"Paddling Into the Unknown" | A Florida Everglades Story

Join me as I paddleboard and fish the Florida Everglades while discussing the history of water quality and restoration efforts.
#florida #fishing #exploring

[@hammockstocoasters]

My husband worked for Everglades National Park for a few years before just transferring to Texas. We miss it, it got into our soul deep. It was an amazing place to call home. Beautiful video!!! Well done!!!

[@christian_masterson]

That is awesome!

[@rickeeporter5952]

The glades is one of my favorite places to kayak fish. Snook, reds, tarpon, juvi Goliath, black drum, it's such a magical and special place. But you guys are braver than I am about getting in that water.

[@christian_masterson]

Haha thanks man

[@danbrunski469]

You normally make pretty good videos, but you really stepped this one up tremendously. The cinematography, the music, and the narration was excellent.

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man. I think so too, I really enjoyed this one.

[@graciever]

!!!!

[@billysharp2242]

​@@graciever My oldest child's name is Gracie 🥰

[@therealalbladez]

U do some epic vids brother! Goals

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man

[@ClaressaRichardson]

Thank you for showing respect and appreciation for nature and in a mature way, awesome video, beautiful scenery. That part you guys walked the board through seemed so eerie, super cool you guys stood tall.

[@christian_masterson]

It was special. Thank you for your kind words.

[@alldaydg]

Man’s mastery of the elements!!! I love it

[@christian_masterson]

💪

[@dannyd-rockmahaffey3087]

Awesome video brother!!! So well done!! God bless...

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you kindly

[@andysspeedshop7148]

I think your best video yet, just captivating. I love that your channel is about so much more than just catching fish. Well done

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man. That’s the goal for sure

[@CharlotteHarborFisherman]

Thats what's hard about making videos it can't just be a highlight reel, finding the story every trip isn't as easy and Christian makes it look.

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man. You definitely have that right about the highlight reel

[@derekspace]

Enjoyed the video! I have fished those areas and thanks for not showing exactly where it is. Yes, Jan and Feb are the best months down there no doubt. I have a few videos on my channel catching tarpon and snook in some of those same ponds and tunnels. Absolutely love it down there. In winter the fish are thicker, the alligators sluggish, and most of all, the mosquitos are no where near as bad. BTW, in winter the afternoon to dark is best. I gave up on crack of dawn. The canals paralleling the highway can hold a lot of nice snook especially at low tide and the tide can be 2 to 3 hours behind the nearest tide station. Thanks for sharing your trip!

[@christian_masterson]

That’s a lot of great info. Thanks man, have a great day!

[@johnkunzman7138]

Awesome video! Your narration and appreciation of your surroundings reminds me much of Flip. Thank you.

[@christian_masterson]

🤙🤙

[@auggyboy284]

Awesome, awesome, awesome video. I truly wish more of the KZbinrs in Florida talked about the “clean water” issues. It’s sad they choose to remain silent!

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you. I agree

[@adamgrant3086]

This the equivalent or NBA players not making the all star list and coming back and reckoning havoc on the league until they get their recognition.. with this shooting i feel like you’re in the same groove! Great video!!

[@christian_masterson]

💪💪💪

[@bfd194]

Love the video. You should do one in Titusville - not just the Mosquito Lagoon but the greater Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. I was born in Central Florida and have wade fished there 25+ years. The last 8 years or so since the huge algae blooms/fish kill/grass beds dying not so much. All the spots I used to fish were creeks and bays like that with sandy bottoms and grass beds. A limit on trout and a couple of reds was a given. The best was in the winter when the bull reds run through Haulover canal or fishing top water during the mullet runs. One winter the water was especially low and gin clear due to real cold fronts that don't happen anymore (freezing temps kill off the stuff blooming in the water) and I was able to walk from the mouth of Gator "Creek to near the edge of the intercostal channel making long blind casts picking up one gator trout after another along the way while making mental notes of where all the dips and edges were for future reference. Almost none of the spots I used to spend hours casting around produce anymore. The grass beds are gone. The sandy bottoms covered with dying algae which makes the water an unnatural brown. I have heard that some of the grass beds are returning. I hope they figure it out but the only way I see it improving is to tear down all the berm style bridges that stop water flow, restore all the wetlands to filter runoff, ban septic tanks and development in general on barrier islands and near wetlands, and restore the filter feeders (clams/oysters). The problem is most people don't know. Don't understand what has been lost. Just enjoy their view from the condo balcony.

