Author: VAN HUBBARD

Florida population at 23 million makes waterway challenge

BY VAN HUBBARD I understand that with our increased numbers fishing will not be as easy ever again. Millions of new participants, fewer fish and numerous regulations, plus habitat devastation all...

Analysis: Marine heritage, Little Gasparilla access important for Eldred’s

The big story on our local waterfront currently is the pending Eldred’s Marina sale. Whether this deal goes through or not, the property will change ownership soon. The next generation has a dozen...

Still in paradise: We just share less fish, with more people

I’ve always been concerned about preserving our fisheries, their heritage, our traditions and the ways of the watermen that live from them. My grandparents, especially Guy Lewis, instilled the importance...

Van Hubbard: Memories of mackerel, and a trout show with Santa Claus

Somewhere in the intense mid- ‘80s, I took videographer Gary Sullivan tarpon fishing. It was 1985 when I met Gary, aka Sully, when he came along on a trip. He was in the production business and, awed...

Grouper for a quarter: Memories of early fishing

Many of us start fishing as kids, introduced by parents or grandparents. It seems to me the younger we are exposed to the outdoors the deeper it imprints. My first memories are about fishing. About...

Fishing is unique to each of us

Fishery management or is it mismanagement?

First, I want to explain that fishery management is an impossible job. How do we accurately count multiple species of fish underwater, absorb the guessed numbers, compile it into functioning data,...

Column: Sharks are killing machines, need modified management

BY VAN HUBBARD Fishery management, especially when it comes to sharks, is a problem we need to deal with. Sharks are perfected killing machines. They have developed and survived over hundreds...

Essay: Tarpon memories imprint deeper with a trophy on your line

BY CAPT. VAN HUBBARD Tarpon were so abundant that big game sportfishing was created here. The giant fish splashing and jumping everywhere, driving fishermen crazy. Teasing spectators because...

OP-ED: Hook Line and Sinker: A return to these pages, just in time

BY CAPT. VAN HUBBARD Editor’s Note: Van Hubbard’s column Hook, Line and Sinker appeared in the Beacon beginning in 1988. We are delighted to welcome him back. I’m returning to the Boca...