Fl Keys Trip Report---John & Shirley

[john59]

Hi gals & guys. Left PA 3/8---stopped overnite KOA Fayetteville, NC. On to St. Mary's GA, KOA overnite. 2 day stopover at Johnathan Dickinson State Park Hobesound FL. Stayed in the new (refurbished) section Plenty of space. Super place for a State Park. TV reception excellent, no WiFi. John Pennekamp (Key Largo) State Park, 5 days. Sites are small, but a really nice park. No, nada, nyet TV--No signal. There is a hot spot for your computer near the concession stand.
Next 7 days, Sunshine Key (across rt 1 from Bahia Honda State Park). Pricey, but a super RV park. They have it all.
Just moved to Marathon, Grassy Key RV resort. Will give you the info on this RV park. Spending 7 days here.
As a note---Shirley & I love to snorkel, especially off a beach--We had to wear our wetsuits to snorkel. First time this has ever happened. Water was darn cold---Any questions write and I will try to answer all.
Next post on this thread from me will be about FISHIN----Boy you shoulda saw da one dat got away !!!!! I sure am catchin fish. Half of them, I have no idea what they are.
Just a tease for the fisherpeeeples ; I released between 20 to 30, from 22" to 30" on the incoming tide last evening from my kayak.
More tomorrow. Again fire away with questions.
john

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I do hope you are sampling some of that fresh catch from time to time, The good lord didnt mean for ALL fish to be released, he knew we had to eat too.
Sounds like Shirley and you are having a great time. I too love to snorkel.
Wait'n for the lies,,uhh, I mean, wait'n to hear bout the one that got away !

 

[stacktester]

John, is that the campground that's pretty much a white rock place with no trees? We stayed at Jolly Roger on Grassy last June and it was pretty run down but rustic. The camper was hanging over the water we were so close. The lobster were all over the seawall . Out of season of course. Have a great trip.

 

[john59]

stacktester---Donnie

Grassy Key Rv is small, but really clean. A small swimming pool next to the office and clubhouse and a small marina.

To give you an idea the marina water is aerated. This RV resort has recently been refurbished. I will have a better feel for management and customers in a day or two. The marina was really clean---no beach to swim off, but a beach to lounge on.

The test today will be, if they charge me ($$$$$$$) to keep my kayak in the water. Don't get me wrong, I am not against a fee, but not the standard per foot length. Remember, I have about a 4 inch beam and my width is about 20inches at the widest.

On the dock I look out at the Gulf and I can just feel the fishies are there and hungry.
john

 

[john59]

Frank & FISHIN: Still lookin for the bigun---The fish I caught the other evening were a combo of Cerro and Spanish Mackerel. They are like high speed torpedoes---Light tackle, 8lb test ; they are winners. Up to 30 inches in length.

Basically they give you 3 scorching runs---You have to keep the drag really turned down. I almost lost my spinning rod twice. Don't get your fingers near their mouth. Really nasty.

Started with shrimp and was catching what looked like porgies. They were fun. Did a combo, shrimp with squid triangle trailer---That's what the mackerel wanted. Cast and then hang on ! ! !

Next story will be aout snappers & grunts, flyrodding and my secret chum concoction.
john

 

[john59]

My chum concoction-----One can of chunk mackerel, 2 tins of sardines, 2 cans of catfood, 1/2 lb of uncooked rice and 1/3 box of yellow cornmeal. Mix that mess together and ladle it overboard. Take at least 3 showers after fishing.

Talked to the Mgr. of Grassy Key---the resort sits on the gulf inside of a huge U. Two good points to fish off in the kayak.

Picked the managers brain a tad "don't go back in the cove off to the left, all barracudas back in there".

Guess where John Boy with kayak is going tomorrow. Barracuda hunting. Report tomorrow night.
john

 

[disney4dan]

I remember camping with the family as a kid on Sunshine Key - probably in the late 70's or so. My brother and I took the canoe out a few times and got a real education on tides and currents. Lucky for us, dear old dad had warned us how to not fight the current but paddle like hell perpendicular to it and eventually you get in an eddy. Learned how to get in close to the shore after that.

There is something sort of "primal" about the first time you put your face in the water with a facemask on to look at the cute little fishies at maybe 10 years old and see a hungry barracuda staring back at you. Those guys are not very friendly lookin.