A Fisherman's Paradise

If your thinking about spending time in Citrus County, Florida, don't forget to bring your rod and reel. Abundant fish and shell life thrive in the coastal estuaries of Homosassa River. Thirty-four varieties including the redfish, tarpon, sheepshead, snapper, trout and snook live in the natural spring waters of Florida's upper West Coast Gulf. This is a fisherman's paradise and it's a rite of passage to know how to bait a hook and cast a line.

Mary Craven, Manager of Citrus County Visitors & Conventions Bureau, lead us on an educational journey through Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park today. Besides fish, the rehabilitation center cares for injured and orphaned animals like manatee, rhino, alligators, black bear, bobcat, flamingos, otters and cougars. Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse have nothing on this place - wildlife and family excitement reign king here.

"This is one of Florida's best kept secrets" admits Gale Oakes, owner of the Riverside Crab House and riverside resort. She charters a pontoon party barge while sharing her vast knowledge of scalloping and netting hard shelled blue crabs. The sun parches my scalp and nose but the footage I gather and insight gleened is priceless. The boat lumbers around the fragile ecosystem traveling at no more than 15 miles an hour to avoid hurting a manatee. Monkey Island (aptly named for its inhabitants) squawks with delight as the mischievous primates capture our attention. Restored mansions and shabby run-down gazebos popular thanks to Homor Winslow and Grover Cleveland add historical flavor to the brackish marsh. I'm enjoying every soulful moment of this trip and my family couldn't be more thankful for this opportunity.