To boat or not to boat....

[trout fisher]

The family and I will be spending 7/2-7/9 at St. Joe Beach. We usually go the week after the 4th to avoid the crowds and mayhem. This year due to cheer camps and other various activities we had to make an exception. I always take a boat. One problem I have is that the house we rented this year has limited parking, no room for the boat. I'll have to rent a spot for it at the storage place. Secondly, the aforementioned crowds and mayhem. I'm thinking for a stress-free vacation maybe leave the boat at Econfina. But I worry that I'll be miserable looking at all that water and not being able to get out on it. Can the forum brotherhood offer any advice? Thanks in advance.

I did book a charter for the 4th for me and the two oldest daughters.

[micci_man]

As soon as you don't take it you will be looking at all of the fish others are catching. That is a long time to be there boatless. I'd take it... Crowds shouldn't be too bad with scallop season closed at the moment. Good luck

[Blue spinner]

there is no way i would go and look at all that water that is fish able and know that i left my boat somewhere else

[Hogfish24336]

I guess you have to ask your self is the enjoyment or lack there off worth it to pay for parking. Personally I've done this same thing before and didn't take mine and regretted it for 7 nights lol.

[Salty Gator]

Or ask yourself which will make you more upset. To take you boat and not be able to use it, or not take it and be able to use it. It's an easy call for me. Good luck

[SHOWBOAT]

I've taken my boat there many times for a single day or weekends. No way I could stand a week without....

[Can'tCatchAnything]

I get bugged out enough when I'm by the water and haven't even a fishing pole with me. Can't imagine staying by the water and leaving the boat at home.

[Pirate]

Presnells is being remodeled (new ramp and management) and you could probably store it there. A little drive around but close to good fishing.

[FishWithChris]

That's a heck of a drive to go between St Joe and Eco...

Call the local places down there and get some ideas for weekly/daily storage rentals you can use.

[RHTFISH]

Have a great vacation my friend! Charter sounds like fun for sure!

[zload]

Mexico Beach Marina had rental slips for a pretty decent weekly price a couple of years ago and we parked our trailers at the city ramp with lots of others, not posted on their web site but a way better drive especially if you plan on fishing outside the bay, I suspect PSJ marina would also have room. The city ramp has a $10/day fee now so may make storage on the water less expensive if you fish the whole week.

[trout fisher]

That's a heck of a drive to go between St Joe and Eco...

Call the local places down there and get some ideas for weekly/daily storage rentals you can use.

Oh no, I wasn't doing that. I keep my boat at my little place at Econfina. It would be like leaving it at home and not carrying a boat.

I appreciate all the comments fellas. I was thinking the same thing. My wife put those evil thoughts in my head about not carrying a boat. I'll be sure and tell her I received expert advice on the situation.

[MudDucker]

Knowing you, there are really only 2 choices:

1) Take the boat; or
2) Take enough natty light to make you forget that you forgot to take the boat.

I think option 1) will probably not land in you in as much trouble as option 2).

[trout fisher]

Knowing you, there are really only 2 choices:

1) Take the boat; or
2) Take enough natty light to make you forget that you forgot to take the boat.

I think option 1) will probably not land in you in as much trouble as option 2).

I think you are correct. We compromised. I'm taking the pontoon, not a fishing machine but something the whole family can go out on and enjoy, (which is what it's about anyway). Thanks again fellas for all the advice.

[Dubble Trubble]

I guess I am a lucky man. First thing my wife says when we are going to the beach is "You got the boat ready?"

Dubble