Author: Capt Rusty

A few years back, Rusty Gardner bought a boat. Like most folks, he took it out on the weekends, but soon the lure of the water grabbed him, and the boat became an obsession. Every week he took off, and every week he came home wanting more. “I want to experience the real Florida,” he thought, “and I want to do it by boat!” But there are hundreds of waterways in Florida. How do you know where to find the boat ramps, the restaurants, a place to stay the night? Hunting down all of these locations can take hours – and that’s hours you’re not on your boat. Enter FloridaByWater.com. The idea seemed reasonably simple in Rusty's head. Just list all of the locations where you can take your boat in Florida. Ok, maybe not so simple. Two years and over 1500 locations later, phase one of the FloridaByWater.com is now ready to go! Along the way, Rusty found that Florida truly is a boater’s paradise. On his way to tracking down all those locations, he got help from friends, Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Bureaus and even strangers with common interests in local boating. Working together, they made the dream come true. Now Rusty’s dream of a comprehensive boater’s paradise is complete.
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Don’t be a rope-a-dope

In the whole scheme of boating one of the least expensive items you’ll buy for your boat is a set of dock lines. You’ll handle the lines every time you go boating. So why do so many boaters refuse to spend a few bucks?
At my marina you’ll see lines of different sizes and colors, some with eye splices and some with knots and I’m talking about the same boat. One of the signs of an amateur boater, in addition to cruising around with all your fenders hanging, is wrapping the excess line around the dock cleat 35 times rather than making a neat Flemish flake or a slip chain. Lastly, don’t be a rope-a-dope. There are no ropes on a boat. As soon as a rope goes on the boat or is tied to it, it’s a line.
The test of a good knot is can it be untied easily. Recently a boat in my marina was moving and the owner had his detailer, Jose, helping him move. Jose spent half an hour to untie the line from the piling. This negated the savings of not buying a line with an eye. Three strand nylon with a prespliced eye is only a few dollars more. A knot can reduce the strength of a line up to 50%. A splice can retain about 90% of the tensile strength.
Since I’m spending your money, how much are we talking about? A 25’ three strand economy 1/2” line costs $19.99. A premium line cost $32.99 and is 30% stronger. Double braid is stronger yet and is $38.99. (West Marine online prices) All the prices were different in my 2012 catalogue and will probably be higher when you read this article. Welcome to boating. To save a few dollars, dock lines are a good thing to buy at a marine flea market.
White lines are stronger. But, colors look better. For ease of handling double braid is the way to go. I like to have different colors for different lengths. The general rule for length is 2/3 of the boat length for bow and stern lines and the boat length for a spring line. Your permanent dock lines could be sized to your dock so you may save a few dollars.
Speaking of spring lines, if you dock in a slip you probably only need a forward spring line to keep from going back into the seawall. At my marina several boats have forward and after spring lines and breast lines. Maybe they’re expecting a hurricane. When you tie up alongside a pier in a crowded marina you can use a forward and after spring line as you may have a boat in front and back of yours.

By Bob E. Sherman
Syndicated Writer with Florida By Water
http://www.bobesherman.com/

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Hooked on Carrabelle

Year after year, as I travel across the state looking for that perfect boating destination, I often find myself coming back to one small fishing community located in the heart of the Forgotten Coast. Carrabelle, Florida is not your typical tourist destination. Most people I talk to actually have no idea where Carrabelle is located or if they do, they quickly associate it with fishing.  So during our last visit we set out to find other adventures — adventures that could be enjoyed either by the entire family or by a couple just looking to reconnect.

The beauty of Carrabelle is found in its simplicity. There are no red lights (there’s only one in the whole county!), but there are great boat ramps, mom-and-pop restaurants and lodging, plus easy access to Dog Island and St. George Island.  You don’t have to look far to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.  For this trip, we chose a private beach house on St. George Sound, just a few miles from the center of Carrabelle. Not quite sure what to expect, we were elated to find a beautiful three bedroom home located directly on the beach and surrounded by towering pines. A private deck provided a priceless view of the sunset over St. George Island.  This oasis delivered everything we needed to escape from our everyday lives.

Our goal for this trip was to try new things, so we left our boat at home this time and set out in a smaller craft.  Carrabelle offers all kinds of recreational activities that could be easily missed by the weekend traveler. Two options we really enjoyed were a kayak tour of the Crooked River and an Eco Tour of St. James Bay.

The Crooked River connects the tidal estuary of the Ochlocknee River to a junction with the tidal Carrabelle River. The 25-milewaterway winds its way along 13,000 acres of marshland created to preserve the black bear land, which is now a part of Tate’s Hell State Forest.  Whether you are an experienced kayaker or a novice, you can’t go wrong with this tour. There’s something new to see around every bend as you discover Florida the way it was meant to be.  We chose a guided tour provided by St. James Bay Golf Resort, which is a destination unto itself, providing the areas only Audubon golf course, which features fifteen lakes, and world-class accommodations.

