Neal Watson, dive legend and operator of Dive Bimini, a Guy Harvey Outpost Dive Center, will head the judging team for Key Largo’s first King and Queen of the Reef. A costume party and gala kicks-off …
LYC Commodore Sends Letter of Thanks for Successful 2010 Bimini Blast Event at the BBGC
26 Sep 20105:49 PM
The Commodore of the Lauderdale Yacht Club recently sent a letter to the staff of the Bimini Big Game Club expressing his gratitude to the BBGC for hosting a sucessful “Bimini Blast”, which is the LYC’s annual gathering in Bimini:
Click here to see a photo album of the 2010 “Bimini Blast” event at the BBGC.
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![](mailto:?subject=LYC Commodore Sends Letter of Thanks for Successful 2010 Bimini Blast Event at the BBGC&body=The Commodore of the Lauderdale Yacht Club recently sent a letter to the staff of the <a title="Bimini Big Game Club web site" href="http://www.biminibiggameclub.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club</a> expressing his gratitude to the BBGC for hosting a sucessful "Bimini Blast", which is the LYC's annual gathering in Bimini:
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/lyc-loving-letter1.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-133 aligncenter" title="Letter from the Commodore of the LYC" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/lyc-loving-letter1.jpg?w=788" alt="" width="567" height="737" /></a>
<a title="Bimini Blast 2010 at the Bimini Big Game Club" href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=13362&id=127094040665962&saved" target="_blank">Click here</a> to see a photo album of the 2010 "Bimini Blast" event at the BBGC. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/lyc-commodore-sends-letter-of-thanks-for-successful-2010-bimini-blast-event-at-the-bbgc/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Neal Watson to Lead Festivities Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Key Largo’s Pennekamp St Park&body=<a title="www.nealwatson.com" href="http://www.nealwatson.com" target="_blank">Neal Watson</a>, dive legend and operator of <a title="Dive Bimini's web page" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/dive-bimini.htm" target="_blank">Dive Bimini, a Guy Harvey Outpost Dive Center</a>, will head the judging team for Key Largo's first King and Queen of the Reef. A costume party and gala kicks-off celebrations at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at <a title="Buzzard's Roost web site" href="http://www.buzzardsroostkeylargo.com/" target="_blank">Buzzards Roost</a>.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/guyneal.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-308" title="Guy Harvey & Neal Watson Announcing the Dive Bimini Partnership" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/guyneal.jpg?w=226" alt="" width="226" height="300" /></a>
The event is part of the Key Largo Chamber's observance of the 50th Anniversary for <a title="PSP web site" href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/" target="_blank">Pennekamp State Park</a>.
Joining Watson on the judges' stand will be <a title="Capt. Slate's Atlantis Dive Center web site" href="http://www.captainslate.com/" target="_blank">Spencer Slate</a>, <a title="Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort" href="http://www.amoray.com/" target="_blank">Amy Slate</a> and <a title="CRF web site" href="http://www.coralrestoration.org/CRF/index.php" target="_blank">Kara Nedimyer of the Coral Restoration Foundation</a>.
Entry to the contest is free and participants will be judged in two categories for costume and a 50-word essay on 'Why they feel worthy to qualify for this exalted position,' according to event coordinator Sue Finney.
The King of the Reef will be crowned King Poseidon, God of the Seas and the Queen of the Reef, Her Highness Amphitrite Goddess of the Seas. Prize packages for the winners will include VIP tickets to join Watson aboard the Grand Marshall Boat of the <a title="Key Largo's Holiday Boat Parade web site" href="http://www.keylargoboatparade.com/" target="_blank">Holiday Boat Parade</a>, which takes place the following Saturday, Dec. 11.
The Buzzards Roost gala begins at 6 p.m. with a champagne reception followed by a four-course dinner. Tickets cost $55 per person.
For reservations, call 453-3746. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/neal-watson-to-lead-festivities-celebrating-50th-anniversary-of-key-largos-pennekamp-st-park/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Hunting Not Always Ducky on Lake Okeechobee&body=<img class=" size-medium wp-image-3060 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lakeoduck.jpg?w=225" alt="LakeODuck" width="225" height="300" />By Sue Cocking, Guy Harvey Outpost staff writer
scocking@guyharveyoutpost.com
[Okeechobee, FL--] A blast of cold weather and flocks of ignorant ducks from the north are high on the holiday wish lists of duck hunters on Lake Okeechobee when phase two of the harvest season opens Dec.12.
