannee River National Wildlife Refuge; swimming at Wakulla or Manatee Springs State Parks; hiking or biking along trails in Tate’s Hell or the Apalachicola National Forest; or just relaxing at Hagen’s Cove or Horseshoe Beach, the Big Bend is the natural place to be.

Think about the environment

Here are some nature-friendly tips for visitors and residents. When fishing on sea grass flats, avoid shallow areas. Never cut through sea grass beds with a propeller. Watch your prop wash for mud or plant life, which may indicate that you are too shallow. Stirred-up sediments are harmful to sea life, and propellor scars take years to recover.

© Florida Foresight  All rights reserved.