Anyone take their 270 rinker fiesta vee on a virgin island 5 day?

randy56

Gorda to Key West is doable in 270. I think enjoyable. Weather permitting.

PickleRick

Bait for the keys?

You can buy fresh shrimp, ballyhoo, etc.

I usually buy frozen chum by the case and frozen unrigged ballyhoo.  



You can chum in bait fish in and toss in a few scoop fulls of oatmeal/chicken broth/sand/dog good/your choice mixture to murky up the water so you can hook or net bait fish that tend to be more timid get thanks to the clear water.

You can also spear fish around the shallows. Talk to local bait shops, buy a map to have them mark some recommended fishing spots as well as protected areas you cant fish in.  Also get recommendations on sand bars, islands and snorkel spots.

When weather/seas are nice i love to fish the reefs and patch reefs in the Atlantic, some 20 ft deep. When the sharks get too bad I then go out up to 600 ft trolling.  Mahi, black tuna, mackerel etc.  Once you're tired of trolling go back to the reef or troll out to the humps for some world class fishing


If water is too rough to fish the ocean head to the bay

Fishing channels/currents along the bridges is always good but not the only place to find fish.   You better have a good anchor set up and don't kill the motor unelss you know youre set when fishing the bridges as many boats and lives have been lost in these unforgiving currents.

 The cat fish are plentiful in the bay, will eat nearly anyting(will massacre your cut bait).  They are considered a trash fish but they are good eating.  Learn to fillet with a pair of scissors and toss the carcass back in. Easy catch fish to go with dinner and there's no size limit I've ever seen.  If you catch blue runners aka hard tail jacks use them for cut bait. Small ones hook live onto a large pole and get that grouper/shark/cudda.  Pinfish also make good bigger game bait when they are small but if you get pan sized ones fillet it and keep for dinner. Fish with the head for a big scavenger.  If you can fish in the channel outside a small marina with charter boats, sharks and tarpon are on patrol for an easy meal.  

Peeps in Florida don't eat parrot fish but it's a delicacy throughout the world.  They can carry the same toxin as barracura,grouper/etc.  Small trout hooks and bread are the best way to catch parrot fish with a pole but spear fishing is more effective. 
 

Download the I fish app.  Fishing regulations have changed a ton on the east coast/Gulf/bay.  The app allows you to take a pic of the fish and it will identify it and based on your GPS location tell you the limitations.  Bay side and Atlantic side are likely different.   Don't keep something that can land you in deep doo doo with the FWC.

I can get you to some good fishing/snorkel/sand bar spots around Marathon. I don't know jack about the other keys but I can get you to Indian key although you'll need to drop anchor a ways out and kayak/dingy to the island.  Too shallow for motor boats.

Non offset fishing hooks, non stainkess with any live or formerly live or frozen bait.  No funky color lines, just mono clear.  For snapper I like a light rod with maybe 4 lbs test.  I can free line with the current and tend to catch more/bigger snapper with cut bait than I do fishing on the bottom.

Bottom fishing I wil step up to about 10 lbs test.  I catch more catfish in the bay when bottom fishing vs free line.  


I always put in 2 chum bags and keep adding so long as I keep catching.  If I go an hour without a bite I pull my bags and find another spot.  


Get a good chart plotter.  Expect 5 to 6 ft and less depths all over Florida bay.  The bay offers lots more protection so the best place to travel when the wind is whipping on the Atlantic.  Just because the weather man predicts one ft waves doesn't mean you won't get 3 ft waves.

maxwell

Hey Randy..thanks for responding..Any good marinas to dock at around the keys that you know?
thanks ..

Rick..what can I say??

Thank You!

A wealth of info..printing this out right now for future reference!

you guys are great,,

I like fishing  cats too!

we make fried cat cookies,better then even the up north shore lunches in Canada,at times..

we rinse the heck out of them..then freeze.good eats.
never had ocean cats though..

PickleRick

If you want to hole up for a while in a protected bay, don't mind mooring  for a month or 6 marathon bay was less than  500 a month.  I'm not sure on current prices. I think it comes with weekly pump out and water, run by the city. Live aboard only so mostly  locals or transients.  You need to get there in August if you want a spot in the winter.  I think I saw a pizza delivery guy on a jet ski once.   There is also some good night life/eats you can catch in the canal  in the bay  without  leaving protection of water.  The famous sunset grill with their  crappy all the time Jimmy buffet music (unless a live band is playing) is a short trip  out of the protection of the bay.   The current and boat traffic can be a little rough but food is OK.  The have a pool by the outdoor bar.   Irma killed their docks and now the pylons are concrete so be aware of your fender placement.   

