Classic AquaSport

General Aquasport Forums => Rendezvous/Gatherings => Topic started by: sturgeon on June 22, 2006, 08:29:51 PM

Title: Tampa Bay Gathering
Post by: sturgeon on June 22, 2006, 08:29:51 PM: :?: I have noticed a lot of folks with classic aquasports are in the Tampa Bay Area and was wondering if anyone has ever organized a get together? Something like a group of us participating in the pirate invasion during Gasparilla or a trip to Anclote Key, Egmont Key, etc. would be great.

Drop me a line if folks are interested, thanks. :lol:
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Post by: captflatback on June 27, 2006, 05:53:20 PM: I think that would be a great idea. I do it with the HMP boat company when they have theres and it's a blast, we need to get wilson involed and pick a time and place. I will offer my help.

Capt. Jim Lemke
www.lighttackleadventures.com (http://www.lighttackleadventures.com)
813-917-4989
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Post by: Wilson on June 28, 2006, 02:08:48 PM: What can I do? Let me know. May be a good idea to email me wayala2@tampabay.rr.com

I wonder if Bill Miller would be interested?

Hey Jim was that your boat in FS this month ... West Coast action spotter.
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Post by: captflatback on June 28, 2006, 04:40:55 PM: Yes it was am trying to get the photo from him at the FS mag. It looks good out there drifting for those tarpon at the secret spot with 50 of my buddys around me. I hooked up right after they took that photo with a 150lb poon. If you have a email list of the members in the area or all of FL we can email them or make a place for it on the forum or put some thing on the front page to see if we can get some intrist.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: Wilson on June 28, 2006, 06:32:31 PM: We can do a couple of things.

We can set a date, time, and place.... put out the word, and see who shows.

Or we can start some posts/stickies/front page post to see who is interested.

When I was a kid we used to go to those Mako owner's tournaments (We always had Makos) in the summer. They were great. I know that they have put together an annual gathering over at the Classic Mako site.

I know several people, not on this board, in the area who might be interested. I can always send a link. The reason I mentioned Miller, is he has one... which you probably already knew.

I thought that was you. I was flipping through and thought... Hmmm that looks like a farmiliar boat.

Let me know what y'all think.
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Post by: John Jones on June 29, 2006, 04:05:38 AM: I would definitely be interested.
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Post by: RickK on June 29, 2006, 04:42:45 AM: If the timing's right and I'm in town, I could be there.
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Post by: captflatback on July 03, 2006, 11:02:08 AM: Will lets pick a time of year or a date and a place and try to get this ball rolling.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: scott_gunn on July 05, 2006, 01:38:12 PM: I'm in if family obligations don't get in the way. I'd prefer the Honeymoon, 3 Rooker, Anclote area instead of somewhere down South or in the Bay.
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Post by: Wilson on July 05, 2006, 02:47:55 PM: If y'all get at date settled, we can go from there. I will defer to others. Just get everyone to start piping up with dates, and we can settle on the one that works for the most people.
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Post by: captflatback on July 06, 2006, 08:16:30 PM: How about Late Sept. or Oct. to start with the month and then pin down a date.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: RickK on July 06, 2006, 08:41:13 PM: Sounds good to me - H (shhhh) season will be about done. I'd prefer Tampa Bay, or close by, since I live south.
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Post by: Wilson on July 07, 2006, 08:05:39 AM: You lost me, Rick. Which season?

I would shoot for Tampa bay as a central location... not to mention close to me.
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Post by: RickK on July 08, 2006, 04:52:10 AM: hurricane - shhhh, don't need any to hear us
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Post by: sturgeon on July 17, 2006, 09:34:47 PM: IF we want a site near the bay I would suggest meeting at the Ft. Desoto boat ramp as it is a good ramp and easy to find.

If we want something more north then the anclote river ramp would be best.

We probably also need to work around football schedules too.

I would vote for something in October as the weather will be cooler and we will be closer to the end of the hurricane season.

Another possible date is the Columbus day holiday. How many folks have that day off?

Veterans Day in November could work too.

