Classic AquaSport
General Aquasport Forums => Rendezvous/Gatherings => Topic started by: RickK on March 27, 2009, 05:50:11 AM
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It's that time again. The gathering will be at Apollo Beach's Pine Key (Beer can island) one more time. It's very close to I-75 so it's easy to get to, for people like me who tow in. More info to come.
I have a committment on May 2nd otherwise I would have listed that date. I added Apr 25 as a possibility - not sure how warm the water will be by then though.
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Pulled this from our 5th gathering topic -
If you want to tow in (like me) you will probably want to use the EG Simmons park ramp. Safe during the day/closed after dark. The park rangers told me they don't allow leaving a vehicle overnight at the ramp so I'll use the Apollo Beach Marina lot - $10/24hrs and there are live-aboards at the docks so it should be safe.
Here is the relation between the ramps and Pine Key (Beer Can) island where we'll hold the gathering.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/868/EgSimmonsRamp.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18490&title=egsimmonsramp&cat=868)
As JJ posted before:
E. G. Simmons Park
2401 19th Avenue, N.W.
Ruskin FL 33570
Location: 19th St., N.W. (Off U.S. 41 in South Hillsborough County)
Telephone: (813) 671-7655
Located near Ruskin on Tampa Bay, the 469-acre park and preserve has been a popular area for outdoor enthusiasts since the mid-60’s. The park has picnic areas and a campground with a beautiful waterfront view. A public beach provides visitors with a perfect setting for sunning or swimming, while a boat launch provides access to saltwater fishing and boating. The park also has fishing piers and areas for bank fishing. Bird watching is also a popular pastime among the shallow waters of the surrounding mangrove swamps.
Park Manager - Chuck Hunt
Spring 6 am - 7 pm
Summer 6 am - 8 pm
Fall/Winter 6 am - 6 pm
______________________________________________
I was looking around the Apollo Beach area with my BlueCharts scoping out the depths, channels, etc and started looking around EG Simmons boat ramp. Looks like if you are going to launch there you need a heads up on how to get out of and back into the ramp area.
This Google Earth image shows how shoaled up the area is. Looks like you come out of the park, hug the shoreline southwest and go southwest for a ways. Then you turn north and then northeast to get to Beer Can Island. (Follow the boats (white lines) in the image)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/868/EGSimmonsPark1.PNG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18489&title=egsimmonspark1&cat=868)
This is a MapSource BlueChart screen that shows the depths.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/868/mapsourceegsimmons.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18492&title=mapsourceegsimmons&cat=868)
Local knowledge around there is a good thing it looks like.
The cruise to Beer Can looks deep all the way from EG Simmons once you get out. The water appears to be a little skinny to the east of the island. You can see some shoals going east to west to the island from the mainland.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/868/PineKeyMapsource.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18491&title=pinekeymapsource&cat=868)
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Hmmm, almost tied up for the date.
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It's looking like I'm going to have to miss this gathering! :cry: I'll be down in the Keys fishing that weekend. :pirat:
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It's looking like I'm going to have to miss this gathering! :cry: I'll be down in the Keys fishing that weekend. :pirat:
It's looking like it'll be on the 9th. How can a Keys trip compare to this..... :wink:
Have a safe trip.
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Bigger fish down here Rickk :thumright: lol answeeney if you need some numbers let me know born and raised down here :salut:
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The poll has ended and the 9th won out. For the out of towners like me, start warming up your GPS. Looks like I'll be bringing up the 230 this time along with member Dave in his 250 and we'll stay out the 8th and 9th. If any one else wants to make a weekend of it come on out.
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I'll try and show up too. People in Pinellas county can probably launch at Ft. Desoto and run across the bay.
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its just a straight B-line from our canal to beer can, with a good set of binoc's you can almost see it
unfortunately, i started a new job and i have to work weekends so i cant make it... :pukel: :thumbdown: :pale:
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The last gathering there were a few posts about ramps other than Ft Desoto for the Pinellas people - maybe those memebrs that posted them will pipe in.
We also had a few members that said they'd be there that didn't make it for one reason or another. Let's try to commit early and set a plan in place - it's only one afternoon every 6 months. Any members from the south thinking about it? It's close to I-75 so it's an easy tow. How about the North and East? I think of it as a new adventure each time - it's a fun couple days for me (if I have the 230) otherwise it's a good day.
