[Flguy32514]

Hey guys, I just bought (well am buying monday) My first boat, a 2000 Pro line 18ft Center console. I'm looking for some tips and tricks from everyone on boating in general, good launches etc, and some decent fishing spot.

I'm looking for kings, reds, and sharks mostly, but anything with a good fight is great to hah.


also interested in some good areas to go tubing, or pull up on an uncrowded beach and hang out.

one of the big questions is which is the best launch to use if I want to go to the sound side behind portifino? or toward the I10 bridge? I live by the swamp house I just didnt know if there was a more viable option to get to I10 bridge from.

I appreciate all the help everyone, I have already taking the boater safety course, and I am somewhat familar with running a boat, its just been a few years

 

[fisheye48]

search the report sections and you will find all the anwsers you seek

as far as launches go it depends on where you want to launch from...there are a ton of them in the area....and tubing goes back to where you want to launch from....be a little me specific and you can get alot more help

 

[cody&ryand]

shoreline park in gulf breeze is a nice ramp

 

[Flguy32514]

like I said 2 of the places I want to go are the I10 bridge, and the sound behind portofino, but I remember someone telling me the ramp on Pcola beach near bobsikes was a really junky ramp, didnt want to risk tearing up my boat as soon as I buy it. I am doing some searching, just not finding quite the right answers

 

[fisheye48]

best way to find things is to go out and just fish...ive found some amazing inshore spots that way...look at google earth and make a plan and go...worst you are gonna do is not catch anything.

 

[Flguy32514]

I dunno why I didn't think of google maps! I appreciate that one, also another question, I've been reading about some kind of bridal to hook to the back of the boat so both sides are pulling the tube, not just one, can anyone point me in the right direction for that?

 

[dabutcher]

For the I10 area the Archie Glover boat ramp would be the closest. For behind Portofino Oriole Beach is close but is very shallow on a low tide.

If you want to catch a big fish then it would be hard to beat a live menhaden on a balloon in the 3 mile bridge area. There have been some good reports on kings. Redfish, jacks, big spanish, or a shark is a possibility as well.

 

[Flguy32514]

Thanks, I appreciate the help, how shalllow are you talking?

 

[jjam]

Thanks, I appreciate the help, how shalllow are you talking?

Low winter tides will prevent launching from Oriole Beach most days. BUT,

I launch my 22 WA at Oriole Beach often during the summer without a problem but use the west (right) side of the ramp exclusively. Deeper and easier to load your crew with a step down platform.

It is shallow till approx. 50 yds out from the end of the landing dock so, trim up a bit and idle due south till your depth finder reads 3'+ then you're good to power up.

Remember the area you powered up on the return and shut it down and idle back in. Oh, and upon return navigate straight in the way you came out to prevent grounding. It's not really a big of deal if you follow the tips above.

Congratulations on your new purchase!


Jimmy

 

[Flguy32514]

Thanks I'll check it out, does anyone know the condition of the ramp I was talking about on pcola beach? or is it only good for PWCs now?

 

[skiff man99]

We launch a 22' skiff at the ramp by sikes regularly, just depends on the tide as to launching boats with mote draft. The ramp is sometimes covered in sand. Wouldn't try it if you don't have 4x4. The towing bridal you speak of is available at rest marine, maybe academy?