:lol:
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Post by: Wilson on July 18, 2006, 09:40:02 AM: Anclote is usally a diaster.

Ft. Desoto sounds good.
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Post by: captflatback on July 18, 2006, 03:02:39 PM: Thats good for me it's just another day of towing the boat. Lets try to pick a date and see if wilson or the captain can write something up and put it on the front page of the fourm.

Capt. jim Lemke
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Post by: scott_gunn on July 18, 2006, 03:57:32 PM: Let's do a poll for location. We've narrowed it down to a) somewhere inside the Bay, b) Somewhere near Ft. Desoto, or c) somewhere in North Pinellas.

I prefer North Pinellas just for personal convenience, plus the islands (3 Rooker, Caladesi, Honeymoon, Anclote) are better for anchoring up and hanging out than anywhere near Ft. Desoto.
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Post by: Wilson on July 18, 2006, 04:18:12 PM: good idea. start 2, one for date one for location.

When we have it nailed down, I'll get Tom to post them on the front page. I have no idea how that thing works.
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Post by: John Jones on July 19, 2006, 11:51:36 AM: I do a lot of unscheduled travel in my job so I will stay out of the date selection. If I am in town on the date picked, we will be there.

Just a suggestion for location, Ft Desoto is a good jump off point but a lot of folks hold their get-togethers just down the pass on Shell Island to get away from the Ft Desoto crowd and the thousands of landlubbers. In the picture, I marked the Ft Desoto ramp on the right and the Shell Island beach on the left. The only negative that I know of is alcohol rules are pretty strict. If one drinks out of a cup, nothing is said. Walk around with beer cans or tossing cans on the beach will attract an officers attention.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/Johnny_B/SHELLISLAND.jpg)
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Post by: Poon-Time on July 22, 2006, 01:28:24 PM: Yeah if I'm available i'm in. I don't have my Aquasport finished but will bring the flats boat to see everyone else's. Could get some good ideas.
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Post by: RickK on July 23, 2006, 07:18:38 AM: Quote from: "John Jones"
Just a suggestion for location, Ft Desoto is a good jump off point but a lot of folks hold their get-togethers just down the pass on Shell Island to get away from the Ft Desoto crowd and the thousands of landlubbers. In the picture, I marked the Ft Desoto ramp on the right and the Shell Island beach on the left. The only negative that I know of is alcohol rules are pretty strict. If one drinks out of a cup, nothing is said. Walk around with beer cans or tossing cans on the beach will attract an officers attention.

John, is the Ft Desoto ramp packed early? When I've been to Egmont (farthest north I've been), I put in on the Manatee River and that was a pretty long haul to the island especially if the bay whips up (11 miles). Shell Island appears to be about 4 miles north of Egmont as the bird flies. I figure it's probably best to trailer up and put in at Ft Desoto. Do I need to be there by like 7 to get a spot? Any fees to launch from there?
(I hope that my little truck can pull my boat up and over the Skyway bridge :wink: ) If in town, are you going to boat up? Maybe I can put in near where you live and travel along with you?
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Post by: John Jones on July 23, 2006, 10:06:56 AM: Rick,

It's very busy but it is also large. It's like 10 or 12 ramps wide, maybe more than that. I don't think it fills up except holidays. $5 parking fee.

http://www.pinellascounty.org/virtual_t ... atramp.htm (http://www.pinellascounty.org/virtual_tours/fort_desoto_boatramp.htm)

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm (http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm)

