
Take a minute and reflect back to when you were a kid, and you caught that first fish. What was it? I bet you remember every detail of that day that got you hooked on fishing. Then it evolves into a hobby, then a passion and heaven forbid you think you are good enough to be a guide. Well, it's all in the mind. Matter of fact, my favorite saying is, "I'm a Legend in my own mind!" I use this one often when kids are on board, so they think I'm a Legendary Fishing and Hunting Guide. They only remember the Legend part which plays up on all guides' egos. June, July, and August are painfully hot in airboats. Ride and slides are start and go events, so all you must do to crank on the air is do a few loopty loos or slide down the river to cool off. However, when airboat fishing, especially with young kiddos you have to be creative. You must keep 'em cool plus entertained. The tricks I use for the little ones are, "Hey that alligator is over there watching us, make some noise." Alligators do like noise, and they get curious. The other one is "We are about to leave, just give me five minutes." Some might read that as lying. Well, when have you ever met a fisherman that doesn't expand their story? Guiding youngsters on the water in this day and time requires extreme measures to compete with technology. Which, brings up another important topic of discussion when taking kids into the outdoors for fishing or hunting. Here we go.
Bu hikaye Airboating Magazine dergisinin July - August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Airboating Magazine dergisinin July - August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Osceola Airboat Association and Kissimmee Swamp Tours in Silver Spurs Parade
Osceola Airboat Association and Kissimmee Swamp Tours (located at Joe Overstreet Road in Kenansville), were a part of the 81st Annual Silver Spurs Parade in downtown St. Cloud promoting airboating and conservation.

Indian River Airboat Association
Thank you to all the club members who came out on February 5 to tear it out and on February 8, 2025, to rebuild the two platforms, picnic table and bench at Banjo camp in the East Marsh (by Fellsmere, Florida).

United Sportsmen Airboaters Alliance New Years Day Cookout
Today's (January 1, 2025) adventure to the annual United Sportsmen Airboaters Alliance proved one thing, the spirit of past USAA president, Jerry Wetherington, is alive and well. Jerry led the USAA for many years and this New Years Day event was always his favorite. It was not just the great food, or the promise of starting a new year of airboating, but the gathering of so many club members who had become his extended family. This cookout for the club members was just a little way for the club to enjoy and give back to the members who support the many functions of the USAA. Many club event fund raising efforts are donated to area community projects including organizations like the Ronald McDonald House for Children, the local fire department and others.

Lake Okeechobee Airboat Association January Had Successful Youth Hunts
LOAA’s first youth hunt of 2025 was at Trail Ridge east of Gainesville, Florida. This was also our last hunt at this location. We’ve enjoyed this property tremendously and have made a lot of great memories with youths who harvested a lot of game here. LOAA is thankful for our time at this property and look forward to more opportunities thanks to the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Florida Sportsmen Conservation Association 27th Annual Outdoor Youth Day
February 1, 2025, was FSCA's 27th Annual Outdoor Youth Day and it was incredible thanks to the dedication of more than 200 volunteers and generous sponsors. This event is held each year at the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp at 12100 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, West Palm Beach, Florida.

Removing Invasive Species in Florida Iguana Hunting
I was born in Coral Gables and moved to North Florida, specifically Live Oak, when I was around 8 years old. Growing up, I spent countless hours on the Suwannee River, Santa Fe River, and Ichetucknee Springs. I have always had a deep love for the outdoors. As a teenager, weekend trips to Steinhatchee or Horseshoe Beach for fishing were a regular occurrence.

East Marsh TNT-Run What You Brung
February 15, 2025, at Summer Camp in East Marsh was another day of fun with another TNT - Run What You Brung.

Ice Fishing the Mississippi River
The airboat's 650 h.p. Marine Power engine roared to life, its fan blades cutting through the frosty morning air as I, Captain Jarrad Fluekiger, secured the fishing gear. The Mississippi River stretched out before me, its mighty flow a mix of open water and frozen patches. It is a maze of opportunity for the adventurous angler.

Cedar Key Waterway Cleanup
If you’ve never had the chance to check out some of the small communities along our Gulf Coast I highly recommend it. Cedar Key is a little town that’s off the beaten path, but one of the neatest little towns there is. Prior to this past hurricane season, you could take a ride out to the coast and hang out at some of the local spots and eat right on the water or enjoy a beautiful sunset watching the dolphins frolic in the water right in front of your table on one of the many outdoor decks along the boardwalk area.

Discovering Florida's Wild Heart A Journey with Compass Airboat Safaris
Florida’s natural wonders are legendary — from its sprawling wetlands and wildlife-rich estuaries to the mysterious allure of the Everglades.