By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Making news
Printed, online guide has Bay area covered
A guide to environmentally responsible boating and angling in Tampa Bay is now available for free from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Produced by TBEP and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, the Boating and Angling Guide to Tampa Bay was last updated in 2009. Like previous guides, the new publication features a large, fold-out map on one side, depicting natural features, recreational amenities and navigation aids. The reverse side contains photos and descriptions of bay habitats and inhabitants, along with smaller maps showing boating speed zones and a directory of important phone numbers. The revised guide contains updated lists of boat ramps, fishing piers, and designated clean marinas. FWRI also has updated the online guide. The interactive digital guide contains some information not found in the printed version, such as paddling trails, fish identification and current fishing regulations. Users can enlarge and print just the information they need for a specific purpose or region of the bay. The online version also includes pages for piers and boat ramps, with pictures and information about each facility. Visit www.tbep.org and click on the Digital Boating and Angling Guide icon.
Upcoming events
Basic sailing class
The Boca Ciega Yacht Club's five-week Adult Basic Sailing Class begins Wednesday. The course includes five Wednesday evening classes and four weekend waterfront sailing sessions. Students will sail the club's Catalina 16.5 fleet. The cost is $225 per person, including all classroom materials and an U.S. Sailing Association Basic Keelboat manual. For registration information, visit www.sailbcyc.org or call Jennifer Rogers at (727) 345-7544.
Flats fishing event
The Snell Isle Flat Fishing Invitational will be April 2. The entry fee is $100 per boat before March 31; $125 after, with proceeds going to help the families of fallen law enforcement officers. Eligible species are redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, snapper, Spanish mackerel and sheepshead. The captains' meeting is 5-8 p.m. March 31 at Fish Tales Seafood House (1500 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg). For information, call (727) 542-4398 or e-mail flsharky@aol.com.
Rodney Page, Times staff writer