I live just north of the Manatee River on Terra Ceia bay so it's about an 18 mile run for me to the park. I launch at our subdivision's private ramp. I probably could sneak you in there and put your trailer back at my house but you would not gain anything by launching here.
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Post by: RickK on July 24, 2006, 05:47:22 AM: Yup, that's a big boat ramp.
If the weather is nice it would be a nice cruise from the 59th st ramp (fills up early) - about 16 miles. If the bay is whipped up, trailer up there and put in right next to the rendevous point. As the date nears we can coordinate and maybe meet somewhere and cross the bay together.
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Post by: John Jones on July 24, 2006, 01:22:10 PM: Sounds good to me. By the way, there is a back way from there if the bay gets up. Only a mile or two farther but mostly protected. Run east from Shell Island to I-275/Skyway Bridge. Run the Skyway, then hug the shore (not too close) all the way back to Terra Ceia Bay. There is a cut from Terra Ceia into the Manatee River.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/Johnny_B/route.jpg)
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Post by: captflatback on September 13, 2006, 10:27:49 AM: So are we going to meet out at fort desoto in oct. If so lets start a list of whos showing up.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: fnichols on September 13, 2006, 04:57:39 PM: I agree with meeting close to Anclote we could all hang out and anchor on the north, south, west sides of Anclote Island or go to the sandbar on the north end where most people anchor to grill out or wade. There is also a Hooters on the water in Port Richey or there is a bar/grill at the mouth of the Anclote River where Duke's Fish Camp once was. I just figured out that I am still looking at the first page, sorry. I guess the location has already been chosen. I would love to see everybodies Aquasports parked at the docks of Hooters someday. Just think of the photos we could take.
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Post by: captflatback on September 13, 2006, 07:27:44 PM: Will with the red tide down that way we may have to pick a new place.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: Captain on September 13, 2006, 09:26:07 PM: I've been MIA for a while but spoke to Wilson yesterday about this. I guess it's time we actually put something official together. What's the final consensus on date and location?

If there are any graphic artists amongst the group, maybe someone could come up with a T-shirt design? Could also do some Koozies, etc. Be a nice first foray into finally putting some official classicaqausport.com merchandise together.
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Post by: RickK on September 14, 2006, 05:21:47 AM: Nov and Ft Desoto area, from me. Hopefully the "tide" will have diminished by then.
I started a Survey for Nov dates.

I'd start a survey for place but don't know the area up there.
1. I know Egmont key but that place is a hang out for everybody.
2. Ft Desoto area has been spoken for and identified by map
3. For you Tampa guys, is there any place inside tampa bay that is easy to get to and has a ramp nearby?
4. Any other place nearby?
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Post by: Tim Bradford on September 29, 2006, 05:01:22 PM: I would like to go- Shell would be a great location (I was there last weekend- very nice as always)
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Post by: RickK on September 30, 2006, 07:00:30 AM: Tim, did you enter your choice in the survey?
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Post by: Tim Bradford on September 30, 2006, 08:32:55 PM: Quote
Tim, did you enter your choice in the survey?

Sorry Rick didn't see it- I just did-
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Post by: RickK on October 11, 2006, 05:28:42 AM: Quote from: "Captain"
I've been MIA for a while but spoke to Wilson yesterday about this. I guess it's time we actually put something official together. What's the final consensus on date and location?

If there are any graphic artists amongst the group, maybe someone could come up with a T-shirt design? Could also do some Koozies, etc. Be a nice first foray into finally putting some official classicaqausport.com merchandise together.

Less than a month now (can you believe that - how time flies). Survey shows Nov 4th is the chosen date. Can we assume Ft Desoto area is the chosen place? Is there anything else we need to plan besides showing up?
1. Where in the Ft. Desoto area? Shell Island?
2. What time should be expect all to be there? Noon?
3. Should we plan a group run or something (poker run)? Again, I don't know the area, so don't know if this is a good idea - sounds fun though.
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Post by: Tim Bradford on October 11, 2006, 10:02:14 AM: Quote from: "RickK"
Less than a month now (can you believe that - how time flies). Survey shows Nov 4th is the chosen date. Can we assume Ft Desoto area is the chosen place? Is there anything else we need to plan besides showing up?
1. Where in the Ft. Desoto area? Shell Island?
2. What time should be expect all to be there? Noon?
3. Should we plan a group run or something (poker run)? Again, I don't know the area, so don't know if this is a good idea - sounds fun though.