[@christian_masterson]

That’s tough to hear man. Keep sharing those story’s. Thanks for the support

[@randaltotten9358]

Septic tanks are not that bad of a problem expecially those put in during the last 40 years but they want you to hook up to public sewage systems which most of them can't handle their workload and dumps into the Bays with the microplastics and pharmaceuticals included which don't happen with septic tanks which all the fish in our area have the microplastics in their meat and the Pharmaceuticals really have shown bad effects on the bull sharks attitude wise

[@Thatssew_syd]

This is a fantastic video! Very compelling, great storytelling, the narration was amazing. The old clips you used were great. I can tell you really took time to plan out this video and took time to think about your script. Beautiful video!

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man. I really did. I’m glad u appreciate it.

[@SERGEX42069]

Excellent work. Thank you.

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you too!

[@SnookClub]

That was very cool. It got me fired up enough to load up the paddleboard for tomorrow! I am pretty sure Flip and Jose did some shows from Flamingo on some paddle craft in their case a canoe. We have replicated some of their tactics using canoes and have done very well in winter. However, you won’t want to even stick your fingers in that water due to the crocs and sharks and near zero visibility. 🦈🐊😱

[@christian_masterson]

Yes. When that waters chocolate milk it’s definitely sketchy haha. Go get on em!

[@gamegod9377]

I can tell your starting to like making these videos a lot. Quality 👌

[@christian_masterson]

👍

[@sarahmasterson9289]

Best video yet!

[@christian_masterson]

👍

[@garthinflorida5124]

When Flip speaks, everyone should listen. He's seen it from the beginning.

[@christian_masterson]

100%

[@garthinflorida5124]

@@christian_masterson he grew up here. He's been fishing South Florida his entire life. He's witnessed the change in the natural flow of water. He's seen the decline in the Evergaldes. If anyone is an expert, it's Flip Pallot.

[@christian_masterson]

No doubt. I love listening to podcasts and stuff by him

[@jakefinn7905]

well done enjoyed that. love the glades...

[@christian_masterson]

Special place for sure

[@Catchin_swfl]

Amazing video and narration. I’m from SWFL and would love to make my way out to the glades this winter with my kayak when it gets cooler. Videos like this is what make me want to venture deep into nature.keep up the great work 🫡

[@christian_masterson]

There’s no better reward and disconnect from reality then the glades man. Truly a special place. 100% go and explore brother

[@Ty_vaughn]

Fun spot. In the spring there are loads of reds and sawfish in those flats connecting bays. Big snook move in those pinches.

[@christian_masterson]

👀👀

[@Ty_vaughn]

@@christian_masterson great video production for being on a paddle board. Props as it’s not easy in some of those sections. Fun to watch.

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man

[@Krakenflyfishing]

Amazing video!! Great job on it and the message.

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you!

[@katievernon1729]

this is my fav yet

[@christian_masterson]

😎

[@TheLawnCareNut]

12:11 great shot of a native epiphyte

[@christian_masterson]

👍

[@jbakerstyle9897]

Love this video, felt like I was there. Keep going brother 🎣

[@christian_masterson]

Glad you enjoyed

[@jdh23h]

Great video!! Flip is a Legend!

[@christian_masterson]

For sure. I love listening to hisbstuff

[@StreamCasters]

Beautiful video!

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you very much!

[@garydumas3148]

Excellent - well done!