The first phase Nov. 21-29 found hordes of hunters and plenty of birds flying over the marshes of the Big O on the first cool front of the fall season. But after numerous rounds of sky-blasting from legions of 12-gauges, the ducks learned to cruise the stratosphere as they made their way south across the 730-square-mile lake.
Still, the skittish birds and constant bursts of small-arms fire were no excuses for not bagging a limit of six, according to Sam Heaton of Jensen Beach, FL. In a half-day of hunting on the north end of the lake, Heaton managed only three ducks-- two ring-necked and a gadwall.
It wasn't for lack of preparation; Heaton had scouted the secluded lily pad slough weeks before the season opened aboard his 15 1/2-foot Gheenoe-- a flats boat/canoe hybrid powered by an outboard with an extra-long shaft. A veteran hunter, fisherman and all-around outdoorsman, he had discovered plenty of ducks alighting, feeding and hanging out in the area. All he had to do was set out some decoys, conceal his camo-painted boat in a nearby stand of cattails, cradle his 12-gauge, and watch for the flare of approaching duck wings.
He was armed with a variety of duck calls ranging from quacks to whistles and had his trusty yellow Lab named Finn aboard to fetch fallen birds. But none of it seemed to matter when his quarry flew in. He fired and missed at least four times.
"Son of a gun," Heaton muttered. "This is the worst I've ever shot."
Finn, waiting impatiently for something to do, whined in agreement.
"I know, I know, buddy," Heaton soothed the dog, stroking its ears.
When Heaton shot his first 'ringer', Finn literally leapt into action -- bounding over the gunwales into the marsh and swimming straight for the floating duck. He quickly returned with it clamped in his jaws, looking immensely pleased with himself.
Over the next four hours, Heaton shot one more ringer and a gadwall-- both retrieved by Finn. As the sun rose higher, the birds mostly flew by high out of range. Despite the futility, several nearby hunters blasted at them anyway, prompting them to reach new heights. By late morning, fewer and fewer flocks appeared.
"We need some more ducks. These ducks have been shot hard this weekend," Heaton said.
Around noon with no more prospects on the horizon, Heaton decided to pack up his decoys and head back to the boat ramp. He had enough duck breasts for hors d'oeuvres and was buoyed by hopes of a new wave of targets during phase two of the season which runs through Jan. 31.
"We'll get more ducks since the weather is getting cold up north," he said.
Here is Heaton's recipe for grilled duck breast:
Butterfly duck breasts. Prepare a mixture of sour cream, chives, garlic, cilantro, and red pepper flakes, ladle it onto the breasts, then roll each one up in a slice of apple-cured bacon and secure with a toothpick or skewer.
Cook on the grill until the bacon is sizzling. Dive in.
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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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Share your photos, videos and experiences with Guy Harvey Outpost by hash tagging #OutpostAttitude to all of your social media posts. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/hunting-not-always-ducky-on-lake-o/){kind=link}
 to double black diamond (most difficult). Instead of a guide clipping your cables and demonstrating each element, you do everything yourself. If you have a problem or a question, just call out to a staffer for advice or --if you're really too scared to swing through the trees--someone will climb up and escort you down.
Even though I stuck to the green and yellow courses during my visit, I found the experience exhilarating and fun. I could understand why a 12-year-old from the neighborhood who the staff calls an unpaid intern visits here twice a week for his three-hour workout.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Treehoppers3-e1492097028812.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4675" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Treehoppers3-e1492097028812.jpg" alt="" width="3264" height="2448" /></a>
After airborne exercise, I headed back to Tarpon Springs-- stopping en route for a little refreshment at the Florida Estate Winery in Land O'Lakes, not far from TreeHoppers. It's a popular waypoint for many wannabe Tarzans and Janes.
For more information about TreeHoppers, visit <a href="http://www.treehoppers.com">www.treehoppers.com</a> or call 813-381-5400.
On the day after my swing through TreeHoppers, I visited a very different kind of park--Key Vista Nature Park in tiny Holiday near Tarpon Springs. This quiet, 100-acre reserve of mostly sand pine uplands is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Rocky Creek, inviting visitors to fish, swim, hike, and picnic. I walked most of its 1 1/2 miles of trails and climbed the observation tower for a scenic view of the lighthouse at Anclote Key Preserve State Park.
Key Vista is best known for bird watching; with more than 220 documented species, it's a must-stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Save for a nesting osprey cheeping in the pines, I saw few birds on my afternoon walk, but I did get to eavesdrop on an amorous gopher tortoise trying to get lucky with its partner in the scrub.