I think what you have captured would be perfect- (I've done this there with other events and it's gone great)

1) Nov 4th Ft. DesotoSouth Shell IslandBuncess Pass
2) Noon would be great could we start a list of people and how many in their party (with items that they intend to bring- We could have a cook out and pitch a formal Aquasport site- if everyone feels like it)
3) We sure could or just hangout and BBQ on the beach I'm up for anything.

Here are some picsinfo from past events to give folks an idea of what it is like there-

(http://pages.prodigy.net/flooyd/_uimages/Group-daytime.jpg)
(http://pages.prodigy.net/fsbashman/_uimages/Blackened_Shrimp1.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/650DSCN1436.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/650DSCN1457.jpg)

This is a map that was put together for one that I attended for the Fl Sportsman-
http://pages.prodigy.net/fsbashman/Bash%20Loc.html

Nav Photo of Shell Key-
http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=27.654161997&lon=-82.7430446733&scale=20000&zoom=50&type=3&height=498&width=498&icon=0&&scriptfilmapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&bpid=MAP0060030900&latlontype=DMS
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Post by: John Jones on October 11, 2006, 10:11:53 AM: Sounds like you are just going to have to take charge, spell out what it will be, and hope we show up :wink:

There is lots of shallow water around but the channels are well marked. The only problem area is Bunces Pass entrance from the Gulf. The sand is constantly shifting. There is no entrance bouy because they would have to move it every week. With the rainy season winding down, the water should be clear enough to see how to get in and out. One can also get there from the inside through marked channels.

Here is a small chart of the area with the route marked from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. I know the detail is crappy but I didn't want to load a big image to the thread. Click the link below for a readable, printable version. Note that the depths are FEET, not meters or fathoms. Bring two anchors, one for the front and one for the rear. Depending on the tides and boat traffic it can get sticky trying to anchor up with out the boat swinging. There are plenty of folks out there that do not know or do not care that they are responsible for their wakes.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/Johnny_B/SHELLISLANDCHARTSMALL.jpg)

http://home.earthlink.net/~johnny.jones/SHELL%20ISLAND%20CHART.jpg

<edit>
LOL
Looks like Tim was posting while I was composing. Thanks for the pics Tim, I especially like the last one :wink:

I can provide GPS coordinates for anyone that is interested. I can provide Garmin format file if that would work for anyone.
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Post by: captflatback on October 13, 2006, 11:46:49 AM: Put me on the list there will be 4 of us.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: RickK on October 14, 2006, 05:48:53 AM: Capt Jim, did you already vote on the Poll? Just trying to get a boat count.
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Post by: RickK on October 14, 2006, 06:43:33 AM: Obviously you can count me in and I'll either be by myself or have my wife along, if her back can take crossing the bay. I could trailer to the Desoto ramp but that would be no fun. Will be plan B if it's a rough day.
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Post by: captflatback on October 15, 2006, 07:04:57 AM: yes, i voted in the pole.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: RickK on October 21, 2006, 08:32:14 AM: Well, the date is closing in on us now. Need to "anchor" the day down so people can plan.
1. Let's shoot for noon arrival. By noon, is the place nomally packed? (Not a holiday weekend) Will we have to muscle our way in? If so, maybe we can send a scout out to grab some room? If it's a nice day, I'm planning to go early so I can get a spot at 59th St ramp, maybe do some fishing in the back country around JJs neck of the woods on the way up, so I could go up a little early and grab a spot. Anyone else want to help on this?
2. If we want to BBQ on the beach or something, then we need to bring all the stuff to do so. We should just bring what we each want - thats gonna be the easiest rather than have a list of stuff that people sign up for (and then something comes up and they can't make it - with my steak :wink: ) I have a coleman camp grill, and a small propane tripod grill that I'll pack. May be able to cook some fresh fish :D Anybody else? Dave (CaptAqua25EXPLTD) said he could bring his grill. Dave, you could have made your forum name a little longer :roll:
3. Don't forget to bring a beach chair.
4. And how could we forget the refreshments.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I dropped off flyers to 3 owners in my neighborhood - hopefully you guys will show up and add to the fun.
Title: Tampa Bay Gathering
Post by: Classic on October 21, 2006, 11:30:43 AM: I sent a note to another seven members from the area that had email addys listed. Joel and I will be there with the '68 Diver and probably some dogs.
Bob
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Post by: captflatback on October 25, 2006, 08:06:27 AM: It's comming up quick. Do we need to make a list and what part of shell island are we meeting on the north, west or south side. The north side has less current. I have told a few people about it. I cant wait.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: RickK on October 26, 2006, 06:42:22 AM: Ok, did a little investigating on Google Earth and Mapsource of the area. Like JJ did earlier, here are a few captures of the area and you guys can help pick the spot to meet.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/68Google_Earth_of_Ft_Desoto.JPG)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/68Mapsource_of_Ft_Desoto2.JPG)
As you can see Google shows the area as a big bar with beach all along the west side and Shell Key at the top. Mapsource does not show this contiquous land mass but does show the depths in the area and it is very "skinny" water on the west side and I don't think some of the bigger boats can get in there. Dave's 25EXP, for example, probably needs 3 ft safely.
I've never been to the area.... Tim, JJ, Capt Jim, if we meet near the South channel our boats will be exposed to idiots but the rest of the area looks too shallow for all. North seems to be Shell Key with a channel, West seems like a sandbar - too shallow?, South seems to be the channel. What do you suggest?
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Post by: John Jones on October 26, 2006, 07:40:53 AM: Right where the "Shell Island" pin is on the Google photo is where I have always gone and there is plenty of water to anchor Grady's and such. I don't go often though. Maybe a regular like Tim can chime in.