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I grew up fishin' in Sarasota, and I recognized Flip's voice immediately even though I haven't heard it much in the last couple decades. I loved Walker's Cay Chronicles, he was a great host. Thanks for showing off my home state. I miss a lot of things about FL, but not the politics or the constant development. But I appreciate seeing the Glades and your efforts to bring attention to the area.

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man. I’m glad I could provide some entertainment

[@bobwalters6543]

Really enjoy your channel. Thanks

[@christian_masterson]

💪

[@luisarana9147]

Know that spot very well. It is greay mid fall once the first cold fronts start moving in all the way to spring. Loads of snook in all sizes. Same for tarpon and reds every so ofthe starting on the third lake. Be careful wading aroind the sandbars, especially in overcast conditions. Juvenile lemons and bulls call that estuary home too. Best fights are just before, in and after the creeks, cannals. I have a special rod just for those areas.

[@christian_masterson]

That’s awesome man

[@CGLFishing]

Man the everglades is a bucket list location for me! Hoping to make it in december or january! New sub here man!

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks for the sub!

[@fernandog.1575]

Man, this documentary’s only missing the little yellow National Geographic square on the corner. Cool documentary.

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you!!!

[@StivZombers]

Thats the stuff i like to do, would love to try the everglades some day

[@christian_masterson]

Do it man!

[@ssei2001]

Beautiful!

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ashleydavis3342]

Love your channel for videos in my backyard, watching from the 239 here and keep up the good vids

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks, will do!

[@WRA005]

Would love to do this some time. Always down for the adventure if you ever need a buddy to go with

[@christian_masterson]

💪

[@TheRandomMan17]

Such a cool video man I enjoyed as usual. Man the lil mangrove tunnel you walked thru in the end was sketch id be a lil scared of snake or gators, but if my friend did it I would to.

[@christian_masterson]

Haha we saw 1 gator. Was sketchy

[@10kerick]

I fish those lakes all the time. There are some nice Tarpon and Snook back there!

[@christian_masterson]

Good to hear my man. Thanks for the support!

[@ClassEdits]

Where are some good spots to paddle in the Everglades? Your video is inspiring!

[@christian_masterson]

There’s a bunch of kayak drop ins labeled on google earth off tamiami!

[@chilloften]

Very pretty indeed. Hopefully they get the water back on them.

[@christian_masterson]

For sure

[@nicolekeyes705]

I don't know how your subs are so low! Love the storytelling approach. The mangrove tunnels are beautiful ...I am afraid of the spiders, not the gators!

[@christian_masterson]

💪

[@nrag1141]

Dude this video ROX! Watch out for the gators brother !

[@christian_masterson]

For sure. Thanks man!

[@Rankos_Photography]

Great Video man

[@christian_masterson]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@lechiffrebeats]

cant wait to do this in gta6 lol

[@christian_masterson]

Haha. Same man

[@seanjazzguitar]

Been down there only once, sadly. It’s a special place.

[@christian_masterson]

For sure!

[@flyandfishwithfraser]

Great spot I recognize it . Challenge is they want to make it a reservation access only and closing areas down . That’s the other issue even when the waters fixed

[@christian_masterson]

Didn’t know that. That’s a bummer

[@vinnielibonati]

Great stuff homie, I need to make my way down there.

[@christian_masterson]

Most definitely!

[@Saltfly]

The longer you guys keep exploring the glades, the less likely it will be that you get off that board. The bull sharks we’ve seen in those exact lakes at certain times will surprise you. Good luck.

[@christian_masterson]

For sure man. Everglades is a scary place at times. We were careful

[@Saltfly]

@@christian_masterson hey well done on the video. Thanks for the ride

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks dude. Stay tuned. Going to be making more like it👍

[@garyritterstrings]

Nice vid. but word of caution to all. I have boated all through the Everglade from the Keys to Flamingo, Thousand Islands, etc. Started when I was 18 and now 76 years old. Made a nice trip last year. There are places that you better not think about hopping off you boat and wading because you will not come back. There are places I have been in that have quicksand and no bottom. You will die so be careful in paradise. Allways check the bottom. Hope this helps someone.

