On 11/6/08, as part of a “Western Florida Wish List,” I posed the following question:

5. Who has run the Indian Key Channel to Everglades City lately? What was the minimum depth you observed? Did you dock at the old Rod and Gun Club? Please describe this facility! Can you give some dining recommendations in Everglades City?

Responses follow:

I was there in April and June. As you follow the channel to Everglades City, a good anchorage is just north of FG 7. In this area just off the channel, before Russell Bay, you’ll find 7′ + with good holding. It’s deeper where the current flows through from Russell Pass, but the bottom is hard and holding is poor. Fishing boats come through early morning & evening, but it’s a minor problem, unless you are anchored in the pass. You are out of the way of traffic from Everglades City.
It’s a good idea to plan your trip up to the Rod & Gun Club at slack tide. The current can be quite stiff. Turning around could be tricky, especially for underpowered boats. I don’t remember depths of less than 8′, but depth isn’t as much of an issue as current. There is plenty of seawall by the Club, but it is not well maintained. Good fenders are in order, as well as good dock & spring lines. There are some power stations along the wall, but several are not operational. The Club is interesting to see and is very `Old Florida.’ Food was good, but not spectacular. It’s a good place for lunch and having a beer on the porch is very enjoyable. There is no place to buy fuel that I have been able to find, but there are a few small seafood places along the river as you proceed past the Club. If you anchor down by Russell Bay, it’s a fun dinghy trip up the river to the Rod & Gun Club. If you can’t get your dink on plane, it will be a long, slow ride against the current!
Jake Dye

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