Vacation to Florida Keys

radar750

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Jun 8, 2003
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62
Always wanted to go to the Florida Keys or some little get away place on the west coast of Fla. Not to crowed. Would be with my wife and 14yr old son.We like small places,nice and clean but does not have to be 4star, would like it to be tropical looking. I would like to have a boat to use at will to fish,swim/snorkle or just drive around and explore. Would be going in July or August. Does any one know any nice little get away spots? Thanks
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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5,754
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Hi Radar.. There are still a few kinda quiet, low key, "mom & pop" motels in the keys.. Some have boats for rent right near by or dockage for your own boat...
 

radar750

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Jun 8, 2003
Messages
62
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Snapper, would you by chance know any of these places? I have looked on line and there is a lot of info. Most places seem too big but I wont rule anything out, The hunt goes on. Thanks Snap.
 

Scooby

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Jun 25, 2002
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Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Go to a"google" and type in "marathon fishing". You'll come up with alot of different sites to explore. If you don't want to go all the way to the keys there is a little tropical island on the west coast of Florida (North of Tampa quite a bit) called "Cedar Key". I hear the fishing is quite good there. Enjoy.
 

Fly Rod

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Oct 31, 2002
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Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Radar750 !! :) <br />I stay in the Islamorda area when the wife and I are down that way. <br />Very few beaches along the Keys.<br />I know you said you like small places. There are a few in the area.<br />Bud & Marys isn't for a family. Nice place if you just like to go fishing.<br />The Hampton Inn is good but the hotel is huge.<br />Holiday Isle is like a big play place. May not be what you are looking for.<br />Click on Capt. Jack Backus web site He has a bunch of motels listed with pictures and phone numbers. www.fishme.com click on Lodging w/links<br />If you are going to be in that area and looking for a charter you might want to try him He goes out of his way.<br />You can rent 20-22' boats out of Bud & Marys for about $200.00 a day <br />And if you are in that area a very good restaurant is the Green Turtle on the main road.
 

Dhadley

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Feb 4, 2001
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Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

If you go during lobster season (sportsman or main) prepare for it to be mobbed down there. And prepare to be hot!!<br /><br />Good luck!
 

radar750

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Jun 8, 2003
Messages
62
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Hi all, Thanks for the info,I have been checking out all kinds of web sites and found some good stuff. Hey Nick I checked out Pennecamp and it sounds beautiful we will defiantly spend a couple of days there if we go.GT 150 I wil check out cedar Key,Dhadley I didn't even know there was/is a lobster season, do you know when it is and I will avoid it, we can go any time late June to Labor day. Anybody know about the Everglades in the Summer, it seemes to be there slow time and I am guessing it has to do with buggy conditions.I don't mind a few buzzers but I have a feeling it is bad.Like I said before it does not have to be the Keys, we just want Hot,wet,fishing,boating,swin/snorkle not too crowded if possible.We have frequent flier tickets to anywhere in Cont US. Thanks again Paul
 

Dhadley

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Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

LOBSTER SEASON: Lobster season opens August 6th and closes March 31st, with a special 2-day mini-season the last Wednesday and Thursday of July.<br /><br />I copied that from a Keys website. Usually the fist month is a madhouse, especially the first 2 weeks (reg season). The "Sportsman season" (mini-season) is getting more and more crowded each year.<br /><br />We go the first week in June for the fishing, boating, swimming etc. It's already hot hot hot by then. Make sure your boat has a bimini top. And a good cooler! :) <br /><br />Its great! Have fun!<br /><br />PS; dont forget to do Key West at sunset!
 

snapperbait

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Aug 20, 2002
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Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Radar.. The everglades is bad as far as skeeters but it's a beautiful place to visit... I think the skeeters there are immune to bug repellant... :eek: <br /><br /> I stayed at flamingo a time or two and if you go out after dark the skeeters will carry you away... <br /><br />I gave blood at everglades national park.. :p
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Radar.. The everglades is bad as far as skeeters but it's a beautiful place to visit... I think the skeeters there are immune to bug repellant...
Immune???? That's what they have for cocktails before dinner! (Dinner is the person wearing the cocktail!)<br /><br /> :D
 

Rmac

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Joined
Jan 27, 2004
Messages
30
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

I'm gonna be in the Keys From apr 9 - apr16,, we're staying at the Coconut Mallory and Marina,, website looks awsome<br /><br />RM
 

ptsearch

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2003
Messages
17
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Hi Radar,<br /><br />We go to a place called Banana Bay in Marathon every year and love it. It is on the Bay side but has easy access to the ocean. They have boats to rent at the small marina. Dave is the Dock Master and is a great guy. They have a small beach and great Tiki Hut with music at night. The most tropical place we have ever been. Rooms are nice and clean. The other place that is 5 Star is Hawks Cay. A little big for my taste but a very nice place. Good luck... John
 

Curtis66

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Joined
Sep 19, 2002
Messages
40
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

Radar you might want to check into a sailing charter, they do stop at various places for snorkeling, swimming, fishing and secluded beaches for a night. I have a friend who went down during December and said it was the only way to go... I think it was Blackbeard charters but there are many on the net... :cool:
 

mati

Cadet
Joined
Mar 13, 2004
Messages
11
Re: Vacation to Florida Keys

have you tried camping. I highly recommend Boyds Campground on Stock Island which for all intents and purposes is Key West. You'll be right on the water. There is a boat launch, dockage etc.Also a swimming pool. I yank my boat down every year from Toronto and spend 2 weeks on the water. At night you'll find me on Duval St. at Sloppy Joe's. Go camping and have more fun. To hell with the expensive hotels.
 
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