Escape the Winter Blues: Fishing in Key West, Florida

Steven Mesia is no rookie when it comes to travel and adventure. His love for fishing, sailing and hunting paired with his dedication to quality time with family, have fueled numerous trips with loved ones throughout the years.

One of Steven Mesia's favorite places to escape the stark months of winter is Key West, Florida. This paradise island lays off the shore between the coast of southern Florida, and north of the Cuban coast of Havana. Fishing, boating, and snorkeling make this island a coastal hotspot for tourists who enjoy the beauty and adventure of the sea.

One of Steven Mesia's favorite pastimes is fishing for walleye and muskie, but the warm waters of Key West allow for much more diversity in sea life and new opportunities for the catch of the day. Sport fishing is one of Key West's biggest draws - whether offshore or deep sea, fishing in Kew West is prime doe to the spectacular abundance of species in the warm, blue waters.

Key West Flats and Backcountry Fishing 

The distant shallows of the Key West Flats span limitless fishing grounds for the skilled and tactical fisherman who hope to catch a "Grey Ghost" Bonefish and other trophies alike.

Lying adjacent to the expansive waters of the Key West Flats lies the open waters of backcountry fishing. Calm waters and miles of remote beaches make make the Key West Backcountry make this location to be a tackle fishing dream for any fishing sportsman.

Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing

For avid outdoorsmen like Steven Mesia, enjoying the great outdoors is something to be cherished all year round.

Wether through the hot days of summer, or cold months of winter, Steven Mesia makes a point to get outside and enjoy nature as much as possible with his friends and family throughout the year. 

Raised on a farm in Cherry, MN, Steven Mesia grew up surrounded with fun outdoor activities. One of his favorites being snowshoeing during winter months. Though not the most popular winter pass-time, snowshoeing is still very popular among those who appreciate the outdoors just as much as Steven Mesia, despite snow! 

If you're looking to get outside and enjoy some sun during winter months, snowshoeing can be a great option - it's as simple as walking! Here are a few beginner necessities to get you started on the right foot:

You don't have to break the bank on your first pair

Amazon has some great options for affordable first pairs of snowshoes. You could also try looking on Facebook marketplace or consignment stores. Sometimes you'll hit the jackpot! Snowshoes generally have a pretty simple product design.

Just look for lightweight pair! You can also find inexpensive combo kits that include poles which help stabilize you while getting used to the new shoes. 

Start in light snow

The deeper the snow, the more difficult snowshoeing will be. Choose a day to get outdoors that's sunny with a few inches on the ground. Getting sued to your snowshoes on an easy day will help you get accustomed to the design. the next thing you know, you'll be an expert! 

Have fun!

The best part about snowshoes is that it really doesn't require too much experience, but the health benefits are great for anyone giving it a try! Find a simple hiking trail, gather some friends, and make a day of it! Snowshoeing is a great way to spend quality time outdoors with the ones you love. 

Year Round Adventure Destination - Acadia National Park

For lovers of all things nature, Acadia National Park is an absolute gem for outdoorsmen like Steven Mesia. 

Nestled in the harbor side of Northern Maine, Acadia Park was founded in 1919 along the rugged coastline offering tremendous views of both the Atlantic ocean and towering mountains. With over 125 trails to hike throughout the park, Acadia Park is a premier destination for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors as much as Steven Mesia.

Acadia Park is a protected National Park, along with others in Alaska, Texas, the Mid-West, the Northern Rockies, and the Sun Coast to name just a few locations.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast their line in the nearby Bar Harbor, with very possible views of wild dolphins and harbor seals. Bar Harbor is the perfect little town to spend the day shopping and grabbing a bite to eat in between outdoor adventures with family and friends.

From beginner to advanced, there are trails and sights to see for hikers of all levels of experience. Cadillac Mountain can be hiked, or if you're more up for the easy route, you can drive your car to the top and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding mountains.

From mid-October to March, Cadillac Mountain Peak is the first place in the United States visible to the sunrise. Make sure to beat the crowds and get up early enough to claim your spot - it gets extremely busy, but it is incredibly worth it.


Feeling a bit more adventurous? Precipice Trail and Beehive Trail are two of the most advanced trails, involving free climbing, cliff walks, and tremendous heights.

Nonetheless, it makes the view even sweeter, knowing you just successfully trekked one of the most daunting trails the park has to offer.

