By Sue Cocking, Guy Harvey Outpost staff writer scocking@guyharveyoutpost.com I can’t think of too many outings more fun in winter than going patch fishing off Islamorada. While you are almost certain …
Best Florida state parks: Our 8 favorites
8 Jun 20202:55 PM
Florida State Parks have been recognized as the best in the nation four times, a record no other state has achieved, so it’s not easy picking the best Florida State parks from 175 terrific contenders.
We haven’t visited them all, but between the two Florida Rambler publishers/writers, we’ve hiked, camped, kayaked, cabined and enjoyed the vast majority. Honestly, not one park disappoints us.
Which are the best Florida state parks? We wanted to identify parks where there’s something extra special and with a variety of activities. Also: We looked to recognize parks from every region of Florida. We list them here in no particular order. Visit Florida Rambler to see the top 8 Parks!
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![](mailto:?subject=Follow the Yellow Brick Road&body=<img class=" size-medium wp-image-3226 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/p1010298.jpg?w=225" alt="P1010298" width="225" height="300" />By Sue Cocking, Guy Harvey Outpost staff writer
scocking@guyharveyoutpost.com
I can't think of too many outings more fun in winter than going patch fishing off Islamorada.
While you are almost certain to catch big numbers of yellowtail snapper, plenty of other species either hang out or pass through these miniature ecosystems at the same time.
On a late December outing with captain Greg Eklund and mate Cory Nelson on the charterboat Cloud Nine out of Bud n' Mary's Marina, our group of four anglers boated nearly 40 yellowtail and gray snapper, a handful of cero mackerel, and the broad head of a big red grouper that got cut in half by a suspected shark. We also released about dozen and half undersized mutton snapper. We couldn't lower our baits into the current without getting a hit.
"Yellowtail is one of the most important species we have," said Eklund, a 21-year veteran captain. "They're delicious. abundant, and fun to catch."
Check, check and check.
The fishing grounds Eklund chose was a sandy plain in the ocean off Islamorada about 20 feet deep with scattered patches of coral reefs to the north and south. He dropped the Cloud Nine's anchor in the sand up-current of the live bottom.
"You don't want to damage the reef by anchoring on it," Eklund explained. "You don't want to damage your tackle on the bottom and lose fish on the reef. You bring the fish to you."
Nelson deployed a chum bag on the transom and prepared a bucket full of raw oats mixed with the oily fish parts. For bait, Cloud Nine had brought live shrimp threaded on 1/4-ounce knock-off Hook Up jigs.
"Live shrimp is a very effective bait in wintertime because a lot of shrimp are going under the bridges," Eklund said, referring to the spans dotting U.S. 1 that separate the ocean from shallow Florida Bay waters.
The captain said fishing for yellowtail with live shrimp on the main reef tract further offshore doesn't work as well as it does on the patches because the fish aren't used to seeing them in wintertime. Most of those migrating crustaceans get picked off by predators long before they make it to the open ocean. Live pilchards, he said, are the preferred bait in deeper waters.
The captain tossed out a cloud of oats and chum from the stern of the boat, waited a few beats, then sent out another one. Within a few minutes, he pronounced, " I can see them; they're swarming."
Flashes of dingy yellow appeared in the green chum slick as Eklund baited my jig with a live shrimp. I lowered it into the water, watching for the line to start zipping through the rod guides. It didn't take long.
"You're on," Eklund said.
I slammed the bail of the reel closed, and came up tight on a feisty fish. It even made the drag sing a little. Within a minute or two, I swung a 14-inch yellowtail over the transom.
My fishing companions--Bud n' Mary's owner captain Richard Stanczyk, tackle shop manager Stephen Byrd, and North Carolina charterboat captain Dave Peck--all joined the action, which was constant and frenzied for several hours. Mixed in with the tails was a handful of mangrove snapper; quite a few muttons too small to keep; and several ceros. A heavy bottom outfit yielded the partial grouper.
The weather was bumpy the day we fished, so we pretty much had the area to ourselves. No commercial boats plied the area for yellowtail because NOAA Fisheries had closed that fishery Oct. 31, projecting that the total annual catch limit of about 1.6 million pounds would be reached. Commercial fishing re-opened on Jan. 1.
Yellowtail is considered a success story by both fishers and fisheries managers. Unlike some grouper/snapper species, the stock is not in trouble from overfishing.
Eklund said part of the reason is all the chumming that goes on in the area.
