North Central Florida Outdoor Expo -- 16 August 2025

 Had fun this morning checking out the North Central Florida Outdoor Expo at the World Equestrian Center! It's great to see such a hyper-local outdoor event so well attended! Boats, trucks, campers, clubs, outfitters, organizations, outdoor gear manufacturers and insurance agents all under one roof. 

MCFF Meeting -- 14 April 2025

 

Fun meeting tonight with the Mid-Coast Fly Fishers!! New members, visitors, returning members, fishing reports, fish tales, fishing in the news, and some book and film suggestions! You never know what you'll get at MCFF, but you'll always learn something!! We meet the 2nd & 3rd Monday of every month. As always, all are welcome, and I'll be glad to save you a seat!

MCFF Meeting -- 10 Mar 2025

 Many thanks to Leiza Fitzgerald, CCA S.T.A.R. Tournament Director for speaking to the Mid-Coast Flyfishers tonight! She covered CCA's conservation efforts in our area and all over Florida, as well as an overview of the S.T.A.R. tournament and some of the prizes available! MCFF meets the 2nd and 3rd Monday of every month and all are welcome! As always, I'll be glad to save you a seat!!

Glock Sport Shooting Foundation February Matches 2025

 Just thought I'd share a couple "selfies" I took while shooting two Glock Sport Shooting Foundation matches in February!  I have very much enjoyed shooting GSSF the last couple of years and I'm really starting to see some great improvement in my performance.  If you're interested in a low-key, laid-back pistol match, I highly encourage you to check out GSSF.  It's always a ball and involves some of the nicest people and best volunteers you'll find anywhere.  I'll be shooting at the Myakka match next, near Tampa at the end of March.  Lots of fun, and some pretty decent prizes involved! Hope to see you there!

Having a blast in Tallahassee at my first GSSF match of 2025!!

Here's my result from the Northern Florida Regional Classic (Tallahassee), Midway, FL Feb 15, 2025:

    Major Sub      | Glock 30S .45ACP | 1st Place Amateur

    Heavy Metal  | Glock 21 .45ACP   | 2nd Place Amateur

    Pocket Glock | Glock 43 9mm        | 2nd Place Amateur

    Subcompact   | Glock 27 .40S&W  | 3rd Place Amateur

    AmCiv           | Glock 17 9mm        | 10th Overall

    Rimfire          | Glock 44 .22LR       | 19th Overall

My first time shooting GSSF matches on consecutive weekends! Had a great day and pretty happy with my performance. Little bit of a break before heading to the Tampa match next.

And, my result from the Volusia County GSSF Match, New Smyrna Beach, FL Feb 22, 2025:

    Rimfire          | Glock 44 .22LR       | 1st Place Amateur

    Subcompact   | Glock 27 .40S&W   | 1st Place Amateur 

    Major Sub      | Glock 30S .45ACP  | 2nd Place Amateur

    Heavy Metal  | Glock 21 .45ACP     | 3rd Place Amateur

    Pocket Glock | Glock 43 9mm          | 14th Overall

    AmCiv           | Glock 17 9mm          | 19th Overall

    

MCFF Meeting -- 10 February 2025

 

Carolyn Kovacs, our area's Seagrass Extension Agent, gave a great talk to the Mid-Coast Fly Fishers tonight on the improvement in the state of the seagrass they're seeing in the Indian River Lagoon and to also introduce the members to their new citizen science program "Eyes On Seagrass". MCFF meets the 2nd and 3rd Monday of every month. As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat!!

#SeagrassExtensionAgent #UF #IFAS #SeaGrantFlorida #EyesOnSeagrass #MCFF #MidCoastFlyFishers #flyfishing #saltwaterflyfishing #flflyfishing #flyfishfl #flyfishflorida #FLOutdoors #FloridaFlyfishing #TheSuburbanAngler

Thanksgiving Day 2024

 Thanksgiving afternoon made for a stunningly beautiful time to throw poppers on a pond! Hooked up a nice little bass, that was the icing on the cake!

