Florida Manitee's and a little fly fishing

[Blueracer]

I visited my mother last month in Florida on her birthday. She just moved there a year ago to be near some relatives.

I did my best to catch some fish while we idly moved through the Dora Canal, but to no avail. The wildlife, especially birds were very abundant. We went on Friday because Saturday and Sunday is combatant and not as peaceful.

Quick video of what it's like http://vimeo.com/23452120

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I took a brief video of that guy http://vimeo.com/23466491

We coasted from lake to lake and I was surprised at the amount of alligator gar and their size! I kept seeing fish rise away from the boat and when it finally happened right in front of me I was surprised that it was gar in mid day. Never hooked one of them though.

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I was determined to swim with some manitees while I was there and so Saturday it was off to Crystal River. If you are ever in that area during the winter that is a better time to go since they move back down the rivers as the waters warm up. They must come in to the rivers in the winter time to stay warm or else they will die. I was there just at the end of the season.

Before we even got out to open water we came across a few guides that had people near a mom and calf. Only problem was it was very very murky water. I jumped in and headed over to where we thought they were. I finally saw movement on the surface and when I thought they were close enough I went under and bam they were right in front of me! I was recording just as I went under and they briefly show up on the video....I think I should of stayed under but I thought they were going away from me. I came up and when I went down again they were passing me on the other side. It was startling to see animals in the wild in murky water swimming by me just a foot and half away. But it was way cool to see the calf on the side of the mother.
Video of it: http://vimeo.com/23513892 Difficult to make out much.

They took off and I caught up with them just one more time before they said they had enough and I was able to capture this shot as one took off right in front of me. I got the fin. When they've had enough they're out of there.

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We were lucky enough to have one more encounter out in the clear water. This was with a manitee that had a transmitter attached to its tail.

Here are a few photos of Crystal River and swimming with the manitee along with a brief video.

http://vimeo.com/23446720

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They like to roll on their sides as they pass you so you will touch their stomach.

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While on the river we went by the 3 sister springs. These springs help keep the water temp at a consistent 72ish degrees. Check out these links and you can see the arial photos of the manitees pouring out of the springs where I swam and you'll get the idea of how much they love it.

https://www.savethemanatee.org/three_sisters/savethreesisters_photo.html
http://www.scubadiving.com/travel/florida-florida-keys/three-sisters-spring-crystal-river-fla
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29730087@N05/5328144206/

Here are few photos and video I took inside the springs:

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The 'gills were very curious or else were hoping for some handouts.

Underwater Video of two I found in a corner near some tree roots:
http://vimeo.com/23449999

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This fella was posing.

Later that day we made it to one of the clearest rivers I have ever seen. Like clear clear 30 feet down. The Rainbow River. Scuba divers were diving in the middle of the river at one location. We paddled up river to the national park. This has GOT to be one of the best fresh water rivers for scuba diving in the world. I fished enough to catch a lot of blue gills and a few large mouth. But I snapped a few photos as well.

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See the bass? At one time I saw four or five just cruising together. And a saw another by itself that looked at least 6 lbs. I only got a couple smaller bass.
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I caught a glimpse of a few gators on the lakes and they're cool but if you ever get the chance when you're in Florida, try to make some time to swim with a manitee or two...it is more than worth it. And it is the only place in the world that you can swim / snorkel with them. I hope you enjoyed reading about the trip even if it was less than a fishing trip report.

I'm listening if anyone wants to share any fly fishing advice for the Leesburg area. Don't know when I will be back there but it's good to be prepared.

[Ed Wahl]

Blueracer that was one of the most enjoyable posts I've read in quite some time. Love the pics.

Ed

[EricO]

That is too cool. What a great trip.

I've read about the clarity and diving in some of those springs.
Love to do it one day.

Great post and pics!

EO

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Thanks BlueRacer

One of my favorite posts of all times.

I have a book that I bought on canoeing and/or kayaking all the rivers in Florida.

[Mike O]

I loved your post, and would love to swim with manatees.

I have a question though, and am not trying to be a jerk, it's just something that crossed my mind.

If one approaches seals, sea lions, whales, or other marine mammals, one is subject to fines, etc. You have to enter the water and have the mammals come to you. Is it the same for manatees as marine mammals?? Can you swim up to them?

[Scott V]

Awesome trip and great report, thanks.

[Blueracer]

maodiver - A very good and important question that I should have included information on to round off the report. This information will make it more complete and prepare others. I'm glad you asked.

Yes, they are protected just like other marine animals. The is a required video to watch before swimming with them: http://www.swimwiththefloridamanatees.com/manateemanners.html If you go with any guide service, they will require you to watch that video before taking you out.

Here are some links that give some good facts and rules about what is OK to do and what is not. I hope this helps.

http://www.sunshinerivertours.com/swim-with-manatees.asp
http://www.homesafe.com/features/manatee/rules-of-the-road.php
http://www.sunshinerivertours.com/rules.html