FL Keys Cruising News – Hawk Channel, Government Cut Inlet to Tavernier Creek
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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
Elliott Key Daybeacon 19 destroyed, haz nav, temp onsite
The Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park are taking this famous sentiment one step further – by installing a state-of-the-art coral camera to showcase what lives in our waters.
NEW PENNEKAMP STATE PARK CORAL CAM GIVES A VIEW INTO THE BLUE – Florida
Keys Weekly
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For John Pennekamp Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
The entrance channel to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina is found off Hawk Channel, on the east side of Key Largo. Largo Sound Mooring Field is managed by the State Park marina.
What to Know About Snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo’s Best Reef
TheTravel
Click Here To View the Cruisers Net Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For John Pennekamp Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
Slate feeds marine creatures underwater, and the interaction enables divers to see large marine animals up close.
Caesar Creek, Broad Creek and Angelfish Creek all connect Card Sound and Biscayne Bay to Hawk Channel with the western terminus of each channel where waters shallow being the issue for cruisers. Carlos is requesting Local Knowledge on depths in the connecting channels.
Hello
I have an Ericson 28+ with a 4 foot draft shoal draft keel
Does my boat draw enough water to go through Caesar Creek, at the south end of Elliot Key in Florida; or do I cross over using Angel Fish Creek?
Many thanks
Carlos
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Angelfish Creek
I haven’t tried Caesar’s or Broad Creeks, but based upon comments from numerous cruisers would not consider either to be suitable for my 5′ draft. Best bet is stay with Angelfish Creek. The shallowest water is on the Hawks Channel side between channel markers R2A, G3A, G3, R2 with no more than 5.5 feet with Ocean Reef tide at +1.0. Be sure to do a radio call to alert sportfish vessels which must come through on plane.
If you have local knowledge of marina entrance channels that can accommodate a 5’5″ draft, let us hear from you. August is asking about Hawk Channel from Biscayne Bay to Marathon.
Our sailboat draws 5’5″. I can’t seem to find ANY marinas on the ocean side We can get in about halfway on the trip. Any suggestions?
August Trometer, email: atrometer@me.com
We too draw 5.5 feet. Best solution I have is to anchor overnight at Rodriguez Key, about half way to Marathon. Marathon and Key West will offer you marina options.
Anchoring by Rodriguez Key is the best alternative. Ocean Reef claims to have an 8′ approach at MLW, but I have been told there is a 5′ bump. No personal knowledge yet (going to try it in a few days.
The entrance channel to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina is found off Hawk Channel, on the east side of Key Largo, at flashing red marker #2 which lies west, northwest of Hawk Channel marker #35 off Mosquito Bank.
I needed desperately to get to the pump out at the marina. I called ahead and told them I did not have a lot of experience running the 44 ft catamaran I was sailing thru keys with my family. They told me where to find the pump out dock. I asked about the wind and they informed me it was blowing hard onto the dock. Tough conditions. When I got in they had three captains at the dock to lend a hand. After one aborted attempt we docked well and safely in very challenging conditions. I sat and talked with them all about the exit off the dock and got some great advice. Got off safe and well. They are truly a fantastic group.
Cat Hopeful
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
Angelfish Creek, like Broad Creek just to the north, connects Card Sound and Hawk Channel and sees a lot of traffic, especially large sportsfishing vessels. Capt. Abell is responding to comments made earlier in /?p=100355 on traffic in Angelfish Creek and offers good advice about sharing the narrow, but short channel. See /?p=153759 for a recent Navigation Alert for Angelfish Creek.
As Capt. Copeland stated it is necessary for large sport boats to stay on top to transit this stretch of water’¦ I to captain a 50+ foot sport fish and have a draft of 5′-3’³ and always run through at 25 plus KTS. I sometimes will have to wait for the East channel to be clear before shooting though and every once and a while there is someone in a center console that just doesn’t get it and we will meet in the worse possible spot’¦ I cannot stop as it would result in disaster, so please pay attention to the larger boats up on top transiting Angelfish creek, we’re not trying to show off, only trying to get through!
Wes Abell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Angelfish Creek
The problem with Captain Wes Abell’s argument is that we all have experience on the water. That experience includes encounters with large sport fish vessels. In the overwhelming number of cases, that experience is negative. I am always surprised when I encounter a polite sport fish captain. Appreciative, definitely, but surprised. Wes, it’s your colleagues that give you a well-earned lousy reputation. I agree with the other poster that said, if you can’t manage that passage safely, find another route. Inconvenient, but what if you hurt or kill that dummy center console operator that “doesn’t get it?” If I were on that jury….
I admittedly am not familiar with the Anglefish Creek transit.
I am familiar with rules of the road and have a modicum of common sense.