Our next adventure was to embark on an Eco Tour with Captain Chester Reese of Natural World Charters.  Capt. Chester was by far one of the most interesting individuals I have met in some time.  His wide and varied local knowledge made the tour come to life.  As we traveled the 3.5 miles across the St George Sound in his 24’ Morgan Sport Fisherman, it became clear that his passion for the area was contagious.  Stories about the history of Dog Island came to life as Capt. Chester explained how the French discovered the island in 1536 and common sailors — known as dogs — were left on the island so they could not jump ship when they hit the mainland. The pirates are long gone, though.  Today only a few homeowners and the Nature Conservatory inhabit the island.  A short stop provided a great opportunity for shelling as well as a closer look at history.

No trip to the Forgotten Coast is complete without experiencing some of the freshest seafood found in the state.  Over the years we have found a few favorites we think should be visited by everyone who finds themselves along the banks of the Carrabelle River.

Fathoms Steam Room and Raw Bar provides a rustic atmosphere with live entertainment and fresh steamed or raw seafood.  There’s nothing fried here. Sitting around the outside bar eating oysters while conversing with the locals gives you the feeling that this small town doesn’t know a stranger.

Another location that stands out is The Fisherman’s Wife. Known for fresh seafood, the locals will tell you it also has some of the best hamburgers in the area.  I chose a shrimp quesadilla, not something I would normally order.  Still, I decided to take a chance and order something out of the norm. This dish has now become one of my favorites.  Fun fact: The Fisherman’s Wife started as a roadside trailer where the locals could purchase a quick lunch. The entrees became so popular that they had to move to a more traditional type building. However, the original trailer still sits on the property and that’s where cooks prepare the food and pass it through the windows to servers.  As they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Lastly, if you’re looking for that fish camp feel along the water’s edge, you must try the Carrabelle Fish Camp at the Carrabelle Marina.  Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, you won’t find a better location to enjoy the beauty of the area while enjoying local cuisine. The beauty of this location is that it includes a full service marina, boat ramp and even condos for rent.  Chances are you will find yourself content just to sit on the deck and watch the hours go by.

Carrabelle, Florida is a destination that should not be overlooked. If you’re a fisherman, it’s perfect.  If you’re a boater, it’s paradise. And if you’re a tourist who is looking to relax, it’s a dream come true.  It’s no wonder that so many of us are hooked on Carrabelle.

For more information contact the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce at www.Carrabelle.org or call 850-697-2585.
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Baby It’s Cold Outside

The months of January, February and even part of March are not known as the best months for boating here in North Florida. In fact, many us tend to focus our attention on other things and try to patiently wait out the less than ideal conditions. However, as a passionate boater I find these down times to be a blessing in disguise. As with any lifestyle, it’s imperative to set aside time for planning and education. I know that this doesn’t necessarily sound exciting, but you’ll have to trust me – it is!

The Perfect Destination
If I’m not going somewhere on my boat, the odds are I’m planning my next adventure. I’ve come to realize that thinking about and planning a trip to a tropical paradise can be almost as rewarding as the actual trip itself — and honestly sometimes better. In my mind the weather is always perfect, my boat never breaks down and the seas are always calm. Therefore I find myself spending the winter months either planning my summer trips or daydreaming about warmer days and tropical destinations.

Your first stop in planning a cruise is often the internet, but the information you’re hunting for is often hidden and difficult to find. That’s why I created Florida By Water — to save you the endless hours I spent searching for new destinations to explore by boat. The site is broken down by city and then into categories like campgrounds, marinas, daytrips, restaurants, boat ramps and hotels. Often you’ll find reviews from other boaters that can help you make your decision. Every location on the site is accessible by water. Florida By Water does not charge for listings, therefore we list anywhere and everywhere you can get to on your boat.

My recommendation: look for areas you’ve never visited before. Last summer we discovered Carrabelle, Florida. It’s one of those small but great boating and fishing destinations that tend to be overlooked by the majority of boaters. Carabelle’s a quaint town with great water access and the charm that only a small fishing village can bring. Here’s another example a Florida By Water member sent me a few weeks ago:

“We are still cruising. We are at Whiddens Marina on Gasparilla Island, a charming, hospitable, old Florida marina that has been in the same family since the twenties. Another one of those hard to find spots only locals know about. This place has character. A highlight of our journey! When I asked the lady how much to stay the night she said she gets $40. When we said we would anchor in the harbor for the night she said to just stay on the dock for free as there is no one else here staying. I believe she lives in the upstairs of this old building. There is an old (everything here is old) museum attached and an outhouse with shower. It's wild. Like we have gone back in time. While it may not appeal to all, we feel privileged to find and be able to experience the rustic nature of this place. We will be back home on Tuesday.”

