Winter Kayaking in South Florida’s Hidden Oasis

As winter blankets much of the northern hemisphere in a frosty embrace, kayaking enthusiasts in South Florida are gearing up for a unique and exhilarating experience on the water. While the rest of the country may be bundling up and retreating indoors, adventurous paddlers are embracing the mild winter temperatures and exploring the hidden gems that make winter kayaking in South Florida a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Winter Kayaking

Escape the Cold:

South Florida’s winter is a stark contrast to the icy temperatures gripping other parts of the United States. With average temperatures hovering in the comfortable 60s and 70s, the region offers a haven for kayakers seeking an escape from the winter chill. Imagine gliding through calm waters under the warm sun, surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife – a perfect antidote to the winter blues.

Diverse Ecosystems:

South Florida boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem that comes to life during the winter months. Kayakers have the opportunity to explore a variety of habitats, from mangrove-lined estuaries and serene freshwater lakes to winding rivers and coastal inlets. Each waterway presents a unique experience, showcasing the region’s biodiversity and providing paddlers with a front-row seat to observe marine life, including manatees, dolphins, and a plethora of bird species.

Wildlife Encounters:

Winter kayaking in South Florida offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife encounters. As the temperatures drop elsewhere, many species migrate to the warmer waters of the region, creating a haven for nature enthusiasts. Paddlers may be greeted by the gentle gliding of manatees, the playful antics of dolphins, and the vibrant plumage of wading birds. It’s not uncommon to witness a spectacle of nature while peacefully navigating the waterways.

Serene Winter Landscapes:

The winter season transforms South Florida’s landscapes into serene and tranquil settings. The absence of summer’s humidity allows for clear skies and crisp air, enhancing the overall paddling experience. Kayakers can enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding scenery, whether it’s the sun setting over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the water, or the stillness of a misty morning paddle through a quiet estuary.

Hidden Gems and Secluded Spots:

Paddlers can venture off the beaten path, exploring tucked-away coves, mangrove tunnels, and peaceful lagoons. The tranquility of these lesser-known areas provides an intimate connection with nature and allows kayakers to savor the beauty of South Florida away from the crowds.

For those seeking a winter kayaking experience like no other, South Florida beckons with its mild temperatures, diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and hidden oases waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a novice adventurer, the region offers a unique opportunity to trade in the winter coat for a paddle and embrace the beauty of nature in its winter glory. So, grab your kayak, soak in the sunshine, and embark on a winter kayaking adventure in South Florida’s hidden oasis. And if you don’t own one, now is the perfect time to buy or gift one, our experts will help you pick out the perfect one.

Recent News

Fishing Report!! Monday November 25, 2024

Fall fishing is certainly going strong!! Offshore reports have been limited due to some very windy conditions recently. However, weve had some decent reports from the 150′ range for yellowtails, big mangrove snappers and blackfin tuna. Some American red snapper but need to go a bit deeper for those. Kingfish are being reported from those depths as well but there have also been quite a few caught closer to the beach. The hogfish bite has been outstanding the past few days mostly caught on live shrimp. Big tripletail have shown up with a massive 13lb fish mentioned today. Cobia have been everywhere from the beach out to 100′. The bigger cobia usually are in deeper water but you could definitely luck into a giant in the shallows. Spanish mackerel and bonita have been blowing up on bait schools off of the beach as well. Inshore we have it all!!! Sheepshead around most structure at the moment, pompano off of the beaches and in the passes. Flounder in the passes and off of the beach. Massive trout on the flats currently with some every nice snook mixed in and redfish have been lingering under the mangrove edges waiting for your bait. Live shrimp are working well currently and the whitebait has been thick!! Soft plastics of choice at the moment have been golden bream lil jons, pearl NLBN paddletails and K-tails, Zman Prawnstars and DOA jerkshads.

Stop in and see us! Happy Thanksgiving!!

**BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS**

We have some fantastic deals planned for this Friday!! Including discounts on certain reels, hooks, tackle boxes, sunglasses, braided line and more!!

Our Loss is Your Gain! Hurricane Milton Scratch and Dent Sale on Kayaks and Paddleboards

The recent storm took a toll on some of our inventory, leaving us with a selection of kayaks and paddleboards that now have a few scratches and dents. While these blemishes are purely cosmetic, we’re offering significant discounts to help you get out on the water at a fraction of the regular cost!

If you’ve been considering a kayak or paddleboard, now’s the perfect time to dive in and snag a great deal. Here’s why our Hurricane Milton Scratch and Dent Sale on Kayaks and Paddleboards is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.

Hurricane Milton Scratch and Dent Sale on Kayaks and Paddleboards

 

1. Quality Gear at Unbeatable Prices

This sale offers substantial savings on kayaks and paddleboards that have minor cosmetic damage. Each piece is still fully functional and ready for adventure, just with a few scratches or scuffs. If you’re looking to get top-quality equipment for less, this sale is for you.