"It's like a small farm," he said. "[Yellowtail] will gorge themselves on chum, then go to the rocks and regurgitate and it feeds other fish."
We scored a cooler full before noon, and I went home with plenty of five-star entree fare to serve at holiday feasts.
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Sue Cocking chronicles the Guy Harvey Outpost travel and adventure experience in regular blog posts on GuyHarveyOutpostNews.com/. For 21 years, Cocking covered the full spectrum of outdoors adventure opportunities in South Florida and beyond for the Miami Herald, including fishing, diving, hunting, paddling camping, sailing and powerboat racing. She is a certified scuba diver and holder of an IGFA women's world fly fishing record for a 29-pound permit.
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![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey to Raise Funds for Hurricane Relief Efforts in the Bahamas&body=
Guy Harvey Enterprises is supporting hurricane relief and recovery efforts in the Bahamas by donating 100 percent of net profits from a newly designed t-shirt to <a href="https://www.convoyofhope.org/donate/anglers-for-the-bahamas/">Convoy of Hope: Anglers for the Bahamas</a>.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bAHAMAS-sTRONG-sHIRT.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5422" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bAHAMAS-sTRONG-sHIRT.jpg" alt="" width="578" height="721" /></a>The Bahamas Strong t-shirt, which features an iconic Guy Harvey sailfish design with the Bahamian flag, is priced at $25 and available at <a href="https://www.guyharvey.com/bahamas-strong/bahamas-strong-t-shirt.html">https://www.guyharvey.com/bahamas-strong/bahamas-strong-t-shirt.html</a>.
“Hurricane Dorian left an unprecedented path of destruction through the Bahamas, causing unimaginable loss of life, property and security,” said Dr. Guy Harvey, world-renowned artist, conservationist, scientist and entrepreneur. “I was born in the Caribbean and lived here all my life, so I am particularly heartbroken by the devastation in the Bahamas. We sympathize with our island neighbors and will help in any way we can.” https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-to-raise-funds-for-hurricane-relief-efforts-in-the-bahamas/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=The Gator Awakes! Summer fun at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort&body=Summertime Special: It is time to get back to the Great Outdoors. To help you plan for your outdoor adventures this summer we will be offering 4th NIGHT FREE now through September 3rd for Lodge Rooms and RV Sites. Call the office or book online at <a href="http://www.GuyHarveyCampMack.com">GuyHarveyCampMack.com.</a> Offer is based on availability and subject to change. Booking restrictions and blackout dates will apply.
<img src="https://cascade.madmimi.com/promotion_images/1658/1854/original/Camp_Mack_Booking_Engine_Hero_Mobile_4th_Niight_Free.png?1591814549" alt="Camp Mack Booking Engine Hero Mobile 4th Niight Free" width="530" />
Gator Mack’s has reopened! We all know wrangling with gators can be dangerous, and is something best left to the pros. As safety for all is our utmost concern, you should know we hired an outside company for Covid-19 staff training. Along with new procedures, we’re also wrapping up some projects around the camp we’ve been working on while the Gator has been asleep. We look forward to seeing you for a Chompin' Good Time!
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Special Events & Activities: GAME NIGHTS, GAME ON! Join us on Friday's at the Rec Room for Friday Game Nights from 6:00-9:00 PM. Enjoy Archery, Bocce Ball, Shuffleboard, and more.
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Escape to the GREAT OUTDOORS to celebrate the July 4th Weekend! Friday, July 3rd, enjoy Game Night from 6:00-9:00 pm and Saturday, July 4th, FREE CONCERT from 6:00-10:00 pm at the Riverfront Stage followed by Fireworks. Happy Birthday America!
