Taking another guys trip with my dad, brother and son to islamorada at the end of April. We normally charter 3-4 trips while we’re down there but was wondering if it’s worth it to take my bay boat down there this time? We still plan on doing couple charters but seems like it would be nice to have a boat docked behind our house for fishing and just cruising. My question is have any of you done this and how hard to navigate the waters? And find the fish as well? Don’t wanna be wasting my time down there not sure where I’m going. Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Take it. Study a chart and then use your eyes and brain. The water is so clear that getting around isn’t too bad. Much easier than here.
What he said ^^^. No way would I not take my boat.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
I appreciate the info any additional info or things I should get or bring with me that may be different from the fishing here?
Def take your boat. Have been down there the last few years in july and we always bring a boat. We always get guides, but they are expensive and you can go out on your own and do pretty well. Best advice, buy a hotspot map. Near shore reefs are awesome for yellowtail, grouper etc. Navigating should not be a problem although there are some shallow areas on the gulf side. Have Fun!!!
^^^^Also, you might want to plan on what fish you are going to target that time of year and research gear you will need, and how to fish for them.
We started taking our boat down about 4 years ago. I was alittle apprehensive but now would not go without it. Nothing better than to have your own boat tied up in front of your house and being able to walk out, get in and go. I will say, though the water is clear, learn the waters around your area (at least close in) before hauling azz around there. A chartplotter/sounder is extremely helpful, not only for water depth but, being able to plug in reef coordinates and go is really nice. Here is a simple jingle to help (it helped me). “Brown, brown, run aground. White, white, you just might. Blue, blue, sail on through. Green, green, nice and clean.” Shallow water appears dark (brown) to the observer, while deeper water appears blue or green. Sand covered bottoms appear white and may or may not be deep enough for your vessel to navigate. To me, polarized sunglasses are a must. Google all the near shore reefs, there are several in the Islamorada area. This is a pretty good site, gives a good description and coordinates. http://www.divespots.com/scuba-diving-spots/florida/florida-keys/key-largo/ Fishing for yellowtails on the reefs is fun but, be sure the reef you are on permits fishing.
Remember, when you run aground here, it is usually sand, mud or at worst, oysters. Down there it is usually coral or limestone.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Thank you all for your great insight and help!
Towing a boat, is it about a 12 hr drive from Cton to Islamorada?
Anyone ever go down during the lobster mini season or is that like going to Fort Lauderdale during Spring Break in the 80’s?
2014 Key West 203DFS
1987 Landau
12hrs is about what I’m estimating it took us 10 1/2 last year not towing a boat.
The mini-season is very similar to Spring Break, without all the bikinis:smiley: Very crowded down there then and prices are considerably higher.
12 hours is about right to Islamorada.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
You guys would seriously take two full days out of a week trip to trailer a boat down there. I have looked into this very topic many times and I can’t justify spending two full days driving for a 7 day trip. Maybe you guys are going longer than a week? Just curious…
If you plan on driving anyway, this is a no brainer, take your boat!
We (my wife and 2 kids) leave around 3:00 am on a Saturday and arrive around 2:00 pm (depending on traffic) that afternoon Get the boat in the water, buy groceries settle in with a beer and dinner, get a good nights sleep and then boat/fish hard for 6 days. Pack up and come home the following weekend. Am I tired when I get home? Yep, but we absolutely love it. I spend a little more on gas but I like having my own boat vs a charter or renting a boat.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Yea we usually leave around midnight. Skip most of the traffic and we switch off drivers so at least we all get a few naps in. Get there just in time for lunch and check in at the house
What do you all do about trailer tags? I thought I saw some posts where FL requires tags on trailers, but SC does not. Any issues?
Sea Hunt BX22 Br
WS Tarpon 140
No, since you are just visiting, you are not required to have a trailer tag. You do however need transom straps on your boat. They will ticket you for not having straps down there.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Just so I understand, a strap over the boat is not adequate enough for Florida? You still have to the transom straps? I am all for safety, so just curious. I have pulled a boat about a hundred miles one-way before with no issues, but Florida is another whole issue. Thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by DFreedomNo, since you are just visiting, you are not required to have a trailer tag. You do however need transom straps on your boat. They will ticket you for not having straps down there.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Mu understanding is either straps that go from your trailer to attachment points on the transom or a strap that goes from one side of the trailer to the other (at the stern) across the boat. I think they just want to ensure the boat is strapped down on the trailer.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
I’ve never used transom straps on trailered boats in the keys and have never had a problem.
No expert, just relaying what a Monroe Co. deputy told me down there a couple of years ago. Also stated quite often on a FL based website. I use them anyway on my boat for longer hauls.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.