Old Fish camps and restaurant's

[pigbike]

I thought it might be fun to remember the old fish related business's that have come and gone over there years. I will start off with some place I knew well when I worked in Gibsonton Florida.  The Giant's Fish Camp had been a Gibsonton landmark for years. While Gibsonton was the winter quarters for the circus sideshow performers, it was also the retirement spot for the Giant and his 2'6" wife who built and owned the fish camp. Basically it was a restaurant, bait house, and a handful of small bungalows.

When I worked there from 1984-1990 the giant had already passed away, but his wife still ran the bait shop, and I talked to her several times. The camp was built near the mouth of the Alafia River, and over the years had been a boat basin as well.

It's all gone now along with many of the oddities that were a part of Gibsonton.

[Circle Hooked]

Cool story  

[GoneFission]

The classic fish camp in the Charlotte area is closing after 67 years - The Riverview Inn - young'uns around this area all knew Captain Windy:  

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/1 ... after.html  

 :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:

[seabob4]

It sucks that these classic pieces of Americana are falling by the wayside.  Rotten Ralph's at the N end of Anna Maria closed, to move down to Bridge St in Bradenton Beach...won't be the same, as the old choleterol laden catfish that fed off the fries (you got so much fish with your fish n' chips, you couldn't eat the fries!) will have to find a dietary supplement!

Interesting you bring up Gibsonton, Roy.  The '88 VW Jetta out in the driveway, 83K miles when I bought her 3 years ago?  Bought in Gibsonton...

[pigbike]

It sucks that these classic pieces of Americana are falling by the wayside.  Rotten Ralph's at the N end of Anna Maria closed, to move down to Bridge St in Bradenton Beach...won't be the same, as the old choleterol laden catfish that fed off the fries (you got so much fish with your fish n' chips, you couldn't eat the fries!) will have to find a dietary supplement!

Interesting you bring up Gibsonton, Roy.  The '88 VW Jetta out in the driveway, 83K miles when I bought her 3 years ago?  Bought in Gibsonton...

There are a bunch of neat old places that are no longer there, that is why I started the thread. I guess it all depends on the other readers as to how long they have been here, and if they ever been to them.

As for Gibsonton, it is a place of it's own. All the old sideshow acts winter there, and it's not usual to see carnival rides stored in someones front yard.  I haven't been there in years, but may take a ride down there just to see what has changed.

[seabob4]

At least the St. Pete Diner is still serving up a mean breakfast...

Unfortunately, the beloved Mel-O-Dee on Tamiami just N of the airport in Bradenton has closed it's doors.  A $6 HUGE breakfast, then hit the Ringling flats...

[flatsfisher]

I use to go the camp to eat with my Dad back in the 60's had the big boot out by US 41 The good old days whin you could keep  more than one fish!!!!!!

[woody]

How many remember Miss Maggies fish camp up 19 at the head of the Chassahowitzka. Boats and motors to rent, and a skull and crossbones hand lettered sign nailed to a cypress tree that was totally racial! Early 50's with my dad! Cant remember, but I think she'd cook a burger for you too!

[seabob4]

How many remember Miss Maggies fish camp up 19 at the head of the Chassahowitzka. Boats and motors to rent, and a skull and crossbones hand lettered sign nailed to a cypress tree that was totally racial! Early 50's with my dad! Cant remember, but I think she'd cook a burger for you too!

The sign might be gone, but Chaz and Old Homosassa still think that way...that's why I stay WAY FAR AWAY from those 2 places.  When you get to the corner of 19 and 98, 98 continuing to Chaz is Miss Maggie Dr.