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    • Mar 30, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marina Jacks and Sarasota (Statute Mile 73)

      Certainly Marina Jacks has a lot to offer, as does the city itself. Now, if we could just get the mooring field situation resolved.

      Hi all,
      We had spent 3 wonderful days in Sarasota,Fl upon recommendations from other turtles. Would just like to say thank-you for the great advice. We stayed at Marina Jacks, excellent marina, secure, clean, boater friendly and very accesible to town. We took the trolley to St. Armand’s circle (lovely), ate in Sarasota twice at Two Senoritas and Patricks, (excellent). We toured the Ringling Bros. Museum and all we can say is next time we’ll use the whole day (wow).Had a fantastic time and would recommend it as a must stop!!
      Dick and Elle
      m/v Summer Wind

      Sarasota is a great stop, the marina is top notch, but u can anchor out and dinghy in. The town is awsome and i would not pass it up…lots of great dinning and dancing.
      Bill & Ana Feller
      Knot Tide Down


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marina Jacks (Marina Operations)

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    • Mar 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Everglades City and Shallow Spot on Indian Key Channel

      Below, you will find a superbly informative report from Captain Rich Gano, concerning his very recent passage from Indian Key to Everglades City. The shoal depths he observed near marker #17 are the shallowest anyone has ever reported here on the Cruisers’ Net between Indian Key and Everglades City. Clearly, cruisers are going to have to take this shoaling into account, and probably play the tides. We would welcome more info on these shallows near #17 from fellow cruisers. PLEASE e-mail me at CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net if you have the opportunity to sound this channel.
      There’s also lots of good shoreside info on Everglades City in Captain Rich’s posting. We need more messages like this one!

      Subject: Everglades City
      Cruising News: We spoke a north bound 34-foot trawler with 3.5 ft draft this AM, and they reported failure to get into Everglades City due to grounding. They stated that it was a low tide. We brought Calypso, our 4.5 foot draft Calypso in here at high tide today (+2.25 feet) and saw really shallow water at marker 17 only, and that was about 2 feet under us. We carefully adjusted the Humminbird to read depth under the deepest part of the boat using a lead line before we got into the channel; so our readings are within inches. Where you saw shallow water between markers 27 and 29, we saw minimum 4 feet under our keel. At the sharp left hand turn, there was 6-9 feet under our keel. It\’s a sure bet we could not transit past marker 17 without tidal assistance, but the rest of the transit was a breeze.
      We rode our bikes all over town, and there are a ton of eating establishments. The Rod and Gun Club is not on my list due to pricing.
      There is one small market store for essentials, and I found a fuse and some butt connectors I wanted at the True Value hardware a quarter mile north from the market. There is no laundry facility in Everglades City.
      It is evident from a couple of people I spoke with that this place folds up in the summer. It seems a number of the workers and business owners are seasonal in their presence here.
      One business owner pointed out a very fine looking piece of property across a branch of the river complete with many newly planted palms and boat slips. It is a high-end RV camp. Lots go for $600,000.00 and slips for a 32-foot boat would be around 300K. Only class 1 RVs under two years of age are accepted. Maybe some people are not affected by either the economy or good sense.
      Rich Gano

