1971 Russ Smiley’s Fishing Map of South Florida
DESCRIPTION
This vibrant and richly illustrated “Fishing Map of South Florida” was designed by Russ Smiley to serve both as a guide for anglers and a celebration of Florida’s marine biodiversity. With a blend of detailed cartography and playful visual storytelling, the map captures the essence of sport fishing in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys, Everglades, and southern coastline.
Examining the Map
The map is oriented with north at the top and centers on the Everglades, Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys, stretching from Cape Sable to the Dry Tortugas. Waters are color-coded by depth, and a legend at the top right provides a key to fishing locations and methods including surf casting, boat fishing, and trolling. An array of game fish surrounds the map and each species beautifully illustrated and labeled, such as tarpon, marlin, tuna, grouper, snapper, and bonefish.
The southern coastline and Keys are dotted with fishing hotspots, reefs, and sandbars, while cheerful cartoon figures, a compass rose, and depictions of tackle and bait add whimsy to the composition. The overall layout creates a sense of adventure and abundance, emphasizing both the diversity of the fish and the thrill of the sport and invites fishing enthusiasts into an exciting world teeming with possibilities, from the shallow flats of Florida Bay to the deep waters of the Atlantic and Gulf Stream.
A Fishing Map by and Avid Angler
Published in the early 1970s, Russ Smiley’s fishing map comes from an era enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and Florida’s rising prominence as a premier destination for sport fishing. During this time, the Sunshine State experienced a tourism boom fueled by improved highways, increased leisure travel, and a growing fascination with coastal adventure. Russ Smiley, an avid angler was also a talented illustrator of marine life and the verso of this map promotes additional prints for sale of all fish species found in south Florida.
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622