Ft. Jefferson... Dry Tortugas - The Hull Truth

Captain Ducman · 03-15-2010, 06:00 PM

We have a place in Big Pine Key for ~ a month in June-July and will be taking our boat. My dad will be sailing his boat out to Ft. Jefferson from Tampa, we want to run out there and hang with him for some diving and fishing and a slice of the Jimmy Buffet life. I've seen some posts on here of trips and they look awesome, I have only been there on a sailboat in the past and looking for input from those that have run out there in powerboats. Is anyone else planning on heading out there between June 10 and July 10th?

Just looking for input on provisions, routing and basically anything you have to add.
(I put fishing in there but me and dad give "Rookie Fishermen" a bad name, so any input on what to bring would be greatly appreciated). Without coming down on us too hard, we are both very conservative and have a great respect for WX, maintenance and our abilities/experience. Both of our careers depend(ed) heavily on judgment of the aforementioned. I have spent a lot of time on this and other forums reading the wealth of experience other have to offer on hundreds of different topics and now I'm just asking for some "been there done that" input.

TIA

C Skip R · 03-15-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Ducman

We have a place in Big Pine Key for ~ a month in June-July and will be taking our boat. My dad will be sailing his boat out to Ft. Jefferson from Tampa, we want to run out there and hang with him for some diving and fishing and a slice of the Jimmy Buffet life. I've seen some posts on here of trips and they look awesome, I have only been there on a sailboat in the past and looking for input from those that have run out there in powerboats. Is anyone else planning on heading out there between June 10 and July 10th?

Just looking for input on provisions, routing and basically anything you have to add.
(I put fishing in there but me and dad give "Rookie Fishermen" a bad name, so any input on what to bring would be greatly appreciated). Without coming down on us too hard, we are both very conservative and have a great respect for WX, maintenance and our abilities/experience. Both of our careers depend(ed) heavily on judgment of the aforementioned. I have spent a lot of time on this and other forums reading the wealth of experience other have to offer on hundreds of different topics and now I'm just asking for some "been there done that" input.

TIA

Its a great trip and the weather should be fine that time of year. Be sure you have the range on the boat. Its approximately 75 nm one way from
KW so you need at least a 200 mi range allowing for bad weather, etc No fuel, water or supplies are available at Fort Jefferson.

Captain Ducman · 03-16-2010, 02:43 AM

Thanks Skip R,

I read you cant use the dock except for loading and unloading, I saw pics of powerboats just feet off the shore. Is this where the rangers want/let you anchor for the night? I can't remember what the non-livaboards did for overnight mooring.

Thanks again.

triplenet · 03-16-2010, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Ducman

Thanks Skip R,

I read you cant use the dock except for loading and unloading, I saw pics of powerboats just feet off the shore. Is this where the rangers want/let you anchor for the night? I can't remember what the non-livaboards did for overnight mooring.

Thanks again.

Smaller vessels pull up to the snad/rock beach left or right of of the dock and anchor off in 3ft of water.... Secure your stern with a beach anchor...

Its a great trip and fort really is an amazing place... As said, bring what you need but dont over do it... First time we went my boat was loaded down like we were crossing the Atlantic...

Prop Blast · 03-16-2010, 09:09 AM

Even though you're "rookie" fishermen, remember that you do need a Florida Saltwater fishing license.

If you do plan on fishing; bring chum; 4-5 blocks for one session of reef fishing, that along with some fresh ballyhoo/pilchards/squid should do the trick. 30lbs conventional or 15lbs spinning tackle will work. Just remember to consult the open/closed seasons for bottomfish before you leave KW. Stop by Conchy Joe's Tackle on Roosevelt Ave in KW (across from Garrison Bight Marina) and check in with them.

Don't go "cheap" on the ice -- you'll need LOTS that time of the year. High quality coolers like Engel, Yeti, Frigid Rigid, ... earn their price out there. If you don't own one, you might want to borrow one.

PB

Captain Ducman · 03-16-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplenet

Its a great trip and fort really is an amazing place... As said, bring what you need but dont over do it... First time we went my boat was loaded down like we were crossing the Atlantic...

what would have been left at the dock if you did it again? Would you have doubled down on if anything (besides ice)? everyone advises I can't bring enough.

Quote:

Even though you're "rookie" fishermen, remember that you do need a Florida Saltwater fishing license.

If you do plan on fishing; bring chum; 4-5 blocks for one session of reef fishing, that along with some fresh ballyhoo/pilchards/squid should do the trick. 30lbs conventional or 15lbs spinning tackle will work. Just remember to consult the open/closed seasons for bottomfish before you leave KW. Stop by Conchy Joe's Tackle on Roosevelt Ave in KW (across from Garrison Bight Marina) and check in with them.

Don't go "cheap" on the ice -- you'll need LOTS that time of the year. High quality coolers like Engel, Yeti, Frigid Rigid, ... earn their price out there. If you don't own one, you might want to borrow one.

PB

Thanks to all that responded! that's the kind of info I'm looking for! I have my FSW license but Dad is 65yo so he's covered under the "age discrimination - he doesnt need a license clause"

. I understand we can catch grouper after April30, but did I read correctly that we can't clean them until we get back to land? Does Ft Jefferson count or does that mean KW?

" Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore (heads, fins & tails intact)."

I appreciate you guys going easy on this Rookie, I've always been told the only stupid question is the one you DON'T ask. Keep the great info coming...

TinManMike · 03-16-2010, 07:43 PM

We are planning a similar run-down in May. We're staying in Marathon and will leave early morning, stop in Key West to top off fuel, ( both boats have 260 gallons), run to the fort. Anchor, fish, do the been there-done that pic thing, then fish our way back to Marathon. We will check on the fuel issue, so a stop back in Key West might be needed. Sea conditions have to be favorable of course for optimum fuel economy and safety. We tried last year in the first week of June, but our weather window wasn't optimistic for that run. We had our wives, therefore it had to be perfect!!

This year, 8 guys, 2-27' boats.

I'll post after our trip. Good Luck!

triplenet · 03-17-2010, 08:03 AM

[quote=Captain Ducman;2854976]what would have been left at the dock if you did it again? Would you have doubled down on if anything (besides ice)? everyone advises I can't bring enough. quote]

Thats a good question....

I think we had wayyyy too much water, soda, and snacks that really made the boat very heavy... We also had 2 tenants, pots and pans,,,, too much charcoal, etc,,,,

Just ration everything... Its only 2 or 3 nights... And so what if you run out of anything... There are usually others on the island that will help a bit... Maybe

My ride was getting 1.3mpg on the way out... Not fun watching the 178 gallons drain down so fast...

When u get 1/2 way - maybe 40 miles... Start trolling diving plugs in 20ft of water.... We slammed grouper all the way to the fort... And some king sized YT as well....

Have fun - its an easy trip if weather is good - we are going to go in May or June as well....