All Our ShopsKayaking

Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Pro Review: The Ultimate Fishing Machine

October 26, 2026

By: Melissa Damel, Bill Jackson’s Store Manager For years, the Old Town Sportsman 120 has been a staple in the kayak fishing world, beloved for its legendary stability and the rock-solid reliability of its pedal drive. But in 2025, Old Town didn’t just “tweak” a classic; they completely re-imagined it. The result is the Old Town Sportsman […]

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All Our ShopsGun Shop

How to Buy a Gun: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers

October 19, 2026

By Russ Abston, Gun Shop Supervisor Buying your first firearm is an exciting step, but navigating options, local laws, and technical gear can feel overwhelming. Whether you are considering a firearm for home defense, everyday concealed carry, target shooting, or hunting, making a safe and confident choice starts with asking the right questions. This guide […]

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All Our ShopsFishing

Tampa Bay Estuary Conservation: A Practical Guide for Anglers

October 12, 2026

By: Saxon Graham, Fishing Department If you fish in Tampa Bay, or other surrounding waterways in Pinellas, Hillsborough, or Manatee County, you know how important healthy water is to a good catch. But fishing can also give you a unique stake in local conservation. Here’s how recreational and commercial fishermen in the Tampa Bay area […]

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All Our ShopsCamping

The Original Non-Stick: From Your Kitchen to the Campfire

October 5, 2026

Brant Bowers, Camping Department Manager The History Behind Cast Iron Cookware: From 3rd Century China to the American Frontier Humans have been cooking with cast iron cookware since it was invented in 3rd century China. These pots have evolved a lot over the centuries. In 17th century Netherlands, legs were put on the bottom of […]

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All Our ShopsScuba Diving

Is Your Dive Gear Safe? Why Annual Scuba Gear Service is Non-Negotiable 

September 28, 2026

Bill Jackson’s Dive Shop Imagine you’re standing on the deck of a boat, the sun warm on your skin, a gentle breeze coming off the turquoise water. The dive master gives the briefing, and you’re ready to descend into the breathtaking world below. You gear up, perform your pre-dive safety check, and take that first […]

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All Our ShopsPaddleboards

BOTE Rackham Aero Review: Tampa Bay’s Best Fishing Paddle Board

September 21, 2026

By Melissa Damel, Store Manager What Makes the Rackham Aero a Purpose-Built Fishing Paddle Board? For serious paddle board anglers, the name Rackham has always stood for the pinnacle of capacity, stability, and utility. It is famously known as the ultimate “waterman’s SUP”. But standing still on past achievements is not how modern innovation works. […]

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All Our ShopsBackpacking

The Backpacking Big Three: How to Build a Lighter Pack

September 14, 2026

Brant Bowers, Camping Department Manager Why the Big Three Matter for Ultralightweight Backpacking The Backpacking Big Three refers to your backpack, shelter, and sleep system, the three items that typically account for the majority of a hiker’s total pack weight. Optimizing them offers the single biggest opportunity to shed pounds and trek with greater comfort […]

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All Our ShopsGun Shop

How to Deep Clean an AR-15: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

September 7, 2026

By Mike Sfakianos, Bill Jackson’s Gun Shop Manager Deep cleaning an AR-15 goes beyond routine maintenance, it is the key to preserving system reliability and shot-to-shot consistency over thousands of rounds. Because the AR-15 relies on a direct-impingement design, carbon fouled gas and unburnt powder blow straight back into the heart of the receiver, rapidly […]

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All Our ShopsGun Shop

Common Florida Duck Hunting Violations and How to Avoid Them

August 31, 2026

By Will Deem, Firearms Instructor Duck season is upon us once again.  And, like last year, there will be new hunters who have never carried a shotgun afield, and pursued game.  They will be eager, excited and possibly inexperienced.  This being the case, what can a good hunter do to enhance their enjoyment and still […]

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BackpackingCamping

Eureka! SPRK+ Camp Stove Review: Is It Best for Car Camping & Emergency Prep?

August 24, 2026

By Maria Luescher, Accounts Payable/Office Manager Forget bulky, complicated camp stoves that take up half your packing space. The Eureka! SPRK+ stove has sparked a revolution in portable cooking, proving that great meals can come from a compact, easy-to-use package. If you’re a car camper, van-lifer, or backyard adventurer looking for a hassle-free cooking solution, […]

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