Here are a couple of pics from that area from '02 FS bash.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/Johnny_B/ShellApr02_002.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/Johnny_B/ShellApr02_001.jpg)

The only thing is make sure and have two anchors to prevent swinging if it gets crowded.
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Post by: captflatback on October 26, 2006, 08:20:03 AM: The north or south end is good the south is better with a north or northwest wind that we have this time of year. I would bring 2 anchors like John said.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: Tim Bradford on October 26, 2006, 08:43:25 AM: Quote from: "John Jones"
Maybe a regular like Tim can chime in.

You said it JJ Right where the "Shell Island" pin is on the Google photo is the place to be-
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Post by: RickK on October 27, 2006, 05:52:29 AM: Sounds like a plan then - southern beach, look for the Aquasports - be there or be square.
Now, what about this list Capt Jim was asking about? I think all we'll need is shade for sure and it doesn't look like there is much there. I'll bring my bimini :roll:
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Post by: captflatback on October 27, 2006, 08:11:23 AM: I was just thinking like a sign up sheet of who will be there?

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: John Jones on October 27, 2006, 02:33:44 PM: After all this time, my old brain will require a refresh as to when? :wink:
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Post by: RickK on October 27, 2006, 02:48:27 PM: I think we tried putting a list together already somewhere in this thread - JJ are you serious :wink: - anyway - looks like we don't have too much time left - I'll be there with the attendance sheet (wrapped around my beer can to hide it, of course :wink: )
We can decide what we want to do at our 2nd annual get together when we finally get together (does that make sense :roll: ) Everyone bring their cameras so our northern and extreme southern buddies can "attend".
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Post by: Miguel on October 27, 2006, 10:32:43 PM: I´ll be there!!!!!!!!!!!........... In my dreams......
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Post by: JimCt on October 28, 2006, 12:08:52 PM: Never mind about any fun at the beach Miguel... you've got a canal to build :!: :wink: And I've got leaf raking to get done and driveway snow stakes to put in.

Next year how about we get some plane tickets and show up. Maybe bum a ride on somebody's boat. Like to see some of those Florida boats sometime.
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Post by: Miguel on October 28, 2006, 12:36:00 PM: Quote
Next year how about we get some plane tickets and show up. Maybe bum a ride on somebody's boat. Like to see some of those Florida boats sometime.

Sounds like a plan......... Let´s wait and see what these Florida guys come up with this time.
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Post by: JimCt on October 28, 2006, 01:07:55 PM: Agreed.