For more information on Key Vista Nature Park, call 727-938-2598. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/a-tale-of-two-parks-near-tarpon-springs/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey and Vaughn Cochran Team to Create Black Fly Bimini at the Bimini Big Game Club&body=FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—OCTOBER 6, 2010—<a title="Guy Harvey Inc. web site" href="http://www.guyharvey.com" target="_blank">Guy Harvey</a> announced today he is teaming with fellow artist, conservationist and fly fishing personality, <a title="Vaughn Cochran's web site" href="http://www.vaughncochranart.com/artgallery/" target="_blank">Vaughn Cochran</a>, to launch Black Fly Bimini, a Guy Harvey Outpost Outfitter operation.
Black Fly Bimini will operate out of the newly reopened <a title="Bimini Big Game Club web site" href="http://www.biminibiggameclub.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and Marina</a>.
In making the announcement, Harvey commented “this legendary Club overlooks flats abundant with bonefish and permit. Vaughn has the skills and passion to help us promote Bimini’s remarkable back-country fishery for its great fishing and mesmerizing natural beauty.” Commenting on the varied fishing opportunities his Bimini Outpost has to offer, and their spirited competition as renown offshore and back country anglers, Harvey is quick to add, “looking at Vaughn is a bit like looking in the mirror, so I’m sure glad he keeps his fishing to skinny water!
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/vaughn20cochran20with20bonefish.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-140" title="Vaughn Cochran with Bonefish" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/vaughn20cochran20with20bonefish.jpeg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="263" /></a>
Black Fly Bimini will organize all of the Big Game Club’s backcountry fishing programs, with on-site staff, operations and merchandising support. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Cochran and his fly fishing wife, Jean, oversee Black Fly Inc., a collection of enterprises featuring fly fishing merchandise, art and travel. The couple has recently opened Black Fly Bonefish Club, their newest lodge, located on Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas.
“Hands down any day, for a pure adrenaline rush, the Grey Ghosts of Bimini can hold their own against the Man in the Blue Suit”, Cochran notes, referring to the Blue Marlin that is synonymous with Bimini’s reputation among off-shore anglers. “Now with the help of the island’s legendary bonefishing guides, we’re going to revitalize awareness of the great bonefishing that Bimini offers.”
In addition to featuring Guy Harvey sportswear and gifts, the <a title="The Outfitter Shop at the Bimini Big Game Club" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/the-outfitter-shop.htm" target="_blank">Outfitter shop</a> at the Bimini Big Game Club will feature Black Fly merchandise and fly fishing supplies, including assorted flies developed by Cochran especially for conditions on the Bimini flats.
About Vaughn Cochran
A Florida native, Cochran grew up in the art community of St. Augustine and earned art degrees in ceramics and painting at the internationally known and respected Art and Printmaking Department of the University of South Florida. Becoming one of the most respected fly fishing guides in the Florida Keys, Cochran later managed some of the legendary fishing lodges of the Caribbean and Central America, including Parismina Tarpon Rancho in Costa Rica and Turneffe Island Lodge in Belize. Along the way, he nurtured his artistic calling, and today his works are found in numerous private and corporate collections, including a recent one-man exhibition at the IGFA’s main gallery.
"Although I still enjoy painting the traditional fishing and seascape scenes that I'm known for, my newest work is in the pop style from earlier in my painting career. I started with pop art fish and have moved on to other images and icons of the fishing industry, he said." These paintings are now available as prints as are many of his more traditional scenes of the flats he fished on a regular basis.
With his quick wit and entertaining laid back style, Cochran is a frequent host and guest of various fly-fishing TV shows including the popular “Spanish Fly” with fishing pal, Jose Wejebe.
What started out as Vaughn Cochran's marine art gallery years ago has turned into one of the most unique destination fly shops in the U.S., Black Fly Outfitter, a full service technical fly shop specializing in saltwater flies, custom fly kits, fly rods, fly reels and clothing for tropical fly fishing destinations around the world.
The company’s sumi-style Black Fly logo adorns a complete line of fly fishing merchandise, gear and gifts. Original paintings, fine art prints, ceramic tiles and art pottery, Black Fly merchandise and additional T-shirts are available at www.vaughncochranart.com.
About Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort and Marina
Founded as a dinner club in 1936 in Alice Town, the island’s cultural hub, by Nassau entrepreneur and bon-vivant, Neville Stuart, the Big Game Club has over the last 74 years hosted world-class fishermen, major tournaments, international celebrities and tens of thousands guests looking to bask in the unique “Islands in the Stream” mantra made famous by author Ernest Hemingway who fished and lived in Bimini in the mid 1930s.
