Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 850-926-3561; 57 Taff Dr, Crawfordville)
The eastern half of the forest is managed by the Wakulla Ranger Station, just off Hwy 319
behind the Winn Dixie in Crawfordville.
Steinhatchee
Talk about unexpected Florida! Steinhatchee (
steen
-hatch-ee) is an under-the-radar fishing
haven that sits in a secret crevice of the Big Bend beneath towering pines, mossy oaks and
pink, juicy sunsets. The hamlet's claim to fame is its scallop season, which runs from July
to early September and brings up to 1000 boats on its opening day to the otherwise peace-
ful waters of Dead Man's Bay. The season is kind of like a twisted Easter egg hunt, with
locals and visitors taking a mesh bag, donning a snorkel and mask, and snatching up their
own seafood as they swim. Locals will often clean your catch in exchange for half the
meat.
Activities
Fishing and scalloping is where it's at: depending on the season, cobia, sea trout, mackerel,
tarpon and the famous scallops are plentiful. For a full list of fishing guides, charter oper-
ators and boat-rental services, check out
www.steinhatcheeriverchamber.org
.
River Haven Marina
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
( 352-498-0709;
www.riverhavenmarinaandmotel.com
; 1110 Riverside Dr; 9am-5pm)
Rent a variety of fishing boats (from $80 per half-day) and kayaks including pickup and
dropoff ($30/40 single/tandem per half-day): great for exploring the maze of waterways.
Reel Song Charters
FISHING CHARTER
( 352-895-7544;
www.reelsongcharters.com
)
For a guided fishing charter with locals who know the waters, try this outfit specializing in
near-shore and flats fishing for trout, red fish and scallops. Trips cost from $400 per day
for up to four people.
Big Bend Charters
FISHING CHARTER