      And, more about Everglades City and the Rod and Gun Club from Captain Rich

      Everglades City was fun for a day or two as we biked about from our position alongside the Rod and Gun Club seawall.
      The Rod & Gun Club itself has a long ways to go in the management of their seawall moorings. About ten cruising sized boats can fit comfortably alongside, and clubs from the Sarasota area south like to come down here during to cool no-bug months of March/ April. What with being a bit isolated, the R&G Club is a bit prone to having clubs show up on a “flexible” schedule; although
      the two clubs we saw showed up on time. Anyway, the staff there works three shifts and the pass-down is not very good between shifts. They do not monitor a radio, and there was nobody to assist in mooring when we showed up (that doesn’t bother me because I hate dock hands pulling and pushing when I have control of my own boat). We ended up extending our stay by two nights and when the second club showed up (we were not informed of this reservation) we were asked to vacate and told to talk to the other shift about a refund for the last night. Being immediately out of reliable cell contact the moment we left town, I will now rely on the US Mail to carry my request for refund.
      Before we vacated our spot, we were offered a temporary spot with no power and told we could remain there if they could not fit us into a powered spot after the boat club got settled. After getting two 42-foot boats moved to this location (it was high tide – the ONLY time to move a 4.5-foot draft boat around), I sounded around and found that we had about 6 inches under us and 2 feet of tide due to lower in the next few hours. We had no time to dicker and promptly left for anchorage six miles away.
      I am not pissed off or trying to paint a negative picture of the R&G Club (but don’t eat there). We’ll use them again if we ever pass this way again (you have to – they are the only mooring in town, anchorage is way off downstream), but you need to be prepared to deal with a “marina” way down the list from something like Marina Jack in Sarasota. It’s part of their charm. It appears that if we had been able to predict our travels and made reservations before the boat clubs (over two months ago) we would have had prior claim to our spot, no matter how many boat clubs came in.
      As for us, we are just as happy to be able to move on safely despite running through an area with small craft warnings.
      Rich Gano
      CALYPSO


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Rod and Gun Club

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    • Mar 19, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Pelican Bay Anchorage (off Cayo Costa, Statute Mile 25)

      There have been MANY postings here on the Net’s “Western Florida” section about the wonderful anchorage behind Cayo Costa (a Florida State Park), on the waters of Pelican Bay. The trickiest part is gaining successful entry. Captain Jay gives some advice on that below!

      Just south of Boca Grand Pass, west of marker 74, in Pelican flay, is an outstanding anchorage, one of the best in Pine Island Sound. The water is shallow, but boats carrying 5 feet can enter by staying close to the Cayo Costa side to avoid the shoal building out from the northwest end of Punta Blanca Island. Inside, depths improve to 6 feet along a broad band.
      Come abeam of marker 74 and set a compass course of roughly 240 degrees through the northern third of Pelican Pass, staying to the Cayo Costa side. Curve slowly around to the south into the main body of the pass on its mid width. Consider anchoring northeast of the docks. From the docks south lie many unmarked shoals..
      Jay E Wigginton
      M/V SAILS

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Pelican Bay Outer Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pelican Bay Park Service Dock Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pelican Bay – Punta Blanca Island Anchroage

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    • Mar 18, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      The Harbourage Marina (St. Petersburg – Tampa Bay)

      The city of St. Petersburg, located on the western shores of Tampa Bay, has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to marina facilities. Not only is it home to the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) but, just to the south of Salty Creek, you will also find the Harbourage at Bayboro. This facility is the subject of Captain Gary Riss’ (the “Gar”) report below!

      When cruising in the St. Petersburg/ Tampa Bay area, The Harborage Marina at Bayboro Harbor is a great stop. The marina is owned by Marinas International and is maintained to their demanding standards.
      Dock master Michael Dudzik is one of the friendliest around. Radio him on VHF channel 16 for docking instructions. This is one of the few marinas that are protected by a breakwater pier to keep the waters calm. The transient dock is a long floating dock for side to docking.
      The entrance channel is well marked and adjacent to the Coast Guard Station. You can’t miss it.
      Facilities at the marina include a boater’s lounge, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities and a pool and picnic area. Fuel and pump-out facilities are also available to transients. There is long term storage available for those who wish to leave their boat in the area.
      The marina is located on St. Petersburg’s waterfront with convenient access to the Salvador Dali museum and the 25 cent bus that will transport you around the city. You are within walking distance to shopping areas restaurants and grocery stores.
      Gary Riss


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For The Harbourage at Bayboro Marina

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    • Mar 12, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Useppa Island (Statute Mile 21.5)

      The entrance to the marina serving Useppa Island, lines the Western Florida ICW's eastern flank, almost directly across from the entrance to Cabbage Key. Both are located south of Boca Grande Pass.  Please note that this facility is normally NOT open to the public. Usually, unless there is a special event like the one attended by Captain Bob (see below), you have to be a property owner, or the guest of a property owner to stay here.
      However, if you can somehow wrangle an inivitation, this place is seriously FIRST CLASS!

