Spring 2013 FL Chapter Aquasport Gathering

[RickK]

Hi all,
Time to start planning.  The next gathering spot will be in Crystal River and the dates will be 2-5 May2013.  
We chose this place so it's not too far from our northern FL members and our central members - about the same haul.

Figure for the members that can camp on their boats or are willing to pull up an air matress on the decks of one of our Explorers, we'll arrive sometime on the 2nd and then camp and fish and   until Saturday noonish when we'll meet up with the local members (who haven't already found us) to officially have our gathering, make new friends, have a hoot of a time and take all the required pics so we don't get bashed here.
I need to find a place to secure our trucks and trailers in that area.  Any input on this is greatly appreciated.
If there are reasonable accommodations for members that want to tow in that can't camp, that info is appreciated too.

Let's have some fun - water temp there is always the same (chilly) so we can't use that as an excuse not to attend.

[Capt. Bob]

water temp there is always the same (chilly) so we can't use that as an excuse not to attend.

I don't go outside when it's 72 degrees, never mind on the water.

[Blue Agave]

For accommodations check out the Plantation Inn.

http://plantationoncrystalriver.com/

[CH Jr]

A good boat ramp may be Pete's Pier, I looked at it on google earth and it looks like a pretty decent ramp.

[RickK]

We really need a place to store our trucks & trailers - secure

[seabob4]

Well guys, seeing as I spent 4 years at PL, I know pretty much all there is to know about CR.  The Plantation is about as good as it gets regarding accomodations.  Pete's is where we pretty much launched about everything except for the 35, we put her in at Fort Island Trail park.  But Pete's is the deal for all Aquasports.  Barely a mile off 19 in almost downtown CR...if there is such a thing!  Right at the terminus of the Crystal River in King's Bay, all no wake for quite a ways during the winter due to the "speed bumps" (read that Manatees)...

All fuel is a bit more pricey in Citrus County than elsewhere, so keep that into consideration.  And keep in mind rocks...lotsa rocks!!  Th gulf is very shallow up there, and there are considerable sized limestone boulders just outside the channels, so unless you are privy to local knowledge (and even that may not help you sometimes!)...STAY IN THE CHANNEL!!!  For those who haven't been out to the gulf via Crystal River, it is very odd.  Get to the gulf, and the channel markers keep going for like 3 miles!  DO NOT venture outside the markers and expect to have some fun!  Those rocks will take out an LU in a heartbeat!!

Other than that, piece of cake...

[seabob4]

Rick,
That's gonna be iffy.  Pete's is the best place to launch from, can launch at the Plantation as well...but you would probably have to be a paying guest to store your rig.  Why don't you give the folks at the Plantation and at Pete's and ask them what they would recommend?

Fort Island Trail is an excellent ramp, and put's you that much closer to the gulf, but there is really nothing out there, plus it's a county park...

[RickK]

I'll give them a call and see whatz up.  Thanks.

[jahoward1]

Wow, this sounds like a good time.  What can you expect to catch and is this a family thing or just hard core fishing?  In other words, wife and kids or just my dad?

James

[RickK]

It is usually just guys with all the boats tied into a barge for camping. We had some wives attend in the early days but it seems they figured out it was just a guy thing and didn't want to attend later ones.
Not trying to discourage any wives that want to attend - we'll curb our manliness for the occasion  

[seabob4]

Not to get it closer to my place, but have you considered the Bayport Inn?  And the Bayport ramp?  22 miles S, excellent ramp, excellent Inn, excellent food, no rocks, out to the gulf MUCH quicker, nd still within reach of the northern brethren, as it's just another 20 miles.


Plus, we have all the good stuff close at hand...    

http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm

[CH Jr]

Not to get it closer to my place, but have you considered the Bayport Inn?  And the Bayport ramp?  22 miles S, excellent ramp, excellent Inn, excellent food, no rocks, out to the gulf MUCH quicker, nd still within reach of the northern brethren, as it's just another 20 miles.

I think that's a good idea, plus its a lot safer with no rocks and all.

[Capt. Bob]

Chilly,  Rocks and Seacows oh my! :o

Sounds like a bad Frances Ethel Gumm song.

[Blue Agave]

Not to get it closer to my place, but have you considered the Bayport Inn?  And the Bayport ramp?  22 miles S, excellent ramp, excellent Inn, excellent food, no rocks, out to the gulf MUCH quicker, nd still within reach of the northern brethren, as it's just another 20 miles.


Plus, we have all the good stuff close at hand...    

http://www.bayportinnrestaurant.com/history.htm

Agreed the Bayport ramp is much closer to the Gulf, but there are rocks. Make sure and stay in channel markers.

[fitz73222]

Hey guys,

What's the current status of the gathering? I've stayed at Port Paradise all the way back into the mid 70's and never had a problem navigating the river or gulf. Beth just called the hotel for rates and availability. $90 night and free slip for the boat if you stay there, although I thought there was a slip fee back in day. Anyway, we're considering it with a hotel stay. Not a bad pull for me from the east coast. I think Chrystal River would be great if we're taking a vote.