Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
#6542642
05/23/19 12:13 PM
05/23/19 12:13 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
OP
trapper
|
OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
|
Hey guys. Planned to do something like this two years ago, but then the hurricanes happened and ruined that... Wanting to drive down this December/January perhaps and spend a month or so bumming around Florida. My background is outdoor adventure, so sleeping in the back of our SUV, or tent is just part of the fun. Bringing a zodiac with 15hp engine, and planning on doing kind of whatever we feel like. Fishing, ocean exploring, etc. Last time I wanted to bring my Yamaha Waverunner, but I feel like a good zodiac will be a lot more versatile, and less of a risk than bringing a ten thousand dollar supercharged machine with us...it will be slower, but who cares. Easier to fish out of a zodiac. The engine is newer, so no reliability issues. Plus, PWCs are not allowed on the gulf side, so that rules out some pretty cool stuff. The biggest expense will be finding a place to stay. I am quite at home here with a tent and backpack, canoe, car, etc, but going down there where everything costs something and finding places to spend the night with a vehicle might be a bit more tough. Found a place to stay at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. https://www.bpkfl.com/Rates.htmlThey have "rustic campsites", evn beach front which is I think $56.00 a night. Planning on doing that for a week or so, but wondering if there is anywhere else to do it cheaper, etc? Or if pulling the boat up and setting up camp somewhere out of the way is frowned upon, illegal etc. Anyone have any advice for me and my wife?
Last edited by Hutchy; 05/23/19 12:14 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
[Re: hippie]
#6542664
05/23/19 12:58 PM
05/23/19 12:58 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4,528 MN
Donnersurvivor
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4,528
MN
|
Also check out the state parks. I've found the ones that have campsites to be slot cheaper than private owned one's. Just Google Florida state parks. Yes do this, try Bahia Honda State park, I never stay there because I am never able to book far enough in advance and it fills up 6+ months ahead of time. Worth looking into for sure.
|
|
|
Re: Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
[Re: Donnersurvivor]
#6542691
05/23/19 01:58 PM
05/23/19 01:58 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
OP
trapper
|
OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
|
I have go to the keys at that time every year. 56 dollars a night is the cheapest you are going to find unless someone lets you toss a tent up in their yard, dont try and hide out and camp on the side of the road they will just run you off, I doubt you can camp on the islands from the boat without being harassed but who knows. I have never stayed at Big pine lodge but I hear its nice. My favorite place was the KOA on Sugarloaf but it got smashed up pretty good and has been closed for two years now, supposed to be going again this year but I dont know what the camping situation will be. I also like the Jolly rogers resort and campground on Marathon but it is around 70 dollars a night for a campsite and kind of loud as it is close to the highway. The Zodiac will do you well, many people run Zodiacs, I personally only bring a Kayak so I cant tell you much about that.
Make sure your tent is Noseeum proof as they can be brutal down there. You can PM me any questions or post them up as you think of them and ill try and get back to you. Awesome. I will message you later!
|
|
|
Re: Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
[Re: Hutchy]
#6542701
05/23/19 02:16 PM
05/23/19 02:16 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4,528 MN
Donnersurvivor
trapper
|
trapper
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4,528
MN
|
I Know the zodiac is a good option for all around exploring. Fairly inexpensive, holds a decent amount, planes well, and is super portable. Doesnt need a trailer, and yet safe in our georgian bay four and five footers.
What is the water like that time of year? I Imagine the gulf side is somewhat calm, and the other side is a bit rougher?
You will be able to go out on the Gulf side almost any day and will have to pick your days on the Atlantic, winter is their rough water season but the fishing is okay in Kayak range and will be much better Zodiac range you just will probably not be able to target the true blue water fish (tuna etc) but should be able to get plenty of Snapper and grunts and if lucky a legal grouper (season closes January 1st). If you like snorkeling or diving I would highly recommend to bring that gear, diving for lobsters is a great experience. Camping without electricity may be brutally hot 80+ degrees and super high humidity can be miserable for those of us from the North.
|
|
|
Re: Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
[Re: Hutchy]
#6542717
05/23/19 03:25 PM
05/23/19 03:25 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,216 NE
Marty B
"arbitrary noob"
|
"arbitrary noob"
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,216
NE
|
Also, not limited to the keys, we are going to be hanging out there for a while, but will be down for whatever.
Everglades backcountry sites look good at 16 bucks a night.
100% Deet
|
|
|
Re: Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
[Re: Marty B]
#6542721
05/23/19 03:38 PM
05/23/19 03:38 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
OP
trapper
|
OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
|
Also, not limited to the keys, we are going to be hanging out there for a while, but will be down for whatever.
Everglades backcountry sites look good at 16 bucks a night.
100% Deet Understood. My house is surrounded by a horseshoe shaped pond. If you can run to the car without getting bit you are doing good. lol Prepared!
|
|
|
Re: Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
[Re: Donnersurvivor]
#6542724
05/23/19 03:39 PM
05/23/19 03:39 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
OP
trapper
|
OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
|
I Know the zodiac is a good option for all around exploring. Fairly inexpensive, holds a decent amount, planes well, and is super portable. Doesnt need a trailer, and yet safe in our georgian bay four and five footers.
What is the water like that time of year? I Imagine the gulf side is somewhat calm, and the other side is a bit rougher?
You will be able to go out on the Gulf side almost any day and will have to pick your days on the Atlantic, winter is their rough water season but the fishing is okay in Kayak range and will be much better Zodiac range you just will probably not be able to target the true blue water fish (tuna etc) but should be able to get plenty of Snapper and grunts and if lucky a legal grouper (season closes January 1st). If you like snorkeling or diving I would highly recommend to bring that gear, diving for lobsters is a great experience. Camping without electricity may be brutally hot 80+ degrees and super high humidity can be miserable for those of us from the North. I am as green to saltwater fishing as can be. Is my bass/walleye rod going to suffice? Was only hoping to bring one.
|
|
|
Re: Help! Florida Keys on the cheap.
[Re: swift4me]
#6542726
05/23/19 03:46 PM
05/23/19 03:46 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954 On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
Hutchy
OP
trapper
|
OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7,954
On Georgian Bay, Ontario Canad...
|
I never camped in the Keys but have fished there several times. Everything is expensive. Load up on food and supplies before you get there. I've seen the state parks and done some freelance fishing off the highway for bonefish, but mostly fly fished tarpon with guides.
Beautiful area and the Zodiac should be fine. Make sure you pay attention to the tides but I guess a Zodiac is easier to pull off a sand bar than a Bayliner.
Good luck.
Pete What were you using for the bonefish? And a zodiac is going to get rolled up and put on my trailer hitch carrier. I can carry the boat somewhat easily sans engine. Engine will go inside the vehicle. I get that everything is pricey. We are big into freezer bag cooking (which sounds awful, but is actually cheap, fast and delicious. With a jetboil I can have an entree while sitting in traffic) Easy to bring food with us, and my Pellican cooler holds ice for ages. We are well versed in cheap, as otherwise we couldn't do half the stuff we do. I am not averse to doing some guided stuff. Spending money on that kind of stuff is a good idea IMO
Last edited by Hutchy; 05/23/19 03:46 PM.
|
|
|
|
|