By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Making news
HElp Spy on those frisky Horseshoe crabS
This spring, mating horseshoe crabs will gather at sandy beaches across the state. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute need help from the public to identify their spawning areas. The best time to find spawning horseshoe crabs is around high tide, just before, during or after a new moon (May 3) or full moon (May 17). The FWC asks beachgoers to report the number of horseshoe crabs they see and whether they are mating. Go to MyFWC.com/contact and follow the link to fill out an online survey; e-mail findings to horseshoe@MyFWC.com; or call the FWC at (866) 252-9326.
Let loose the inner marine explorer
The FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute will host its free open house (100 8th Ave. S.E., St. Petersburg) called MarineQuest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There are hands-on learning experiences, touch tanks, live critters, face painting and crafts. For information, go to www.myfwc.com/research.
Things to do
Bend a rod, or learn how to
• Parade of boats for the Race to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. 9 a.m. today off the Pier in downtown St. Petersburg. Race starts at 10 a.m.
• The Rotary Club of Clearwater kingfish tournament. Captains meeting, 7 tonight, Clearwater Yacht Club. Fishing, 7 a.m. Saturday. Entry fee: $350 per boat. Information: www.clearwaterrotary.org.
• Bass fishing tournament to benefit the Susan G. Komen Cancer Research Center, May 7, from Anderson Park boat ramp on Lake Tarpon. Fishing, sunup to 3 p.m. Entry fee: $110 per boat. Information: (727) 515-3824.
• Saltwater fishing class, eight weeks beginning May 11, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Betts Fishing Center in Largo. Information: Call Dave Zalewski, (727) 397-8815.
Rodney Page, Times staff writer
