PAGE 12 - May 22, 2013
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Enjoy a safe day on the water –
and stay out of trouble! tidal shoreline
With over 12,000 square miles of water, 2,000 miles of beautiful
and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers, streams and canals, Florida is a boating paradise. As the
weather heats up and kids get out of school, many people will be taking to the waters to cool
off and relax.
That s where the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
comes in. In addition to patrolling all of Florida s waterways, FWC staff promotes access
to them by developing and maintaining boat ramps. The goal is for everyone to be able to
enjoy the water safely.
Each year, FWC officers rescue around 1,000 people, many of them on the water.
Earlier this year, in Escambia County, two people were left hanging onto the Bob Sikes
Bridge after their boat began to take on water and sink. Fortunately, two FWC officers re-
sponded and brought them safely to shore.
However, not everyone is so lucky. In 2012 there were over 700 boating accidents,
and 55 people tragically lost their lives as a result. FWC officers do everything they can to
keep people safe, but there are also measures that boaters should take to protect themselves.
Remain alert, wear a life jacket at all times and designate a sober boat operator. These three
simple actions can mean the difference between a fun day on the water and a tragic one.
There are many comfortable life jackets on the market today, including compact
styles that automatically inflate if you hit the water. Having it stored in a bin is legal for
adults, but you will be much more likely to stay afloat if you re always wearing it.
Some popular waterways can get crowded at times. Ensuring that your boat operator pays
This week's fishing picture is of John Partain and Sonny Pierce of Dunnellon with some nice
close attention to the surroundings, including signage, other boats and animals, and hasn t
Redfish. They were caught on the flats north of Yankeetown on Mirrorlures.
had any alcohol are absolutely necessary to be safe.
Florida License-Free Fishing Days
Recently, FWC officers in Duval County received a complaint of an impaired boat-
The FWC offers four license-free fishing days a year: two saltwater and two fresh-
er. When they located him, he had three children onboard and was unable to dock his boat.
water. On these four days, the requirement to have a recreational fishing license is waived
The officers used a rope and pulled his boat to the dock. After sobriety tests and a check
for Floridaís residents and visitors while they are fishing.
of his blood-alcohol level, he was arrested for BUI and taken off the water before he could
FRESHWATER license-free fishing days are set to the first Saturday in April
injure himself or others. If you see someone operating dangerously, putting himself or oth-
(which fell on April 6) and the second Saturday in June, which is coming up soon on Satur-
ers in harm s way – say something! The FWC s Wildlife Alert hotline is manned 24/7,call
day, JUNE 8. SALTWATER license-free fishing days are selected by the FWC on an annual
888-404-FWCC or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
basis, and the first of these days was selected as Saturday, Sept. 1. Bay scallop season is also
open to harvest on this date.
BUDDY & FRED’S HARDWARE
Captains Cove Outfitters
1983 - 30th Year - 2013
Food Ranch Plaza • 44 Hwy. 19 N. • Inglis, Florida
39 W. Hwy. 40 • Inglis, FL • (352) 447-5610
352-447-2600 • BuddyAndFredsHardware.com
More Than A Bait Store
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-4pm • Sun. 9am-3pm
Even though we have a great bait selection!
Hardware • Tools • Plants • Seeds • Gardening • BBQ • RV
Kitchen • Gifts Items • Dock and Boat Accessories & More!
$ave Gas - Money - & Time
MAY SPECIALS
No Need to Shop Ocala/Orlando
Your fishing supplies are right here In
Inglis
Flower/Vegetable Seed
Captains Cove Outfitters
150-Quart Coolers
Open M-Sa 5:45-6pm Sun. 5:45-5pm
Booster Cables
SHIMANO Top Shelf Dealer
Ratchet Straps
Costa 580 P Dealer
Paint Brushes
All Our Staff are Fishermen
Local Guides Available
Water Filters
Yeti
We have a Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
Top Quality rods & reels for beginners
Coolers
Rain Gauges
to experts. Large selection of Saltwater Tackle
Visit Our Mobile Website
Just scan the QR code below on your phone or type in the URL
Newscaster
Lisa VanDeBoe
Broker/Owner
Call 352-634-0129
Hometown News for the Nature
Email: plantationlisa@yahoo.com
Coast
Daily updates for news in Crystal River,
See all the Citrus County listings on our Website:
Homosassa, Inglis, Yankeetown, Florida
on The Nature Coast
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