Updating Local Information as the Wind Blows

Since the the wind is still over 20 knots and I am still under the weather I may as well update some of the blog. There are a few motels and charters that are no longer in business and a few new businesses starting up.

Chappy's is a new tiki restaurant that will be open very soon. It is located down by Knights Key campground. It looks like it will be a happening place. Harbor Point Marine now has boats for rent. L'Attitudes restaurant is now open under new management and doing pretty well.

On the down side, Hidden Harbor is not going to reopen. The Turtle hospital is still open though.

I stopped by Harbor Point and spoke with Janis Short about their boat rentals. They have three boats available for daily rentals ranging from $150 a day for a 20 foot Bayliner to $265 per day for a 23 foot Seacraft. For weekly rentals prices range from $1100 a week for the 20 footer to $2900 a week for a 32 foot Seacraft with twin 275 HP Mercury Verados DT's. They also have a pair of Cat hulls listed for cat fans.

The 32 foot Seacrafts are a lot of boat. So don't expect to get the keys and take off on your own right away. Captains Bill or Donny will have to ride along to verify your boating skills before you get the keys. For anyone wanting to rent a boat it is a good idea to get a safe boating card. Most states offer the course to get safe boating cards, Florida's can be found here online. There are other approved boating courses and the fees vary, so shop around. Having proof of boat ownership also helps the rental company verify your experience. Still boating in the Keys is a little different so having a captain or guide for a half day or day to show you around is always a good thing.

While on the subject of boating here are a few things that drive rental companies nuts:

Sneaking the boat in gear. That wears the clutch dogs. Put the boat in gear don't get sneaky.

Turn the helm before changing gear. If you are going to make a left hand turn, turn the wheel hard left before shifting into forward.

Don't turn the engines off approaching a dock. The only brakes a boat has is reverse. The breaks don't work with the engine off.

Learn how to tie a cleat hitch and why it is tied that way. Handling lines and ground tackle is an important part of boating.

Don't talk fishing while you are getting checked out on the boat. I don't care how much experience you have every boat is different, listen to the dock master then ask questions.

Other happenings are Main Attraction II is moving back to Key Colony Beach the first of April and Sea Squared Charters is moving to the 7 Mile Marina. Captain Howard Kelly is running Fin Chaser Charters out of the 7 Mile Marina.

Marathon in the Florida Keys should be your next fishing vacation destination. Join us for charter fishing, fishing guide trips or our fishing 101 so you can fish on your own with better success.

Tight lines,

Capt. Dallas