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks for the words. Definitely sketchy stuff. God bless!

[@ranierrentas4818]

I used to drop my canoe in that same spot! Had some amazing fights with Tarpon and Snooks on 6wt Fly! This is very tidal waters!

[@christian_masterson]

I noticed. Couldn’t tell if it was tide or flow from rainfall

[@MarkEricksonArtist]

Don't need 30 inch snook and 40 pound tarpon with production quality like this. Nicely done!

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks!

[@banksy507]

Awesome video! Where did you guys launch from?

[@stephenolsen9544]

Hit me up

[@mflacke]

I paddled a canoe through mangroves a dozen times a kid vacationing in Florida and it was always so magical getting lost in those. I am an avid canoe tripper but have yet to return as an adult to the mangroves but, have it on the short list. Is there camping allowed and are there islands or floating camping docks to stay on?

[@christian_masterson]

Not really in the marsh.

[@MartinVSmith6334]

Very nice video and informative. Do you ever pick up any leeches while wading in the less saline water?

[@christian_masterson]

That was my first time. Didn’t this time, I wore pants I think that helped. Long socks and shoes too

[@Dats_marius]

One day hope to bring my children here hits hard in todays time😔

[@christian_masterson]

For sure

[@jesusworksbro4Life]

Jesus loves you and is with you

[@christian_masterson]

💪💪💪

[@michaellee2227]

That's my favorite spot

[@christian_masterson]

It’s awesome

[@mikep5281]

Are those inflatable paddle boards? Great video, can't wait to do this one day.

[@christian_masterson]

No. They are bote boards. Phenomenal boards. They make inflatable ones too, I don’t know how good they are though. Have never tried em

[@prodigy3xtc389]

Great video what camera is this?

[@christian_masterson]

Fujifilm xs10

[@rolandowillimann1866]

The quality is looking good man! You see any ducks back there?

[@christian_masterson]

Negative

[@OpenWatersFishing]

What Brand is Gavin’s shirt from? Any tips for looking about where to launch in the glades? Looking at making the road trip down in the fall

[@christian_masterson]

I’ll ask. Boat ramps I’d recommend chokoloskee outdoor resort. That’s where I launch. If your paddling there’s spots all over Tamiami

[@gavinbkeyes7291]

All of the fishing apparel I wear is from Howler Brothers. The most comfortable shirts and pants ever!!

[@carrie4tim]

Great video, just found your channel. You have great story telling skills. Respect to you for that. Gear question, the guy fishing with you did he have water socks on or dive boot. Nice camera angles as well, enjoyed it. Thanks

[@christian_masterson]

He had socks haha. I wore my simms wading shoes

[@gavinbkeyes7291]

I was wearing socks and the when I’m on the board or boat I wear Xtra Tuff boots.

[@graciever]

Love!

[@christian_masterson]

🙏

[@wildbeargt]

Cool video the only downside is showing all that good fishing you've now encouraged thousands to come start to fish the Everglades and start to trash it up

[@christian_masterson]

Or I’ve encouraged thousands to come respect, enjoy, and fight for this amazing ecosystem… they have a right to enjoy it just like I have. Have to trust their going to treat it right

[@wildbeargt]

@@christian_masterson That's one way to look at it and I say good for you to have more faith in people than I do, historical evidence tends to be contrary in general to your stance but I certainly hope you are right

[@christian_masterson]

@ I agree man. Gotta pray people do it the right way. I appreciate your comments and support more than you know!

[@loyaltyisroyalty5616]

Anyone know what forms those mangrove tunnels?

[@christian_masterson]

I think a lot of it is water flow. Most of the tunnels are deeper than the surrounding bays.