      Just spent a long weekend on Useppa Island for the DeFever Cruisers Rendezvous … great place. Stayed in the Baron Collier room at the Collier Inn, wonderful view and accommodations.
      Bob DeGroot

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    • Mar 10, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Moss Marine – Fort Myers Beach

      Subject: Moss Marine-Ft Myers Beach
      Cruising News: I just wanted to tell anyone who needs amarina to stay at in Ft Myers Beach t consider Moss Marine. They bent over backwatds to help us with any and all requests. They allowed us access of their printer, copy machine and fax machine. We had a lot of paperwork to be taken care of. The casino boat does leave out of there but it is not an issue…it is not noisy. It was very convenient to all restaurants and the Ft Myers beach area. Their price was also more affordable than other marinas if you need a location to clean your boat, fill up with water and stay for the nite.
      Roberta Nunemaker


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Moss Marine

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    • Mar 6, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Floating Hair Salon Arrives At Fort Myers City Yacht Basin

      Located at Mile Marker 135 on the Okeechobee Waterway, 15 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers Yacht Basin is a well designed and protected marina. It is owned and operated by the City of Fort Myers City Yacht Basin was already one of the best city owned marinas I have ever reviewed, and they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Now, we hear from Captain Susan below that the facility now includes a floating “hair salon.” What more could one ask for?

      Subject: Ft. Myers Yacht Basin
      Cruising News: Ft. Myers Yacht Basin now has a unique floating full service hair salon on site. They do great haircuts and give deep discounts to marina guests. The salon is called Rumours and is adjacent to the dockmaster’s building between D and E docks. The phone number is 239-332-3174
      Susan Cargill


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fort Myers City Yacht Basin

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    • Mar 6, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Depths on Indian Key Channel to Everglades City

      It looks as if you can avoid the shoal had by marker #17 (see below), many vessels can make it to Everglades City, even at low tide. Of course, to be on the safe side, and that's always a good side to be on, I would much prefer to run this pasage at mid to high water.

      Subject: Everglades City Channel
      Cruising News: We are a sailboat with a 5 ft. draft and just visited Everglades City. Through a miscalculation we were in the channel at low tide rather than high tide, but made it in except for a shoal near marker 17.The shoal was on the south side and we able to go around it to the north side. On the way out at high tide it was again very shallow at this spot. We also went aground trying to go to Naples on the inside from Marco, but couldn't make it at high tide.
      Joan Clark

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    • Mar 5, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Praise for Venice, FL. But Disdain for the Now Retired “Venice Water Nazi”

      Couldn't agree with Captain Bob more. Venice is a wonderful port of call, and a great place to live in Florida.

      If you are interested in the West Coast of Florida, be sure to check out Venice,
      We did so 3 years ago when we were looking at Cape Coral, but decided in only 20 minutes driving through Venice that it was the right place:
      1.  We bought a house on the ICW.. No dock but plenty of bot traffic for viewing.  Housing not expensive, and very cheap now.
      2. One mile to the best free beaches in Florida,
      3. 15 mile bike path behind the house.  12 miles north to Sarasota or 3 miles south along the canal to free Casperson Beach.
      4. Small town feel, 25,000 permanent residents.
      5. Rte 41 Bypass takes traffic around, not through Venice Island.
      6. Some great restaurants in town, most not expensive.
      7 Plenty of art shows, farmers market, parades, activities.
      8. No recorded direct hit hurricanes in history. Temps similar to Naples. Frost rare.
      9. Good school district (Sarasota).  Venice HS has a history of state champ finalist teams in baseball (2007 state champ) football and basketball.
      If I sound like a real estate promoter, I'm not.  We just love our new home.
      Bob Kunath
      Sans Souci, Pacific Seacraft 38T

      Please refrain form talking so nice about Venice.  It is the best kept  secret on the west coast.
      We have been going there for 30 years and have had a place on a canal  for 10y ears.
      The difference between Venice and Punta Gorda is that every thing in  Venice is walking or biking distance while PG needs car ride.
      Rob Hoffman

      Captain Bob's message above brought on plenty of discussion on the infamous "Venice Water Nazi." As you will see, at the end of this string, the officer in question is now retired. Interesting that after this much time, the memory of this guy still engenders such STRONG feelings and memories. Here's some examples:

      Every time I hear reports of this guy it raises my hackles. He sounds like a bully who has refined his bullying tactics to the point of glib, officious, superior intimidation. I think that if we ever find ourselves in Venice (which truly does sound like a wonderful place, by the way, in spite of the little water Nazi) I will make sure that I have a tape recorder handy, so I can share the spectacle of Hans and me being double-talked into feeling like we're breaking a law. Maybe then SOMEone who has authority over him will listen. On the other hand, if he stops and/or boards us and recognizes that we're breaking no law, perhaps I will report to this group that he's a warm fuzzy grandfatherly man just hoping to keep people honest. . . (Wanna take bets?)
      Geesch.
      Peggy Bjarno

      GLAD to see a picture of him…I got ticketed on an outdated law last summer.  I fought it and won, and saved oodles of money.
      TT

      It's got nothing to do with the city. He works for the state. Venice is a nice town and the Crows Nest is a nice stop.
      Years ago the officer in question used to be based in Sarasota. But it's always been my understanding that he wore out his welcome here and was transferred down to the Venice area. Lucky Venice.
      Had a few run ins with him over the years. Hoped he had retired by now. Sadly, I guess not. He gives LE a bad name as far as daily dealings with the public go. The problem with him is not that he's just doing his job, it's how he does it.

      http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070304/NEWS/703040804

      It's interesting in the above article that they state Erickson that "Few understand the rules as well as Erickson.". Because when he hassled me a number of years ago at the Crows Nest on a 80' Lazzara I was running a the time, which was registered in the Cayman Islands, he sure didn't seem to understand the concept of foreign registration and a valid US Customs cruising permit.
       It's also interesting to me that even though I had met/dealt with him many times over decades, when he would come up to me in an official capacity, he would talk to me like it was the first time he had laid eyes on me. Strange dude. 
      Capt. Bill

      And now confirmation that Officer Erickson has indeed retired:

      You are all bringing up very old news that is not relevant.  The Fish and Wildlife Commission Officer retired a long time back and there have not been any incidents with him for many months.
      Venice continues to have free city face dock and a lot of very friendly local businesses.  We also hope to have a permit for a city mooring field by this summer and begin construction in the fall.
      Joe

      Hi, Claiborne,
      Yes, it's true!  I stopped and chatted with the harbormaster at Crow's Nest this morning, Tim Erickson retired from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about six months ago.  It is now safe to dock in Venice, at least he won't hassle you.
      Good options:
      Crow's Nest, close to the inlet and beaches, and the restaurant is one of Florida's best
      Higel Park on Roberts Bay, free dockage overnight.
      Both oif those 1 mile to downtown.
      Marine Max, at Circus Bridge, limited beam.  Close to grocery, Walgreen, Lowes but 2 miles to downtown.    
      Regards
      Bob

      Claiborne,
      Tim Erickson retired last year. True, The "Venice Water Nazi" is now an Urban Legend.
      Joe Fanciulli
      Venice Yacht Club

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    • Mar 4, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Jewfish Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 85)

      First, many thanks to Captain Susan for all her kind words below!
      And, yes, the two anchorages behind Jewfish Key are some of the very best that the western coastline of the Sunshine State has to offer. I love to dinghy ashore to either of the two restaurants there, Mar-Vista and Moore’s Stone Craft. Yummmmmm!

      Claiborne,
      First, let me say that I am a huge fan of your books. I discovered them quite by accident years ago when I found your North Carolina cruising guide on board a used boat we purchased. We utilized the guide on our first trip down the ICW to Florida in 1999. I found the guide so helpful that we stopped to purchase the books covering Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. I’ve been hooked ever since and recently purchased the latest additions, visit your web site, and subscribe to your email updates.
      This past week the Western Florida Guide was invaluable in finding a protected anchorage to wait out the big blow that passed through. We were headed to Progressive Marine in St. Petersburg for a haulout and bottom job (another tidbit we got from your guide). We got a late start from our home in Punta Gorda Isles and knew we’d have to lay over a day or two until the front passed and the winds subsided before crossing Tampa Bay. Your guide recommended the Jewfish Key anchorage at ICW mile 85. We anchored our 48′ trawler securely for two days with plenty of swinging room.
      Thanks for all you do for the boating community. I look forward to seeing you at the Punta Gorda MTOA rendezvous in April.
      Susan Parker


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Jewfish Key Southside Anchorage


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Jewfish Key Anchorage

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    • Feb 26, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Salty Sams Marina (Fort Myers Beach)

      Of course Salty Sams Marina is a class act. After all they are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONOSOR, and, as a matter of fact, they currently our ONLY sponsory in FMB!

