Panama City August 13/14/15 2015

[Slugger55]

Ok! We are getting close to the mini meet at Treasure Island Marina. Probably a good idea to set the day and time.

 

[Helipilot11]

Jealous!

 

[ScarabMike]

The wife and I wanted to check out Crab Island. How far is it from Panama City?
Also, there isnt a boat launch at Treasure Island, but the state park off of Thomas Dr has a really nice one. If it isnt too far, we could meet up at the park, and ride to Crab Island, or I can trailer the boat to a ramp somewhere and meet up there. We can meet Saturday morning around 9-10ish somewhere?

Today is get the boat ready day!

 

[Slugger55]

Are you talking about Crab Island over in Destin? The big attraction here is Shell Island... The St. Andrews State park does have a launch, it is just down the road from Treasure Island Marina. It is probably your best place to launch...

 

[ToddW850]

It will take about an hour to boat over here to Crab Island from Panama City. If you're going to head this way, take the ICW over. That's what I'm taking if the meet is at Shell Island.

Also, My Avatar and Signature are both from Crab Island. Water has been great over here, and I'm sure you'll have a great experience....not that I'm trying to push the meet here or anything.

 

[ScarabMike]

@ToddW850 @Slugger55

Either works for me. Is there a ramp that is a little close to crab island? From what I have read, its pretty crazy with people.

 

[ToddW850]

@ScarabMike I use Joe's Bayou Boat Launch (700 block of Beach Drive in Destin). There is a fee. $20 I think. It's 5-10 minute boat ride to Crab Island.

Yes, things AND people can get crazy there. But they tend to hang in certain areas around the music floats/boats that are anchored there. So it's easy to get involved, or distance yourself from all that. We usually hand around the calmer people. But even when Crab Island is packed, there has always been space and plenty of room to anchor. The shallows of Crab Island extends north, beyond the No Wake Signs.

Y'all let me know what you decide. School starts this Monday for the kids and the wife is talking about going out of town for the weekend now. If we don't go anywhere, I'll 100% be on the boat.

 

[njmr2fan]

@ToddW850 my wife drive, hahahaha thats a good one. I think there will be a good amount of pain a week after surgery. I wish I could go.

Make sure you rent or buy the little ice chest with the pump that will circulate ice cold water to keep the swelling down afterward. Its worth its pricetag! Totally worth it!!!!!

Good luck with it.

 

[ScarabMike]

Boat is full of fuel, and all the goodies are loaded, luggage is packed, insurance is paid (lol). Ready for the trek to Panama City at 9am tomorrow.

 

[Big Shasta]

Boat is full of fuel, and all the goodies are loaded, luggage is packed, insurance is paid (lol). Ready for the trek to Panama City at 9am tomorrow.

Safe Trip. The weather has been great, I hope it stays that way for you. I was 12 miles offshore on Tuesday. It was completely flat.

 

[Slugger55]

@ScarabMike are you still planning on Crab Island? It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Panama City (if traffic is good). I am watching my neighbors place as they are out of town. Not sure I will make the trip to Destin..... Have a safe trip!!

 

[ScarabMike]

@Slugger55 No, I think shell island is fine. Im taking my GPS to explore,lol

 

[Slugger55]

Right on! I will see you Saturday. We still meeting at Treasure Island Marina at 0930ish?

 

[Big Shasta]

Be careful if you venture up into north lagoon, under the bridge from treasure island. Stick to the channel markers there are a lot of shallow areas. Watch for the no wake zones. Some nice houses to check out on the water up in there.

Head for the best spot on the island. There are 2 docks, (you won't use them, just anchor around them) it's a huge area of clear shallow beachy bottom. Maybe 3 miles from the pass on the back (bay) side of the island. We would back in and anchor up about 40 ft from shore depending on the tide. great place for hermit crabs and sand dollars. and it's just a short walk over to the gulf side. Shells a plenty and beautiful open white sand areas. Watch for turtle areas though.

When exploring on land, Go down north lagoon and look for Mr Surfs shop on the inland side of the street. There is a trailer next to it with outdoor seating. It's called Finns. Awesome food. Great locals place.

Also, just south of treasure island on north lagoon when you make the turn to the left toward the state park, there is a great local bar called Patches just after the turn on your right. Awesome food and a decent beer selection.

Want a great date night spot on the water, http://uncleerniesbayfrontgrill.com/ . You can pull your boat up or go by land. It's up in the bay on the panama city side. If it's nice out, the upstairs open patio/bar is awesome. Great food, a little pricey.

 

[Wayloncle]

I love Uncle Ernie's.

If you want to take the boat to breakfast, Bayou Joe's http://www.bayoujoes.com/
Is cool. You Dock your boat and as soon as you step off your boat you sit at a table.

Here's a sucky, unedited video I did one time while going there.

 

[smthng]

@Slugger55 No, I think shell island is fine. Im taking my GPS to explore,lol

Would be great if you can save waypoints of good spots you find... I'd like to run up there some time and I live on my GPS.

 

[Slugger55]

It is looking like Saturday's weather is going to be fairly nice. T-storms later in the afternoon!

 

[sstegh]

Be careful if you venture up into north lagoon, under the bridge from treasure island. Stick to the channel markers there are a lot of shallow areas. Watch for the no wake zones. Some nice houses to check out on the water up in there.

Head for the best spot on the island. There are 2 docks, (you won't use them, just anchor around them) it's a huge area of clear shallow beachy bottom. Maybe 3 miles from the pass on the back (bay) side of the island. We would back in and anchor up about 40 ft from shore depending on the tide. great place for hermit crabs and sand dollars. and it's just a short walk over to the gulf side. Shells a plenty and beautiful open white sand areas. Watch for turtle areas though.

When exploring on land, Go down north lagoon and look for Mr Surfs shop on the inland side of the street. There is a trailer next to it with outdoor seating. It's called Finns. Awesome food. Great locals place.

Also, just south of treasure island on north lagoon when you make the turn to the left toward the state park, there is a great local bar called Patches just after the turn on your right. Awesome food and a decent beer selection.

Want a great date night spot on the water, http://uncleerniesbayfrontgrill.com/ . You can pull your boat up or go by land. It's up in the bay on the panama city side. If it's nice out, the upstairs open patio/bar is awesome. Great food, a little pricey.

Damn, I really need to move down there! That looks perfect.

 

[ToddW850]

Well @ScarabMike looks like my plans are on hold. We had to take the SUV in for some warranty work this week and they are not done. Big shocker. Might try Plan D but we'll see.

 

[Big Shasta]

Damn, I really need to move down there! That looks perfect.

Thanks, it really is awesome. The beaches are crazy nice. Pure white sand crystal clear water. A lot of days we would be in 15 feet of water looking at things sitting on the bottom. Like you're in a swimming pool. Killing me to be boatless right now.

Our boxer Laila misses the boat more than any of us.

@ScarabMike Sorry to hijack, These are at the gulf side of that map above.





Crowded at shell island that day. (one family on the beach LOL)