[@nicolasanderson376]

i am buying a kayak soon so i can do explore but im scared to go alone how do y’all navigate to not get lost

[@christian_masterson]

Where we were we still had service. I look on google earth a ton before I go. Then I just try and also keep a close eye on what I’m passing and general directions I’ve been headibg

[@gavinbkeyes7291]

Another big thing if you are going to be exploring on the water in unknown locations, is taking pictures of google for where you are going to be. And having the navionics app is huge!!

[@Glenn_and_ShannonsSalty_Life]

Just watched this video on Rob Doherty’s “Rob Reacts”! Great job Bro, awesome videography, and the Arrogance of Humanism sucks!!

[@christian_masterson]

Thank you! And for sure

[@caitlinm-zq6ww]

Wow

[@christian_masterson]

🤙

[@permitfisher]

I can’t help but get jealous how often you get out in it…I’m always having to work + have a 15yr old in school…your vids are awesome tho. Really awesome. It’s almost like being there w/out donating the blood…😂 I also luv trying to figure out where u are. Usually it only takes about 5-10 min. I won’t tell🤫

[@christian_masterson]

Haha that’s funny. It is very interesting. I literally said the same thing as we left

[@permitfisher]

@@christian_masterson ima gonna erase that part of my comment now. I only put it there for your response 😉

[@christian_masterson]

😂

[@permitfisher]

@@christian_masterson ps. the fishing is very interesting on the west side of all that😵‍💫…within the time frames you eluded

[@christian_masterson]

@@permitfisher I was wondering if there’s ever any bass on the east side? Would love to make a bass video out somewhere that’s isolated like that

[@saramasterson7688]

Ava approved

[@christian_masterson]

Let’s goooo

[@rebeccapuga2421]

Man where is this located I just got a new paddle board setup

[@rebeccapuga2421]

Video is amazing btw

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man!

[@lonesomeknoteye]

Thanks for explaining the destruction of our countries most beautiful ecosystem. I would suggest you document the Okefenokee swamp next my friend. 🍻✌️💚

[@christian_masterson]

I’ll look into it. Thabks

[@lonesomeknoteye]

​@@christian_masterson in my years traveling nothing compared to the pure wilderness of the great Swamp. The Western Olympic peninsula is close but there is something about the Okefenokee is different, even the air is something different miles into the swamp. All love dude👍

[@christian_masterson]

That’s awesome man

[@michaellee2227]

We used to call those lakes smithy lakes

[@christian_masterson]

I’ve heard twins lakes too

[@OfficialRobDoherty]

You popped up randomly on my home page. I review videos, posting cooking videos, and talk about natural resources on my channel. I reviewed this video for a Rob Reacts video. I don’t care if it doesn’t get monetized due to copyright. Your video is awesome and checks the boxes in conservation and outdoor activities. I tell all to go to the original poster’s content, hopefully you pick up a few new subscribers. Keep on keeping on man. Awesome Video.

[@christian_masterson]

Thanks man. That sounds awesome. As long as you left a link and shouted out my video I appreciate it. I’ll be sure to give it a look when you post it

[@OfficialRobDoherty]

@@christian_mastersonit’s up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fau2qX2Kj66Eas0si=Op-Zxw6AVDyj0xwl

[@Dan-Chrssy]

How are you not worried about gators I drive down there once a week to louland and see gators floating right off tamiami all the time

[@christian_masterson]

We only saw 1 the whole trip

[@SJplusO]

I want to fish the everglades to bad!

[@christian_masterson]

Do it!

[@SJplusO]

@@christian_masterson I really should. Did redfish this year in Louisiana, we’ll do Florida next trip!

[@christian_masterson]

@@SJplusO sounds like fun man

[@ParanoiaAE]

No place on Earth like the glades

[@christian_masterson]

🤙🤙

[@ParanoiaAE]

@@christian_masterson I love the flamingo area in the fall🤙

[@christian_masterson]

I wanna head down there a bit more. I always launch out of choko and run far south but never launched in flsmingo

[@kyleolson5002]

How do you not get lost doing stuff like this

[@christian_masterson]

Google earth haha

[@mattbellina5485]

Dreams

[@christian_masterson]

👍

[@billysharp2242]

33,000 views and not even 1000 thumbs up?? What's up people??