The whole thing may end up in a beer-soaked brawl over who has the best boat; these Florida AS types are a pretty sensitive bunch about their rigs.
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Post by: John Jones on October 28, 2006, 02:54:07 PM: We are going to have to do better than this :roll:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/Johnny_B/waves.jpg)

Wind Direction (WDIR): NW ( 320 deg true )
Wind Speed (WSPD): 21.4 kts
Wind Gust (GST): 27.2 kts
Wave Height (WVHT): 9.2 ft
Dominant Wave Period (DPD): 9 sec
Average Period (APD): 5.9 sec

That's waaay offshore but I'll bet it's close to what we have near shore.

http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_p ... tion=42036 (http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=42036)

This is the closest but it does not give wave height.
http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_p ... tion=egkf1 (http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=egkf1)
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Post by: RickK on October 29, 2006, 06:28:40 AM: I took on some water in the bilge last week and figured it was the drain plug so I bought a new one (bought 2 and but the extra in my boat bag)and took my boat out yesterday in the InterCoastal to test the new drain plug for an hour or so. I pulled into a semi protected bay and shut off the motor to drift and cast an artificial for a while and my gps had me moving 1.9 mph from that wind. Definitely challenging - normally I can ease up on plane, heading into the wind I had to stomp on it to get onto plane. The wind just blew the bow higher and higher :roll: New drain plug was the answer, BTW.
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Post by: RickK on October 29, 2006, 06:36:14 AM: Quote from: "JimCt"
Never mind about any fun at the beach Miguel... you've got a canal to build :!: :wink:

I'd like to take my boat through there once - wonder how much the charge would be? Miguel, you ever take your boat through?

Quote from: "JimCt"
And I've got leaf raking to get done and driveway snow stakes to put in.
That must be a big driveway. How much land do you have Jim? Looks big in the pix.

Quote from: "JimCt"
Next year how about we get some plane tickets and show up. Maybe bum a ride on somebody's boat. Like to see some of those Florida boats sometime.
You guys are welcome on my boat anytime.
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Post by: LilRichard on October 29, 2006, 08:42:26 AM: If I recall, my old boss paid $5k to get his Viking through the canal...
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Post by: John Jones on October 29, 2006, 08:51:42 AM: Quote from: "RickK"
You guys are welcome on my boat anytime.

Yep. Same here.
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Post by: Miguel on October 29, 2006, 09:15:44 AM: I´ve gone through the canal and its locks many times, but not on my boat.
However, most of my fishing takes place in Gatun lake, which is the artificial inpoundment that was created 85 feet above sea level to transit ships throug the continental divide. Some of the best peacock bass fishing I´ve heard of after the Amazon.
There is a public launch ramp on a town called Gamboa, and you can travel about 30 miles on the Panama Canal shipping channel to go fishing in the various nooks and crannies of the lake. You just have to watch out for big ships and keep out of the way. International navigation rules apply, but you could loose your license (and your boat) if you do something stupid or impair pilot navigation.
Being at the locks in a small boat is a great experience. I´ve had to do inspections of lock gates from a small rowboat. We have to stay in the boat while the water level is raised to where we need it to be. Talk about being inside a huge washing machine. The current Panama locks are bottom filling, so there is a lot of turbulence for a really small boat. Just look at the picture:

(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/179Locks.JPG)

As history tells it, the lowest fare paid at the canal was on the 30´s or 40´when a guy swam the whole way for about $0.36...... In contratst, recently a ship paid over $200,000 to go through. Small ships and boat share the lock chambers with tha big guys if there is any space left.
Oh wait.... This whole bunch of nonsense has nothing to do with the Tampa Bay gathering..... SORRY, GUYS :D
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Post by: JimCt on October 29, 2006, 07:33:25 PM: Thanks for the invite Rick & JJ. If it works out for next year I'm sure Miguel & I will try to be on our best behavior, mostly. Be nice to be crew for a change.

