Fishin Spot

We finally made the big time on this board also. I bet this really fills up quick.

Century 2201

Don't live locally but I fish the Destin area often. Hoping to sharing some good stuff here.

Fishin Spot

I would be out there this weekend but I'm installing a new furuno 600 Should make it a little easier than my old crappy unit

TheBoatGuy

I have a 600l in my Contender. I used it last month off Perdido Key for the first time and you will love it. It is not hard to see in the sun. My 1650gps is difficult to see but works well. I will be back fishing out of Perdido Pass June 13-18. I look forward to getting to know more of the locals. I took a couple of new fishing buddies out last trip and we had a good time and caught some fish. I may try to make it out to the Avocet and the edge next trip if the wind allows. I have to learn how to catch live bait this next trip. The frozen stuff is ok but easy for the smart fish to steal! Good luck with your new unit.
PM

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At least when Texans retire to Florida we don't wear black socks with our sandals!

LantonBlathor

I'm trying to move to that area and I had a couple of questions.

First about boats:
I'd like to fish the flats but still be able to fish some blue water. I don't need to go 100 miles out or anything, just a few miles. I'd also like to entertain friends, maybe pull a tube or knee board. I'm aiming for the 20-24' range.
I was looking at some of the deck boats but was worried about stability in blue water, and draft in shallows. Some of the cc's are looking good but are they good for playing?
I've tried learning from the websites and places like Boattest. But I haven't be able to find real answers.
So any suggestions on manufacturer or type of boat would be greatly appreciated

Second about the area:
What are some of the good areas to live and where should I stay away from? I make a good living here in California and I have a young family. So any advice on good schools or friendly neighbourhoods would be really great too.

Thanks

Fishin Spot

On the boat issue. I have a 28 ft center console and I love it! I have three kids and a wife and we use it to play also besides offshore fish. Alot of room and kids love it because they are not squezzed together on the boat. I would say look at the CC's, alot of them around here are used for your exact purpose.

On the school issue. I live in Niceville and I think it is the best schools in the county. Niceville High is awesome. My daughter went there last year, my son will be going there next year, and I went there in the early 80's. Even when we lived on the other side of the Base (Eglin, I'm military), I had my kids waivered into these schools. I'm not saying the other schools are bad but I much prefer the Niceville schools. Lewis Middle school in Valparaiso is awesome also. My son just finished up 7th there. GREAT school.

Hope this helps.

GASNAL

I would have to say Fort Walton. I lived there for 27 years and just recently moved to Al. I work in the marine field and have seen numerous boats and I would have to agree that a 22-24 CC like a Cape Horn would be perfect for you needs. I went from elementary school to high scholl (Choctaw) (arch rival to Niceville). Just had to throw that in. in F.W.B. loved living there but the traffic during the summer bites.

Capn Jack

You think the traffic is bad now. We moved there in '59 (Choctaw class of '64) F.W.B. had three traffic lights. Elgin Pkwy was two lanes and Brooks Bridge was a draw bridge. Everyday at 4:30 Eglin would clog up the entire road system. Every Sunday at 5pm a barge would go down the ICW make Brooks Bridge open and all the beach traffic would back up. Live in Houston now, am planning to retire there in 6 years.

peykojoe

Well here goes my first post. Ive been reading the board for the last few weeks, but wanted to gain more knowledge before posting. I have a lot to learn! Not a current boat owner, I have been on boats for many years that family has owned, I just never bought one. We have put a deposit on one and waiting for it to come in. We went with a Cobia 214 CC. The wife and I have two kids and we are planning on using it for Playing in the bay, Scuba Diving and Fishing. It is only one of a few boats that I found that has a walk through transom in a 20-21 ft boat size. Which was what we wanted to make for easy entry for the kids while skiing or tubbing. It also is great for diving not having to climb over a wall with gear on. Any way we live in Fort Walton Beach. Been here 3 years ( Born and raised in Pensacola) and LOVE it. The schools in both areas are rated at A+ schools and we really like them. If your looking at private schools, there are a few Really good ones here in FWB. There is a lot of traffic most of the time, but its only BAD by my standards if you travel on 98 very much. If you live up near Crestview, then the traffic and the travel time is a lot worse. I would suggest FWB,Shalimar, or Niceville.

I look forward to getting a boat and maybe meeting up with some of you guys soon.

trickycherry

peykojoe

wonderful boat! I'm sure your going to be extremley happy. Its the only boat on my short list now. Whats it powered with? Hull Color? PICs welcome to the panhandle too. Just a litle east of you in Panama City and welcome to the site!!!!!!

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peykojoe

Thanks TC!
We ordered a white one with a Yamaha 150 four stroke. Nothing to extreme for my first boat, but it should run good. We are planning on heading over that way for the Fish Stock event in August, it sounds fun. Maybe we could meet up.