2. Enjoy the Water Without Worrying About Perfection

For many of us, a kayak or paddleboard is a well-loved piece of gear that gains character with each use. With these scratch-and-dent models, you can enjoy paddling through beautiful Florida waters without worrying about keeping your gear in pristine condition. The “lived-in” look just adds to the charm!

3. Perfect for Beginners and Experienced Paddlers Alike

Whether you’re just starting out or have been on the water for years, these kayaks and paddleboards are an excellent investment. For beginners, it’s a budget-friendly way to get high-quality equipment without committing to the full price. Experienced paddlers will appreciate the functionality and durability of these boards at a fraction of the cost.

4. Top Brands with Slight Imperfections

Our inventory includes some of the most reliable and well-known brands in the industry. You can enjoy the quality and performance of these trusted brands for much less than you’d pay for a brand-new, unblemished model. All of the gear in our sale has been inspected to ensure it’s ready for the water.

5. Local, Friendly Service to Help You Choose the Right Fit

Our team is here to answer any questions you have about our scratch-and-dent models and to help you select the best option for your paddling needs. We’re passionate about getting people out on the water and making kayaking and paddleboarding accessible to everyone.

6. Get Ready for a Florida Adventure

With cooler weather and calmer waters, it’s a fantastic time of year to explore Florida’s waterways. A scratch-and-dent kayak or paddleboard is the perfect way to get outdoors and discover hidden coves, quiet lakes, and coastal scenery.

Visit Us Today and Take Advantage of These Great Deals

Our Hurricane Milton Scratch and Dent Sale won’t last forever! If you’re ready to save on kayaks and paddleboards, come visit us and check out our inventory while it lasts. Our team is excited to help you find the perfect piece to start your next water adventure.

Get out on the water for less – visit us today and make the most of these unbeatable deals!

Fishing Report!! Monday October 28, 2024

Fall fishing is firing off!! Just this week we have had red snapper, yellowtail snapper in about 150′, big mangroves, lane snapper and sailfish reports coming from offshore. The nearshore wreck fishing can’t be beat with solid reports of cobia all week. The tripletail have shown up this week on the crab lines with several keepers mentioned already, Blackfin tuna have been in scattered depths but are abundant with tons of bait being reported inshore and offshore. The spanish mackerel have arrived and the kings are following close behind. Inshore action is going strong with bait being extremely plentiful. Redfish have been nonstop this week. A few trout and smaller snook being mentioned in the bay as well. Even a few reports of backwater juvenile tarpon! It is not uncommon to see migratory schools off the beach this time of year heading south. Theyre usually tough though with one thing on their mind….migration. Hoping to see some bigger schools of redfish these upcoming weeks in the north bay but only time will tell. We are getting live shrimp every day and have some great deals on terminal tackle also. Stop in and see us!!

Tight Lines!!

Fishing Report! Friday, October 18, 2024

Well, it has been an interesting few weeks for us here on the west coast of Florida. But after Hurricane Milton, we are finally finding some normality. We are now back to our normal hours, we are receiving  live bait and have plenty of new fall items arriving daily!! With that being said we do have a few fishing reports to mention as well. Some of the local Captains have been getting some very nice mangrove snapper on the nearshore reefs this week. Not too many reports further out than that at the moment but kingfish season will soon be upon us. Inshore action seems to be starting up right where it left off with a good amount of bait being mentioned in the north and south bay. There were some GIANT snook caught mid week in the south creek area on cut mullet. Lots of smaller snook and trout caught in the bay this week as well. I’ve had a few mentions of redfish and with the amount of bait around thats no surprise! The redfish action should really be heating up in these next few weeks so keep your eyes open for birds diving on bait and big ‘mullet-like’ pushes.

Stop in and see us with any questions! As always, TIGHT LINES!!

Fishing Report!! Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Both inshore and offshore reports have been flowing in this past week. We had gag grouper open in the Gulf of Mexico. American red snapper have been steadily reported as well. Depths for gags will range as there are shallow spots in Tampa bay where trolling can be super productive aside from fishing offshore. Wahoo have been reported from the 200′ of water range. Some blackfin tuna are scattered in that depth also. Yellowtail and mangrove snappers have been extremely plentiful nonstop for the past month. There have been multiple reports of hogfish on the nearshore ledges this week, caught on live shrimp or shrimp rigged on a hogball. There have been a few mentions of bonita and kingfish but they are very scattered. Nearshore reefs have been loaded this week with big snook and redfish. These fish are seeking that cooler, deeper water. Pinfish are a perfect bait for almost all species at the moment. Whitebait has been reported off the beach but is very small. Inshore redfish are starting to show as well along with some decent trout. There have been loads of juvenile tarpon around the south bay/ vamo area. Focus on early morning bites or late afternoon, and watch your tides!!