Those are monster gates on that lock! Must be a bear to replace them. My experience with locks is on a much, much smaller scale. We took our boat from West to East through Sweden's Gota Canal. Had to operate the locks ourselves back in those days. Locks fill through small drop gates in the main gates. Only remotely operated & bottom-fillers were on the East end of the canal at Trollhatten. The ones in the picture are on the West end.

(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8/JimCT_/borenshult05.jpg)
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8/JimCT_/borenshult11.jpg)

My apologies too for sidetracking the thread...
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Post by: John Jones on October 29, 2006, 08:29:41 PM: No problem Jim. I like learning about stuff I have never seen.

Kingfish are running. If the weather holds next weekend maybe we can have some king steaks on the grill.
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Post by: RickK on October 30, 2006, 05:20:18 AM: Thanks for the interesting info and pix Miguel and Jim.
Now back to the gathering - grill - hopefully we'll have one for those kingfish steaks. Dave would pipe in here about bringing his but he is still waiting for his confirmation email from the Capt.
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Post by: Tim Bradford on October 30, 2006, 09:22:54 AM: Well as bad luck would have it- I'm boat less for the next "two weeks" I was heading offshore early Friday morning and I managed to hit a large submerged piling 3 miles SW of Buncess Pass :cry: . The piling was large and it managed to crack my hull leaving us taking on water. Everyone is safe but needless to say I am very disappointed and unable to make next weeks gathering. The piling was water logged and floating about 5-10" below the waterline, after striking it I was able to see it partially breach but then it submerged once again to approx 5' (I was able to find it on sonar)
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Post by: John Jones on October 30, 2006, 02:50:58 PM: :shock:

Wow, that's tuff Tim. Glad to hear everyone is safe. It could have been much worse. It's crazy the stuff one can find floating, or almost floating. I think the east coast is even worse. I have seen partially submerged cargo containers over there. I don't know how many 4x4 and larger timbers I have seen in this area.
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Post by: JimCt on October 30, 2006, 09:24:36 PM: EEK!

Glad nobody was hurt ('cept your girl). Wonder how many other hulls have fetched up on that sunker. Motor get hit?
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Post by: RickK on October 31, 2006, 05:32:58 AM: OUCH - that'll ruin anybody's day (and next 2 weeks :cry: ). Glad that all are ok - maybe you can hitch a ride with the person who turned you on to the boat? Didn't you say he is a member?

On a different note, the weather looks like it's going to cooperate.
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Post by: RickK on October 31, 2006, 07:40:29 PM: May need to bring some rocks in your pockets - go figure
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/shmrn.php?mz=gmz830
We'll be somewhat shielded by land though - that's a good thing.
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Post by: John Jones on October 31, 2006, 09:48:11 PM: The pass and Shell Island should be shielded from NE winds. Getting there from my house will not be fun. Tampa Bay chop can be worse than the open Gulf.
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Post by: RickK on November 01, 2006, 05:06:03 AM: Yeah, looks like plan B - trailer to Ft Desoto. I get better gas mileage in my truck than in my boat, so there might be a plus there somewhere.
I was looking on MapSource and it showed a toll booth on the north side of the bridge just north of the ramp. What is that about?
Even if it is windy, it'll still be warm and sunny :D
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Post by: captflatback on November 01, 2006, 11:18:26 AM: What time are we getting there? I'm going to put in at Gulfport and run over if it's to bad i'll put in at FD boat ramp.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: RickK on November 02, 2006, 05:09:36 AM: I'll be there before or at noon. Might get there early to fish a bit and grab some space. Looks like the weather is going to be typical fall/winter - wind out of the north-ish and brisk. I'm not going to beat my wife, me or the boat up trying to cross the 20+ miles of bay from a Manatee River ramp. Wind has a tendency of swirling around in the bay and turning it into a big mess. Looks like FD is the way to go.
Based on the expected offshore waves, once we're there we shouldn't have too much boat traffic in the pass to beat our boats up, unless they all have the same idea and are gonna be at the beach with us.
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Post by: captflatback on November 02, 2006, 07:48:26 AM: I will see you around noon and if anyone needs a ride out too the island call me at 813-917-4989 my cell.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: John Jones on November 03, 2006, 08:02:35 AM: I am going to do my best to be there. I tore the meniscus in my left knee Saturday before last. I shows up very well on an MRI :roll: The doctor wants to do surgery but it is not scheduled yet. If the waves aren't too bad I was hoping to take the boys out kingfishing early then hit Shell Island about noon. If it's too rough I might just drive around and call Rick or Jim for a ferry. Maybe the wind gods will give us a break.

