Kayak Fishing Citrus County, by Gary Rankel

Long-time yak angler, Gary Rankel, has authored a 152 page guide to kayak fishing in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast:  “Finding the Treasures of the Trails – Kayak Fishing Citrus County”.

The tragic deterioration of water quality and associated sport fisheries throughout much of Florida has prompted a mini migration of anglers to the Nature Coast looking to paddle their plastic fishing vessels in its relatively pristine lakes, rivers and inshore area.  Ditto for central Florida’s burgeoning “boomer” demographic seeking something more adventurous than pickleball or chasing after those little white balls in their electric carts.

The book’s how-to section provides a comprehensive review of all things kayak fishing, including a few tips, tricks and techniques you may not have seen before.  The where-to-paddle-and-fish section contains 27 color maps depicting launch sites, fishing routes and hotspots for targeting redfish, snook and seatrout in and around the Crystal, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka and Withlacoochee Rivers bordering the Gulf of Mexico, as well as largemouth bass and other freshwater species in the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes.

Anglers who’ve paddled around the marsh a time or two and think they know it all, as well as newbies to the sport, no matter where they dip their paddles, should find the book educational and enjoyable.  So should manatee watchers, scallop snorkelers and other tourists to the Nature Coast looking to broaden their overall outdoor recreation experience.

It may be ordered online at https://squareup.com/store/buendia-press.

Gary also administers the Nature Coast Kayak Fishers (http://fishingkayaks.us) and can be reached at packeryaker@tampabay.rr.com.

Gary Rankel, PackerYaker (packeryaker@tampabay.rr.com)

Nature Coast Kayak Fishers (http://fishingkayaks.us)

Guide to Kayak Fishing in Citrus County (https://treasuresofthetrails.com)