      Subject: Ft, Myers Beach-Salty Sams
      Cruising News: If your visiting the Back Bay of Ft. Myers beach I would recommend trying Salty Sam’s Marina as a destination. The Back Bay is one of our favorite stops but we usually stay at one of the marinas on Estero Island for easy access to all the action and the beach. This past weekend we thought we would try Salty Sams and it was a great experience. The new concrete floating docks are long and much more user friendly than the fixed docks at the other marinas, expecially since the tide runs hard here. The dock staff is efficient and the adjacent Parrot Key Caribean Grill excellent. There is so much activity at this restaurant, the boat rentals and distant rack storage that is was enjoyable just people watching from our boat. If you’re there for a few days and want more variety of things to do all the island activity is a short walk over Matanzas Bridge.
      Greg Callaway

      I highly agree with Greg’s assessment of Salty Sams Marina. I have had my holding tank pumped and their staff were very accommadating. By the way, be sure to visit Doc Ford’s Restaurant under the bridge where they do have plenty of place to tie up.
      Donn Brown
      Namaste


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Salty Sams Marina

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    • Feb 23, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Owl Creek Boatyard (Caloosahatchee River, Near Fort Myers)

      This discussion below was copied from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor Page" (/ask_your_neighbor/ask_your_neighbor/), and originally appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) List.

      Anyone have experience to report, good or bad, about Owl Creek Boat Yard in Alva, Florida? It's on the Caloosahatchee near Ft. Myers. We're thinking about storing Potluck there for the summer and having some work done.
      Bill McWilliams
      Potluck
      Pilgrim 40

      You asked for recommendations for Owl Creek Boat Yard on the Caloosahatchee River east of Ft. Myers. Back several years when I owned First Forty (N40) I had work done there several times and was more than pleased with them. Steve Willis is the owner still as far as I know, and their phone number is 941.543.2100, or email:  ocbws@cs.com. They do good work and the yard is secure. They even sent a mechanic over to Punta Gorda when necessary. Highly recommend them!
      Margery Griffith

      You might talk with the folks at the Rialto Harbor in Alva. Very unique small Harbor with outstanding services.
      Reid lyon
      Heather Michelle

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    • Feb 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Russell Pass Anchorage and Everglades City

      Russell Pass intersects the primary Indian Key – Barron River route to Everglades City, several miles upstream of Indian Key. The many anchor down spots on Russell Pass are some of best and most isolated anchorages you will ever discover, though you do have to watch out for the currents. As Captain Norm discovered, it’s a long dinghy ride from here to Everglades City.

      Next stop for three days was Russell Pass outside Everglades City. A wonderful anchorage.
      We dinghied four miles into Everglades City . They really shouldn’t’t call it a ‘city’. Got bait there (frozen shrimp – hope the catfish don’t like it), but couldn’t get a Sunday paper. The reason for the trip to Everglades City was to lunch at the Rod and Gun Club – a very “old Florida” experience. It opened in the late 1800s and was one of the first winter destinations for the well-heeled from up north.
      As the name implies, they came to hunt and fish, and enjoy the sunshine. The walls of the place are crowded with the heads, bodies, and skins of their trophies as well as newspaper articles about the place through the years.
      It’s been quite the draw with presidents Truman, Roosevelt, and Cleveland visiting there as well as Sally Field and Mick Jagger (now there’s an unlikely collection). We dined on the large veranda and had OK food and delicious Mango Iced Tea. I’d put this on the ‘must see’ list for cruisers. Our chief photographer, Rick, sent us a lot of these photos he took of our dingy ride and lunch at Everglades City.
      Now, Everglades City is not just known for the Ron and Gun Club. It is air boat ride capital of the Everglades. So, for $37 per person, one can ride on one of those propeller-driven, water top skimming, turn-on-a-dime, flat-bottomed boats. Really, they told us that they only did the mangroves; and, WE DID MANGROVES!! So, what fun would that be? We decided on a nice lunch amongst the dead carcases instead.
      Norm Naughton
      Aboard M/V Tide Hiker


