GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mel Berman. ...more

July 26, 2008

Presidential campaigning has placed the media spotlight on the offshore drilling discussion. While I am glad for the renewed attention to this important topic, I worry politics will divide what is a really a nonpartisan issue. The public overwhelmingly supports increased exploration for oil and natural gas off Florida's coastline. As Floridians and Americans, we cannot afford to sit back as our energy future and the future of our natural resources are debated in the political arena. It's time to stop talking and start taking action. ...more

July 7, 2008

Just like a little success or winning makes a lot of problems go away, the same holds true when the rains finally come to a drought-stricken area. ...more

July 3, 2008

The new moon happens this Thursday at 3:44 a.m., which spells bad news for daytime anglers and fishermen. The best bite period of the day starts at about noon and builds slowly throughout the afternoon and never really reaches a high level of intensity or duration. The main daily migration occurs at night, from midnight to 3 or 4 a.m. As always this time of year, there is a remote chance this week of an early-morning big bass in the known areas to hold regular larger bass, but you'll still need a good amount of luck on your side to boat one. ...more

February 3, 2008

Tilapia are not even supposed to be here, but like many other aquarium escapees, they are now found in just about every lake and river across the southern two-thirds of Florida. The fish originally came from Africa, where there are at least a half-dozen varieties. It also has been imported by American fish farmers, some of whom sell it as "rose snapper." ...more

January 4, 2008

APOLLO BEACH - An erosion-control project at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve may set the pace for environmentally friendly methods of shoring up shorelines in Florida. ...more

November 6, 2007

TIERRA VERDE - Tampa Bay Watch, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful and The Ocean Conservancy, is seeking volunteers for the annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday. ...more

October 16, 2007

Things To Do is a list of some of the most interesting upcoming events. For a complete list of Tampa Bay area events, see this week's Friday Extra. ...more

September 12, 2007

It's time to take out the trash along Tampa Bay, and volunteers for the annual International Coastal Cleanup can report to one of several south Hillsborough County locations to volunteer. ...more

September 8, 2007