MCFF Tying Meeting -- 17 June 2024

 At tonight's MCFF Tying Meeting, the club's own Bob Dillon once again led the tyers with some variations on the classic Gartside Gurgler! Tying in bucktail, palmering hackel and working with foam are some of the foundation skills that are always good to practice! The MCFF Tying Meeting is the third Monday of every month, and, as always, all are welcome. I'll be glad to save you a seat!

Glock Match - New Smyrna Beach 25 Feb 2024

 

It was a beautiful day for a GSSF match in New Smyrna Beach on Sunday! Unfortunately, between shooting my divisions and acting as score keeper at Glock The Plates all afternoon, this was the only photo I took. I had an absolute ball, and the folks from Glock and all the volunteers always make it a great event! If you're looking for a low stress, fun and easy going way to dip your toe into pistol matches, take a look at GSSF. I might not have placed all that high overall, but I did manage to win a Glock knife in the Heavy Metal division! I'll be shooting again at the Homestead match in April, hope to see you there!

MCFF Tying Night -- 20 Nov 2023

 Tonight's MCFF Fly Tying meeting was presented al-fresco! Carl Sanders walked everyone through tying the Simpson's Shrimp, which utilizes an inverted tying technique, working from the eye to the bend. Lots of learning tonight! As always, all are welcome, and I'll be glad to save you seat!

Uplifting Flyby

 Enjoying a much needed cigar on the balcony this evening and this guy honored me with a flyby! 

MCFF Tying Night -- 21 Aug 23

 A great night of fly tying and camaraderie at MCFF as Carl Sanders demonstrated 5 different ways (and a couple variations) to add a weed guard and tail support  to our flies. After the demo he led the membership, new and tenured, in tying a simple Crystal Schminnow in which each tier added the weed guard technique of their choice! Many thanks to Carl for taking on the fly tying leadership role and the monumental task of reorganizing the club's tying materials and tools!! As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat!

 

HARDY MARKSMAN Z FLY ROD WINS TOP HONOR AT ICAST 2023

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   HARDY MARKSMAN Z FLY ROD WINS TOP HONOR AT ICAST Beating out stiff competition, the Hardy Marksman Z captures prestigious Best in Category Win for Fly Fishing Rod at ICAST 2023   ORLANDO, FL. (JULY 12, 2023) – The Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod, designed to be an angler's ally in the unpredictable and varied challenges of the saltwater environment, has won the prestigious ICAST Best in Category for Fly Rod Award. The Marksman Z, which has been meticulously crafted in partnership with some of the world's finest saltwater guides, seasoned anglers, and industry legends is the perfect tool for your moment in salt. Built with Sintrix FLT that is applied to an updated mandrel design, the Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod stands up to the most demanding saltwater conditions offering the reliability needed for everything from Gold Cups to Grand Slams and a thousand different challenges in between. Regardless of the changing tides or shifting winds, the Hardy Marksman Z is your steadfast companion in the saltwater world. “The Hardy team spent many hours and days on the water listening to the concerns of our best anglers. We knew we had to replace the Zane Pro, and that was a challenge,” said Jim Murphy, Director of Fly Fishing for Hardy. “We had to develop new materials, new tapers, and test them with the most demanding anglers. The feedback we received was that they could not believe we improved on the Zane Pro. We are happy to maintain our position as the best saltwater fly rod in the world.” Key Features: Sintrix FLT on an updated mandrel design Increased lifting power in the lower section  Reduced overall in-hand weight Easy to load yet fast tip recovery for more accurate casts under pressured situations Hybrid ring specification that blends durability and practicality using both Cerecoil and recoil stripper guides Aluminum uplocking reel seat with easy to grip locking nuts to ensure a solid reel fit MSRP: Starting at $995 Available:  September 2023 Experience the strength, agility and durability of the all-new Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod and feel the difference in every cast. To learn more about Hardy Fly Fishing, click here. For more information about the 2023 new products from all the Pure Fishing brands, including downloadable press releases, spec sheets, images and logos, click here.                                                            ### About Pure Fishing Pure Fishing is a collection of the world’s favorite fishing brands. Every day, all around the world, someone experiences the joy of catching a fish with one of our products. From gear for epic battles at sea to a relaxing day with family at the lake, our portfolio includes the most recognized and admired brands in fishing tackle, lures, rods, reels and storage. Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, DAM®, Fenwick®, Fin-Nor®, Frabill®, Greys®, Hardy®, Hodgman®, Johnson®, JRC®, Madcat®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Prologic®, Savage Gear®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Ugly Stik® and Van Staal®.

