Headed to Crystal River for vacation this weekend. Big plans to dive, snorkel, scallop, and fish. Problem is my gps/ff died last week. Sent off Friday with hopes of getting back before Saturday but Lowrance said no chance. This a lot to ask but if anyone out there has a lowrance elite 4 or 5 dsi and would be willing to part with it for a long weekend I would be willing to pay you. I have Navionics on my phone, but it will be tough with out a real depth. I can be reached at 843 816 0700.
I can’t help you with a replacement, sorry, but I know Crystal River pretty well. Been going there long before GPS was invented. Is this your first trip there? In most of the upper river you can see the bottom like in a swimming pool. The channel is very well marked all the way out to the Gulf and it’s hard to get lost.
Thanks for the ■■■■■■■■!yes this is our first trip. Hoping to hit some offshore reefs and thought it would be helpful to have depth finder to find structure. Thanks again.
I’m concerned that all the fresh water might cause the scallops too be scarce. That being said, I believe there are several reefs out around 20 miles that should be productive. I have the option to take my bay boat if we stay close to shore. Or, an offshore boat. Without a depthfinder might not be worth the ride off. Obviously, lot easier to pull the lighter boat 350 miles! Any thoughts on where to focus most time? Btw, taking wife and two boys, all certified to dive.
I’ve got a few good offshore grouper numbers there that I’ll PM you when I find them.
As far as diving, the main spring is beautiful and there are a couple of smaller springs too. Lot of fish to see, both fresh and saltwater fish all swimming together. Cool place. Usually a lot of manatee too.
The trip was fantastic! No need to go off shore plenty to do near shore in the bay and at the springs. Nothing like going into the bay to scallop for several hours in the salt and then coming in and diving into those freshwater springs to rinse off. not to mention that the old boat and outboards get freshened up from all the salt too. Highly recommend destination for vacation with the kids. A little uncomfortable not having depth finder especially considering all the local 's props were all chewed up from the rocks in the River. but no mishaps on my end.