Florida Sportsman

Florida Sportsman is a magazine and digital platform dedicated to combining waterfowl hunting and fishing into single trips across Florida's diverse waters and marshes. The publication covers the specific strategy, timing, and location knowledge needed to hunt ducks in the morning and fish the same waters by afternoon.

Lake Okeechobee (South-Central Florida) - Primary duck hunting: West side marshes from Kissimmee River mouth south to Clewiston - Waterfowl species: Mottled ducks, teal, diving ducks, whistling ducks - Winter bass fishing during midday when duck action slows - Black crappie and speckled trout fishing near shore drop-offs and canals - Airboats and mud motors required to reach productive hunting areas - Lodging: Roland Martin Marina & Resort in Clewiston with tiki bar, food, and live music

The "Forgotten Coast" (Panhandle - St. Marks to Apalachicola Bay) - Uncrowded fishing and waterfowling in near-pristine Old Florida atmosphere - Sea duck species: Buffleheads, bluebills, redheads, common scoters - Open water and sandbars require experienced guide knowledge for safety - Winter saltwater catches: Sheepshead, black drum, redfish, seatrout - Freshwater panfish option in riverine systems - Fishing near river mouths, hard bottom structures, deeper holes - Lodging: Shell Island Fish Camp on St. Marks River with motel rooms, cabins, RV sites, boat ramp, fuel dock, bait shop - Nearby dining: Ouzts Too (oysters and smoked mullet)

The Space Coast (Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge & Mosquito Lagoon) - Limited-Entry permits required via August lottery drawing for certain impoundments - MINWR hunting areas accessible without permit in Mosquito Lagoon - Diving ducks (mostly bluebills) in Indian River outside the Refuge - Duck hunting ends at noon, allowing afternoon fishing - Monster trout and redfish around sandy potholes in the Lagoon - Mixed inshore species in Indian River - Beach fishing option: Whiting, pompano, bluefish from Playalinda Beach - Lodging: Mosquito Lagoon RV Park & Fish Camp in Oak Hill with RV slips, cabin rentals, boat ramp, trailer parking - Nearby dining: Goodrich Seafood & Oyster House (operating since 1970s)

Winter weather is unpredictable—cold fronts great for duck hunting often temper fish activity. Wind, tides, and muddy conditions require planning and experience.

• •Shallow water along Panhandle requires experienced navigation
• •Numerous sandbars and oyster outcroppings demand guide knowledge
• •Limited-entry permits require scouting and advance planning
• •Wading through muck and pole-pushing in combustion-engine-free zones
• •Water quality issues have affected productivity in some historic spots

Florida Sportsman provides: - Regional forecasts and tide reports - Seasonal waterfowl and fishing guides - How-to articles on tactics and rigging - Gear reviews and new product coverage - Video content covering boat maintenance, saltwater techniques, and destination guides - Magazine subscriptions with digital access included - Special interest publications (Hunting Gear Guide, Backcountry Hunter, Public Land Hunter) - Newsletter with top stories delivered to inbox

The publication emphasizes practical knowledge: scouting locations, understanding weather impacts, knowing which species are available by season, and having realistic expectations about success rates. Articles acknowledge that combining hunting and fishing in one trip is "exhausting" and requires flexibility when conditions don't cooperate.