By Pam Anderson
Red Snapper season has been extended this year for anglers on head-boats and charter boats through September 15! If you haven’t had an opportunity to get out on the Gulf to enjoy a day of fishing, it’s not too late. As summer begins to wind down and all the kids and grandkids get back to school, there are plenty of opportunities to cruise out and catch that big one you’ve been dreaming of.
In addition, this year, Gag Grouper will open only 14 days, September 1 through September 14. To make it a trifecta, Greater Amberjack season will reopen September 1 also. Be sure to make reservations early for this great opportunity to land several of your favorite species all in the same day!
The PCB Fishing Rodeo is scheduled October 4 through October 12 this year. You can sign up now for this great family-friendly community fishing tournament. Get all the details at https://pcbfishingrodeo.com/ and plan to join the fun. There are prizes for so many species of fish-be sure to have yours counted! The Rodeo will kick off on ‘Kids Day’, October 4, with plenty of fishing, games and prizes.
A brand new coastal celebration is the PCB Seafood & Music Festival from October 10 -12 that will help finish out Rodeo week, all right at Capt. Anderson’s Marina. This festival will be bringing together the best in fresh seafood, vibrant entertainment, and a lively family atmosphere. Delicious seafood, local vendors and artisans, live music & entertainment, waterfront views and great family fun will be available to all who attend. You can find more information at https://pcbseafoodfestival.org/. Attention vendors! Sign up for this special event early at captandersonsmktg@gmail.com or call Chelsea at (850) 691-5653.
In more waterfront news, we have this message from our BCARA friends:
The Bay County Artificial Reef Association is operating full steam ahead! On May 15th, 2025, we purchased a 52-foot tugboat that will become a new artificial reef off our coast. Just this week—on July 18th—we submitted a grant proposal for $169,215 to help cover the cost of prepping and sinking the vessel. Fingers crossed!
We’re also teaming up with Florida State University’s Advanced Scientific Diving team to help zone three brand-new Small Area Artificial Reef Sites (SAARS). These new areas were selected by fishermen and divers to renourish historic reefs and provide additional dive opportunities. 
We want to give a huge shoutout to Half Hitch Tackle for sponsoring our recent fundraising efforts! Thanks to their support, we’ve raised over $2,500 through two awesome raffle events.
Even more exciting? These raffles are helping us get the word out about BCARA—and it’s working! In just the past two months, we’ve gained 200 new followers who are now along for the ride as we build better marine habitats and expand diving and fishing opportunities in our community. Follow us on Facebook! We’re just getting started, and your support means everything. Stay tuned—big things are on the horizon!
Shell Island/Dolphins, Fishing, Jet Boating, Capt. Max’s Bar & Grill, and the beautiful waterfront venue, The Event Center at Capt. Anderson’s Marina all await you! Come join the fun!
Capt. Anderson’s Marina…Where the fish are always biting, and the kids are always smiling. www.CaptAndersonsMarina.com. It’s not just your average marina!