The only place I know that is known for clean fuel in marathon in the key colony beach bay.  The fuel station by the bridge on Vaca cut is known for water contamination....I've seen it. 

Easy  paddle or dingy to the docks at the mooring field.  Lots of good kayaking along mangroves of sisters creek and the famous marathon  Beach is at (siesta Beach i think its called) is at the mouth of Sister creek and the Atlantic.  Lots of eye candy there, wear dark sunglasses with the admiral so you don't get caught glancing.   Sister's creek is great for fishing. You can net mullet along the mangroves  then fish with them in the creek.  I've seen huge  tarpon  patrolling the creek.  I never fish for them as I fish for food...but  I bet its a thrill to hook one.

You can rent bikes and ride to the beach but I much prefer the many sand bars or small islands  to snorkel/swim.   


The canals are narrow down there.  If you have a duo prop you may not have too many issues but  the wind /current might make single engine  docking  less than thrilling. 

At fuel docks attendants will throw you a rope but at restaurants  you won't get that kind of service.   

If you don't have a bow thruster I'd look into one.  I solo boat a lot so I don't have a crew to grab lines. Luckily on a 20 ft  cc I can run to the bow quickly  to tie a line, I can't do that on my 28 footer.   If your crew chips in then you're likely to not need it.

Personally  I'd avoid the marinas other than to do laundry.  I'd anchor out and dingy to restaurants.  There are some people in the keys that will do your laundry for a very fair price, usually documented on the cruiser forums.  


If you've never driven all the bridges of hwy 1 before  you need to. You'll see boats anchored out in little protected  private areas  all over.   

You can use Google maps to check out spots. That's usually how I find island/sandbars/snorkel/fishing spots 

I avoid the spots where there are 50 boats, I go to the ones there are one or two boats in the image.  Someone's  honeyhole.   

randy56

@maxwell,  @Handyman has made that trip, he may tell were to dock. We also have a guy on here,  that lives there. @J3ff he is on summer vacation in NY. He may chime in. 

PickleRick

@J3ff probably doesn't own a fishing pole! LOL

Dream_Inn

PickleRick said:

@J3ff probably doesn't own a fishing pole! LOL

By the looks of some of his pictures, I believe he is fishing for something else!

maxwell

Rick...Great advice..especially  about the admiral ..!
Have the double prop..getting Ok..at docking by myself,but the water is calm..Bow thruster is on the radar now ..thanks.
Your like me..too many folks...and I need my room..
Quiet bay...a couple of neighbors...ah,,,now thats living!

J3ff

Dream_Inn said:

PickleRick said:

@J3ff probably doesn't own a fishing pole! LOL

By the looks of some of his pictures, I believe he is fishing for something else!

Yes, ha ha, forget the fish, looking for mermaids.

As far as dockage goes, tell us more about where you're looking to dock... will guide you from there. Which Key? Oceanside or Bayside?

PickleRick

Clemson University  students/alums claim there are mermaids in lake Hartwell.   We call them carp.

maxwell

Were thinking of big pine key area ,for gas and slip (if possible)
working  our way down the bay side from there..

PickleRick

If in big pine key a ride to see the key deer and the blue hole is a must. 

I believe there is a fish camp on big pine if you want to get a little of the old Florida feel...or whats left of it in the keys. 

maxwell

old florida..?.good...condos and such..??not so much..

we want to work our way down the keys and spend some time with people that just live without posing...as they are..fishing  passioned..snorkelers,ect.. folks not worried about a shot of tequila or two...and a good  burger ...or steak!

hence the islands..

were 50 ish ,but hang with older and  younger..folks all the time...

doing real... living,.....to get the most out of each day..while we have it...

wife had cancer..they cut it out..were hoping its gone for good..a REAL eye opener,to the fleeting nature , things..could be...

Question RIck?

cruising 30 to  40 miles daily.or so....from placida to big Pine..is it worth going  back north again,to the northern keys?
Any good spots to fish or just  enjoy good people,not trying to be something out of miami....?

were not about being showy...or  better then others....

really... we are pretty simple people, looking to have some laughs ,over a few cold ones..



blue hole..or bust!

thanks!..Rick..
its good to know ...good  folks still exist...

PickleRick

Isn't placidia  north of the everglades near ft myres?

