Newsletter

How about those windows open at night and the cool mornings! What incredible weather we are having and more to come. We have paid our dues during the summer. This weather says " get outside, paddle, bike, so many things to do". Like Nike says "just do it".    There are numerous activities going on as long as the weather is on our side, so lets get into it. Last weekend was the Sarasota downtown Main Street craft show. I really like to mix my weekend up with activities. Now that we are into football season, it's that give and take season with my paddling buddy. I will take in a few games during the season, but we do have to get outside. And while we are on sports, how about those "Rays". I watched my very first baseball game on tv last weekend when they lost that 6th game. Of course I had to watch the 7th game. And now it's onto the series, good job "Rays". Monday it was out to Robinson Preserve for a hike and photography. We observed about 50 white pelicans that have migrated in.  The frosting on the cake was about 60 frames shooting a little green heron. If your not familiar with them, they are a very timid bird. They are well camoflaged and almost impossible to see in the trees where they hang out. This one was very generous with it's time, as it was fishing. It was incredible!    You may know where some of this conversation is headed. Virtually everything we did was "free" or low cost. I really know that advice is the only thing really free. Yes, we had some gas involved and two light meals that are an extra treat for us. My point is that there are a lot of activities in this area, check the paper, computer, look for activities to do as they are out there.    This Saturday is our big activity day on the water. Do be aware of weather conditions, if you have any questions contact Economy Tackle at 941-922-9671. As you know, it can be raining at your house and not at mine and we could live across the street from one another! That's weather in Florida for us. As I have mentioned in the past, I will always go to the event as weather is so erratic here. Actually, I have about a 90% success rate of the event taking place. Anyhow, we start out Saturday with the ever popular "Basic Paddling Class". This weekend the class and the demo will be at Ackerman Park. To get to the park take Fruitville Rd. 4/10's of a mile east of I-75 to Coburn Rd.. You will then turn right on Coburn Rd. and go 5/10's of a mile to the lake on the right. It's a great location for all of our friends both north and south. The class begins at 8:30 am and goes to 11 am. It is 2 to 2.5 hours of fun filled information and kayak paddling while you are learning. This is a great way to get comfortable on the water, or also upgrade your skills if you have not had any formal training. The class cost is $40 with your equipment or ours, and the course instructor is American Canoe Association Certified and he has been teaching for 10 years. Need more info or need to make reservations, call us at 941-922-9671.    Following the class will be the west coast of Florida's favorite "Free Kayak Demo Day". Have you been to kayak stores, have you been on the internet, have you been talking to your paddling friends? Now you may be overwhelmed as to what is your next step on learning about kayaking. If you cannot start out with a class, then "Do" come to the demo. Our unbiased staff will get you on the water whether you are a novice or a seasoned paddler looking to upgrade, you will have fun! One thing I always ask is "let us know" that you are a new person to kayaking. That allows the staff to get you into a user friendly kayak. "We" want you to have fun, so help us help you. We will have 34 kayaks on the water, including the Hobie pedal kayaks and the Native "Propel" pedal kayaks. If you have never pedaled a kayak, now is your opportunity. When coming to a demo have a very open mind. What do I mean you might ask? There are numerous models of kayaks and propulsion systems and you don't want to overlook any of them, as they are all very functional. You and Economy Tackle are there to find out what works for you. Apparel for the day is shirt, shorts, and some type of water shoes. Bathing suits are not needed and we suggest shorts as it give us more flexibilty. No reservations are needed, but if you have a question don't hesitate to cal 941-922-9671.     An item that almost escaped me from my green heron experience, monofilament fishing line. When you see it, dispose of it. I notice it around foot bridges where folks fish on a regular basis. There are generally monofilament disposal stations in the area of public fishing. When you see it, imagine a green heron getting caught in it.    The Kayak Explorers will be having their monthly meeting this Thursday night at 6:30 pm at the Fruitville Library. If you recently have gotten into kayaking, this is a good place to meet fellow kayakers. Also check with the groups at the bottom of the newsletter for activities and folks to paddle with.    It's that time of year when the "Friends of Myakka" fire up their annual fundraiser. As most you know, they raffle off a cool kayak. This year it's the Hurricane Phoenix 12 sit-on-top.  It weighs only 40 lbs. This kayak doesn't come with a seat, but Myakka has also included that. Tickets can be purchased at Economy Tackle or the park. The cost is $5 per ticket, 5 for $20. These monies go back into your park, all 100% of them. Times are difficult for them, but fortunately it's our park to enjoy. You can purchase tickets till March 6th, 2009.    A number of you are familiar with the kayak by Legacy Watersports called the Native Propel. This is another pedal kayak added to our lineup of kayaks. This kayak is a pedal powered propeller kayak that you can check out at the demo. We now have the Propel "Volt" in stock for you to check out. You might ask what the "Volt" is. Well, Legacy beat GM to the electric propulsion and brought out the electric powered Native 14.5. It is a pretty cool kayak for a lot of different uses. We have it at the store, so stop by and check it out.    We have a few used kayaks for those of you that have some idea of what you may be looking for. We have a Hurricane Tampico-S 14 sit-in, the ever popular Pungo 120, 3 Hobie Sport pedal kayaks with one of those  sporting the very cool bimini top. We also have a 2008 Tempest 16.5 fiberglass touring kayak that has a couple of scratches on the bottom. These kayaks are water ready and priced to go.    Coming up this weekend is a very cool event. Sarasota County Parks is putting on a fund raiser to restore the Edson Keith Farmhouse, located on the Phillipi Estate Park. This house has tremendous historical value to Sarasota County. The fundraiser starts this Friday night with the " Clyde Butcher Opening Night Preview Party". To get info on this and the showings of his works, go on to www.scgov.net/ClydeButcher. If you are not familiar with the photography of Clyde Butcher, he is compared to Ansel Adams. Clydes' photography is large format black and white and is incredible. You can also call Priscilla at 316-1309 and she will give you any information you may need. The Butchers' show will run from Oct 25th to Nov.23rd, and there is a $10 admission. Don't miss out on the great showing.    See you on the water,              Dick