[Bill Payne]

I was snook fishing Sunday morning and saw a Manatee doing what I can only figure was a courtship display.

Friskiest manatee I have ever seen:

 

[Capt Rhan]

I saw a mother doing this when she was giving birth in Kings Bay Crystal Ricer. I ran tours there for several years.
GREAT SHOT

 

[Bill Payne]

I saw a mother doing this when she was giving birth in Kings Bay Crystal Ricer. I ran tours there for several years.
GREAT SHOT

Thanks!

 

[Pole Position]

That manatee looks delicious--perfect size for smoking.

 

[Flats Broke]

I saw a mother doing this when she was giving birth in Kings Bay Crystal Ricer. I ran tours there for several years.
GREAT SHOT

I was fortunate enough to see a mother who already had a yearling calf still with her give birth to a brand new baby behind my house in the canal that I live on in Edgewater, FL two weeks ago. I saw the baby take its first breath of air. Pretty awesome. Here's a photo of the baby with mom a few minutes after birth.

 

[Tailwaters]

I'm not sure if there population has increased or what but am seeing them on about 80% of the time out of St. Marks. Last trip I saw 5 groups with several on them being WAY back in the marsh. Since I generally head east first thing in the morning it gets difficult seeing them while looking into the rising sun. I've gotten pretty paranoid about hitting one!

 

[Bill Payne]

I'm not sure if there population has increased or what but am seeing them on about 80% of the time out of St. Marks. Last trip I saw 5 groups with several on them being WAY back in the marsh. Since I generally head east first thing in the morning it gets difficult seeing them while looking into the rising sun. I've gotten pretty paranoid about hitting one!

I read an article in Florida Sportsman last year that said there are many more manatees in Florida than there have been for a long time. I know for myself that I see them pretty much every time I am fishing in the Tomoka.