ALL-NEW HARDY MARKSMAN Z FLY ROD - Pure Fishing Press Release 5 July 2023

 I received a new press release from the folks at Hardy this morning!  Looks like they're introducing a new line of Saltwater Fly Rods!  I hope they'll have them at ICAST, I can't wait to check these out!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW HARDY MARKSMAN Z FLY ROD Redefining Performance in Saltwater Fishing   COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 5, 2023) – Just in time for those saltwater flats trips, the Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod is a groundbreaking addition to our premier saltwater rod range. This innovative rod leverages the latest in performance materials to deliver a level of strength, reduced weight, and durability unmatched in the market. The Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod is designed to be an angler's ally in the unpredictable and varied challenges of the saltwater environment. From calm, early morning runs to windy afternoons, the Hardy Marksman Z ensures an optimal cast, even from an unstable platform.  This rod is designed with a unique blend of feel, power, and recovery, resulting in a product that promises an unrivaled fishing experience. As a hundred pounds of chrome goes airborne, or as six pounds of silver leaves the flat as if fired from a gun, you can be confident that the Marksman Z in your hand can do the job and, of course, the adrenaline rush is guaranteed.  This exceptional blend of characteristics was brought to life through a collaborative design process. In partnership with some of the world's finest saltwater guides, seasoned anglers, and industry legends, we've crafted the Hardy Marksman Z to be the perfect tool for your perfect moment in salt. Built with Sintrix FLT that is applied to an updated mandrel design, the Marksman Z was created with a strong butt section that gives you increased lifting power in the lower section of the rod making it strong enough to pull big fish from cover yet extremely light in the hand. The Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod stands up to the most demanding saltwater conditions, offering the reliability needed for everything from Gold Cups to Grand Slams and a thousand different challenges in between. Regardless of the changing tides or shifting winds, the Hardy Marksman Z is your steadfast companion in the saltwater world. "We're delighted to introduce the Hardy Marksman Z, the newest addition to our superior range of fishing rods," said Jim Murphy, Director of Fly Fishing for Hardy. "Our goal is to provide anglers with the best possible equipment that can stand up to any condition, and we believe the Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod exemplifies this commitment." Features:  Sintrix FLT on an updated mandrel design Increased lifting power in the lower section  Reduced overall in-hand weight Easy to load yet fast tip recovery for more accurate casts under pressured situations Hybrid ring specification that blends durability and practicality using both Cerecoil and recoil stripper guides Aluminum uplocking reel seat with easy to grip locking nuts to ensure a solid reel fit MSRP: Starting at $995 Available:  September 2023   Experience the strength, agility and durability of the all-new Hardy Marksman Z Fly Rod and feel the difference in every cast. To learn more about Hardy Fly Fishing, click here. ### For an exclusive look at the Hardy Marksman Z and the entire lineup of new fly fishing gear from Hardy, please consider joining Hardy and the rest of the Pure Fishing brands for an exclusive preview of its New Product Showcase entries at On the Water from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11 at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) North Building Ponds. Also join us at the Pure Fishing press conference in Room S310 A-B of the OCCC, at 3:30 p.m. to hear directly from some of the biggest brands in the fresh and saltwater fishing industries. And finally, please consider voting for the Hardy Marksman Z at the ICAST New Product Showcase starting Tuesday, July 11. For more information about Hardy, click here.   About Pure Fishing Pure Fishing is a collection of the world’s favorite fishing brands. Every day, all around the world, someone experiences the joy of catching a fish with one of our products. From gear for epic battles at sea to a relaxing day with family at the lake, our portfolio includes the most recognized and admired brands in fishing tackle, lures, rods, reels and storage. Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, DAM®, Fenwick®, Fin-Nor®, Frabill®, Greys®, Hardy®, Hodgman®, Johnson®, JRC®, Madcat®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Prologic®, Savage Gear®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Ugly Stik® and Van Staal®.

