Big Bend Shellfish Trail Kiosk
Fisherman’s Park6211 Riverside Dr, Yankeetown, FL 3449829.0289170 -82.7167823 Calling 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 Yankeetown, 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 types used? Where can I get some of that delicious bounty? Follow the trail to find out...This is the first stop on the walking tour.
Blue Crab Kiosk
Fisherman’s Park6211 Riverside Dr, Yankeetown, FL 3449829.0289170 -82.7167823The next kiosk at this location is about blue crabs, which is an important fishery in Yankeetown, especially since World War II. Production peaked in the 1960s following the introduction of the crab trap. Blue Crabs are highly abundant in Florida and open for harvest year-round. Male crabs called “jimmies” are targeted because of their size and meat content. Read the panel for more in-depth information about the fishery and traps used. Then, keep your eyes peeled around the area for stacks of crab traps along the river. Fishers place the traps in the sun to combat fouling organisms such as barnacles and sea squirts that grow on the outside of the traps.
Shrimp Kiosk
Fisherman’s Park6211 Riverside Dr, Yankeetown, FL 3449829.0289170 -82.7167823 The third kiosk at this location describes the shrimp fishery. Look out over the river to see 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 Yankeetown area, beginning in the 1960s and booming during the 70s and 80s. More recently, the fishery has been revitalized due to the high-value market of live shrimp for Asian consumption. Additionally, the bait shrimp fishery has become increasingly important as the demand for shrimp by sportfishing enthusiasts grows. You can find wild-harvested shrimp for sale 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 this fishery.
Bay Scallops Kiosk
Fisherman’s Park6211 Riverside Dr, Yankeetown, FL 3449829.0289170 -82.7167823 The final kiosk at this location represents bay scallops. From Fishermen’s Park, you can look out over the Withlacoochee River, which leads to the second-largest continuous area of seagrasses in the eastern Gulf, making it one of the most pristine places in the Big Bend region of Florida. In Yankeetown, bay scallops used to support a commercial fishery but now are only harvested recreationally, where healthy seagrass beds still support abundant scallops. Bring your own boat or hire a local charter for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and catching scallops in nearby Popular scalloping areas off Yankeetown and in nearby Crystal River. Read the kiosk panel for more information about this popular recreational fishery.
Fisherman's Park
Fisherman’s Park6211 Riverside Dr, Yankeetown, FL 3449829.0289170 -82.7167823 Fisherman’s Park has an interesting history dating back to 1923, when Armanis F. Knotts, an American politician and lawyer, purchased 4,000 acres on the west coast of Florida and founded Yankeetown. The following year, Knotts opened the Izaak Walton Lodge, as a winter retreat for friends and family to enjoy the bountiful hunting and fishing resources the area boasted. In 1925, the town became incorporated and Knotts dedicated the square parcel, next to the Lodge, to the town. Today, this square is known as Fisherman’s Park, a place for visitors to gather and enjoy the beautiful Withlacoochee River. Mr. Knotts continued to live in Yankeetown until his passing in 1937. Some of his descendants still reside in Yankeetown.
Yankeetown Town Hall
6241 Harmony Lane, Yankeetown, FL 34498 352-447-2511yankeetownth@gmail.comhttp://yankeetownfl.govoffice2.comMonday through Friday - 8 am to 3 pm Stop at Town Hall to learn about the rich history of the Yankeetown area. Helpful staff can provide information about restaurants serving local shellfish and vendors where you can buy your own. Then continue to seek out your own shellfish!
Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
1001 Old Rock Road, Yankeetown, FL 34498352-447-2511https://wgpfl.org/Monday through Sunday - 8 am to 8 pmThe Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is a 413-acre parcel of undeveloped wetlands located on Florida’s Nature Coast. It consists of a mix of flatwood, hammock, and tidal marsh habitats. The Preserve has an observation tower, salt pond boardwalk, Gulf accessible canoe/kayak dock, and a 4500 square foot Education Center. If you are looking for a great place for nature photography, hiking, paddling, or bird watching come and enjoy the Preserve. Talks and other events are hosted at the Education Center. Check the Preserve website for upcoming events. A free mobile app, offline guide, to the Preserve is available for download from the Apple App Store and from Google Play.
Withlacoochee Gulf Area Chamber of Commerce: Inglis & Yankeetown
Visitors Office167 Highway 40 West, Inglis, Florida 34449Telephone: 352-447-3383https://inglisyankeetownchamber.com/ Stop at the Withlacoochee Gulf Area Visitor Center, where helpful staff can provide information about restaurants serving local shellfish and vendors where you can buy your own. In addition, a kiosk can be found outside the building, which hosts the chambers' information 24/7. Learn about the rich history of Inglis and Yankeetown area and find additional visitor information. Then continue to seek out your own shellfish!