If a sport boat, NEEDS, to stay on plane to transit a body of water common sense would dictate that an alternate route should be pursued.
It would seem, from looking at the map provided, that Broad Creek is an available alternative.
One thing not mentioned but should be made abundantly clear is that the captain of a boat is RESPONSIBLE for his wake. This is proven law.
Should a sports boat, pursuing a shallow channel need to stay on plane to transit that channel he is responsible for ANY damage caused by his boats wake. The reason is no release of that responsibility. A recent 2015 BoatUS Seaworthy magazine article, I believe, related a story of a sport boat who’s wake overturned a Jon boat and the sports boat was held responsible, even though there was NO, No Wake zone, for the damage caused to the Jon boat and it’s occupants.
You ‘need’ to run through a narrow channel, make sure you understand it could become a costly run.
I don’t doubt that the sportsfisher captains honestly believe that running on plane is essential, but I wonder if any actual measurement has been done to see if this belief is correct? What is the actual draft of their vessel at plane versus at hull speed; what is the actual depth at the entrances? Sure, I’d avoid ruining a $40,000 prop, but I wouldn’t place others at risk of injury or death to do so.
A phone call to John Pennencamp Coral Reef State Park (305-451-6325) confirms that anchoring outside the mooring field is not allowed and there is no monthly rate for the mooring balls. The daily rate, including taxes and Monroe County fees, is $21.85. Sorry Jeff! Largo Sound in the State Park lies between Key Largo and El Radabob Key off Hawk Channel. The Sound is accessed through narrow South Sound Creek (which also allows access to the marina associated with the Park) at the tip of Lower South Sound Point.
Largo sound does not appear to be part of the Monroe county pilot program. It would seem it’s no problem to anchor then under current laws? Do they have a monthly rate on the moorings?
Jeff Goff
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
Wonderful! So simple. That helped me a lot. I would like to share with you a great service to fill a form online. BTW, if anyone needs to fill out a a form, I found a blank fillable form here http://goo.gl/Kg7QDU
Largo sound is part of the park. They are protecting a very important ecosystem. The bottom does not have very good holding anyways, so no real loss.
Rodriguez Key Anchorage lies to the north of Rodriguez Key, off Hawk Channel, and northwest of marker #37. This is one of the only anchor down spots on the Hawk Channel side of the Florida Keys north and east of Channel Five. Our thanks to Capt. Pozun for this report.
I have anchored at rodriguexz at least ten times in my trips to from keys and mollasses reef. Best holding anchorage is in back on nw side but any side in a blow can be done. Hawk side in nw ti n winds// west bay side in all s winds. Its an easy run to Marathon or dinner key its minutes from fuel in key largo great spot.
R Tony Pozun c400 catalina Mystical Paradise 6 ft draft
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Rodriguez Key Anchorage
The entrance channel to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina is found off Hawk Channel, on the east side of Key Largo, at flashing red marker #2 which lies west, northwest of Hawk Channel marker #35 off Mosquito Bank. Largo Sound Mooring Field is managed by the State Park marina. The most last report we have (/?p=136094) seems to indicate that Skipper Joe will be fine with a 4’3″ draft, but if you have more recent experience entering Largo Sound, let us hear from you.
I get a mixed bag of comments regarding entrance to Largo Sound’¦I will be arriving in Leopard 43 which draws 4’3’ Is it possible to enter into the Sound’¦would love to experience the park from inside??? I appreciate the help.
Joe
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
The entrance channel to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Marina is found off Hawk Channel, on the east side of Key Largo, at flashing red marker #2 which lies west, northwest of Hawk Channel marker #35 off Mosquito Bank. Largo Sound Mooring Field is managed by the State Park marina.
In Key Largo, depending on your draft, John Pennecamp park has moorings with great access to many local restaurants, the Fish House and Shipwrecks at the top. Too many waterholes to list, Most with great sunset views. Fishing, diving and snorkeling choices are many. Don’t miss snorkeling Molasses Reef or a dive on the Spiegel Grove. Ocean divers has a great dive program. Swim with the dolphins at dolphins plus.
Then spend some time enjoying boating.
Hank
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
Largo Sound in John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park lies between Key Largo and El Radabob Key off Hawk Channel. The Sound is accessed through narrow South Sound Creek (which also allows access to the marina associated with the Park) at the tip of Lower South Sound Point. Like Captain Manning, we have always found less than ideal depths upon entering the Sound, but for boats that draw LESS THAN 4 1/2 feet, this mooring field is an interesting alternative!
We stayed 4 nights Feb. 2014. Depth at the docks is 19′, approach 6.5 ft in on the channel. Mooring we found 4’6’³ at the outer mouth of the channel as you enter the lagoon during low tide. Don’t cut the marks, leave 100 yards or so before turning toward the mooing balls. If you enter and leave at high tide you will have 5’6’³ ft. depth. We never saw anything below that in the mooring field.