New Features and Quest Technology for Minn Kota Trolling Motors -- Johnson Outdoors Press Release 26 June 2023

 Good morning folks!
    I just received a Press Release from the folks over at Minn Kota regarding the introduction and upgrades of the trolling motor lineup and thought I'd share it in its entirety here.  Let me know your thoughts on the updates, and if you like seeing the full press release.  I think I'm going to try to post them like this more often.  
  Hope you're all doing well,
    Have a great day and Tight Lines!
       -Nick

Minn Kota Announces New and Upgraded Line of Trolling Motors to Fit Every Angler

Minn Kota’s trusted line of bow-mount trolling motors have been re-designed to help anglers get more out of their time on the water - including QUEST, a powerful new brushless technology platform.

RACINE, Wis. (JUN 26, 2023) – Since 1934 Minn Kota has been known for developing real, fishable features that help anglers explore new water, go further, and put more fish in the boat. The best trolling motors available just got even better with a complete restage of Minn Kota’s bow-mount motor lineup and the introduction of QUEST technology. New and upgraded Ultrex™, Ulterra®, Instinct, Terrova®, Riptide Terrova®, PowerDrive™, and Riptide PowerDrive™ bow mount trolling motors are being reintroduced with a brand new look and updated technology suite full of angler-friendly enhancements.

In addition to all the GPS navigational features anglers have come to expect from Minn Kota like Spot-Lock and Follow-the-Contour, all of these new additions to the motor lineup will feature enhanced boat control tools for anglers – no matter their preferred species. Whether fresh or saltwater and regardless of skill level or pursuit, Minn Kota’s redesigned line of trolling motors has an option for any angler looking for bulletproof reliability and unmatched performance on the water.

New Features for All Bow-Mount Models:

• NEW Enhanced GPS Suite Including Drift Mode to allow anglers to spend more time fishing and less time on boat control 

  • Drift Mode: combats current and wind by automatically adjusting speed and direction to keep the boat on a true drift. Drift Mode acts as a gps drift sock eliminating the need for cumbersome ropes or shallow water anchor paddles

  • Improved Follow-the-Contour functionality: allows for better LakeMaster and CoastMaster integration to stay on the desired course.
     
  • Dodge Mode: allows anglers to quickly leave auto navigation mode to manually steer through waves and around structures and then resume navigating without resetting their route.

• Out of the Box connection to Humminbird via the One-Boat Network by including all necessary adapters required for networking without additional need for setup

• One App for Everything – the One-Boat Network App can control everything on the boat from the trolling motor and shallow water anchors to the Humminbird head units

• Enhanced Built-in 2D Sonar with Dual Spectrum CHIRP adds Humminbird’s unrivaled sonar clarity to every Minn Kota motor

Minn Kota QUEST Technology

Motors with QUEST technology might resemble some of Minn Kota’s most popular and trusted models, but have been completely redesigned from the ground up to tackle the toughest environments.  QUEST motors feature a dual 24 or 36 volt brushless lower unit, a carbon fiber-infused upgraded shaft and reinforced brackets and pivot points. Boasting 30% longer runtime and up to 50% more torque*, these motors are built for the most demanding anglers, helping them get out earlier, stay out later and fish in wind, waves and current that others can’t.