Must See Spots: 

1.)  Cadillac Mountain
2.)  Beehive Trail
3.)  Bubble Rock
4.)  Jordan Pond Path
5.)  Sand Beach
6.)  Echo Lake

Alaska: The Outdoorsman's Paradise

Steven Mesia is passionate about exploring the great outdoors. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, hiking and sailing! Spending time outdoors with his friends and family throughout the year is one of Steven Mesia's favorite pastimes. Whether winter, summer, spring or fall, Steven Mesia can be found enjoying nature in as many ways possible.

Semiannually Steven Mesia takes a trip to Alaska to enjoy the vast scenery and prime fishing conditions that the area has to offer. Here are just some of the reasons Steven Mesia always returns to Alaska for more!  

Although there are no defined borders across the territory, Alaska is divided into 6 regions: Interior, South Central, Southeast, Southwest, North Slope and the Aleutian Islands. Alaska is usually portrayed as much smaller than the region's true and actual size - Alaska is over twice the size of Texas! 

The vast land is incredibly scenic, consisting of millions of protected acres of national forests and parks. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service - good news for outdoorsmans like Steven Mesia himself.

Alaska is home to over 3 million lakes - you heard that right, 3 million! But watch out, you might have to fend off a Grizzly Bear to bring home that King Salmon!

If you're specifically looking to fish like Steven Mesia, Bristol Bay is one of the best spots to fish for salmon in Alaska. Bristol Bay is home to some of the largest salmon in the world! No wonder the Grizzly's stay happy.

If you're looking for a real adventure, Kodiak Island will gift you one of the best fishing experiences of your life. You'll have to get to the island by boat or plane, but the island's remoteness lessens competition, giving you access to the best fishing the Northern Hemisphere has to offer.

Beginner to Advanced: Ice Fishing Essentials

Essentials for an epic ice fishing trip, for the whole family!

Whether it's your first time, or you've had your fair share of catches in the snow - there's nothing quite like bracing the winter snow and enjoying a day out on the ice with a pole in hand. Steven Mesia is an avid outdoorsman who loves to spending his spare time casting away. Along with his affinity for outdoor sports, Steven Mesia also enjoys getting to spend quality time with his family outdoors. Why not bring the two together?

Ice fishing can be quite daunting if you're not prepared for the harsh weather, which is why Steven Mesia had to find the perfect supplies to turn a regular day of ice fishing into a dream trip that he could share with his whole family - despite the cold and snow! 

Ice Auger 

Rookie mistake #1, forgetting an ice auger! There's nothing worse than finally roping everyone together, getting all geared up, setting up camp and forgetting the most important piece of the equation - how to get to the fish! Do yourself a favor and get a sturdy ice auger with a durable blade.

Ice Scoop

This is usually overlooked but slush can collect within the hole and freeze, clogging what you just worked so hard to cut! You don't have to buy anything fancy, a long handled ladle usually works perfectly, preferably a metal one (plastic might crack from cold temperatures).

Rod, Reel and Line 

Despite popular opinion, you actually don't need to spend a bundle on any specific brand or type as far as fishing rods go. You want one that's short and strong, but still sensitive enough to detect smaller movements (fish move slower in colder temperatures). Your reel should be greased with an anti-freeze lubricant to avoid grittiness in freezing temperatures, or worse, freezing up completely. 

If you're looking to spend a bit more, you can find ice fishing rods and reels for a decent price that are worth an investment if you're looking to make this ice fishing your new hobby! Rods specifically designed for ice fishing are very short, but incredibly strong and easy to maneuver. While you're at it, pick up some ice fishing line.

Live Bait

Sticking with live bait is your best bet when ice fishing. You're most likely not going to be moving around frequently, therefore why not let the bait move for you!

Sled

Again, nothing worse than carting around all your fishing luggage after forgetting the sled. In hopes of a bountiful catch, it's in your best interest to bring a simple sled that you can use to load up all your cargo, and fish!

Shelter and Layers 

This one makes all the difference, and is a favorite of Steven Mesia. Invest in an ice fishing shelter to shield you from harsh winds and freezing temperatures. You can easily find them in sporting stores, and there are some great options on Amazon! That way you and your family can focus on each other, and not freezing. Bring a portable heater and you've got yourself a cabin oasis perfect for ice fishing!

Hot Hands

Last tip, especially if you've got little ones joining you - bring some hand warmers! Up to 10 hours of added warmth, just throw them in your shoes and gloves and you're good to go! 