Paul Manning
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Largo Sound
In response to reports of numerous crab pots in the west side approach to Marathon (/?p=131869), Captain Lindberg’s remarks refer to 50 statute miles of the Hawk Channel between Rodriguez Key, just north of Key Largo at mile 1145, and Marathon at statute mile 1195.
We just came back from sailing Fort Lauderdale to Boca Chica and back 12/23/13-1/3/14. The pots were so bad between Rodriguez Key and Marathon that we had to drop sails and motor. We had planned on putting out two fishing lines, however it was impossible with all the pots.
Brenda Lindberg
This was our experience as well during the week of January 6th, 2014.
Be Aware and Careful !
DeeDee Lisenby
Our good friend, Captain Sterling has done it again!!!!!! Really, fellow cruisers, do NOT miss this one!!!
Click her to see our winning entry
_FRIGHT B4 CHRISTMAS 2012 – YouTube_
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY4gFOO0H3Y
See you in Paradise!
Capt. Sterling
SterlingLadyIII
Our good friends at SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Key Lime Sailing Club wish everyone a hearty, Happy New Year with these very special offers and Florida Keys news linked below:
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WOW, looks like a very FUN time was had by all!!!! Check out these videos, particularly the first one linked below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h461SmaLWQ_
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQekqLaJbx0
I don’t think any channel in the Florida Keys has occasioned more comment here on the Cruisers’ Net than Angelfish Creek. For those who don’t already know, this creek provides a means to cruise from the Inside/Florida Bay Route (from Card Sound), to Hawk Channel and the briny blue. There has always been some question about depths along this route, and we have received many reports here on the Net about an underwater “rock,” near the point where the marked passage meets up with the deeper waters abutting Hawk Channel.
Most of Captain Copeland’s comments below concern another subject, namely, why planing hull craft tend to transit Angelfish at high speed. Boy, if the props on my vessel cost $40K each, I might do the same thing, and then again, I might not!
In re: to Angelfish Creek navigation: As a captain of a 50′ sport fish who navigates this creek frequently (not because I have a choice’¦I do not) with my 4’10’³ draft, I have seen many posts from other boaters who seem very frustrated with `big sportfishers’ who take this channel pushing high wakes or at high speeds.
I would like to explain WHY this is the case:
1. I will never take this channel under two hours before or after a low tide ‘“ particularly in a west wind or a full moon.
2. The $2M boat has wheels which costs almost $40,000.
3. The shallowest parts of the channel is at the eastern end (a rock ledge, yes’¦rock) and western (bayside) end (which is shoaljng). For us to get up on plane enough to make this passage, it is necessary for the large sport boats to go fast! There are only a few places in the creek itself where we can slow down in enough time to get up on plane again to get out.
4. Believe it or not big sport boat wakes are less annoying when they are up on plane and not chugging.
Please try and understand these boats also have the right to navigate this channel. And believe me, if we had a choice, we wouldn’t!
J. Copeland
As Capt. Copeland stated it is necessary for large sport boats to stay on top to transit this stretch of water… I to captain a 50+ foot sport fish and have a draft of 5′-3″ and always run through at 25 plus KTS. I sometimes will have to wait for the East channel to be clear before shooting though and every once and a while there is someone in a center console that just doesn’t get it and we will meet in the worse possible spot… I cannot stop as it would result in disaster, so please pay attention to the larger boats up on top transiting Anglefish creek, we’re not trying to show off, only trying to get through!
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Pilot House Marina, is accessed from the Hawk Channel side of the Key Largo. The entrance canal cuts west towards charted “Lake Largo,” and Pilot House guards the intersection of the canal and lake.
This is really a great spot, with MANY improvements having been made over the past year or two. The SSECN is very proud to have these good people as a sponsor!
The “I Love Lucy” is presently in Key Largo. We have great diving and snorkeling. We are at the pilot house marina, and they are very [cruiser] friendly,having a [cruisers’] lounge with a book exchange and large screen tv.
Ed & Lucy Guillard
Both Ed and Lucy of `I Love Lucy’ are wonderful people to be around. They are always positive and enjoying life. This is one of the reasons we at the Pilot House love `Cruisers’ in general and why we strive to make Cruisers comfortable during your stay at Pilot House Marina, in the heart of Downtown Key Largo’¦the Dive and Fishing Capitol of the World. Our latest improvement for Cruisers’¦.A covered outdoor lounge for potlucks, socializing or just plain lounging around! Warm Regards’¦.Don Brown
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Pilot House Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pilot House Marina
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