Fishing Report!! Sunday, August, 18 2024

The past few weeks have produced some seriously good offshore fishing in our area! With a couple of big offshore tournaments ( Gulfcoast Offshore & Sarasota Slam) we have had good numbers of pelagics being reported. A 432lb as well as a 223lb swordfish caught, big warsaw grouper, American red snappers, Cubera snappers, blackfin tuna, big mangrove and yellowtail snappers also. There have been a few reports of gag grouper although they are not in season and kingfish around the 30 mi mark. Big cobia and permit are currently being reported in the nearshore wrecks. There have been multiple reports of 9-10lb mangrove snapper in that depth, caught using light leader and either whitebait or shrimp. There are still a few tarpon around, we had an insanely good bite directly following the last storm. A good amount of pompano are being mentioned near the passes this week, although water temps are very high in the bay, theyre a bit cooler in the pass and out off of the beach. I would still focus on early morning bite or afternoon/ evenings to beat the heat and capitalize on a better bite. Inshore trout bite has dwindled off a bit but the redfish in the bay have been fired up this week!! There have been some smaller snook and juvenile tarpon reported in the south bay/ vamo area earlier this week which should continue on into next. Fall is shaping up nicely for those redfish with some bulls already being caught in the bay!!

Tight Lines!!!

UPCOMING EVENT!!

PENN MEET & GREET!

Thursday May 22nd from 4-7pm we will be holding an in store meet & greet with director and brand development manager for all PENN products. We will also have Captain Geoff Page and Ron Houston here with The Florida Insider Fishing Report. We will have giveaways to include a limited amount of PENN combos, rods, and reels as well as Savage and Berkley baits! Hope to see you then! Tight Lines

Paddle N’ Go Spring Kayak Sale & Demo Day – Try Before You Buy!

Are you ready to hit the water this spring? Whether you’re new to paddling or looking to upgrade your kayak, our Paddle N’ Go Spring Kayak Sale and Demo Day is the perfect opportunity to find your perfect match!

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 1 PM
Location: Ken Thompson Park, 1700 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota

Paddle N’ Go Spring Kayak Sale

Why Attend Our Kayak Demo Day?

Choosing the right kayak is an important decision, and there’s no better way to make sure you love your new ride than by trying it on the water first! At our demo day, you can test a wide variety of kayaks, including top brands like Hobie, Hurricane, Wilderness Systems, Perception, and Eddyline.

What to Expect

  • Try Before You Buy – Test different kayaks to find the perfect fit.
  • Top Kayak Brands– Hobie, Hurricane, Wilderness Systems, Perception, Eddyline, Bonafide & Native.
  • Expert Guidance – Our experienced staff and industry reps will be on-site to answer all your questions.
  • Paddle Selection Assistance – The right paddle can make all the difference! Try different lengths and styles to find the best match for your comfort and performance.
  • Beginner-Friendly Event – New to paddling? No worries! Our team is here to help guide you through the experience.

Important Event Information

Weather Notice: In the case of poor weather, the event will be rescheduled. Stay updated by signing up for email notifications on our website or by calling 941-922-9671 for updates Friday evening before 6:00 PM or Saturday morning after 8:00 AM.

Don’t miss this chance to get on the water and experience different kayaks before you buy! We hope to see you at Ken Thompson Park on March 29 for an exciting day of paddling, learning, and fun. Mark your calendar, bring your friends, and get ready to paddle, pedal, and glide your way to your next great adventure!

🚣‍♂️ Get Help With Professional Kayak Repair Services and Parts! 🌊

Need help with kayak repairs? Whether looking for parts on a Do-It-Yourself project or professional kayak repair service, we can help!

🔧Our Services Include (But Are Not Limited To):

  • ✅ ABS Plastic Welding & Epoxy Repairs –  Expert fixes of cracks, holes, and structural damage.
  • ✅ Hobie Kayak Service & Repairs – General Hobie Mirage drive maintenance, kayak and part replacements, and warranty support for Hobie models.
  • ✅ General Kayak Rehab – From deep cleaning and power washing to replacing worn fittings, lines, and handles—so, you can bring your kayak back to life!
  • ✅ Accessory & Rudder System Installations – Professional installation of accessories and rudder systems to enhance performance and convenience.

Located in the Sarasota area and need help with transport? We offer pick-up and delivery services. 🚚

🛶 Prefer to Handle Repairs Yourself? We’ve Got the Supplies You Need!

We carry a wide range of high-quality parts and accessories to help you repair or upgrade a kayak on your own. For example, we offer:

  • ✅ Bungee Cord by the Foot – Available in multiple sizes to suit your needs
  • ✅ Handles – Bow, stern, and midship handles for easy carrying and control
  • ✅ Kayak Accessories – Enhance your paddling or fishing experience with useful add-ons
  • ✅ Seat & Outfitting Components – Includes replacement seats, thigh braces, and foot pegs
  • ✅ Rudder & Skeg Parts – Parts for repairs or upgrades to your steering systems
  • ✅ Repair Materials – Epoxies and sealants for durable hull and deck fixes

Check out of list of kayak accessories online here to get you started.

📞 Got questions or ready for a repair? Then give us a call today! In short, whether you’re patching up or leveling up, we’ve got you covered!