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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is working on developing a proposal to allow anglers and spearfishers to take goliath grouper, which have been protected in Florida state and federal waters since 1990.

The FWC’s commissioners voted 6-1 to come up with rules and regulations to allow a limited harvest of the groupers, which can weigh several hundred pounds. Reaction to the vote was split.

Anglers who lose hooked fish and divers who lose speared fish when goliaths eat their catch were in favor of the proposal. Charter diving operators who take scuba divers to view and photograph the big fish around artificial reefs were against the proposal.

Holidays are a busy boating time on South Florida waterways, which means boaters need to pay extra attention to what’s happening all around them, especially during the upcoming July 4 th weekend.

Kayak fishermen will be targeting dolphin, tuna, kingfish, wahoo and cobia, among other species, for the opportunity to win major cash and prizes in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam set for June 19 out of Pompano Beach.

The Florida Keys is a stretch of magnificent archipelagos (also known as island groups or island chains) that are unique to the United States. Exploring this part of the world by land is an amazing experience in and of itself, and it’s easy to see why so many tourists want to visit. Taking it all in by water is truly the experience of a lifetime, though. The string of tropical islands stretches roughly 120 miles from the Southern tip of Florida, giving boaters so much to find as they navigate the waters between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Some people think of boating as something of a boy’s club, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In recent years, we’ve seen more and more women buying boats here in South Florida, and we’re excited to see that all genders are starting to confidently engage with our favorite pastime. Choose a spacious boat and go on party cruises with your friends, or opt for something faster and treat your family to some water sports. All you have to do is decide what you want from a boat, then go get it!

Let’s face it, guys, many men who buy boats are doing so (at least in part) because they want to impress the ladies. There’s no shame in it. After all, winning the approval of the fairer sex has been arguably the single largest motivating factor throughout all of history. With that said, this handy guide will help you determine which type of boat you should buy to get the right kind of attention.

What is a pontoon boat? A pontoon boat is a large, beamy boat built on two air-filled tubes with a large plywood deck. It has lots of seating and plenty of room to bring along passengers and gear.

Windy Boats is a Scandinavian yacht manufacturer out of Sweden and Norway, producing a wide array of vessels ranging in size from 27 to 60 feet. These boats will debut in America at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2021 with the first model arriving to be the SR44 SX. Let’s take a look at what sets Windy Boats apart from all others in its class.

Windy Boats is a premier Scandinavian boat manufacturer based in Norway offerings an extensive line of vessels ranging in size from 26 to 60 feet. The first boat by this builder will arrive in the United States in time for the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. At forty-four feet in length, the SR44 XS Blackhawk offers a surprising mix of outboard power and interior luxury. Let’s explore why Windy Boats and Nautical Ventures chose the SR44 SX as the US inaugural vessel.

A deck boat is a family boat designed for optimal function. A deck boat will most usually be built on a V-hull that flares outward near the bow to create a large deck space. Deck boats offer lots of bow seating as well as spacious and comfortable aft seating. As the name implies, deck boats offer lots of deck space because of the clever hull design.

Earlier this May 2021, Captain Eric McDonald of Deep Blue Kayak Fishing LLC experienced an unprecedented event while kayak fishing in the ocean off the coast of Boynton Beach, Florida. McDonald is always careful to assist his clients when reeling in large billfish and this day was no different. While reeling in a 50-pound-plus sailfish, McDonald felt a huge KNOCK in the side of his Hobie Mirage Outback and noticed the tip of the sailfish’s bill was broken about six inches from its tip. The fish got away and the commotion quieted, so McDonald jumped in the water in disbelief to see if there was any damage to his kayak. He couldn’t find anything, and no water was coming aboard, so he brushed it off and finished up the Hobie kayak fishing charter. Sailfish in Florida reach about 60 pounds, so this was a pretty large fish, and McDonald was relieved to realize there was no damage.

Beyond looking at all of those countless videos, you can play a part in the big moment by getting a gift for the new boat owner. Buying a new boat will probably make your new friend want all of the bells and whistles to go with their new purchase, but they may not be interested in spending more money than they already have. That’s where it really helps to have friends who can help supply some of the additional toys. As an added bonus, buying a gift for your friend will almost guarantee that you get invited to hang out on the new boat as soon as possible!

Deck boats and pontoon boats are some of the most versatile boats on the market. With huge, spacious designs, plenty of seating, and tons of storage, it’s no mystery why so many Americans enjoy these family-friendly crowd-pleasers. Although these boats have vastly different structural designs, they often attract the same type of clientele due to their similar capabilities. Let’s explore the fine details that will help you decide if a deck boat or a pontoon boat is better suited for your family and lifestyle.

For Capt. Bouncer Smith, the inaugural Gray Fishtag Research Swordquest tournament was a highlight of his long, legendary career as South Florida’s most respected charter fishing captain.