National Fishing and Boating Week Kicks Off Fishing Season

Free Fishing and Boating Events in 2019

Sailboat restoration, hunting and fishing are Steven Mesia’s favorite summertime activities. He eagerly looks forward to the start of warmer weather -- and fishing season!
Fisherman and sailing enthusiast, Steven Mesia is excited about the events planned by the National Fishing and Boating Week’s committee.

Well, the warmer weather is finally on its way. And you know what that means: fishing season is finally within reach! Soon it’ll be time to gear up with your poles and bait and cast away for that first-of-the-year catch. The National Fishing and Boating Week’s committee has some exciting events lined up to ring in the new season. In Ohio, local organizers will host a free fishing weekend -- no fishing license required.

On Saturday May 4th and Sunday May 5th, Cleveland, Ohio will welcome fishermen -- young and old -- for an exciting weekend of free fishing. This event will kick off National Fishing and Boating Week just a little bit early, as the events will take place nationally starting June 1st.

National Fishing and Boating week rings in fishing season across the nation, every year. To get those lines casting out into the water, states throughout the US offer free fishing days. This means that anyone can fish on public bodies of water without purchasing a fishing license. This is a great opportunity for newcomers who want to test the waters before committing to gearing up with a license. It’s also a fantastic week of fun for life-long fishermen who’ve waited months to get back out on the water!

Numerous states participate in this exciting event, including Florida, which offers the most options. In fact, National Fishing and Boating week in Florida is actually National Fishing and Boating Weeks, as there are multiple events scheduled this year. The schedule is as follows:

Free Saltwater Fishing

• June 1st and 2nd
• September 7th
• November 30th

Free Freshwater Fishing

• April 6th and 7th
• June 8th and 9th

Steven Mesia eagerly anticipates the start of fishing and boating season. Follow him on Pinterest to find out about more exciting fishing events and opportunities near you!

How to Successfully Fish in the Winter

2 Expert Tips for First Time Winter Fishermen

Steven Mesia is an avid outdoorsman with a knack for sailing and fishing. He spends his free time restoring sailboats; uncovering the beauty hidden underneath years of wear is his specialty. Even when the water freezes over for winter, Steven Mesia is still casting a line and fishing freely like a fisherman should!

For the novice fisherman, fishing season ends when the summer sun goes down. But any seasoned sailor knows full well that fishing is a year-round event! Personally, I find the added challenge of the chill to be something to look forward to. While some people fish to relax and savor the soothing moments of a summer vacation, I enjoy a healthy balance of low and high intensity in my fishing trips. Throughout the seasons, I maintain and set sail on my boats. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s the hottest day of summer or the coldest day of winter -- I’m taking my boat out for an adventure and my fishing gear is coming with me!

If you’re looking to give winter fishing a first time go, keep these two expert tips in mind:

Wear (many, many) Layers

No, that’s not a typo -- ‘many, many’ is right on the money! It goes without saying that the winter wind packs a serious punch. If you’ve ever made the unfortunate mistake of shoveling your driveway without a scarf or ski mask on, then you know full well that the burn of the freeze comes with a stronger sting than any sunburn! Double, triple or even quadruple up on your layers before venturing off into the white, icy chill of a winter’s fishing trip. Rely on a solid base, like a thermal long John suit and dress to impress the Abominable Snowman! Of course, you’ll want to maintain your mobility, so keep that in mind when picking your layers. You don’t want to waddle around like a giant marshmallow, but you do want to keep warm! (Pro tip: hand-warmers are your best friends.)

Bring out the Big Bait

Nothing’s tastier than a tiny, lifeless bit of rubber floating in a freezing lake. Nothing screams ‘delicious’ quite like a rock-solid and flavorless meal you have to fight like a warrior for! Right?!

If that tantalizing description made you hungry, I’ve got some bad news: you’re not thinking like a fish. Any hunter knows that you’ve got to think like the prey in order to be victorious as the predator. The truth is, when the lakes glisten with a wintery, icy hue, the fish feel as lazy as you do on a chilly Sunday morning. Fish aren’t going to leap into your catch bucket with the tease of a cold and tasteless bit of bait. When fishing during the winter, make sure you’re fully stocked with big, slow-moving lures. As an added bonus, warm up your bait before casting it out. Put it this way: when you wake up in the morning, frozen from head to toe, you’ll be more likely to crave a steamy bowl of oatmeal rather than an ice-cold bowl of cereal. The fish lingering in the winter waters will feel much the same. Draw them in with warm, tasty bait. (Pro tip: store your bait in your coat pocket to keep it from freezing.)

For more expert advice on fishing, sailing, hunting and more, follow Steven Mesia on Quora.