In this episode of Hunt Fish Travel, I sit down with Shelley from the Manasota Key Resort to talk about resilience, community, and what it really takes to come back stronger after devastation.
We dive into what makes this stretch of Florida so special, from incredible fishing and laid-back island life to the surprising changes in landscape caused by the storms.
“The HuntFishTravel Episode #255 – How a Florida Resort Bounced Back Stronger After Two Devastating Hurricanes”
In this episode, I interview Captain Jay Withers, owner of Silverlining Charters. We discuss Captain Jay’s journey from being a diamond dealer in Ohio to becoming a fishing guide in Florida. The conversation highlights the beauty of Punta Gorda, the excitement of fishing for the Florida inland slam, and the various activities available in the area. Captain Jay shares his passion for fishing and guiding, as well as upcoming adventures in…you’re not going to believe this…Wisconsin of all places… and the Bahamas. Continue reading “The HuntFishTravel Podcast Episode 247 – Snook, Redfish & Trout: My Florida Inshore Slam with Capt. Jay Withers”
And here I was gliding quietly through winding mangrove tunnels, spotting feeding dolphins and trying to keep up with a dude on a stand-up paddle board.
Honestly, one of the most unforgettable experiences on our trip to the Punta Gorda/Englewood area was the kayak tour with SUP Englewood, and it’s something you won’t want to miss if you ever visit the area.
Our adventure began at Don Pedro Island State Park, a true hidden gem nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for its serene beauty and abundant wildlife, this park is one of the best-kept secrets in the Punta Gorda and Englewood area. The CVB booked our trip with SUP Englewood’s eco-tours, and I was excited to give it a shot.
The check in was easy, our guide, Danny, met us at the state park land base where the tour begins. He greeted us with a warm smile, shared some safety tips, and walked us through what to expect. Both Aaron and I opted for single kayaks, while Danny paddled alongside us, ensuring we had the best possible experience. Armed with our GoPros (our phones stayed safely in the car), we were ready to explore.
Our guide Danny on his paddleboard.
We pushed off from the launch and found ourselves gliding into the calm waters of Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve. Surrounded by mangroves, the air felt thick with the scent of salt and fresh earth. Almost immediately, Danny’s sharp eye caught sight of dolphins fishing nearby. We paused, mesmerized, as they gracefully surfaced and dove, their dorsal fins slicing through the water just a few yards away. It felt like nature had given us a private show.
We watched as this dolphin surfaced and dove repeatedly.
Throughout our journey, Danny kept us informed about the eco-system around us. He explained how mangroves play a vital role in protecting Florida’s coastlines and providing shelter for marine life. He pointed out iguanas lounging lazily on warm rocks, he explained how they were an invasive species that were incredibly destructive and shared that there was even an established hunting season for them.
A highlight of the trip was spotting a pair of ospreys perched high atop a pylon in a carefully built nesting box. Danny shared how Florida has invested in constructing these nesting platforms to protect the osprey population. Seeing the eggs nestled securely in the nest brought a whole new appreciation for these conservation efforts.
Our journey continued as Danny guided us through narrow mangrove tunnels, where the branches twisted above us like a living canopy. The stillness in these canals was magical, as if we had stepped into another world. The only sounds were the occasional splash of our paddles and the rustling of leaves as iguanas scurried from branch to branch.
Eventually, Danny led us to a secluded island accessible only by boat. Although public, the island also hosts several vacation homes, making it feel like a secret getaway. We pulled our kayaks ashore and spent time walking along the sandy beaches, feeling like we had stumbled upon a slice of paradise. Danny explained the importance of keeping these delicate ecosystems protected and how SUP Englewood actively supports conservation efforts in the area.
If you’re planning a trip to the Punta Gorda or Englewood area, here are a few key details to know about Don Pedro Island State Park and SUP Englewood’s tours:
Park Entrance Fee: $3 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
Kayak Tour Duration: 2-3 hours
Recommended Gear: Sunscreen, hat, water shoes, and a camera (or a GoPro if you’re worried about water damage)
Wildlife to Expect: Dolphins, iguanas, ospreys, and various migratory birds (manatees are sometimes seen, but we didn’t spot any on our tour)
SUP Englewood excels in creating intimate, eco-focused tours that balance relaxation with education. Danny’s knowledge of the area and his passion for conservation made the experience even more rewarding.
While we captured footage with our GoPros, Danny was thoughtful enough to snap several photos of us throughout the trip, which was incredibly appreciated. If you’re worried about missing those picture-perfect moments, don’t stress; your guide has you covered.
We wholeheartedly give SUP Englewood five stars. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a complete beginner, this tour is an incredible way to explore Don Pedro Island and its surrounding waters. The combination of peaceful paddling, unique wildlife encounters, and insightful environmental education makes it an experience you won’t forget.
If you want to see our kayak adventure in action, keep an eye on the HuntFishTravel YouTube channel. Plus, I’ll be sharing even more travel tips and stories from Punta Gorda and Manasota Key, so subscribe to stay updated!
Florida isn’t just for snowbirds – it’s a diverse state with hidden corners waiting to be explored. On a recent trip, we ventured beyond the usual tourist spots to Manasota Key, expecting a relaxing beach getaway. What we found was a stunning destination still recovering from a major hurricane, yet brimming with welcoming locals and undeniable charm. Discover our experience navigating the aftermath and the surprising beauty that still shines through in this special part of Florida.
When you think of Florida, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Snowbirds running around on golf carts?
Retirement communities?
Mile long lines at the Bing parlors?
What if I told you Florida isn’t just a state for the AARP VIP Members?
Ever feel like you need a little sunshine in your life? Well, pull up a chair and get ready! I recently took a whirlwind trip to Manasota Key, Florida, and let me tell you, it was packed with adventure. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be unpacking all the details – from reeling in fish to paddling through paradise – so stick around if you’re craving a taste of the Gulf Coast!
