three hour tour

[junior]

Hey board people. Just moved up to St Pete from the key largo area and a friend forwarded me the info on this board. Great site, seems to have a lot of good stuff going on. Anyway, I am looking to take my boat out to the middle grounds when things warm up a bit:eek: crazy cold. Missin' the keys weather, but have heard that the middle frounds are the place to be for great spearing, fishing etc. I've been reading some stories and it sounds like a blast, but would like to gather some more detailed info before I drag my ass 80-90 miles out into the gulf to find nothing because I have no idea where I am going. Any good sources for published areas that are productive so I have something to work with while I find my own spots out there? Any advice on making the trek in a 22' Whaler Outrage? Single engine, but I will be making the trip along with another 21' boat out of Bradenton. Any other suggestions on checking out the area? Have not been in the water for several months with a broken ankle and I'm getting antsy to shoot some fish.

[fizisition]

welcome to the board! wow! how much range does your boat have?

[junior]

Thanks, the boat has 80 gallons on board and gets just over 2-mpg and was planning on adding another 30 gallons or so in a portable tank in the forward fish well. Gives about 220 miles or so. Fuel mileage may actually be a little better than that, but won't know until I install my fuel flow meter. Could be as a good as 2.5-mpg which could give it around 275 mile range, more like what I imagine I would need for doing it right. That and some decent weather...

[fizisition]

yeah I've got a 25'wac and have been debating whether to make the trip.but I dont think I will till I get a epirb

[johnhermes]

You are really risking it in a boat that size. It can get really ugly really quick way out there. We go out there, but we have two EPIRBS, a life raft, plenty of range, and a decently large boat. It is just not childs play when you are 4+ hours away from land. A 25 footer with twins is doable, but a 22 with a single is just too small, IMHO

[slippery chicken]

i take my 25' sea cat out there, but i also have two engines and plenty of fuel. If one breaks i still come home, yours breaks you're done. Last time out i got caught in 5-7' seas when it was supposed to be less than 2'. Only took about 6 hours to get home instead of 2.5-3 hours normally. Would not take a 21' out there no matter who makes it, just my opinion, rick

[dabulltrouble]

made the trip twice in my 25 hydrasport with twins.thats about the smallest boat i would make that run in.even then it has to be calm all weekend or i stay home.epirb is a must.just my opinion

[Spear One]

Negatory on the 22 footer! Too Risky. Pay the money and go on the boats that are well equipped for the trip and have experienced captains.

Hard to shoot fish when you are six feet under.......ground that is!

[junior]

I agree on the EPRIB idea. Still kicking the idea around and wanted some ideas. Thanks. Is there a window in the weather around here between spring and summer where the summer storms aren't really brewing up too much and the cold fronts spread out a bit more? I have no intention of getting caught out in the middle of the gulf in a storm, much less being dumb enough to head out there with a front rolling through. I have to think there may be an opportunity or two a year when the weather can hold for two little days. Is ~300 mile range sufficient to get out 80 miles and back? Why the 4 hours+ trip? I was thinking more like 2-3 hours to the east side of the grounds travelling in light winds. I got two engines...just so happens they are attached to two boats;) . I appreciate the ideas, will take them to heart.

[Diver Dan]

Junior, I really think you should heed the advice you are getting. The people you are getting this advice from are extremely knowledgeable about the Middle Grounds. I have a 22 footer and have been diving here since 1983. I would not take my boat to the "Grounds". If the weather stays nice it's no big deal. If not it is!! Take care Stay safe! Dan

[Screen Name]

That frequently post on this board before you even think about going it alone. You need to learn the ropes out there, and there is no better way you could think of than to go with these guys.

The Jolly Rogers and Groundskeeper are both good trips, read the reports on this board to find out whats up, pick one, or better yet try both. Once you go with them you may drop the idea of taking your own boat altogether!

Welcome to the board.

:)

[richhermes]

Rumor has it, junior is also going with webers on the shrimpboat spearing trip too!!:)

As the rest of the guys said. There are plenty of charters and private trips going to the grounds in well equipped boats. Sounds like junior isn't fully convinced yet.

[junior]

Thanks guys. I'm gettin' the idea:cool:. Glad I asked because looking at the charts it seems quite doable given good weather. But, I will heed the overwhelming advice and check out the charters, since I don't know anyone on this coast with a big enough boat that would care to go out there. Go Bucs!

[Grande]

it is doable if everything goes just right. but if something goes wrong you could get into serious trouble. you need a more suitable buddy boat than a 21'. i have a very solid 26' cuddy cabin inboard diesel that i have had in 6' seas and it could probably handle more but i wont go out there solo. maybe with a mechanic on board but i would just rather take a charter and not stress about the boat starting the whole weekend.

[Grauer]

junior, i sent you a pm

[f94gator]

Originally posted by junior
But, I will heed the overwhelming advice...

Good. We were about to pull out the shovels and start beating you about the head and shoulders.

[junior]

All right boys, put down them shovels and leave the poor slobberin' half-wit alone:D .

[Reef Raider]

Lots of local stuff you could hit with that boat and still get your limits .P.M. me to get my ph# and get the score.

[junior]

Raider,

I sent you a PM.