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Outdoor Movie Nights. It's Summertime Blockbuster Season. Camp Mack will be playing an Outdoor Movie Night on July 18, August 22, and September 19th this summer. Come out and enjoy a movie in the Great Outdoors. Pull up your golf cart or grab a lawn chair from 9:00-11:00 pm at the Riverfront Pavilion. The Beer Shack and Food Shack will be open! Fun for all to enjoy. <a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Movie-Night.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5554" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Movie-Night.jpg" alt="" width="547" height="831" /></a>For a full list of activities and events visit our Camp Mack <a href="https://guyharveycampmack.com/local-events/calendar/">Event Calendar. </a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/the-gator-awakes-summer-fun-at-camp-mack-a-guy-harvey-lodge-marina-rv-resort/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=THE KEYS TO PARADISE&body=Where U.S. Route 1 becomes the Overseas Highway, visitors are transported to paradise through a series of islands without ever leaving the states. While Key West reigns as the most well-known tourist destination south of Miami, there are a number of Keys well worth a detour along your drive to the southernmost point.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo2.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5400" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo2.jpeg" alt="" width="5219" height="3480" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Key Largo
Key Largo marks your first location for water adventure at John Pennekamp State Park where visitors can scuba, snorkel, sail, or view the beauty of the living coral reef from the park’s glass bottom boats. As you continue south along U.S. 1 to Key West, you will pass through a collection of islets that make up the premier fishing destination of Islamorada. The beautiful uninhabited islands that surround Islamorada provide the perfect backdrop for backcountry flats fishing on the Gulf side or ocean reef fishing in the Atlantic. For a thrilling adventure, try your hand at tarpon feeding from the dock at Robbie’s Restaurant and Marina before heading to Marathon.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo3.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5401" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo3.jpeg" alt="" width="2688" height="1738" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Marathon
Marathon offers unique ocean to table dining, wildlife and snorkeling ecoadventures, and the largest turtle hospital in the country. Dr. Guy Harvey is an advocate for marine conservation who has dedicated his life to the research and preservation of ocean life. A visit to the Marathon Turtle Hospital provides visitors the opportunity to share in Guy’s passion for turtle conservation and learn about the many species of turtles that you can encounter in Florida’s waters. The hospital offers a behind the scenes guided tour of its rehabilitation facility and concludes with a special opportunity to feed the turtles in its care.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5402" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo4.jpg" alt="" width="3967" height="3171" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Pigeon Key
While in Marathon, visitors have the opportunity to ferry to the national historic landmark of Pigeon Key. Pigeon Key is a hidden gem that will transport you back to a time when Key West was only accessible by boat and railway. Pigeon Key is the epicenter of Henry Flagler’s vision to create an overseas railway from Miami to Key West. This architectural feat expanded commerce between Cuba, Latin America, and Panama and ultimately overhauled the economy and infrastructure of the Keys. Once on the island visitors can take an educational tour, snorkel, or relax on what will feel like your own private island. This cultural excursion departs from the Faro Blanco Marin, where you can grab lunch at its waterfront restaurant, the Lighthouse Grill, before setting sail for Pigeon Key. The Lighthouse Grill serves delectable Key West cuisine paired with enchanting gulf side views. Visitors can snack on conch fritters and feast on delicious fresh fish while sitting poolside as yachts dock at the Marina.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5403" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo5.jpg" alt="" width="3967" height="3171" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Big Pine Key
After a day on the water at Pigeon Key, head south by crossing over the famed Seven Mile Bridge to neighboring Big Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park. Big Pine Key is home to the National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge where lucky visitors can spot protected and endangered Key deer only found in the lower Florida Keys. At Blue Hole nature trail on Big Pine Key visitors can spot a variety of wildlife including the resident American alligators from the observation deck. One of the best ways to locate a Key deer is by driving the neighboring streets around Big Hole and keeping your eyes peeled on the surrounding bushes and vegetation. The National Key Deer Refuge asks visitors not to feed the wild deer and to use extreme caution when driving through Big Pine Key. The deer have become so familiar with human contact that they will walk right up to you or your vehicle. Please enjoy visiting their habitat and follow the rules of the Wildlife Refuge to help the species flourish in its protected environment.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo6.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5404" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Photo6.jpeg" alt="" width="5821" height="3880" /></a>Photo by Katie McCafferty
Bahia Honda State Park
Consistently rated one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Bahia Honda Key is the refreshing escape to paradise you’ve been waiting for. The spectacular panoramic views of the island display the shimmering clear waters that showcase the natural beauty of the Florida Keys. Bahia Honda is a true adventurer’s playground with kayaks, snorkeling gear rentals, and boat trip excursions to the reefs all readily available through the park’s welcome center. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the nature of the island, the park offers overnight cabins situated directly on the Gulf.
From watching as the sun sets over the islands to floating over the turquoise waves, the Florida Keys has a way of reminding you to slow down and relish its natural beauty. In the Keys where it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere” and flip flops and swimsuits are essential, you can be sure that the Florida Key’s state of mind will always follow you wherever you go. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/the-keys-to-paradise/){kind=link}
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