News

Fishing in Tampa Bay

One of our favorite activities is fishing in Tampa Bay. We try to do it at least once every stay at Sunset Cove. This month was no different. Our day started early, meeting Captain Branden of True Lies Fishing at the dock at 7:30, but it was only a 10 minute drive from the house. We cruised to a few different spots and started with a nice Snook:

Snook

After that we headed out into the middle of the Bay to deeper water to try and land some Mangrove Snapper for the dinner table. Once we got out there, we not only caught a few Snapper, but we also caught (and released) a few Gag Grouper and Red Grouper.

Then it was back to the Mangroves to find some Redfish. What followed was a memorable experience, where for 90 minutes we were catching Redfish on just about every cast. As long as we casted the bait close to the Mangroves in a small 10′ area, we got a hit and reeled in Red after Red! At one point, we had lines in the water with a Red fighting on each line:

All in all it was a trip we will not forget for a long time!

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene sent a storm surge of floodwaters in to Tampa Bay during the night on September 26th. Many areas saw the highest ever recorded water levels. Many homes were flooded damaging all their furniture, appliances and clothing, never mind their homes. We were very lucky that the water only made it as far as the top of our driveway with a little seeping into the garage. By morning the waters had receded and people could assess their losses and start putting their lives back together. Fortunately there were no fatalities or major injuries in the area. For that we are very grateful! Here is what the view was like from our front door camera at the peak of the flooding.

Ruskin Seafood Festival

The 33rd annual Ruskin Seafood festival is coming up in December. With lots of vendors, live music, an arts and crafts market, Sportsman’s Expo and of course plenty of food and drink, it is sure to be a popular event. The festival will be held on December 2-3 at E. G. Simmons Park in Ruskin. Stay at Sunset Cove and add the Ruskin Seafood Festival to your to do list as it is only 6 miles from the house! Visit: https://ruskinseafoodfest.org/ for more details.

How we came up with the name Sunset Cove

Looking at this picture taken by our neighbor in April, it is pretty easy to see how we arrived at the name Sunset Cove for the house. All credit goes to our 9 year old (at the time) daughter who walked in and offered the name while we were sitting at the table debating all kinds of other house names. When we stay at the house, she would often stand on the dock watching the sunset with me.

Fishing in Tampa Bay

We love to fish. It is a great way to spend the day with your family, and enjoy being together with no distractions from phones, or other electronic devices! Whenever we stay at Sunset Cove Apollo Beach, we try to book a charter out on Tampa Bay.

The last time we went out, it was with Captain Branden McCorckle of True Lies Fishing Company.  We have fished with him a few times now and have always had a great day.  He gets us on the fish and we all have a good time. Then after the fishing is done, there is nothing like eating a fresh Redfish, Snapper or Trout that you caught! Here is our daughter with a Redfish she caught in the Mangroves of Cockroach Bay.  (Yes it was delicious!)