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Russell Pass Southern Anchorage


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Russell Pass Middle Anchorage


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Russell Pass Northern Anchorage

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    • Feb 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Little Shark River (Southwestern Florida, south of Ten Thousand Islands)

      Little Shark River is, without a doubt, the best anchorage south of Indian Key on the Western Florida (mainland) coastline. These waters are the subject of frequent postings here on the Net’s “Western Florida” section. Captain Norm’s description below truly conveys the isolate feeling of the more upstream anchorages on the Little Shark.

      Spent three days anchored in Little Shark River in Everglades National Park with Bob and Stephanie aboard September Song and Rick and Lynnie aboard Rickshaw. Very remote area – it’s just us, the birds, the mangroves, and the river running about 4 knots. (No kayaking in that current.) Spectacular stars. We anchored upriver a bit away from where other boats typically anchor. It was remote enough to give us a tiny feel of unease. We saw the occasional fishing boat and a herd of teenage Outward Bound canoeists who were on the 14th day of a 20 day journey. Yikes! Bob and Stephanie led us on a dingy expedition. We explored some of the inner-reaches of the rivers and streams in this Everglades paradise. Did not see any alligators, but did see tons of birds.
      Norm decided to try his luck fishing. He caught several small catfish with the squid from the freezer. (It’s there for bait – we don’t actually dine on squid.) He was trying to hook mangrove snapper, or river trout, or the little black shark that sister Joyce and Steve used to catch here. Released the catfish. Decided to try a different bait. Tried meatballs and pepperoni, but either the fish are vegetarian or they don’t like Italian food.
      Norm Naughton
      Aboard M/V Tide Hiker


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Sub-category That Shows All Little Shark River Anchroages

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    • Feb 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Fort Myers to Key West Cruising Advice

      A few corrections to Tom and Susan's message below. The "anchorage" at Fort Myers Beach is now a mooring field (with excellent shoreside services). And, the anchorages they discuss at Big Carlos and New Pass, are a bit shallow for real safety. Otherwise, there's LOTS of good advice in this posting.

      In our 15 years of cruising the west coast of Fl from Tampa to the Keys you can depend on your WX channel for this area to be 90% accurate daily  (from our experience). You can also play the weather windows by 'hop scotching' down the coast……Ft Myers to Ft Myers Beach buoy with 4 terrific restaurants and services for you at $13 a night.  From there go to an anchorage inside the Big Carlos bridge (5' or less draft) , or even New Pass if your draft is 3.5' or less; followed by Naples(City Docks or private marinas) or the Rookery anchorage between Naples and Marco on the inside route.
      On Marco there are anchorages at Factory Bay as well as off the Esplande (check cruise guides) in a terrific protected anchorage setting(power or sail) with dinghy access to shore, a great Winn Dixie to walk to for resupply as well as coffee shops and restaurants, or just relaxing on the hook.  If you want to splurge and spend the boat bucks dock at the Esplande Marina.  If you have time, and depending on your draft, Goodland is a good stop.  Leave Marco and steam south to the [Little] Shark River and anchor before heading to the Keys……Key West or Marathon. For a short day go to Everglades City after Marco and anchor to port well before the city, or tie up at the Rod and Gun Club in Everglade City.
      Regards, Tom & Susan
      m/v 'Marbles'

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    • Feb 19, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Shields Marina (St. Marks River – east of Dog Island and Carrabelle)

      Shields Marina sits in the tiny, but interesting community of St. Marks. By land, it is almost due South of Talahassee, but by water, you must run a long, but extremely well marked channel from the Gulf of Mexico, to the waterfront. This is an excellent facility that more cruisers should use!