Quote
Tonight Through Saturday Night
Northeast winds around 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Bay and inland waters choppy.
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Post by: JimCt on November 03, 2006, 12:36:08 PM: Have a great time! Will be thinking of you as I chuck another log on the fire...

Remember the cameras! Maybe put together an album for the homepage blog.
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Post by: captflatback on November 03, 2006, 06:18:53 PM: So are we going in this blow. Here is the forcast i just got?

Near shore...northeast winds 20 to 25 knots. Beyond 20 nm offshore...northeast winds around 25 knots and gusty. Seas 4 to 6 feet near shore and 6 to 8 feet beyond 20 nm offshore. Bay and inland waters rough.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: RickK on November 03, 2006, 06:37:40 PM: I'll still be there 1030ish and I just talked to Dave and he'll be there around noon.
One thing for sure is you won't use much gas getting there - if we put in at FD we can utilize the wind and drift to the beach :lol:
If you put in at Gulfport will you come out through the North channel by Shell Key? I didn't see any other cut through but didn't look real close.
At least it will be warm but not sticky :) (no skeeters either) and we'll be somewhat protected from the wind.
LET'S GO FOR IT!!!
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Post by: RickK on November 03, 2006, 07:21:37 PM: Quote from: "John Jones"
If it's too rough I might just drive around and call Rick or Jim for a ferry.

HEY, watch who you're calling a ferry :wink:
Here is the latest http://www.srh.noaa.gov/shmrn.php?mz=gmz830 on the weather.
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Post by: JimCt on November 03, 2006, 07:48:10 PM: From the looks of that forecast if you can make it there it'll be easier getting back as the afternoon wears on. So you arrive a little wet; just leave your coat & tie at home.
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Post by: John Jones on November 03, 2006, 08:20:34 PM: I can give an on site report from lower Tampa Bay, it is freaking huffin' and puffin' right now. :roll:
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Post by: captflatback on November 03, 2006, 09:01:00 PM: This afternoon it was puffin around 20 + in the north tampabay and all the redfish i've been poling around on were gone. I guess i'll see you guys around 1030 to 1100.

Capt. Jim Lemke
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Post by: John Jones on November 03, 2006, 09:04:33 PM: We can always go to the Terra Ceia Mullet Smoke Off or the Taste of Manatee Seafood Festival in Bradenton. :lol:
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Post by: RickK on November 04, 2006, 06:09:03 AM: Quote from: "John Jones"
We can always go to the Terra Ceia Mullet Smoke Off or the Taste of Manatee Seafood Festival in Bradenton. :lol:

That sounds good for the way back 8)
Here is the Egmont report -here (http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=egkf1) - unfortunately it's stuck or something - history shows it seemed to work ok until 354. Maybe it got so windy it blew the equipment away :lol: Have to check back later I guess. EDIT: It's back up now and still breezy.
JJ said it was howling at 9 and the table agrees. Looks like it was cooking out there at 254. http://www.onlineconversion.com/speed_common.htm = 33mph :shock:
Seems to be a little breezy here this morning - hey we'll survive.
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Post by: scott_gunn on November 04, 2006, 07:18:02 AM: I'm not going to make it. I have family in town and don't want to subject them to the wind. I don't think they'd enjoy it.

No one try crossing open water today, it's going to be really rough. Everyone put in at Fort DeSoto and I think you'll be ok.
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Post by: captflatback on November 04, 2006, 07:51:58 AM: I'm hooking up to the flatback now and make a few stops on the way. I'll see you out there if you need a ride call me on the cell 813-917-4989.

Capt. Jim Lemke