If so 30 to 40 miles a day will take a LONG but fun trip.   A stop in the everglades...with bug nets..is another on my bucket list.  I bet penty of blue crab so bring your traps. Blue crab love areas where there's brackish water.  

I don't know much about the upper keys, thats @j3eff stopping ground. I just drive through  on my way to the middle keys.  I know  the Miami folk like to hit the upper keys every weekend, the sand bars  are littered because of it .   I avoid  areas like this. @J3ff knwos some sweet spots with less traffic. Maybe you can pry some coordinates off of him . 

You'll find many budget  minded cruiser, if you want to meet great people from all walks of life  then the keys would be the perfect destination.  Its a very laid back island vibe.

maxwell

Yep.... consider us taking off from Boca Grande..

.we have as much time as it would take..kinda winging it..
were considering a bunch of ways to do this...based on weather and stuff..got a bud that can deliver the truck and  trailer at  any point if we need it.
considered just putting in at Key West..and going in reverse...although...the currents may thwart that plan...
I figure its about 250 to 270 nautical miles to big pine key..from Boca Grande
7 to 10 days??
(with good seas...)
Thanks for the heads up on the upper keys...
I like tequila and beer...but
spring break life, is in my past..dont like the new music lots of guys play these days..anyhow..


scares the fish...

rasbury

Boaca? Just go over to Cayo Costa and call it a day!

PickleRick

With all the spots off marathon and Islamorada  I could do 2 weeks from largo to big pine and still not  have enough time to see all the sights 

maxwell

Idea being..new territory...and to get a handle on the occasional rough sea..
I know were in the bath tub.at the moment....but I have ambitions..
I almost died in Lake Michigan on a 22" sail boat...
A rip tide nearly got me in  the mexican riviera ..
but somehow God wants me around!
I am driven!

My ambitions??

Virgin territory...!
New folks..(good ones ..please)
. I WILL fullfill  my path..,come **** or high water!
(No pun intended).
I need to learn..I will do this first hand ,or die trying to figure it all out..
Captain Dan..is NOT the aim..
but being able to traverse the dentist territory by boat is our lifes dream..
Wanted to Catamaran with a few other friends on a divi deal..
but we did not want to be on a strict plan.
Got the Boat...going to go..
Wife,dog,and me..

Did cayo..nice day trip..we want ADVENTURE!
Am i wrong??

rasbury

You did the state park..we rented a house...awesome but not your adventure...

maxwell

Ras...I get the stay put and chill...Did that type vacation... after several episodes of stress in my life..Enjoyed that immensely...
But this time ,i am really wanting to make the type of memories that I used to do..before kids .... ,thinking of my timeline..before its too late..
With covid..and stuff...

I feel time ticking.....
am I the only guy feeling this way?

randy56

Do it now. Live is short. A couple weeks ago one of my best high school buddy's passed. Plan your trip well, and get on with it or you will wish you would have. 

PickleRick

This thread is starting to remind me of "a pirate looks at 40"...minus the drug smuggling. 

The admiral and I have talked about living aboard/on the hook for a year between the keys and Bahamas when the kiddo graduates in 4 years.  

J3ff

just about to head back to the Keys... are you looking for somewhere quiet bay side? Or ocean side?

rasbury

@maxwell Yes, I"m sure we all feel this way...I have had a heck of a year but unfortunately, it ain't over yet. I am picking my boat up on the way home from work, a 2 week plan....first time it has been home in year...

maxwell

Jeff ..bay side definitely..the 270 is not the 60 footer haterras..I dream of.

M60 | Hatteras Yachts

Ras..time to hit the seas?

J3ff

maxwell said:

Jeff ..bay side definitely..the 270 is not the 60 footer haterras..I dream of.

M60 | Hatteras Yachts

Ras..time to hit the seas?

You are launching from Miami or somewhere North right?

If so these are the places I'd hit. 

