Sunday Favorites: Gift Ideas for the Outdoor Enthusiast

2011 Calendar

BRADENTON – There are a million gifts on the market that can be wrapped and put under the tree, but this year why not give loved ones a gift that benefits the local economy or protects an ecologically sensitive area? There are many products out there which promote the greater good of the area, but they need your support to thrive in the Sunshine State. This year, buy homemade and homegrown.

The Florida Forever Calendar
Florida Forever is Florida’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program. Its purpose is to conserve Florida’s natural resources and habitat for rare species. With approximately 9.8 million acres of conservation land in Florida, more than 2.4 million acres were purchased under the Florida Forever and Preservation 2000 programs.

The calendar features 12 works by the state’s top wildlife photographers. They were commissioned to photograph lands that the organization would like to purchase, but are currently unprotected. All proceeds from the $15.00 calendar are donated to

Custom-made Castnet

the program and funds are distributed to different divisions. To purchase a calendar, visit www.macstonephotography/merchandise.com

A Custom-made Castnet
While castneting for bait and mullet are popular around Manatee County, net-making has also been a part of the area's heritage for centuries. Nets can be a very personal and fundmamental item for any fisherman or fisherwoman. Several factors must be considered before one commits to purchase a certain one. For instance the angler’s height, what kind of fish they want to catch, how deep of water they are fishing in and whether they are fishing from a boat or the shore, are all components that have to be taken into account.

Customized castnets range in price from about $110-300 and can usually be completed in a few days. Order yours from www.talsonsnets.com soon!

The Sharkman of Cortez Book
Captain Bill Goldschmitt co-wrote his memoir with Marissa Mangani about his experience as a Cortez resident who caught

over 6,000 sharks. Every one of them was caught between the beach and 6 miles offshore in a 22-foot boat. The Sharkman made money by taking out charter guests and allowing them to get into a cage floating on the surface and view the wild sharks as he fed them. He also sold sharks and specimens to research facilities such as Mote Marine Laboratory, Marineland, Miami Seaquarium, SeaWorld and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Buy a copy today!

The book, which Goldschmitt started in 1970, is full of action packed adventure and complete with great photos and diagrams. The Sharkman documented all the behavioral details he encountered in the sharks since he started catching them in the 60's, and his efforts have been nationally renowned. His research was the inspiration for the award-winning, but controversial film The Shark Con.  
 
A Five Year Fishing License
Want to promote the local economy and get someone you love something you know they can use? Purchase a 5-year-fishing saltwater license for $79.00. After all, Florida remains the "Fishing Capital of the World," with more anglers than any other state -- 2.8 million. Anglers enjoyed a cumulative total of 46.3 million days of recreational fishing in Florida in 2006. The recreational fishing impact to Florida's economy the same year was $7.5 billion. In addition, Florida is the number one fishing destination for tourists.

To conserve our natural aquatic resources for the well being of the wildlife and for the recreation of residents and tourists, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission uses the best scientific management possible while also providing a good number of jobs. To fund those efforts, the Legislature sets fishing license fees and exemptions, as well as penalties for violating fish and wildlife conservation laws. A state law guarantees all money from sale of fishing licenses goes to the FWC to help fulfill its mission of "Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people."

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An Earthbox
The Earthbox is the product of a lifetime dream and years of diligent research by Palmetto resident Blake Whisenant, the inventor and patent holder. The Earthbox, which is now world renown, is based on the gradient system where the plant receives water from the roots first, and then nutrients travel to the leaves.

One of the best things about planting in an Earthbox is that you can never overwater your plants and they thrive without much effort. The Earthbox comes in one size and has a three gallon water reservoir. People who purchase these amazing boxes can grow just about anything from assorted herbs and vegetables to flowers and even small citrus trees. The recommended soil is 98.9% organic and they sell organic fertilizer as well as their specialized mixture.

The Earthbox Research Center is located in Ellenton on the corner of Ellenton Gillette Road and 301 Blvd. They have many varieties of plants to choose from and free classes twice a week.

A Membership to a Local Food Buying Club
A Local Food Buying Club is a membership club that allows community members to purchase free-range meat, eggs, gulf caught seafood and other products directly from local Florida farmers. Members place orders once a month and pick them up the following week at a specified location.

David Strawter from Tampa caught this red on live shrimp on charter with Captain Rachel. The fish was oversized and released.

There is an initial $25 sign-up fee and then prices depend on the product. Orders are submitted online and then picked up once a month at the following locations, the RC&D office in Ellenton, Gamble Creek Farm in Parrish or Geraldson Community Farm in Bradenton. For more information follow the link to the Florida West Coast RC&D Project webpage.

A Fishing Charter with a Local Captain
Fishing is Florida’s lifeline. Fishing charters are a huge part of the local economy and tourists often purchase guided tours in order to enjoy what residents get to on a daily basis. Locals may wonder what they can gain by fishing with a pro – think about all the new ”hot spots“ that the trip will reveal. Not only that, but there are all different types of angling like fly-fishing, freshwater fishing, offshore and inshore.

Contact one of our contributing captains. Captain ”Zach“ Zacharias fishes offshore or near shore in the Anna Maria, Cortez, Longboat Key area. Captain Rick Grassett is a certified FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor. Captain Rachel Cato is an advocate for conservation, considers her business family-friendly, and has proven her extensive knowledge of fishing behavior and habitat through her monthly articles.