Longboat Key – Jewfish Key Anchorage (Statute Mile 85)
On 11/6/08, as part of a “Western Florida Wish List,” I posed the following question:
42. North of marker #39, the Waterway flows east of a long, thin island known as Jewfish Key. Two very popular anchorage can be found west of Jewfish Key. Safe entrance to this haven is different than it was a few years ago. Can someone please comment on how to best access these two anchorages? Who has dined at either of the two restaurants here? Was the food still good? Did you have any trouble with the local water cops?
Responses follow:
Subject: Longboat Key Anchorage
Message: My copy of your book is in the hoist out back, so I don’t know if you warn of the risk of anchor dragging in high wind conditions – even for us seasoned boaters. If not, please do. The villian is the shape of the bottom – sort of like a bowl.
Bill Cromer
Subject: #42 re: Jewfish Key anchorage
Message: This is one of our favorite anchorages. We were there for two nights October 14-15, 2008 and again for one night on 10/20. The wind was strong out
of the east and we were concerned that holding would be a problem, but we did not have a problem at all. There is a place to come ashore with a dinghy at a
public boat ramp next to the Mar-Vista Restaurant. Also, there is a trash receptable which is always a plus for cruisers. We had nice dinner at Mar-Vista. Moore’s Crab House appeared to be open but didn’t have an occasion to dine there on this trip. We were sad that the little grocery store nearby had closed. Local law enforcement was friendly and waved as they went by. A great anchorage! Steve and Regina Smith, M/V Island Time
Steve and Regina Smith
The best entrance to these anchorages is quite close to Jewfish Key. I did quite a bit of sounding (in the dinghy) and discovered that the best water is almost up to marker 40. I found the deep channel (16 to 18 feet) extends to within about 50 feet of the south side of the island. The southern half of the potential entrance space between marker 39 and marker 40 is shallow and should be avoided.
Best regards,
Gene and Sue Fuller
Punta Gorda, Florida
Be the first to comment!