From North to south
I'd stay overnight here (not sure if there's power, or if you are allowed to run a Generator..if no power is allowed, I'd stop there for lunch and some swimming)

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Boca+Chita+Key+Historic+District,+Islandia,+FL/@25.5236717,-80.1828797,4044m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88d9cdf7afd82c19:0xfaea6602fd0c1661!8m2!3d25.523653!4d-80.1741242


Another good spot (clear water, white sand) for lunch/dinner/swim/drinks

https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°25'59.2"N+80°12'35.3"W/@25.4331228,-80.2120057,1012m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.4331178!4d-80.2098167

neat place to explore and get off the boat:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°23'49.9"N+80°14'03.1"W/@25.3971858,-80.2363697,1012m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.3971814!4d-80.2341812

Safe place for an overnight, running on the generator:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°19'47.1"N+80°17'05.2"W/@25.3297558,-80.2869528,1011m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.3297509!4d-80.2847674
or 
https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°19'22.4"N+80°17'44.4"W/@25.3228948,-80.2978551,1011m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.3228904!4d-80.2956698

white sand beach, best one I've seen in the northern keys..

https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°19'25.3"N+80°20'33.2"W/@25.3236888,-80.3447317,1013m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.3236841!4d-80.3425429


One party beach to the north, one to the south of this point
https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°15'04.6"N+80°23'37.2"W/@25.2512728,-80.3958527,1013m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.2512683!4d-80.3936643

might as well stop at this world famous dive bar if you're looking for a drink
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Caribbean+Club/@25.1455957,-80.4027579,1575m/data=!3m2!1e3!5s0x88d76891a410af85:0x108c181a0099607a!4m5!3m4!1s0x88d76891a416d4b3:0xfb9a4499704e7b4f!8m2!3d25.145063!4d-80.3969029

This is a popular place, the water needs to be high though. I went out there a couople times in the 270 and one of the times I had to drop off plane to get someones hat, could not get back up on plane because the water was too low and didn't want to risk damaging the NEW drive. Turned into a nice slow cruise home

https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°09'04.0"N+80°30'49.2"W/@25.1511015,-80.5152546,730m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.1510979!4d-80.5136782


This is a nice little secret place if you want to be near people...you can walk up to the outside bar and get a drink if you want, even if you arent staying at the hotel

https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°04'04.3"N+80°28'18.5"W/@25.0678599,-80.4726507,393m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.0678577!4d-80.4718038

Nice place for a swim during the week, over the weekend it's over crowded with the Miami crew.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°02'57.2"N+80°29'34.8"W/@25.0492092,-80.4939849,453m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.0492072!4d-80.4930068

Safe spot for overnight on the hook or pay for a slip and go enjoy the marina/bar

https://www.google.com/maps/place/25°00'46.3"N+80°31'14.8"W/@25.0151491,-80.5198258,1813m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.0128643!4d-80.5207652 I believe miamiag has his boat here.

Nice spot for an ocean side hang out

https://www.google.com/maps/place/24°59'55.7"N+80°29'52.5"W/@24.9988198,-80.5001157,1015m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d24.9988145!4d-80.497927

Hit this spot for SURE if you want to snorkel. Mooring balls are there, and anchoring is frowned upon, I usually have no problem finding a spot to hook up to

https://www.google.com/maps/place/24°56'05.1"N+80°32'58.0"W/@24.9347458,-80.5516059,1002m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88d73929ff3e9401:0xa135924e886d4758!2sHen+and+Chickens!3b1!8m2!3d24.9354103!4d-80.5495051!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d24.9347411!4d-80.5494472

The famous sand bar is just a little south of the last spot...def worth checking out..

https://www.google.com/maps/place/24°56'01.4"N+80°35'55.2"W/@24.9337248,-80.6008637,1016m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88d73929ff3e9401:0xa135924e886d4758!2sHen+and+Chickens!3b1!8m2!3d24.9354103!4d-80.5495051!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d24.9337199!4d-80.5986746

I haven't really explored anything south of that by boat yet... hopefully that gets you started!

Let me know if you head to any of them and I'll try to come say hello!

PickleRick

Hey @J3ff whats the word on your 270?

J3ff

PickleRick said:

Hey @J3ff whats the word on your 270?

Everything has been cleaned up, tuned up, parts replaced that needed it, fresh paint etc... Hitting the water Monday or Tuesday, 4k total bill (expected 5)... couldn't find anything wrong with the drive, but mechanic took it apart as much as possible, no shavings at all, fluid was fresh as expected. Mercury seems to have agreed to replace the upper if the noise doesn't go away. Not sure if they would cover haul out and labor. 

maxwell

Jeff ..bay side definitely..the 270 is not the 60 footer haterras..I dream of.

60 ft Hatteras Convertable Yacht - 1/2 Fractional share or outright purchase in Carlsbad, CA (smartmarineguide.com)

Ras..time to hit the seas?

rasbury

Great info for the northern keys...You have been doing some exploring! Good for you and hope all goes well....