As always, we plan on hitting some of the most popular Boat Shows in the region with our most popular lines of boats. Our schedule isn't firmly set just yet but as soon as it is we will post it on our web site. In the meantime, you can call Marc anytime at 850 670 8100 to talk about the upcoming boatshows or just to see "what's new" at Wefing's Marine and talk boating with a fellow boating fanatic.

The big news on the Ranger Tugs front are the new models from Ranger Tugs. The R25 SC model is a bit of a change of direction for the cruising tugs. The longer cockpit definitely targeted for the fishing fanatics amongst the Ranger Tug faithful. The cockpit is about 16" longer than the R25, which was achieved by shortening the Galley and changing some of the plumbing details. Many features remain intact, the V-Berth hasn't changed and the full head is still here but with improvements. The Pilot and Navigation stations are here and the dinette is essentially the same. The entrance to the bunk/storage area below the dinette area has been changed but is still quite accessible. All in all, despite the loss of a little length, the cabin still retains its functionality and comfort.

The extra room in the cockpit makes a big difference, however. The bench seat in the cockpit has been lowered which improves it quite a bit. There are two pads with power for down-riggers. The whole boat has become more "fishing friendly" and the divers amongst us will appreciate the changes as well. The swim step is now molded fiberglass like the one on the Ranger 29, and the bow rail has been shortened a little bit making access to the bow a bit easier.

We are very excited about this new model and think it will be a sure hit with the trailerable tug fans as well as anyone looking for a small but comfortable "pocket cruiser". We have a video you can watch.

There is more news for 2010 coming soon from Ranger Tugs. We can't divulge any details yet but watch our website and newsletters and we will get you all the details as soon as we can. For now we can tell you that another brand new Trailerable Tug model is in the development process at Ranger Tugs. Again, as soon as we have details we will share them.

The locally accessible areas of the public artificial reef sysem are a big draw, both for fish and fishermen, as well as recreational divers and spearfishermen.

There are a number of programs responsible for the fine system of public reefs easily accessible off Florida shores.

The FWC's Division of Marine Fisheries Management admininstered a state artificial reef system that was originally created in 1982. The primary program objectives are to provide financial and technical assistance to coastal local governments, nonprofit corporations, and state universities to develop artificial reefs and to monitor and evaluate these reefs. Some of the artificial reefs off Franklin County include the old St. George Island bridge, which was torn down after the new one opened in 2004 and taken offshore to create a good sized fish habitat in about 65 feet of water. We have others close to our area ranging from the "One More Time", a steel shrimper sunk in 39 feet of water to the Exxon Template, an oil rig structure sunk in 106 feet of water. For an easy to print out table of the reefs built and administered under the FWC's program, see this page on the Wefing's web site or stop by Wefing's while you are in town and we will be happy to supply you with the information.

There are many artificial reefs all along the Florida coastline that were established or built by other programs, some public and some private groups dedicated to improving the habitat and the fisheries. Many of these are well known and the locations are publicly available. A good comprehensive list of the reefs off the Panhandle of Florida is available on this site and includes a table of the reefs with links to a chart of each reef and a weather forecast for the area. All in all a very informative web site. They also have a page dedicated to shipwrecks off the Florida Panhandle as well.

Our local State Parks are also a big draw, with a couple in particular being of prime interest to boaters and fishermen. .

"Miles of undeveloped beach with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Apalachicola Bay on the other provide the perfect setting for this park. The park offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping, and nature study. Two boat ramps provide access to Apalachicola Bay where anglers can fish for flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting, and Spanish mackerel. Few parks offer better opportunities for gulf coast shelling. Shore birds such as the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, and willet often nest along the park's sandy shores and grass flats.  The par has six large picnic shelters equipped with grills, tables, and restrooms.  The campground features full-facility campsites.  A primitive campsite can be accessed by trail or by private boat."
                                                                    ~~from the Official Park Website

"With miles of white sugar sand, this park has one of the top rated beaches in the United States. Sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming are popular activities along the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay. From offshore, canoeists and kayakers can take in a superb view of the high dunes and sand pine scrub. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and bicycling. As a coastal barrier peninsula, St. Joseph provides excellent opportunities for bird watching; over 240 species have been sighted in the park. A boat ramp is located at Eagle Harbor on the bay side. Campers can stay in a full-facility campground, a short walk from the beach, or at primitive campsites in the wilderness preserve. Eight cabins on the bay side offer alternative overnight accommodations."
                                                                ~~from the Official Park Website

The St. George Inn

Thanks for reading, that's all until next issue. Please come and visit us soon and, if nothing else...

We'll See You On The Water!

Thanks for your interest,
Marc Grove
Wefing's Marine