SouthernWake Posted May 19, 2017 Report Share Posted May 19, 2017 I used to make this trip often but it has now been a few years since I have brought a boat down and have a few questions: what is my best ramp to use while staying on the island as far as overcrowding and cost? Are there any gas stations with marine/non ethanol? How has the fishing been? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 19, 2017 Report Share Posted May 19, 2017 Where are you staying on the Island? Eldred's Marina, just before the bridge going onto the Island is a good spot. They have everything you need, and its a safe place to leave your truck and trailer. There's a public ramp just before Eldred's, but it gets pretty crowded. There are a few "pay for" ramps on the Island as well, but trailer parking can be tough. Boca Grande Marina, and Whidden's Marina on the Island have gas, and Gasparilla Marina on the mainland has gas as well. Snook fishings been solid. Tough to find the Red's but they are there, and Tarpon are thick on the tides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted May 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2017 Off shore Ln I've used Henry's before but I just kept the old tower boat in a wet slip. Is it cheaper/easier to use eldreds/public launch and pay the toll or to find somewhere on the island and pay there? I catch plent of reds and trout in SC and really want to stay on tarpon and snook. I usually fish the beaches in the morning and avoid fishing the pass, are there any general areas close by (don't need specifics) that are worth looking for tarpon once it gets rough off the beach? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 19, 2017 Report Share Posted May 19, 2017 The problem with the ramps on the Island is parking. Call The Innlets, and see if they will let you use their ramp. If they are not crowded, sometimes they will. You can also call Widden's and see if they have room. The snook are all over the mangroves. Live bait is the way to go, and you gotta fish them when the waters moving either in or out. The wind's blowing out of the east right now, so the beaches are pretty smooth. Check the point at Cayo Costa, the beach, and the points at North Captiva, and Redfish Pass. Early morning fly fishing on the beach for snook has been good as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justdriftin Posted May 19, 2017 Report Share Posted May 19, 2017 I'd call Uncle Henry's and see what a slip there would run and just keep it there. I think its like 20 bucks everything you come across the bridge with a trailer depending on how many axles you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted May 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2017 Uncle Henry's is $50 a day to use the ramp and opens at 8...was blown away when they said that but somone must be paying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justdriftin Posted May 23, 2017 Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 13 hours ago, SouthernWake said: Uncle Henry's is $50 a day to use the ramp and opens at 8...was blown away when they said that but somone must be paying it. How much was dockage? We stay at the Innlet once or twice a year and I think they charge a $50 ramp fee as well if you aren't docking your boat, but not if you are staying and keeping your boat there, I think dockage is something like $45. So they clearly want to discourage use of the ramp apart from dockage. It's been a couple of years now but kept my boat at Uncle Henry's while staying at a condo up on the north end with no slip, and I'm pretty sure it was less or at least not much more than $50 a day for dockage. Eldred's is $8 for ramp and parking. That plus toll may be cheapest. But if it were me, I'd want the boat in the water, just so much easier (and can come in and take a nap, then go back out when it cools off). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted May 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 I'd rather not keep it in a slip, at 18ft it's a breeze to put on and off a trailer. The 0800 opening is also a pretty big deal breaker as I like to get out at first light. looks like eldreds is the best option, can't wait to get down there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted May 23, 2017 Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 It only cost's $7.00 to go over the bridge. They only charge you one way. You can buy a pass at Eldred's for how many days you want, and leave it on the dash board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonV Posted May 23, 2017 Report Share Posted May 23, 2017 Very important to leave the receipt on the dash at Eldred's Don't ask my buddy what happens to your truck and trailer if you don't!! If you are staying for a few days you will probably park around back, very secure and worth the $7 per day. I usually keep my trailer and truck there when I go to Cabbage Key for the weekend. Nice simple boat ride down there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted May 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 How has bait been? Can I find them on the flats or will I need to chum? How about larger threadfins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted May 26, 2017 Report Share Posted May 26, 2017 Bait has been plentiful in the Englewood area. Also big threadfins about 3/4 mile off shore, using Sabikis. If they are not on top, just cruise around and watch your bottom machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gasparilla Posted May 28, 2017 Report Share Posted May 28, 2017 There's a lot of bait at Devilfish, but it's spread out and doesn't seem to want to group up. Be patient and get there EARLY!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lap it Up Posted June 12, 2017 Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 Eldreds Marina for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted June 12, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2017 Ended up using the public ramp. The weather this past week really put a damper on the trip but did sneak out and got trout, reds, snook, and a tarpon in the limited openings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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