Questions from a amateur

Flats & Grubs · Post by **Flats & Grubs** » February 6th, 2003, 12:32 pm

I'm kind of new to saltwater fishing, but I have fallen in love with it quickly. It all started with my first scalloping trip to Keaton about three years ago, and now i'm hooked on scalloping, trout, redfish and would like to try some of the artificial reefs that are relatively close . That brings me to my first question.

1. How far out would you consider safe (in good weather conditions) in a 18' c.c. Key West w/ a 90 h.p. Yamaha and a g.p.s. ( no loran) ?

2. What do you do if you get to your target location and another boat is there? I've heard varying opinions but it seems the thing to do is find another spot.

3. Was the chart I ordered off of FloridaSportsman.com with the g.p.s. locations worth it, or will the locations be to crowded.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Post by **Sea Fox** » February 6th, 2003, 1:13 pm

F,s & G,s I fish out of Carrabelle and go out 5 to 15 miles to alot of good reefs. The only limit you would have should be fuel on a ideal day. Watch the horizon for storms and if one is not moving then its coming at you.Get out of there !! . When you go out have a plan to hit several spots , so if someone is there you have a backup. But some artificial reefs are big enough for more than one boat ,just dont anchor to close. A list of published numbers is the best way to start . As you moving around offshore watch your fishfinder , some of my most consistant spots have been found by accident . GOOD LUCK !

Post by **tin can** » February 6th, 2003, 1:52 pm

G&G, Your fuel capacity is your only limit. On a good day I will take my 17' CC Key West out 18 miles.

As Sea Fox stated, most reefs are big enough for multiple boats. I like to stay at least 200' or more from another boat

Some of my better spots have been found while trolling. Artificial reefs are built in areas with good bottom. If they were put on sand or mud, in a matter of a few years they would sink into the bottom. If you go to an artificial, throw a trolling bait out the back and start easing around, watching your bottom reader. Once you learn to use your bottom reader you'll find lots of spots to fish.

Post by **Tom Keels** » February 6th, 2003, 4:54 pm

You did not state if you have a bottom reader or not.

As Tin Can stated the only limit (technically) is your fuel. But I have always maintained that the limit should be anyone on the boats comfort level. If you or anyone on the boat is uncomfortable about going out, then don't. We have taken our 17 foot Key West up to 25 miles offshore with no problems at all. Most of the time there is someone I know within radio range. Small boaters, I believe should leave early and be back early. Significant weather in Florida always happens in the afternoon. Also increased boat traffic around reefs can shut down a bite. Remember, Early bird gets the worm.

As for the reefs, while they can be good, they can be crowded. If another boat is on a reef that is public, then they have no expectation of privacy on that number. That is not to say you should go an tie up to their stern cleat. I would say on a public number that 200-300 feet would be the closest I would get to someone else. You did not state what GPS you had but all the public numbers can be found on the Area Charts page in Garmin Mapsource format.

I'll also second what TC said about the areas around the reefs being prime areas. Remember the most satisfying fishing you'll have is on a spot you found yourself.

chugbug · Post by **chugbug** » February 26th, 2003, 10:19 pm

IMO public numbers are good if no one comes on you. I found that most of the A holes gravitate to public numbers when they see you there. I have been the last three weekends and someone has anchored within 30' of me everytime. As stated before, they are a good place to start, but get a backup plan quickly or you will find yourself in the same position.