Seems like a lot of you visit the keys on a regular basis so you may have opinion. I’ve got 2 boats, but would only pull the small one that far. It’s a 14’ Guide model aluminum tracker boat. Has deep sides and 9.9 honda 4 stroke. My question is if it’s worth taking to the keys for a week. I’ve only been down twice and went out with a guide once each week. But the rest of the week I was stuck on shore wishing I wasn’t.
The times we went down we fished tarpon under the bridge. I’m not sure if a boat that size would be first safe, then effective down there. I would like to fish the expansive flats, around the mangrove islands, the back country, and the channels for bones, tarpon, and permit (if the right time). I’ve got all the equipment, just not the experience for the area. What are your thoughts? Anyone have experience taking small boat out around Islamorada? Thanks
Assuming you are coming from SC, and it is just for a week I would look at renting a boat. Depending on the time of year you can get some great deals and often save some money considering your MPG with boat in tow. If you do tow-make ■■■■ sure your lights work.
“Fishing is alot like sex…when its good,it’s really good, and when its bad, its still pretty good.”
Leaving from SC. I’m not to worried about the gas consumption. I checked the truck and it gets the same milage with or without the boat (pkg only weighs around 6-800lbs) Looking to go in the fall or May/June of next year.
I just wonder if I can get to the areas described with this type of boat? Thanks for the input.
One of the biggest issues with a boat trailer, it would seem to me, is the Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead run. That 100 mile or so run is simply crazy town even in a car. And if I were to pull a boat, I’d want at least a double axle to get out the road if a tire or bearing were to fail.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
190cc Sea Pro w/130 Johnson
1- 13 year old
1 - 9 year old
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC / Talk Carolina/Clemson sports @ Palmetto State Rivals www.palmettostaterivals.com
quote:595>turnpike.
Originally posted by claimOne of the biggest issues with a boat trailer, it would seem to me, is the Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead run. That 100 mile or so run is simply crazy town even in a car. And if I were to pull a boat, I’d want at least a double axle to get out the road if a tire or bearing were to fail.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dadEquipment:
190cc Sea Pro w/130 Johnson
1- 13 year old
1 - 9 year old
1 - wife (The Warden)ECFC / Talk Carolina/Clemson sports @ Palmetto State Rivals www.palmettostaterivals.com
I just recently fished the Marathon area in a 15ft Boston Whaler and let me tell ya with all the boat traffic it was rough… i would suggest checking rates down in that area you can find some nice deals right now that its not prime tourist time…
I had a 17’ Scout a few years back and trailered it down. We always stayed at small resorts that had dockage. It was a blast. Bought a few charts. Talked with a few locals. Used the boat almost every day to fish and snorkel at the reefs. Saved a small fortune on the snorkel trips. Going back and will defintely take my Stealth. Do it. With using it every day you’ll have a blast. Also had some nice moments with the wife going out at sunset a couple miles into the Gulf with some cold ones. After doing it that way the first time I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way.
SeaPro 23 WA Yam 225
High Tide 16 Honda 40
Key West 17’ Stealth Yam 115
I’ve heard about the Turnpike. A must when pulling a trailer. We have a while to decide. I would sure love to be able to fish my own stuff especially in a new area.
Newcastle, what were ya’ll targeting? Any luck?
we were fishing out of the Rainbow Bend Fishing Resort which would also be something to look into… They have 12 Boston Whalers to use while your staying there and its a nice relaxing place… We were fishing about a half mile from the resort in a main channel and the poons there were just every where in a four hour time frame i can probably have counted over 100’s of poons… and at night or low tide you can wade the flats from the dock and fish for permit and bones thery were all over the place…
I have taken a 17’ maverick and a 17 alumacraft down to Miami. You should be able to get on the flats with that boat. We fished with a guide out of a hewes redfisher in bisacayne bay.
Take your time getting down and don’t burn up your hubs. Check them often.
I parked my alumacraft in the bottom of a parking garage of a 5 star hotel in May.
They did not even charge me to park it.
Pick your time going through lauderadle to miaimi and you should be fine. I towed my boat for 5 days all over miami.
Chris.
My family has a house in Summerland Key. Sometimes I trailer my poling skiff down and others I rent a Carolina Skiff from Rays Rentals. Rays is great, they deliver the boat to our dock.
There are many places to fish in a smaller boat in the keys. Flats and channels abound in sheltered areas. Bonefish, tarpon, snapper are all readily available from a boat your size.