Big Bend Shellfish Trail Kiosk
Town Hall18 5th Avenue East 29.4412937, -83.2872204Calling all seafood lovers! The Big Bend Shellfish Trail is a gastronomical exploration of dock-to-table destinations along the Big Bend coast. By following the longest shellfish trail in the U.S. and first in Florida, you can eat your fill of clams, crabs, scallops, shrimp, and oysters and also learn about their fisheries. Here in Horseshoe Beach, you will visit educational kiosks and other points of interest that shine a light on the hidden world of local shellfish. How are they caught? What are the boats and gear used? Where can I get some of this delicious bounty? Follow the trail to find out...This is the first stop on the walking tour. Continue your journey to learn more about Shrimp, Bay Scallops, and Boats.
Horseshoe Beach Library
126 Main Street352-498-0180http://www.horseshoelibrary.com/horseshoelibrary@att.netOpen Thu, Fri, Sat from 10 am - 2 pmStop at the Horseshoe Beach Library, where helpful staff can provide information about restaurants serving local shellfish and vendors where you can buy your own. Learn about the rich history of the Horseshoe Beach area and check out their public programs. Then continue to seek out your own shellfish!
Shrimp Kiosk
Futch Bait Shrimp StandCR 351 29.4396846, -83.2886983Look out over the canal. Do you see any boats with large roller frame trawls? These are shrimp boats, and they can travel long distances offshore. Several species of shrimp are harvested, but the pink shrimp, locally known as hopper, is the most abundant species found in the Big Bend. The shrimp fishery is an important industry in the Horseshoe Beach area. The fishery began in the 1960s and boomed during the 70s and 80s. More recently, the bait shrimp fishery has become increasingly important as the demand for shrimp by sportfishing enthusiasts grows. You can find wild-caught shrimp for sale at the roadside stand next to this kiosk and on menus at local restaurants so make sure you find a way to enjoy these delicacies during your visit! Read the rest of the kiosk panel for more information about the fishery.
Bay Scallops Kiosk
Butler-Douglas Memorial Park244 8th Avenue West29.4402069, -83.2929996From this boat ramp, you can look out over the Gulf of Mexico. Within a few hundred feet from here exists vast seagrass meadows which support bay scallops and a myriad of sea life. This is the second-largest continuous area of seagrasses in the eastern Gulf, making it one of the most pristine places in Florida. In Horseshoe Beach, bay scallops were commercially harvested until 1994 but now are only harvested recreationally. Bring your own boat or hire a local charter for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and catching scallops. Read the kiosk panel for more information about this popular recreational fishery.
What is that Boat? Kiosk
Main Street Boat Ramp CR 351 29.4374296, -83.2913993Welcome to this working waterfront, where local shellfish harvesters work the waters using specialized boats and equipment. Visit this kiosk to find out more about the region's crabbing, shrimping, and oyster vessels. Then, hang out and look out over the Gulf waters to watch these boats and their crew at work. Can you spot bushel baskets of fresh shellfish?
