The 2nd Annual Indian River Paddle Classic kayak fishing tournament for Coastal Charities was held on September 25th all along the Space Coast. The captain's meeting was held at Strike Zone fishing and tackle store on New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, Florida. Bryan Cheek was the host and did a great job explaining the rules and running the raffle. This was a catch and photo tournament. The weigh-in was held at the Lagoon House on U.S 1 in Melbourne, Florida. Over 55 anglers competed for prizes. I was reported, by Brian Cheek, "that it was a tough day on the water and with windy and muddy conditions, the snook bite was modest at best". The prizes for 1-3rd Red Fish, Trout, Snook and Slam. Because there were no winners in the Snook category, the Snook prizes were added to the general raffle making for a very exciting tournament conclusion. Over $5,000 was raised for Coastal Charities. All though I was not in the money, I had a great time by catching 12 catfish and two small under sized red fish. This non-profit charity is dedicated to funding youth education through activities in coastal waterways. To register go to www.coastalcharities.org and download an application. Here is the link for the tournament winners.

http://www.indianriverkayakfishing.com/Tournament%20Page.html

Steve Gibson, who operates Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing Charters, see his link on my blog, will be one of the fly fishing experts giving work shops at the Florida Federation of Fly Fishers Expo next weekend, October 22nd and 23rd. The expo will be held at the Ramada Orlando-Celebration Resort, I-4 and U.S. 192, at Celebration. Admission is $10.00 with children under 16 free.

Indian River Paddle Classic - September 24th & 25th

The 2nd Annual Indian River Paddle Classic kayak fishing tournament for Coastal Charities will be held on September 25th all along the Space Coast. The captain's meeting will be held at Strike Zone fishing and tackle store on New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, Florida at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 24th. All proceeds support Coastal Charities. This non-profit charity is dedicated to funding youth education through activities in coastal waterways. To register go to www.coastalcharities.org and download an application.

Kayak Trailer Fabricator - Vero Beach, FL

I came across welding fabricator in Vero Beach while surfing the web last month. I liked his kayak trailer design so much, that I crated this sales sheet for him. If you are in the need for a cool kayak trailer, please give DaBar a call.

Indian River Outfitters' Photos

Indian River Outfitters

Indian River Outfitters is Melbourne's best kayak outfitter. They have a very good selection of kayaks and accessories. You can rent a kayak at IRO and try this great sport.

IRO is located at 294 E Eau Gallie Blvd, Indian Harbour Bch, FL 32937. The store is just across the street from Panera Bread Company

Monday : Closed
Tuesday - Saturday: 9AM-6PM
Sun: 10AM-5PM

(321) 779-4228

Bahia Honda Photos of the parking lot ramp area and entrance sign.

I visited the park over the 2010 4th of July holiday weekend. The parking lot is small. One needs to get there early to get a good parking spot. There is one outside shower by the restrooms a short walk from the ramp.

Bahia Honda State Park - Big Pine Key Florida

During my last trip to the Florida Keys, I visited Bahia Honda State park. This park is one of the top state parks in America. The kayak launch ramp is on the Atlantic Ocean Side. Very easy to launch. The state park has a full rental facility where you can rent kayaks and snorkeling gear. The small snack bar has hot and cold food. Fishing spots are all around the bridge pier foundations on both the old train and new highway bridge.