[@christian_masterson]

Haha

[@benmilesg]

Gator chillin at 5:13

[@christian_masterson]

I don’t see him haha. Where at?

[@benmilesg]

⁠@@christian_masterson after the “spider infested water commentary”, next shot it looks like one under water just to the left of your paddleboard, head and snout facing you. I could be wrong but it definitely got my attention😅 Cool video btw

[@christian_masterson]

Haha I think it’s just an allusion. Water was so clear, I would’ve seen him for sure. Probably would’ve scared me to death for sure haha. Also, thanks man

[@benmilesg]

@@christian_masterson NP, seriously makes me wanna get out into the everglades, but maybe some panfishing

[@ZacharyJones-nz8up]

They just passed a bill last week to allow much more water flow south from Okeechobee that’s going to make a huge difference the main thing causing damage is big sugar!!!!

[@christian_masterson]

Great news!

[@podocrypto6072]

You've never had a gator slide up on your paddleboard while chasing the fish you are trying to land. Claiming a paddleboard is the best way to view the Everglades is not good advice. Personally, I wouldn't even use a kayak for the same reasons. A large canoe is the minimum I would use and even then, you still have to whack a gator on the head with your fishing rod to keep them from getting too close. But at lease you have some freeboard barrier between you and your reptile foe.

[@christian_masterson]

I agree. I was saying the simplicity is the best, not safest haha

[@podocrypto6072]

@@christian_masterson That may work in like other mangrove estuaries in more rural areas, but not in the Glades.

[@christian_masterson]

Worked fine this trip. Thanks for the comment

[@georgelucienfrancfortii4282]

The crocodiles have been increasingly bigger than the last few years fellows be very careful be sure you packing that iron

[@christian_masterson]

Haha we were. Thanks for the info. God bless

[@graciever]

Time to eat my chick fil a and watch ur videos

[@christian_masterson]

Same

[@graciever]

@@christian_masterson u & me & pimento chicken sandwiches

[@lifehealth489]

watch out for the 12 ft gators or you wont be paddling anymore

[@christian_masterson]

True

[@mattsnookman34224]

Pythons have already won

[@christian_masterson]

Sadly

[@wannabefarmerr]

8.24.2024 my birthday 🥳

[@christian_masterson]

🤙🤙

[@robertbachelor6993]

Need to ease them fanjuls out .

[@christian_masterson]

Huh

[@icewallflatearth1158]

Luckily you didn't have a cryptid encounter out there

[@christian_masterson]

Haha

[@francisbarton4052]

Clean sweet water from global warming !

[@christian_masterson]

Perhaps

[@EmceeCommon55]

Imagine pretending to care about the environment but then going out on the water and disturbing the wildlife by ripping holes in fishes mouth for your amusment. If you really cared about the environment you wouldnt be out there disturbing it

[@christian_masterson]

The people who care most about the environment are the ones who use it everyday… look at guides for example. Pretty arrogant thing to say I think. Have a blessed day

[@EmceeCommon55]

@@christian_masterson unfortunately that isn't true, though it should be. The people that typically hunt/fish/boat/etc are people with right-wing ideologies. These same people who enjoy the outdoors the most are the same ones voting in politicians (Republicans) who continuously choose greed and lobbyist money over environmental regulation that would protect our natural environment. People like Rick Scott and Desantis and their far right beliefs have absolutely decimated Florida, allowing uncapped development and expansion into natural habitats

[@christian_masterson]

Yea that’s an opinion. Desantis has also done a lot to help with lifting the roads to allow more flow. Has worked with CFCW a ton. I agree there’s some suspect things happening as there is with all politicians. For example the golf course thing. But he’s done way more than our previous governors. Have a great day man, god bless.

[@graciever]

Best video yet!

[@christian_masterson]

!!!

[@mickilkr]

Excellent video!

[@christian_masterson]

Glad you liked it!