Let's try to make a good showing - show your Aquasport pride - we'll even help show some pride for a proline or two :wink: . If anyone has a center console and wants to camp but doesn't have cover, you're welcome on my 230 - full bimini and sides so you don't have to worry about anything. PM me.
If I bring the 230 I'll have a BBQ so we can cook lunch or whatever. The water is getting warm now and around the power plant it'll be a couple degrees warmer. Lots of manatee there if your kids want to see them up close and I mean real close - they'd climb in your boat if they could.
2 more weeks
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5 more days
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3 more days :afro:
I'll be up there on Friday in the 230. Look for 2 Explorers on the East side of the island backed in. 8)
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Still planning on being there - although I really would like to go offshore for some Kings!
:afro:
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Still planning on being there - although I really would like to go offshore for some Kings!
:afro:
Do that in the AM - winds are supposed to be decent. Then bring one to the gathering and we can Q it up. :cheers:
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Well, I'm heading out for Apollo Beach around noon today. Weather forecast shows no rain but a little breezy - at least we won't bake with no breeze.
We'll start looking for everyone around noonish. We'll try to grab some space on the beach on the east side of the island.
Seeya all out there :cheers:
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You guys have a great time and I hopefully will attend next time! If you have it in the same place in the future can't you put in at Maximo and run across the bay?
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Maybe but I don't know where Maximo is. Anyway, we'll be moving to a different spot in November.
I'll monitor vhf 68 - boat name is Shady Deal.
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Hope that Explosion on Saturday was not anyone from here up near Beer Can Island. Please let us know.
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The explosion was too close for comfort, we wish the family the best. Was good to meet those that I've been spying on for so long. Thanks Rick and Rich.
Paul
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Good to see everyone out there... hope all got home safe... I passed the Williams park boat ramp on the way back and it was closed. All kind's of first responders... my thoughts and prayers go out to the families.
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Pix anyone?
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Yeah, we want some pix :bounce:
Marc..
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Well, another great time to spend with old and new friends.
Just as we were leaving Dave's house an old friend I hadn't seen in years dropped by and long story short we convinced him to come along.
We got to Apollo Beach Marina around 3 after a few sidetrips (you had to be there) and idled out to the bay and was met with 2-3 footers and a stiff breeze :shock: :shock: :shock: We had only about a mile to go to get to the island but the seas were all quartering to us and spray was flying everywhere, over the sides, over the windshield - you know, a sailors worst kind of wave sets, quartering and windy.
We idled the entire way over and ducked behind the hook of the island and that helped flatten everything out. We dropped the hook, tied the boats together and settled in to cooking and BSing.
Nice moon rise for the first night.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1499.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1499&cat=869)
Good friends catching up - Dave to the left, Jay to the right.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1500.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1500&cat=869)
Next morning Chuck shows up early as usual, we cook breakfast, eat and then go hunting some fish. Chuck jumped a little snook and then it got off. That was about it for any action. We decided it might be a wise idea to go stake out some beach before it gets too late and I'm glad we did. This little island gets packed and this was only one side of it.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_150e.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1503&cat=869)
Jeff was the next to arrive and then Chuck and him left to do a little fishing. Ended up finding a very friendly Manatee while they were fishing. LilRich and someone I didn't recognize arrived shortly thereafter to round out the group.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1511.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1511&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1512.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1512&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1520.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1520&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1522.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1522&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1519.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1519&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1516.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1516&cat=869)
This person I didn't recognize ended up being our own Broadbill and he had trailered all the way from the other side of the state. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Paul it was nice to meet you and your family and after seeing your boat I understand your signature "Things Done Right" - it would be hard for anyone to even start to think that your boat is 36 years old - a beautifully restored boat.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1517.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1517&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1518.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1518&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1513.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1513&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1514.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1514&cat=869)
Great job Paul.
Well, as some mentioned, tragedy struck while we were there - sounded like a sonic boom but REAL CLOSE and by this pic you can tell it was only a few hundred yards away from us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1510.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1510&cat=869)
As reported there were 10 people on the 37ft boat when it exploded - 5 adults and 5 kids. The kids were down in the cabin with one of the dads when it happened. Most think that someone didn't vent the fumes in the bilge before starting up but later reports said that they did vent but something about the genset. Anyway it seriously hurt a couple people (last I heard they're not sure if a couple of them will make it) and the dad in the cabin was able to throw the kids into the water somehow with just minor injuries to them.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1505.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1505&cat=869)
People were attending to the injured on the beach until help arrived (which seemed like it took forever - like 30 minutes at least)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1507.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1507&cat=869)
Helicopters came in several times to take the injured to the hospital.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1523.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1523&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1526.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1526&cat=869)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1531.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1531&cat=869)
Fire department trying to douse the fire.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1527.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1527&cat=869)
This is all that was left of the boat later on.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1533.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1533&cat=869)
Anyway, it was a sad day for some people.
