Live Like a Local... Just Add Water!
Written by Penny Tranchilla // Photography by Marc Montocchio & Ronnie Constantino
Being surrounded by the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s hard not to fall in love with our waterways. Boating is a huge part of the Treasure Coast lifestyle and the opportunities are endless.
It’s no wonder boat manufacturing is a big industry in St. Lucie County. Pursuit Boats has been a community partner since 1983 when the plant was first constructed. It’s always fun to see the new Pursuit boats out on our waterways and I feel a sense of pride knowing they were made right here on the Treasure Coast!
Recently, we decided to collaborate with Pursuit to showcase local life on our waterways. We tested Pursuit’s new S 358 Sport. It was somuch fun to be chased by a helicopter offshore (our cover shot) and to share with them our secret little spots on the lagoon.
Whether you’re a weekend boater or a seasoned professional, there is always something to do on the water. Fishing offshore is one of myfavorite pastimes. There’s something about going way out into the deep sea, seeing a beautiful blank horizon and barely seeing shore. If the weather cooperates and we make it to the Gulf Stream, it’s even better! There are so many beautiful shades of blue... heaven!
They call our shores the Treasure Coast for a reason! Along our coastline in just 10-15 feet of water is an amazing network of underwater reefs. A favorite pastime of both residents and visitors is snorkeling, diving or spearfishing from the boat. Right now, it’s lobster season, so be careful cruising close to shore. Always be cautious of divers in the water—they could be near a boat or diving along the shore and might not always be near a dive flag.
The Fort Pierce Inlet, located between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway, offers endless opportunities for boating adventures. The water is turquoise blue and there are little spoil islands everywhere that you can moor up to for a day of fun. On most weekends, the place to be is anchored up at the sandbar or The Cove after a long day of boating or fishing. Little Jim Bait & Tackle offers bait, live music, cold drinks, and the best fish and shrimp tacos. The best part is you can go by boat, kayak or paddleboard.
Spending time on the boat is a great way to reconnect with friends and family after a busy week. Pack a picnic, some ice cold beverages, and discover a new place to watch a sunset. Take a cruise after work and just enjoy being outside in nature, breathing the fresh, salty air. It’s exhilarating!
Our family pets are a big part of our life, by land and sea. They love getting outside and taking a ride on the boat, ears flapping in the wind and noses in the air. There are a lot of great sandbars that dogs can run freely and splash in the water, play catch, and just enjoy time with their humans.
Disconnecting and being in nature offers so many mental and physical health benefits for us and our pets. Just breathing the salt air, listening to the sound of the waves lapping the shore, and getting a little warm sunshine is so refreshing.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or you just enjoy throwing out a line to see what hits, the Indian River Lagoon offers a variety of species of fish to catch or release. Locals look forward to the great mullet run every year, providing plenty of bait for fishing adventures, if you’re good with a cast net and spotting the schools. The winter months bring snook, tarpon and many other great fishing opportunities, along with stone crab season, too! Be sure to keep your fishing license current, check local regulations, and get the necessary permits if you plan to catch and keep.
Is there anything better than spending the day on a boat? There’s something so incredibly special about being on the water. No matter where your adventures take you, find a beautiful place and drop anchor. From big boats to paddlecraft, there is something for everyone. What are you waiting for? Life is just better on a boat.