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Turtle tracks: Looking out for predators on our beaches 

Examining tracks is one indicator that help patrollers attempt to identify a possible predation, but the real challenge is determining the original predatory culprit. Once a nest has been disturbed in any way, the presence of the vulnerable eggs is inadvertently announced through scent to nearby predators.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Some of the most legendary captains in Boca Grande Pass

It is fitting that we pay tribute to historical guides as a celebration of their lives in the context of the fishing heritage of Boca Grande. Cappy Joiner, president of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association, has provided a list of representative historical guides. We admire their unique skills, impressive fortitude and commitment to fishing in the menace of increasing competition and an adversely impacted environment. As Captain Joiner points out, they must master boating and navigation skills, possess specialized knowledge of the weather, the environment, fish identification and their individual peculiarities, likes and dislikes, be able to read the water by the swim patterns on the surface, know about tackle and about seasonal behavior and natural habitats of the fish. Thoughts on guiding by contemporary guides follow.

OBITUARY: SARA ‘SALLY’ HUTCHINSON MOSELEY

Sara “Sally” Hutchinson Moseley, age 99, died on Saturday, May 7, 2022 in Slidell, La. She was born on October 31, 1922 in LaGrange, Ga., to Frank Witherspoon Hutchinson and Mary Lane Hutchinson. She graduated from LaGrange College with a B.S. degree in bacteriology. She was a bacteriologist in the laboratory at Emory University Hospital, […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach welcomes largest family-friendly fishing competition

“Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is excited to once again partner with CCA Florida as a destination sponsor of the STAR fishing competition,” said Tourism Director Sean Doherty of the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. “Showcasing Charlotte Harbor, the second largest estuary in the state, is a natural fit for this event. In addition, we applaud and embrace the conservation efforts of the Coastal Conservation Association as we rely so heavily on the quality and health of our waters from both a residential and tourism standpoint. We appreciate the opportunity to promote our area to responsible anglers throughout the state who have been educated on sustainable practices through their affiliation with CCA Florida.”

Breaking news! World’s Richest anglers bring 82 releases to the boat: Capt. Wayne Joiner and the Hey, Moma! team in first; Spooked Again team in second

Go to bocabeacon.smugmug.com for more WRTT photos The bite was strong and many anglers bowed to the silver king in the last two days, with 82 releases documented in the 2022 World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament. Capt. Wayne Joiner and the team aboard Hey, Moma! took first place with 13 releases. They had eight releases on […]

Casuarina dominates #17 Classic

The bite was brisk and the fish were smallish, making it easier to catch-and-release quickly. William Woodroffe, the tournament’s founder and coordinator, said they shaved $200 off each entry fee to donate to the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum. With 16 boats in the tournament, that made for a nice donation of $3,200 to the GIMM, topped off with a pledge from angler Howard Wise of $5,000 from his team’s prize money. That made a total of $8,200 donation for the museum, as well as a $500 donation to the Boca Grande Fishing Guides’ Association.  

World’s Richest 2022 honors Capts. Tater Spinks, Cappy Joiner

The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament honored two more iconic figures in Boca Grande’s fishing history during the Grande Tradition ceremony at the Captain’s Party on Tuesday May 17. Many captains, anglers, community members and tournament officials got up to share their fond memories, retell jokes and recall treasured stories of Capt. John “Tater” Spinks and Capt. Cappy Joiner.

Things that sting, things that bite, part I: Unfriendlies in the Gulf

Florida’s beaches draw millions of people here annually, and many who come from the middle of the country have never seen the ocean before. It’s a beautiful moment to see the face of someone who visits the beach for the very first time and sees its brilliant turquoise hue (in the less rainy months) and finds their first seashells. 

Lee County, Army Corps beach renourishment agreement passed

The amendment to the Project Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorizes continued federal participation in beach nourishment of the Gasparilla Island segment, which extends 2.8 miles south from 17th Street. The agreement allows for cooperation between the Corps and Lee County in construction of the project as needed, based on erosion. It also authorizes federal funding of up to 64.7 percent. No funds are required at this time.