After everyone called it a day, Dave and I motored our boats back out a few hundred feet from shore, dropped the hook, BBQ'd some ribs and kicked back. This was the moon rise that night - nice way to end the day.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/869/T_IMG_1541.JPG) (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=18499&title=t-img-1541&cat=869)
This is the last time we'll have the gathering in Apollo Beach - been twice now, nice place but time to move. We've been having the gathering in the Tampa Bay area 3 years now so there might be a geographic change the next time. Either South, maybe Boca Grande area or a little more North - Anclote area.
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First like to say that my thoughts go out to the family of the tragedy. Very scary.
Second, looks like you guys had a great time. I knew when I sold Paul (BroadBill) my beloved Ethel Ann he would do her well. I had no idea just how well. Things Done Right indeed!
Tailgunner
Tucson, AZ formerly Woods Hole
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Good to see you still lurking here Tailgunner - hope all is well with you and yours.
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Thanks Rick.
BroadBill mentioned there were some pix of my old boat and I had to check them out. He did an amazing job.
I am now living in Tucson, AZ.
No fishing but I LOVE my job and the family is much happier here.
I do so miss the sunrise out on the water.
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Yeah, just for the record - I think Paul had the nicest rebuild out there - that thing was a beaut!
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Wow, looks like a good time was had by all. Sorry I missed it but I had a great excuse ...... fishing (and drinking) in the Keys. Broadbill, great looking boat :salut: , I wish I could have seen it in person!
Here's a few pics from hte keys.....
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s174/answeeney/CIMG0621.jpg)
Rum Runners are always a good choice at the Tiki Bar! :drunken:
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s174/answeeney/CIMG0623.jpg)
Aquasports everywhere. Seeing this made me think of you guys.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s174/answeeney/CIMG0636.jpg)
Not an Aquasport but fun anyways!
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s174/answeeney/CIMG0662.jpg)
Between 4 people, Caught 33 Mahi, 2 Bonitas and a Triple Tail.
See ya all at the Fall gathering!
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Man, you guys are making me :puker: I'm jalous of course. WHY ME :scratch:
Marc..
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Looks like another good time. Boca would be awesome next time.
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Boca would be fine with me - I don't know any places to rally though except beaches at Cayo Costa. One thing nice about Cayo is that you can reserve a cabin for like $22/night that sleeps 6 (bunk beds). No electricity but they have facilities real close by. Bring your camping stuff, grab your cabin, off load and then hit the fishing spots that make Boca what it is. You can launch at Eldreds marina and store your truck and trailer there for $5/night. It's a nice cruise from that marina out to the island - maybe 6 miles. Geez, I'm talking myself into this..... it IS Boca Grande, after all 8) 8)
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Looks like another good time. Boca would be awesome next time.
Yes Boca or Pine Island sound area :bounce:
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You southern guys would have to figure out the BEST place to rally up though
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Hi guys, I was curious about the next gathering. Is this an annual thing or do you guys get together more than once a year. As a noob to the SE AS community, I'd like the chance to meet some other AS owners. If anyone has any info on the 7th gathering, please post.
Thanx,
JG
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Hi JG,
We have been meeting twice a year around May 1 and Nov 1. Since the website origin is located in the Tampa area, all of the gatherings have been in the Tampa area. As you read in the last few posts, since I'm the one coordinating them I'm thinking about taking it more south this time so other members have access.
I guess it's about time to get this next one fired up too.
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Hey RickK,
Haven't been around much lately, busy working, but maybe Ft Myers/Pine Island area, there is a nice Island that alot of people use, It is called Picnic Island, Very close to a boat ramp just before Sanibel Island bridge, it is called Punta Rassa Boat ramp. They just re did the boat ramp but I have never used it. Maybe someone else has used the ramp and can comment on it. Just a suggestion.
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What about a fall get together while the weather is nice and cool again?