Once I’ve chosen my destination, I spend the next few weeks charting my waypoints. Personally I use Garmin Homeport for my charting software, however many companies make the same type of software. I can easily add all of the GPS coordinates from the comfort of my home, create routes and upload them to the chart plotter. Then I’ll save these and revisit them many times before heading to my new location. Another great information source — a quick call to a local sea tow or marina can provide valuable tips about the area. Just make sure that when you’re boating in unfamiliar waters you always use your charts, as well as local information.

Events
Another winter option is to attend some of the many boat shows that are held after the first of the year. More than half of the NMMA boats shows are held during the month of January. Here in the Jacksonville area, the Jacksonville Marine Association Boat Show is at the Prime Osborne Convention Center from January 27-29, and the Southeastern Boat Show’s at Metropolitan Park April 20-22. If you’re up for a road trip, one of the best boat shows in the nation is in Miami on February 16-20. You can find a complete list of boating events at http://www.floridabywater.com/events

Whatever you decide to do, you’ll find you don’t have to completely break from boating just because the weather is a little less than desirable.

Rusty Gardner is the owner and President of floridabywater.com & Boatflorida.com

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Florida By Water is recognized for outstanding tourism marketing in Florida

Florida By Water is pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Flagler Award for “Best in Show” (under $100K category) from VISIT FLORIDA. The Award was presented during the 44th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held September 25-27 at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida.


Named for Henry Flagler, the Flagler Awards were established in 2000 to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida. Annually, the Flagler Awards honor many of the countless individuals and organizations that help maintain and improve Florida’s position as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. The awards are open to all individuals, private businesses and not-for-profit organizations offering a product or service that promotes tourism to or within the state of Florida.

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Simply Carrabelle

Carrabelle River
Carrabelle River

There are few places in Florida where you can experience solitude on an abandoned beach while watching the sun set over the Gulf. However, a small town on the Forgotten Coast is just the place if you're looking to get away from the crowds, traffic and endless displays of Florida t-shirts. Carrabelle is located about an hour south of Tallahassee, along Highway 98. Recently we decided to take a look for ourselves and see if this small fishing village had anything to offer. With the boat in tow, we made the 4-hour trip from Jacksonville with no preconceived notions.
Carrabelle is not exactly forgotten, it's just not talked about much. (Its claim to fame is the world's smallest police station.) Why does this quaint little town seem removed from the mainstream of Florida’s tourism industry? Is it the fact that it was a haven for pirates who ambushed ships in St. George Sound in the 1700s? Or maybe it's because captains avoided the area in the 1800s due to rumors of bears, wildcats and other life-threatening animals? Whatever the case, Carrabelle is still one of Florida's best kept secrets.
For our lodging, we chose a condo at Pirate's Landing. The three story, one bedroom unit with twobalconies and a screened porch was more that I could have hoped for. Not to mention the price tag!

Carrabelle River Marina

Ranging from $99-150 a night, the accommodations couldn’t be beat. The property next door is a full service marina, which makes this an outstanding choice for the boating enthusiast. Carrabelle River Marina and Fish Camp provided just the atmosphere we needed for a weekend getaway. There's great boat ramp, gas, dockage, ice, bait and a restaurant that will even prepare you a box lunch for your day on the water. The staff was friendly and made us feel like part of the community. We never even took the car out of the garage. Everything we needed was accessible by water.
Of course, as a writer for Florida By Water, my task is not just to explore the town but also to experience the water. Boating in the area is some of the best I have found. Fishing is abundant, whether it be inshore, near shore or offshore. Every location could be accessed within minutes. The beautiful emerald

Dog Island

green water and white sands along the beaches were alive with activity. Personally I'm not much of a fisherman, and even I managed to catch a fish or two in this bountiful habitat.
If you're more into cruising or spending an afternoon anchored in a secluded cove, this is your place as well. The first island you should explore is Dog Island. Accessible only by boat, Dog Island is located about 3.5 miles from the mouth of the Carrabelle River. The island is about 1/2 mile wide and 7 miles long, and serves as one of the barrier islands between the Gulf of Mexico and St. George Sound. Places like Skipper’s Cove or Tyson's Harbor are just the spots to spend an afternoon relaxing, swimming or just walking along the shore. Also, a few more active boaters seemed to find this a great place to pull a tube around and entertain the kids.
Across the channel to the west, you will find the sixth best beach in America (rated by Dr. Beach, 2011).

St George State Park
St George Island State Park

St. George Island State Park is the ideal beach for solitude. On our visit, we anchored on the Gulf side and waded a few feet to shore. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in June, we found ourselves to be the only ones on the beach. No foot prints but our own dotted the seashore. Nature watching and shelling were were great activities for this location.
Carrabelle, Florida is truly not what I expected. It was much less — and that’s exactly what I was hoping for. A small Florida town with open waters and tall pines, this is truly the Forgotten Coast and if I had my way…. I would keep the secret. (Shhh!)
For More infomration go to http://carrabelle.org or call 850-687-2585

By Rusty Gardner
www.floridabywater.com