Boating & Fishing Insiders

Great sunsets are one of the best things about living in Florida. Credit: Terry Tomalin

Tis’ the season to give. But it is also the time to sit back, look around, and give thanks for what we have. This holiday, I’m reminded once again why I am so lucky to be a Floridian.

Not one, but two oceans: Some people call the Gulf of Mexico a "lake" or "pond," but just wait until the next cold front rolls in and we have some sweet, chest-high waves to ride on a longboard. When the Gulf is flat, just hop in the car and head to Cocoa Beach on the east coast to surf your kayak, stand-up paddleboard or the wave-riding vehicle of your choice. Be glad you don't live in Kansas.

Inshore, offshore: I consider myself fortunate to live in the Tampa Bay area. When you can't head offshore to catch grouper, amberjack, wahoo or kingfish, you can always find some sheltered patch of water in the bay or Intracoastal Waterway to chase trout, redfish and snook. Oh, yeah, did I mention that we have thousands of lakes and hundreds of rivers where we can also fish for freshwater species such as largemouth bass and panfish?

State parks: I've been trying for 20 years to see all that Florida has to offer, and I've hardly made a dent. Our state has the best park system in the country. You can backpack, fish, kayak, canoe, camp, mountain bike, even ride horses on our vast public lands. But many Floridians don't use these great public spaces. So no more dithering; get out there and have some fun.

Sunrise and sunset on the water: I've seen the sun rise over the water hundreds of times in the past 20 years, and every time I do, I still get a thrill. To see the sun rise means I am out fishing, sailing, camping or paddling, not sitting inside reading the newspaper or in my warm, cozy bed catching a few extra winks. No, catching a sunrise means you're living large. The best part: It's free.

Manatees and dolphins: It's easy to take these mammals for granted, but just watch the way a tourist's or child's face lights up the first time they see one up close. My heart still races every time I come across one of these creatures when I'm out paddling, surfing or swimming in the ocean. There is plenty of room for all of us.

Beach walks: Not everybody likes to fish, boat, dive, paddle and surf. Some folks like a little slower pace. And there are times when a wannabe action hero like me needs to take it easy. A buddy recovering from back surgery recently convinced me that the occasional beach walk would do this boy some good. He was right.

You: The very fact that you're reading this blog post means you love, respect and hope to preserve the great outdoors. Without folks like you, Florida might look a lot different. Keep up the good fight.