Mark “CooKnFish” Bellotte is just an average angler that has been blessed by the fish gods. He grew up in West central Florida and started fishing at a very young age. With four other siblings, his parents had their hands full trying to keep tabs on all of them running around the beaches. One sure way to keep Mark occupied was to hand him a fishing pole. One sure way to lose track of him was to teach him how to drive a boat. Many mornings his parents would wake up to find the Boston Whaler missing and his bed barely slept in. He always knew when to be back so that he would not miss going out in the bigger boats.

He spent a few years in the cooking industry while honing his skills for a more technical world. Mark spent several years barricaded behind a computer screen before realizing how much time was being spent away from the water. Some adjustments were made and now he’s back on the water following his passion. Having met such inspirational people as Capt. Blair Wiggins, Capt. Ray Markham, and Capt. Fred Everson along the way has really laid a foundation for the present path. “An experience can be held to yourself and nobody would understand the smile on your face. To share an experience can bring a smile to someone else’s face.” says Mark. “These people have their television shows, radio shows, and magazine articles. They share their experiences and wrap the audience with entertainment.”

These days, Mark “CooKnFish” Bellotte can be found paddling around the same backwaters of Florida that the Tocobaga Indian tribe lived upon. He can also be found in the kitchen experimenting with new ways to enjoy some of the same bounty that the Calusa Indians harvested. And the only time wasted behind the computer is to share his experiences and entertain others through his writings often titled “Tails From The Canoe”.

For more information on Mark Bellotte, you can email him at catchem@tampabay.rr.com

Tales From The Canoe: Next time I’ll take the canoe
The Fish God Giveth And He Taketh Away
Being On Top Of Topwater Lures: A review of HighRoller Lures