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I'm all for a gathering farther south for myself that would make coming to the gathering more feasible for me and the family the only suggestion I have is to make it either the week before or after the first that is my son's 2nd birthday. But of course that will be up to the poll.
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I'm all for a gathering farther south for myself that would make coming to the gathering more feasible for me and the family the only suggestion I have is to make it either the week before or after the first that is my son's 2nd birthday. But of course that will be up to the poll.
We try to hold the gatherings when it is cooling off (or before it gets hot), that is why it's in Nov and we always hold it on a Saturday - Nov 1st is a Sunday - so it would be Oct 31st or Nov 7th or the 14th.
Is there a secure place to launch and stow the truck & trailer for a few days down in the Pine Island area? I know I can use Eldreds in Boca area.
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Any word on the next gathering,Nov is just around the corner
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I've been thinking long and hard about it for a couple weeks and searching Google Earth for places south around Sanibel, Pine Island, Bokeelia. I haven't found a secure place for leaving my truck/trailer for a couple days anywhere down there though (yet). May have to pass until May for going south so I can keep researching it.
I have also been thinking about holding it here in Sarasota for the first time. Just have to pick a good spot for it - maybe Lido park - has a nice beach at the west end?
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There are ramps with parking on both sides of the Sanibel bridge.
Salty Sam's marina in Ft Myers beach.
I'm sure there are a few ramps on Pine Island as well.
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Plenty of ramps around there but they have time limits on leaving your vehicle. Here is a link to a Google Earth plugin that shows all the ramps in FL. http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1098320. Download/save it and then doubleclick on it to have it install. Then right click on it in "temp places" in google earth and tell it to save it to "myplaces".
When we come into an area for a gathering we stay at least 2 days so I want some security for my truck and trailer. That is the hard part....like I need to find a private ramp or a marina with a ramp and secure parking. Take Eldred's Marina next to the Boca Grande bridge - perfect place and example. Not too many places to hang out around there though - have to cruise a few miles. You have the Marine Preserve just west of the marina but am not sure if there is adequate hangout space - and then Gasparilla pass is just to the west of that.
Sarasota is sounding more appealing for this gathering - maybe we can hold it at "Beer Can" island on the north shore of Longboat Key. Would be an hour jaunt by boat for the people up north and maybe an hour for you too Doc. I left from 10th St ramp and cruised all the way around Egmont and was starting back in an hour - that was at about 28-30 mph. 10th St ramp is at the south border of Longboat and Longboat is 10 miles long. So it would be a nice cruise through the ICW from the north - maybe coming from the south you'd want to run the gulf at least to Big Pass in Sarasota due to the idle zones.
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Plenty of ramps around there but they have time limits on leaving your vehicle. Here is a link to a Google Earth plugin that shows all the ramps in FL. http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1098320. Download/save it and then doubleclick on it to have it install. Then right click on it in "temp places" in google earth and tell it to save it to "myplaces".
When we come into an area for a gathering we stay at least 2 days so I want some security for my truck and trailer. That is the hard part....like I need to find a private ramp or a marina with a ramp and secure parking. Take Eldred's Marina next to the Boca Grande bridge - perfect place and example. Not too many places to hang out around there though - have to cruise a few miles. You have the Marine Preserve just west of the marina but am not sure if there is adequate hangout space - and then Gasparilla pass is just to the west of that.
Sarasota is sounding more appealing for this gathering - maybe we can hold it at "Beer Can" island on the north shore of Longboat Key. Would be an hour jaunt by boat for the people up north and maybe an hour for you too Doc. I left from 10th St ramp and cruised all the way around Egmont and was starting back in an hour - that was at about 28-30 mph. 10th St ramp is at the south border of Longboat and Longboat is 10 miles long. So it would be a nice cruise through the ICW from the north - maybe coming from the south you'd want to run the gulf at least to Big Pass in Sarasota due to the idle zones.
What about Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, Will they let you park there? just a thought.
There is a baot ramp there.
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Thanks. :salut:
I found the marina on google earth but don't see a ramp though. Looks like a high dollar neighborhood around it :shock: Looks like the marina is under construction or building a new one. I'll check for the future - looks to be in decent proximity to Sanibel.
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Sarasota or beercan island sound good,ran from newpass to longboat pass on sat,took about 20 minutes.Eldreds is a great ramp to, and there are some spoil islands by the tressel that people camp on that could work.