Staying In Algator Point

[kentuckman]

This time last year posted request for information and advice on boat purchase from members of this web-site. Response from many was very helpful and all my questions were answered. Boat purchase was made mid-November from Shields and have been very pleased with the 18' CC. Have been able to spend a couple weeks at Shell Island Fish Camp and a week on St George Island. Will be coming down to Alligator Point mid-October for a week. Would appreciate some info on where to launch boat, fishing, good eats, etc. Really love the area from St Marks over to Panacea and local folks. Hope to be able to spend time in the area during early spring and early / mid fall Thanks for replys.

[bman]

Worst part of Alligator Point is boat ramps... there is a one near the public beach with very limited parking and at low tide its not really accessible.
The one by the marina is "private" but open most of the time. It gets a ton of sand on it and I've had to pull several trucks out.

If it was me I'd launch at the public ramp at high tide and then rent a slip at the marina for the week.
They have gas ice and bait.

Or the Panacea / Rock Landing marina is great and the ramp is super. Just about a 45 min run around to the point and a 20 min drive from AGP.
Its my "home port" so If you go there PM me for some more detailed info.

Plenty of good fishing around AGP during October. Turkey point and turkey point shoals, Dog Island reef, and the grass flats off the end of the point with hold fish.

[mblambert]

The landing at Sun & Sand Rd has been re-shelled and is pretty good. I've had no problems launching & loading my 17' Key West, even at low tide, with my 2wheel drive. I used to use the one across from the public beach and it was a real pain, and especially at low tide,

[bman]

Forgot about that one... its good but puts you at the back end of the harbor.

[Salty Gator]

Bman hit it on the head. The marina ramp is now public, but there is no trailer parking. They were really good about removing sand from the ramp, but lately it has been terrible. Every other truck is getting stuck. Launch at the public ramp ( or marina ramp if hi tide) and rent a slip. All of the spots he mentioned are good fishing spots. As far as food, not many options. There is Angelo's at the ochlockonee bridge. Good fresh seafood, but a little pricy. There are a few restaurants in panacea and carrabelle, but that is a drive. The marina tiki bar used to fry your catch for you, but not anymore. If you want a fish sandwich from there it is frozen fried catfish. They do a decent burger and other sadwiches. We usually take our food down there and cook, because we are usually in no state to drive after being on the water all day. Good luck.

[kentuckman]

Thanks for the information guys. Made first trip to the Big Bend area two years ago and fell in love with it. Had spent a lot of time at Cape Hatteras NC over the years but beach closesures due to bird habitat pretty much has limited beach access to Cape Point and other prime fishing areas. Has more to do with big money, politicians, and Serria Club than actual damage to bird habitate and the hatchlings.
Will plan to leave boat at the Marina so more time can be spent on the water and less time launching and loading the boat. Inside the bay are there any areas to avoid.....rock gardens, submereged pipes, etc.. Have the charts and will study them but just trying to avoid trouble.

[bman]

I'm pretty sure all the "submerged piles" on the marine maps have been removed. Other than that just oyster bars and they are marked on the maps.
The shoreline along 98 is good redfish habitat and the back end oyster bars are also good for reds.

Other than that fish the grass flats.