Today, the Big Game Club’s Outpost concept is designed to take the resort beyond that of a “fishing lodge (though admittedly a majority of visitors will be there for the world class fishing) to create an eco-destination attracting both fishing and diving enthusiasts while focusing on adventure travel, sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
The Big Game Club, which is located on the main navigation channel in Bimini Bay, currently features a 51-room resort and a 75-slip marina capable of accommodating boats up to 145 linear feet. By Spring 2011, a full service fuel dock will be operational.
There are Phase II plans that will include a Guy Harvey Theater, guest lecture series and interactive sessions with Dr. Harvey and the Guy Harvey Research Institute at NOVA Southeastern Oceanographic Center and day trips to the Bimini Biological Field Station’s world-famous shark lab. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-and-vaughn-cochran-team-to-create-black-fly-bimini-at-the-bimini-big-game-club/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=The Family Easter Weekend is on at the Big Game Club&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/eco-easter12.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-549" title="Easter at the Bimini Big Game Club" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/eco-easter12.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="751" /></a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/the-family-easter-weekend-is-on-at-the-big-game-club/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Elite Resorts Managers and Guy Harvey Outpost Offer $19.5 million Investment to Develop Okee-Tantie Area&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/okee-tantie-south-aerial.jpg"><img class=" size-medium wp-image-2814 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/okee-tantie-south-aerial.jpg?w=300" alt="Okee Tantie South aerial" width="300" height="163" /></a>On Thursday, July 9th, Elite Resort Managers LLC and Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts & Lodges are presenting a plan to the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners for a three-phase re-development of Okee-Tantie Recreation Area on Lake Okeechobee. The meeting will take place at the Okeechobee County Courthouse, (304 N.W. Second St.) starting at 6PM. Proponents of the project are encouraged to attend the meeting to show their support!
The goal of the plan is to create Lake Okeechobee’s Best Public Recreation & RV Resort Destination. The complete plan will include:
370 new/rebuilt RV Pads & 60 cabins;
• Restaurant renovation;
• Marina bar;
• 75-slip boat barn;
• Expansion of the marina;
• Addition of a 40-slip floating dock;
• Addition of a club lodge, pool and sport amenities; and,
• Creation of a beach and lagoon.
The concept plan includes three phases.
Phase one includes the marina, lodge, cabins and river area RV spaces.
• Phase two would be the lake section RV resort,
• Phase three would be the lagoon beach, eco tents, RV storage and the sheriff’s office station.
More details to follow! https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/elite-resorts-managers-and-guy-harvey-outpost-offer-19-5-million-investment-to-develop-okee-tantie-area/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Celebrated Resort/Hospitality Designer Malcolm Berg Selected For Guy Harvey Outpost Resort, St. Augustine Beach Conversion&body=<img class=" size-medium wp-image-3008 alignleft" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/malcolm-berg-photo.jpg?w=295" alt="Malcolm Berg Photo" width="295" height="300" />Renovations Scheduled For Completion in Spring 2016 For Re-Opening as a Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts Property
AUGUSTINE BEACH, FL—NOVEMBER 17, 2015—Malcolm Berg and his award winning design firm E0A, Inc., have been selected to create the interior design of the new Guy Harvey Outpost Beach Resort, schedule to debut in the Spring of 2016. Formerly the Holiday Isle Resort, the 152-room property will feature the adventure lifestyle of Guy Harvey, a world renowned marine artist, documentarian, underwater explorer, marine scientist and conservation advocate.
The resort’s new design concept, according to Berg, “is about new discoveries, about finding the unexpected, about looking beneath the surface to find new perspectives.” Adds Mark Ellert, president of Outpost, “Malcolm is the new voice of design. He’s deconstructing traditional hospitality design, replacing it with the synthesis of art, architecture, technology and cultural narrative that we refer to as social design.”
The project scope entails a complete renovation, including the resort’s registration building, meeting spaces and the poolside bar. Berg said plans call for “lightening up the feeling of cramped compartmentalized public spaces, creating more connectivity to the outdoors and encouraging a carefree, respectful, nature-loving lifestyle as embodied by Guy Harvey.”
The Guy Harvey Outpost Beach Resort, St. Augustine Beach will join the company’s Signature Collection brand The other Guy Harvey Outpost Signature resorts are located in St. Pete Beach and Islamorada. The Guy Harvey Outpost Beach Resort St. Augustine is owned and managed by affiliates of Tampa based, HI Development. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/celebrated-resorthospitality-designer-malcolm-berg-selected-for-guy-harvey-outpost-resort-st-augustine-beach-conversion/){kind=link}
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