Crusing South-Tampa to Casey Key (Venice)

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TampaSean

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Hey Everyone,

We're planning to cruise w/ another boat down to Casey Key via the ICW.....never been south on the ICW and am looking for any info....are there a number of no wake zones, any really cool sites, anything to watch out for....

I am aware of the swing bride at Blackburn Point...think they monitor Ch.9

Anyway...appreciate any insights...we are looking forward to it!!
 
THe channel north of Jewfish Key is very narrow. THere is a n wake zone under the Cortez Bridge and a long one by the Stickney point bridge
 
Nice ride, plenty of no wake zones. It's a take your time ride.

Should you choose to venture farther south, Venice has radar police.

Don't be in a hurry.

RWS
 
the channel behind jewfish is getting better as they have starting dredging it. follow the markers very carfully and once behind jewfish only pass at idle speed.

not sure what part of tampa you are coming from, but from the north it is tempting to cut the first marking heading into the icw behind anna maria...dont.

depending on when you are going...i will be on 16 if you have any quesions and should pick you up for over half of your trip if you need anything else.

kingfisher.

othere then that it is one of my favorite trips...the icw is beautiful.
 
Thanks for the replies guys....seems like it is a pretty straight forward run....

JOE- We are leaving this Thursday and coming back Sunday and coming from the very North end of the Bay (Courtney Campbell Cswy)...by the way, I see you are at Riviera Dunes....the admiral and I are thinking of staying there sometime...how do you like it??

Oh and by the way....Anyone know how quick the Swing Bridge tender is at Blackburn Point? Is it something we need to call way ahead on or just on approach?
 
blackburne point bridge tender is very nice. i usually call when i am with in sight and let them know my attenions and ETA to bridge....they will adjust accordly.

i will be on the water sunday when you come back if you have any questions channel 16 -- kingfisher

Riviera Dunes is beautiful. nice floating docks, two floating pools, very clean in every aspect. free ice, private showers, free morning paper, 24hr security etc...the attached restaurant (mangrove grill) is good and reasonably priced for being on the water. some of the folks seem a little snobby but generally speaking nice. they are pet friendly as well.

there are very few attractions within walking distance
 
Tampasean,
If you are comming up the Manatee River, try staying at the Twin Dolpfin Marina (Before the bridge on your starboard side). the slips are ok, great restuarant on site, pool and ships store, you sometimes get a free appetizer if you stay in the marina. Lots to do across the street at the planitarium and museum. You can walk there, 2 minutes.

Riviera Dunes is ok, nicer docks, food is so so, pools are nice, but there is nothing at all to do there. I would give Twin Dolphin a try, nice marina, protected entrance makes for a nice calm sleep at night.

Another nice place to stay further down is Marina Jacks aka marine Operations, its within walking distance of downtown Sarasota, lots to do, great restuarants, clean showers, good rest. on site. Its about an hour and 20 minutes south of where you are thinking of going. Just hook a left when you go under the Ringling Bridge and you cant miss them.
 
i agree with ocean spray.

for a visit i would go to twin dolphin...much more to do and see.

mariana jacks is great also.
 
Well, We got back safe and sound...what a great and beuatiful ride.....3.5 hrs and alot of great scenery!!

Thanks to all for the info...looking forward to the next trip!

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Thanks guys....it kinda cool to know you are almost guaranteed to see himn just by slapping the side of the boat...nice little "tourist attraction"

Sad though that the word still has not gotten out NOT to feed him...plenty of rentals doing so the weekend we were there...potentially dangerous.......
 
it is very dangerous. my friend feed him and she nearly lost her thumb and index finger. not that begger was biting it off, he mearly shredded it. fortunately they were able to put them back together.

normally that area is pretty heavily patrolled to eliminate the feeding of begger.

i am running thru there this weekend on my way to boca grande...i will be sure to tell begger you said hey
 
Just went through there for the first time this past, past Saturday. First time seeing Begger thought it was really cool. Pissed me off that folks were feeding him stupid stupid stupid. You dont have to feed him to see him. He comes up to your boat and swim with you for a while. Marine patrol was all over..not for the feeding part though.
 
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