      Hi:
      We are back home for a week or so. Stopped at Shield Marine in St. Marks Fla today. Chuck and his son Brent Shields own the Marina. They have built a new Marine store..Opening in a couple weeks. Bob & I have never seen a such a Magnificate Facility for selling boats and a Marine store combined. The detail especially ..I have no words for this..I gave Chuck Shields you web site and name. You do have them on your site. Cruisers that are doing the Loop..This is the place to stop. We remember Chuck Shields in a small store that has been flooded many times. We kept our 30′ Allures Classic in St. Marks.Claiborne their store blew us away. Chuck took us on a tour..I could not take pictures. As we were leaving the county inspectors came up the elevator for COO. We will get back there for pictures before we leave
      Claiborne You know how to Publish the news. I said to Mr. Shield that you Penned all of the cruising Guides
      Becky


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For

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    • Feb 17, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Everglades City – Cruising From Marathon

      The discussion below is copied from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page, and the "GL" (Great Loop) list. There are scads of good information about cruising from the Florida Keys to Everglades City in the various messges below. Have some of the Key Lime Pie at Susie's Stop for me.

      We are planning a run from Marathon to Everglades City. (I know everyone suggests stopping at the Little Shark River, but we can not this trip.)  We cruise at 15kn so the 80 miles is doable in daylight.  
      Has anyone been up the Indian River [Inidan Key Channel] from MO "A" and what are the depths? 
      Should we run a straight line from Bullard Bank to MO "A" or try & follow the Everglades markers.  How bad are the lobster traps ?
      What is to see in Everglades City?
      Thanks
      Larry

      Larry
      Jane and I just came from Marathon and anchored in Russell Pass just up from Indian Key on last Tues…  The course that I set was: Moser Channel north to left of R10, left of R12, and left of R16 but
      east of G17. Then north to Florida west coast coordinates (FW0084) on the chart, and then straight up , weather permitting, to FW0085.  This is the MO A buoy just off Indian Key. We dodged crab pots for an hour or past Moser Channel but it was not as bad as some places.  We did not go as far as Everglade City.  If you're going up Russell Pass, the only shallow spot we saw was at G7.  The recommendation is to favor the green quarter of the channel. Otherwise we had plenty of water and really liked the anchorage.
      Bill, Jane and Daisy Stone

      Larry
      At the old Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City there are several paintings hanging that were done by an artist named Dan Dunn, who paints great boating scenes.  Most of his are of older sailboats, some work boats, often in bad weather.  If still there, they are very much worth taking a look at.  When I inquired, no one had any idea how they happen to be there.  Hope they haven't disappeared.  Last time we visited was at least 5 or 6 years ago.
      Dan Stone

      Made the trip south from Ft. Myers last June. Randy is right about the markers! It's like a mine field just outside the Everglades Park Boundry markers. I've got a float hanging in the back yard that I had to cut off my rudder.
      It's a fun trip. The water is beautiful. Just keep your eyes on the water ahead of you ALL the time. I think a lot of these traps are abandoned from the storm years.
      Jim

      Larry,
      I think you mean the Barron River, which you pick up at Indian Key.  You can run upriver to Everglades City with no problems if you have reasonable depth. If you stay just inside the Park markers you will avoid the stone crab pot markers.
      When we stop at Everglades City we generally tie up at the Rod and Gun Club (cash only).  We usually take a swim in their pool and have dinner.  There is an interesting museum in the old wash house with photos etc. from when Barron Collier built the Tamiami Trail.  Next door is Susie's Stop, with really good Key Lime pie.  If you've never been, the airboat ride is fun.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

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    • Feb 17, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Fishermens Village Yacht Basin (Punta Gorda, Charlotte Harbor)

      Fishermens Village Yacht Basin is one of two commercial marinas in Punta Gorda, the other being the city owned Laishley Park Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR). I’ve always been impressed with Fishermens Village, both with the marina and the adjacent shopping complex. I’ve had the good fortune to speak here on three different occasions, and the crowd has always been great.
      Of course, if you are a member of an FCYC Yacht Club, you might also want to consider the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda, or the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, just across the Peace River. Both are absolutely FIRST RATE clubs, with every amenity.

      Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin in Punta Gorda has won the prestigious Marina of the Year Award for 2008. This award is given out by the trade magazine Marina Dock Age.
      There are two awards given out each year in a competition of over 17,000 marinas in the nation. The two Marina of the Year awards are for marinas with over 250 slips and for those under 250 slips. Fishermen’s Village Yacht Basin qualified for the latter award.
      Jim Branch, Harbormaster, stated that the award is based on a number of criteria including facility improvements, marketing, environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction. The marina was severely damaged by Hurricane Charley and rebuilt and improved. He felt that their emphasis on customer satisfaction and service was a significant factor in winning the award.
      The marina caters to visiting boat clubs. They even offer a discount based on the number of boats in the group. I can tell you first hand that they go out of their way to make your visit special. They will try to solve even the smallest of problems.
      Adjacent to the marina is the resort which includes many specialty shops and numerous restaurants. The City of Punta Gorda is improving the entire waterfront with parks. The downtown area has many new shops and restaurants also.
      Be sure to put this on your cruising schedule. The Harbormaster can be reached at 941-575-3056 for reservations.
      Gary Riss
      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermens Village Yacht Basin

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    • Feb 17, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marco Island to Naples – Inside Route

      From my experience, Bill and Jane's observations below are spot on. The shallowest part of this unofficial "waterway" from Coon Key to Naples is found just as you approach Goodland, in sight of the two marinas there, one of which, Caloosa Island Yacht Club and Marina, is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR!
      The message below was copied from the AGLCA list.

      Thanks to everyone who gave us advice on taking the inside route up Coon Key Pass.  Be sure to go on a fairly high tide and at the Marco-Bear Point bridge, note that red 26 is way over to the right, just
      before the bridge.  Pass 26 on your starboard and then parallel the bridge until you get to the opening.  We also would not recommend Factory Bay Marina at Marco Island on a weekend.  A shoal requires boats to pass very close to the docks and the no-wake zone is almost universally ignored.  It is especially bad around 5 o'clock when the rental float boats are steaming to get back to Marco Marina.  We were there during the week and can't imagine how bad the weekend would be. It's a shame because it's a very nice facility and close to a number of restaurants.
      Bill, Jane and Daisy Stone

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    • Feb 16, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Flamingo (extreme Southwestern Florida, hard by Cape Sable)

      Cruising north from the Florida Keys, Flamingo is the first stop on the southwestern Florida mainland coastline. Prior to the 2005 hurricane season, many made use of the Park Service leased marina here. However, several of the 2005 storms washed mud and sand into the harbor. There has been some dredging since then, but my info is that at low tide, you can still only count on 2 1/2 to 3 feet of depth.
      The discussion below is copied from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page and the “Great Loop” mailing list.

      Has anyone been into Flamingo reciently? This is the Everglades Park. What depts were seen going into the basin.
      Larry

      We drove over there a few weeks ago and the only boat in the marina was a small sailboat that looked like it was on the bottom. Granted, it was low tide and the wind had blown a lot of water out. There were some center console fishing boats using the ramp. I would recommend calling the ranger station for current local knowledge. 239-695-2945. There is a small convenience store there, the lodge is closed. The ranger station is quite active and there are boat tours of the inner waterways and canoe/kayak rentals and tours. The lift that used to take small boats from the sea side to the waterway is no longer functional.
      George

      Been to flamingo 2 times by outboard this year, it kinda sucks.
      No services, no electric on some or more docks, no charge for dockage, not much there since the hurricane.
      See you on the Waterways!
      Capt. Sterling

      Stopped winter of 2007. A friend with 3.5′ draft bumped bottom but there is enough tide you should be able to do it if you time you’re entry and exit for high tide.
      The docks are in rough shape but not a major problem If you fender well. There are some spots with power and we strung hoses together to get to fill up everyones tanks. Good cellphone coverage, suprisingly.
      Awsome stop. We stayed till we ran out of food (there is only just a small convience store and it is around 45 miles to civilization). You are closer to the ranger station than campground is. We went every morning to the walk or talk. Did a little work in the afternoon and enjoied the sunnset in the evening. Usually with a fresh coconut off the ground (the ranger told us it was fine as long as we found it on the ground and didn’t pick it off the trees).
      Mike & Tammy

      For what its worth, I’ve only been to Flamingo by car and didn’t care for it one bit. However, Everglades City is a different matter. We seldom miss the opportunity to stop there. If you go, make sure you take cash for the Rod and Gun Club. Unless they have recently changed their policy, they don’t take credit cards. How’s that for “Old Florida”! And be sure to try the Key Lime pie at Suzie’s Stop.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

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