I took advantage of an overcast sky and paddled out to Shell Key this morning. While I was unloading my gear I started chatting with a couple that had driven all the way from Orlando to kayak here today. A good reminder of how fortunate I am to live so close to this treasure – it’s only a 20 minute drive from my house!

I took a slightly different route to the island, exploring several mangrove tunnels before landing in a new little bay just south of Irma’s Pass. Last year’s back-to-back hurricanes moved around an awful lot of trees and sand, creating a landing area just big enough for a few kayaks. I was out early so I had the place to myself.

I wandered the shore, looking for treasures and picking up trash. Thankfully, there wasn’t much of the latter. I didn’t linger too long once the breeze started to pick (as that can make for a less than enjoyable return trip).

Weaving between mangrove islands I came across a trio of dolphins fishing in the shallows. They were so intent on their prey that they allowed me to follow. I filmed them as I bobbed along and caught a snippet of “fish kicking”. It is a rather unusual technique where a dolphin circles a fish and spins quickly, whacking the fish out of the water with its tail. When the fish smacks down it is stunned which makes it an easy meal for the dolphin.

Researchers have only seen dolphins using this technique in two places, here in Tampa Bay as well as in the waters off New Zealand. A fun way to wrap up my morning on the water.