Is a 18′ bass boat any good for fishing around Key Largo?
I’m going to rent a house with dock on a canal for the month of Feb. and was wondering if there would be any use of bringing my boat. I would like to do some fishing and pleasure boating with my wife. Are there many places to stop when out boating to have lunch or maybe a cold refreshment. Any recommendations would be appreciated.Thanks
gofish
Posted 1 month ago
Wise info from FK on considering using that boat in salt water. I’ve thought about renting boats to mess around in the bay but locals I’ve talked to have strongly cautioned me. The bay is generally shallow and loaded with sandbars, like FK said, which constantly shift. There plenty of places to rent a boat if you decide to do so. Holiday Isle and Robbies, both in Islamorada, are two I know of. Lorelei in Islamorada is a nice place you can come into off the water for lunch as is Snappers in Key Largo. Depending on the seas, you could take a boat your size into the Atlantic for some quality fishing. I’ve been out way past the Humps, 12 miles, and seen bay boats galore on calm days. But I wouldn’t.
Brandon W
Posted 1 month ago
Good advice above. I don’t see a problem with using it if you take care of it. Spray it off, flush it out and you will be fine. Just do not leave it docked overnight or longer. As far as fishing, get a hotspot or Florida Sportsman Chart and on a decent day you can make it out to the reef and catch Snapper, grouper, barracuda and many other species. Also blackwater sound has some Trout. As mentioned ask around at local baitshops for tips on whats biting and what to use. Yellow bait house on key largo and worldwide sportsman just south of there in Islamorada both have knowledgable staff. As far as places to eat while boating. There are multiple mooring bouys to tie up to at the reef, If you are talking about waterfront restaraunts Snooks bayside is Great. Its on the southern end of Blackwater Sound.
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I’m going to rent a house with dock on a canal for the month of Feb. and was wondering if there would be any use of bringing my boat. I would like to do some fishing and pleasure boating with my wife. Are there many places to stop when out boating to have lunch or maybe a cold refreshment. Any recommendations would be appreciated.Thanks
gofish
Posted 1 month ago
Wise info from FK on considering using that boat in salt water. I’ve thought about renting boats to mess around in the bay but locals I’ve talked to have strongly cautioned me. The bay is generally shallow and loaded with sandbars, like FK said, which constantly shift. There plenty of places to rent a boat if you decide to do so. Holiday Isle and Robbies, both in Islamorada, are two I know of. Lorelei in Islamorada is a nice place you can come into off the water for lunch as is Snappers in Key Largo. Depending on the seas, you could take a boat your size into the Atlantic for some quality fishing. I’ve been out way past the Humps, 12 miles, and seen bay boats galore on calm days. But I wouldn’t.
Brandon W
Posted 1 month ago
Good advice above. I don’t see a problem with using it if you take care of it. Spray it off, flush it out and you will be fine. Just do not leave it docked overnight or longer. As far as fishing, get a hotspot or Florida Sportsman Chart and on a decent day you can make it out to the reef and catch Snapper, grouper, barracuda and many other species. Also blackwater sound has some Trout. As mentioned ask around at local baitshops for tips on whats biting and what to use. Yellow bait house on key largo and worldwide sportsman just south of there in Islamorada both have knowledgable staff. As far as places to eat while boating. There are multiple mooring bouys to tie up to at the reef, If you are talking about waterfront restaraunts Snooks bayside is Great. Its on the southern end of Blackwater Sound.
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Fisher_King
Posted 1 month ago
If you don’t venture TOO far away and don’t care if your freshwater boat is used in a saltwater environment.
Go for it!
Just remember, be aware of sand bars and channels in the area. I’veee accidentally hit some sand bars in that area going full-throttle and it wasn’t a fun experience!
And, if I were you, I’d not venture too far into Florida Bay unless you have a GPS, (and a back-up GPS). If you don’t know the region you WILL get lost.
Make sure to spray down your trailer, boat, and truck after EVERY USE. It only takes a couple 3 days in hard saltwater for your motor and trailer to show signs of corrosion. ESP FLUSH your MOTOR!
I’ve had Freshwater Bassin’ friends go on Saltwater adventures and “blow-off” flushing their motors…..needless to say their Motors were in the shop shortly after returning from their trips.
To be honest, depending on how NICE your 18FT Bass Boat is, I’d forgo even bringing it. If you have enough money to rent a house in Key Largo for a month you’ve probably got enough to rent a small boat! (lol)
I’ll bet you could get a cheapy skiff rented for $50-$70 a day, (esp if your willing to rent it for 25-30 days!).
Hope this helps ya? Good luck & don’t catch all the Snapper!
PS- Yes, it helps tremendously to have a boat when you want to catch fish. Your “best bet” for fishing?
Anchor near your first deep drop-off that has a definite tidal influence and chum-up some Mangrove Snapper and Yellow-tail. Go to World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada for further info on how, what, and where to catch local, tasty fish.
Good luck!