Three Great Cast-N-Blast Hotspots in Florida

Many years ago in Homosassa, hunting buddies and I devised a friendly team tournament to see which boat could bag the most ducks and fish over a January weekend. The cast n’ blast concept sounded simple and prospects were promising – the Nature Coast is usually superb for redfish and trout, and we’d noticed enough diving ducks to warrant waking up before sunrise.

Few things are simple on that coast when winter winds and tides come into play. A cold front had pushed in which simply sapped all enthusiasm from the bones. I recall mud-stuck boats, a few mergansers, a smattering of undersized reds, and no alarms ringing Sunday morning. I don’t remember who won the competition.

Overall, it was a learning experience - targeting both pleasure centers of fishing and hunting all in one turn can be exhausting. Given our miles of coastline and acreage of inland waterways, though, Florida is ideal for cast n’ blast trips for those hoping to soak up the range of outdoor possibilities the woods and waters offer, at least when the weather provides.

Not all have to be as complicated, but waterfowling and fishing are natural complements, even if anglers and hunters are often rivals in some of these spots. Below are three regions that provide excellent cast n’ blast venues to bag ducks and fill a stringer from the same dock, with reasonable chances of success over a couple of days, along with recommendations on where to stay and wet your whistle at day's end or if the wind calls for a blow out.

1. Lake Okeechobee

I’m not spilling any tea here stating Lake Okeechobee remains a top state freshwater fishing and duck destination, though there is much hand-wringing that it’s not like the good ol’ days, for reasons attributable to pressure, aquatic plant control, and water quality issues.

Most duck hunting takes place in the marshes on the west side of the lake, roughly from the mouth of the Kissimmee River and south towards Clewiston. While mud motors have increased the reach of duck hunters accessing the marshes, airboats are still king for finding pockets of waterfowl off the beaten paths. The diversity of waterfowl around Lake O is outstanding, too, from mottled ducks and teal to divers and whistling ducks.

While not quite prime time for bass, winter action is steady during the middle of the day when the duck action cools and bass feed into warming waters. Weather is unpredictable, though, and windy, cloudy cold fronts that are great for duck hunting are apt to temper the bass fishing. If bass aren’t working, there are always delicious black crappie or specks to target, and the fishing is typically strong during the winter months near shore around drop-offs and canals.

Food & Lodging – Roland Martin Marina & Resort in Clewiston is a popular stay for anglers and hunters with access to the lake and a reasonable run to the marshes where both fish and fowl are found. The tiki bar serves food and drink and live music at night.

2. The ‘Forgotten’ Coast

The stretch of Panhandle from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) west to Apalachicola Bay provides ample options for relatively uncrowded fishing and waterfowling in a near-pristine, Old Florida atmosphere that can’t be matched elsewhere.

Sea ducks and diving ducks, including buffleheads, bluebills, and redheads, are the primary targets here on the waterfowl side of things. Depending on the available species, hunts occur in open water or while crouched around sandbars and islands. If you’re not familiar with these waters, a guide or otherwise experienced captain is highly recommended to not only locate the birds but also to navigate you safely in the dark around the numerous sandbars and oyster outcroppings that suddenly appear in the sweeping tides.

The fishing side of the coin isn’t as dramatic, with species such as sheepshead, black drum, redfish, and seatrout common catches in the winter without journeying too far into the Gulf. Sheepshead and drum prowl around nearshore structures and hard bottom, while reds and trout will hang closer to river mouths, lingering in deeper holes and sunning in the shallows. This area also sports an excellent freshwater fishery. Panfish, especially, are popular wintertime catches throughout the expansive riverine systems.

Food & Lodging – Lodging options are limited outside of Apalachicola, but Shell Island Fish Camp on the St. Marks River is a fine choice. Quiet and scenic, it offers motel rooms, cabins, and RV Sites along with a boat ramp, fuel dock, and a bait shop. Ouzts Too is a few miles away serving up oysters and smoked mullet.

3. The Space Coast

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) has been a generational destination for waterfowlers and anglers alike. As far as unique duck hunting locations, I can only imagine the first time a Midwesterner hunts here – the variety of species, the beautiful Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River, and SpaceX launching rockets at all times of the year. It’s quite a difference from a Missouri farm pond.

To hunt certain impoundments of MINWR along the Indian River Lagoon requires a Limited-Entry permit available through a lottery drawing in August. Other hunting areas within the Mosquito Lagoon are accessible without a permit. As with all duck hunting, scouting is important to be on the “X.” And prepare to be in shape to wade or push-pole your vessel through the muck, if you draw a permit – the use of combustible engines is prohibited in the limited-entry impoundments, and the ducks don’t often hang too close to the perimeter canals.

Outside of the Refuge diving ducks, mostly bluebills, can be found in the Indian River.

Hunting on designated days in the Refuge ends at noon, so there is plenty of time to catch a nap before fishing. Much like with Lake Okeechobee, water quality issues have affected the Lagoon for many years, and folks state it ain’t what it used to be, but it’s still home to monster trout and redfish around sandy potholes. The Indian River also provides for these species as well as a mixed bag of other inshore species. To mix it up even further, ditch the boat and relax on Playalinda Beach while targeting whiting, pompano, and bluefish, regular catches in the winter.

Food & Lodging – Mosquito Lagoon RV Park & Fish Camp in Oak Hill provides hunters and anglers RV slips and cabin rentals with a picturesque view of the Lagoon. For adventure-seekers camping on the nearby islands, a boat ramp and trailer parking are available for a daily fee. A short drive to the north, Goodrich Seafood & Oyster House has been a local seafood staple since the 70’s.

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