A pontoon boat, as you may know, is a beamy vessel constructed of a spacious platform atop aluminum tubes, or “pontoons.” These boats are quite popular for those who want to enjoy the lake or ocean with their families on a well-rounded boat. While the pontoon boats of the past may have been simple and designed to be basic fishing and cruising platforms, that is no longer the case. Today’s pontoon boats are versatile sports vessels designed with many different applications in mind from fishing, to cruising, to watersports.

Inflatable yacht tenders come in all shapes and sizes intended for use with a variety of different yacht programs. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming for yacht owners and captains to decide which make and model to purchase for their yacht. That decision will primarily be driven by the intended use of the vessel and performance requirements. The initial decision to make will be to choose fiberglass or aluminum hull construction.

Grouper season opened May 1 after a four-month closure, and many South Florida anglers and divers will head offshore to try to catch or spear what is considered to be one of the region’s best-tasting fish.

Florida fishermen and boaters can’t seem to get enough of the water. While lots of these men and ladies will be found fishing from a center console all weekend long, many of them have found themselves hopping in a kayak when a full boat trip is not warranted. A quick weekday evening fishing trip or a speedy paddle between dropping off the kids at soccer practice is ideal in a kayak.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw many boat builders temporarily halt manufacturing for a number of reasons. Many areas were forced to “shelter in place” causing builders to limit employee presence. Builders also experienced a shortage of building materials causing a backup in production. Across the country, Americans found themselves forced to slow down, cancelling travel plans and family reunions, and instead choosing to social distance on the water. The combination of these two circumstances had many new boaters searching for used boats for sale in Florida. Now, purchasing a brokerage vessel is more popular than ever, but some boaters are still concerned that purchasing pre-owned is the wrong decision. Let’s check out some ways you can be certain you are purchasing a used boat that is a quality vessel and will provide you with years of fun on the water with family and friends.

April is a tough time for local scuba divers. The lobster season closed on March 31 and doesn’t re-open until August 6. And the seasons for grouper and hogfish, which are among the prized targets of spearfishers, don’t open until May 1.

Sinking your teeth into a fresh sandwich crafted from a soft hoagie bun with crisp lettuce and tomatoes, filled with thinly sliced deli meat is the epitome of satisfaction during a hot, sandy, salty day on the boat.

The old adage, “If you don’t know a knot, then just tie a lot,” speaks volumes about recreational boaters and their relationship to marlinspike seamanship. It seems that many mariners underestimate the importance of tying proper knots while out on the water and don’t understand the consequences of tying improper knots. The improper use of ropes while underway or at a mooring can cause vessel damage, a boating accident, serious bodily injury, and even knots that are too tight to untie.

Versatility is an overused word in the boating industry, with many brands trying to be all things to all boaters. But the reality is, most boats are designed for a specific function, such as fishing, skiing, or diving, and shoehorn a few features to try and broaden its appeal. One European builder has broken this conventional mold to design a multi-function, multi-purpose boat that pushes all the right buttons for the boater looking to use their vessel in a multitude of ways... and this builder has all the awards to prove it.

For boaters, and especially for fishing enthusiasts, offshore fishing is as good as it gets. If you’re new to the experience, though, you may want to prepare yourself a bit to ensure you can enjoy yourself as much as possible. There are plenty of deep-sea fishing opportunities not too far from the Florida Coast, and we highly recommend that you participate in these boating adventures at least once. Let’s get started as we cover everything you need to know about deep-sea fishing near Florida.

Some of our customers have spent most of their lives in and around boats to the extent that it’s a big part of who they are. Others have always been interested in boating, and they finally decide it’s time for them to make the dream a reality. No matter your age, there’s never a bad time to start enjoying the freedom and joy you can find on the open water.

Amberjacks don’t get much respect from South Florida anglers, but they should.

Sarasota, Florida, sits on the sunny southwest coast with a fantastic view of the Gulf. With a population of just over 58,000 people, this little town is a paradise for people who want the benefits of living on the water without the big city crowds.

As long as the need for social distancing for COVID safety keeps people confined to their homes, cabin fever is bound to occur. Families are looking for activities that they can do together while avoiding crowds.

What do we mean by that? Nautical Ventures is leading the charge in the retail sector by searching out and acquiring new product lines committed to creating a harmonious balance between nature and nautical.

Such a peaceful and relaxing sport, how can it be extreme or dangerous? Kayaking in anyone's common mindset would be a visual of a serene setting, on a lake or some flat body of water, meandering through trees and creeks, but it is not the same when it comes to fishing, especially the BIG fish. So this is how it goes. An angler goes offshore, kayak tricked out with all the latest gear (just like a regular fishing boat), and fights winds, current, the open ocean, and catches really big fish.