Minn Kota Ultrex, Ulterra, Instinct, Terrova, and Riptide Terrova motors will all now be available with QUEST technology.  With available shaft lengths up to 100”, Riptide Terrova and Instinct QUEST motors were made to tackle the toughest offshore environments on bigger boats than ever before. With improved and upgraded components such as mounts, brackets, shafts, and pivot points, the motors are built to handle the increase in power in the harshest environments. QUEST motors include an upgraded lift assist assembly for effortless stow and deployment, carbon fiber shafts with increased lengths, Auto Park to automatically turn the motor when stowing, new propellers to cut through heavy vegetation while maintaining peak power output and fewer moving parts to prevent unnecessary wear over the life of the product.

New Features for QUEST Models: 

• Dual 24 or 36 volt Brushless Motor with up to 30% longer runtime and 50% greater torque*
  • Up to 30% longer runtime on a single charge provides anglers more time on the water
  • Up to 50% greater torque means more precise control in wind and waves and the ability to shed weeds more effectively

• Redesigned and Upgraded Mount to accommodate the additional thrust and torque of the lower unit

• Carbon Fiber Infused Shaft for enhanced durability while maintaining flexibility to protect the bow of an angler’s boat

• Peak Performance and Efficiency from Updated Propellors which maximize torque throughout the speed range

• New lift-assist assembly to make getting the motor in and out of the water effortless (select models)

• Real-Time Battery Monitoring System lets anglers know time until empty at a given speed setting and prompts users to enter a power saving eco mode when batteries reach 20% charge

• No Loss of Power: constant power throughout the day with no drop in motor performance as battery voltage decreases of the length of a fishing day

• One-Boat Network Programmable Button: customized presets to include stow and deploy Minn Kota shallow water anchors, mark a waypoint, or engage autopilot

• QUEST Technology availability: Ultrex, Ulterra, Instinct, Terrova, Riptide Terrova 

Click HERE to see the new and upgraded line of bow-mount trolling motors in action.

*Compared to 24 volt brushed motor when run at maximum speed setting

About Johnson Outdoors

JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.

Visit Johnson Outdoors at www.johnsonoutdoors.com 

MCFF Fly Tying Night -- 19 June 2023

 Mid-Coast Fly Fisher's monthly fly tying meeting had a great group of varied skill-level tiers working on some new techniques with the Po Boy fly as tied by Carl Sanders. Consisting of craft fur with backing, rubber legs and dubbing brush tied to a jig hook with a barbel eye, should make for very lifelike movement in the waters of Central Florida! As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save a seat for you!!

Mid Coast Fly Fishers -- 12 June 2023

 The Mid-Coast Fly Fishers June General Meeting tonight ushered in the Summer Season as the snowbirds' northern migration left the core group of locals to continue on. The free form discussion saw excellent fishing reports spanning from the Tomoka River basin all the way down to the Keys! The fish were big, though some of the tales were likely bigger, but, as always loads of tips, tricks, warnings and information were shared. As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat. 

MCFF Fly Tying Night - 15 May 2023

 Another great night of casting practice and fly tying with the Mid-Coast Fly Fishers! Capt. Frank Brownell shared his interpretation of a classic Gurgler which demonstrated multiple techniques like dealing with bucktail, stacking thread, wrapping chenille, and, most notably, introduces folks to tying flies with craft foam! As always all are welcome and I'll be glad to save a seat for you!

Mid Coast Fly Fishers - 8 May 2023

 It was a beautiful evening for casting practice on the lawn at tonight's Mid Coast Fly Fishers meeting! Our speaker was under the weather, so our meeting instead consisted of fishing reports and local news from the membership, but that always makes for a fun and informative night! There's always room for more, and all are welcome. I'll be glad to save you a seat!

MCFF Fly Tying Night - 17 April 2023

 We had a great turnout at tonight's MCFF Fly Tying Night! Carl Sanders led the group in tying one of club president Capt. Dick Withey's favorite crab patterns! This fly was a challenge even for our seasoned tyers, but, I'm proud to say, we had several beginners that toughed it out and tied this crab as their first fly!! We have a Tying Night the third Monday of every month and we're always happy to help folks learn a new pattern or introduce beginners to the passion of fly tying! I'll be glad to save a seat for you!

 

Blue Spring State Park

Beautiful day to be in the park!

The boil at Blue Spring State Park