Ever feel like you need a little sunshine in your life? Well, pull up a chair and get ready! In February we took a whirlwind trip to Manasota Key, Florida, and let me tell you, it was packed with adventure. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be unpacking all the details – from reeling in fish to paddling through paradise – so stick around if you’re craving a taste of the Gulf Coast!
So picture this: it’s February in Wisconsin, it’s cold, it’s miserable, and I see the awesome folks at the Punta Gorda/Englewood Visitors Bureau – you might know them as Pure Florida is an AGLOW corporate member…
So I send an email and somehow Aaron from Nighttrain Droneworks and I are invited down to soak up some Florida sunshine. I pack my GoPro’s, my tascam podcast recorder and Aaron agrees to play cameraman, and of course, being the amazing drone pilot that he is, was ready to capture all the magic from above.
The lovely folks at Manasota Key Resort were ready to greet us, and we were ready for some serious exploring.
Of course, Mother Nature threw us a bit of a curveball on Monday. It rained. Like, really rained.
So, our grand filming plans took a bit of a nosedive.
But you know what they say: when life gives you lemons, you find the best Publix around and get a key lime pie! We hopped in the car, cruised around, and even though the gray skies put a damper on things, we saw firsthand how the area was bouncing back after those tough hurricanes last fall. It was actually pretty inspiring to see the resilience. And, of course, no rainy day is complete without a Publix cubano platter and a slice (or two) of that key lime pie. Trust me on this one.
All joking aside, the true story of the visit is how the area was hit by hurricane Helen and then devastated by hurricane Milton. Even months later at the end of February the cleanup and the destruction is still evident.
Tuesday morning, we were up before the birds, heading to Eldred’s Marina to meet Capt. Jay Withers with Silver Lining Charters, host of the Guidelines TV Show.
This excursion was AMAZING. I am probably going to annoy everyone with the next few posts, the minute we got into the boat he said, “my goal today is to get you the Florida Inshore Slam.”
I looked at him and said: “dude, I’ve never even been fishing on the ocean, if you helped me get a fish, much less a slam I’ll be happy!”
Subscribe to the podcast and to this blog to find out if I snagged the slam. Landing a Snook, Spotted Seatrout and Redfish in one day is no small feat, to be able to assist a woman who’s used to jigging for walleyes and trolling for muskies is another level.
All that fresh air and sunshine worked up an appetite, so we swung by Steamers Oyster Bar in Englewood for lunch and Waverly Restaurant and Bar for dinner. Let’s just say my taste buds were doing a happy dance. I have an entire blog post coming up on area eats and the restaurants we were able to visit. Some of the stories they shared from the hurricane cleanup was crazy. In that upcoming post, I’ll share the reason we had to eat outside at Waverly.
Wednesday morning, after a hearty breakfast at the Beachcomber Trading Post (a real local gem!), it was time for some paddling adventure. SUP Englewood hooked us up with kayaks, and we spent a glorious morning exploring Don Pedro Island State Park with our guide Danny who took a ton of great photos. Gliding through the water, surrounded by nature – it was pure bliss. We even stumbled upon a fantastic food truck for a quick and tasty lunch before we hit the road towards Clearwater.
We packed so much into what was essentially a 48-hour visit.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing a whole treasure trove of content from this trip. Get ready for:
Two brand-new podcast episodes: First we’ll be chatting about the whole Manasota Key experience and talk about the real time devastation the Manasota Key Resort experienced from the hurricane, but how they are officially open for business. And secondly, you’ll feel like you were right there with us as I interview Capt. Jay Withers. He’ll share his story and why he decided to leave his Ohio home to make his way south to Florida, and how his tv show came to be.
A deep dive review of our fishing charter with Captain Jay: Did I snag the Florida Inshore Slam? You’ll find out!
A written and a YouTube video review of the Manasota Key Resort: Get the inside scoop on our home away from home. I literally want to go back.
A virtual tour! A video walkthrough of our resort room: Come see where we kicked back and relaxed. The view…THE VIEW!!
A full review of our kayaking adventure with SUP Englewood: Was it smooth sailing? Did Aaron end up in the drink? Maybe…
Your ultimate guides! A 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day itinerary for exploring Manasota Key: Start planning your own getaway. I love planning travel and trips, and I think these itineraries will really help you if you’re interested in visiting the area.
A mouthwatering blog post highlighting the best local restaurants: Because let’s be honest, good food is a crucial part of any trip. Especially to a fat girl from Wisconsin.
Think of this as your sneak peek, the trailer before the main feature. I’m so excited to share all these experiences with you and hopefully inspire your next adventure.
So while you’re waiting for these posts to drop, make sure you’re following along on social media! I’ll be sharing photos and videos from our trip on all my channels: HFT Facebook, HFT Twitter/X.com, HFT TikTok, HFT Instagram, and HFT YouTube.
You can also catch Aaron’s amazing drone footage on NightTrain Droneworks’ Instagram and TikTok.
So, are you ready to dive in? Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss a single story, review, or tip from our Manasota Key adventure. Trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming!
I arrived at my launch point, a small bridge located on a road aptly named, “Unknown Road” at the upswing of the tide. My fishing buddies, having arrived ahead of me, were busy capturing bait and, in general, preparing for the short kayak trip via Cow Creek to the Gulf and Pepperfish Keys.
This was my first trip to Pepperfish. Many of my fellow fishing enthusiasts had spoken favorably of the location and had touted its prolific trout population. On more than one occasion, I heard the statement “The trout practically jump in the boat, Fay!” Well, we shall see…. Continue reading “Pepper Fish Keys – Finding Trout on the Super Highway”
