Tampa Bay Gathering

[JimCt]

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.

[captflatback]

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

[RickK]

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
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!!!

[RickK]

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  
Here is the latest http://www.srh.noaa.gov/shmrn.php?mz=gmz830 on the weather.

[JimCt]

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.

[John Jones]

I can give an on site report from lower Tampa Bay, it is freaking huffin' and puffin' right now.  

[captflatback]

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

[John Jones]

We can always go to the Terra Ceia Mullet Smoke Off or the Taste of Manatee Seafood Festival in Bradenton.  

[RickK]

We can always go to the Terra Ceia Mullet Smoke Off or the Taste of Manatee Seafood Festival in Bradenton.  

That sounds good for the way back  8)
Here is the Egmont report -here - 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  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
Seems to be a little breezy here this morning - hey we'll survive.

[scott_gunn]

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.

[captflatback]

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