PUI

[Trollnheel]

Smurf and I are visiting FL for a few days next month, Feb. 16th-25th. Our main intentions are to stay in Marathon 17th - 24th. We will spend 2 days getting there and 2 days getting back. Here are a few questions I have:

1. Anything we should check out while in Daytona?

2. Anyone interested in meeting for a lunch Thursday, Feb 17th?

3. We plan on hitting the turn pike, where is the best place to get on considering where we are staying Wednesday?

4. Any must see/do while on this trip?

5. Anyone interested in meeting for a dinner on our way back, Thursday Feb. 24th?

Side note: We have a charter lined up and hope to post a ton of pictures!

[pmagrady]

You could catch some NASCAR action during Speed Week.

[Sunbury]

Get on the turnpike at Ft. Pierce. Bring plenty of quarters.

World Wide Sportsman is a nice stop in Islamorada.

Mango Mikes for breakfast in Islamarada if you can time it out right. Kitchen sink omelet.

About 10 miles North of Marathon on Grassy Key, The Wreck. Good food, REAL casual. Onion encrusted grouper.

About 15 miles South of Marathon on No Name Key, No Name Pub. Have the pizza.

The BBQ place right on US1 in Marathon is good.

Turn on the road next to the BBQ place and ride to the Gulf. Sandwich restaurant for lunch right on the water.

Next to the Publix - Goofy Gecko and Lazy Lizard - small shops with some unique stuff.

Brass Monkey Bar and Liquor store is right across the side street coming out of Publix.

Fairly nice beach at the end of that street. Winds through a bunch of residential area. You'll think you're lost.

Island Fish Co. right before the Key Colony entrance.

If you haven't been to Key West you need to ride down and stay one night.

[Trollnheel]

Thanks for the input!

[wiley]

Sorry I'm so insane busy. I'll get with you before you leave.

[Trollnheel]

Understandable Wiley, this is the silly season for ya! Would love to see the birthplace of the inletcam

[Trollnheel]

Needless to say we had an absolute blast! Learned some things, saw some things, and met some people that will always have a place in my memory. Now to the fun stuff:

We got down to our destination in Marathon after 13 hours of driving (staying in Daytona for 1 night). The turnpike is AWESOME! First 2 days were lazy days and served as an opportunity to get a feel for our surroundings. 1st trip out on the boat was made possible by Capt Pips. We went on the ocean side of 7 mile bridge and arrived to a HOT king bite. One of their buddy boats was pulling in kings and good spanish. We had a butthole anchor into our chum line no more than 200 yds back (insert anger from the captain here). King Smurf managed 1 good sized king from jigging live shrimp. 1 king in the box and we're heading out to the color change to give our chances on the sail bite. No luck. Moved back into the reef where we finished pulling in Yellowtails and Muttons. An OK mix for this time of year we were told. Not a problem, more of a learning experience for us and managed to put meat on the grill!

Next day we venture off to the Key West Marina and go off the "grid". For anyone who loves history, Ft. Jefferson is a MUST see! Snorkeling with huge barracudas was an unforgettable experience. Smurf nearly kissed one. LOL. Flats fishing was next on the agenda. This was really the only thing we had planned for once we got there. Capt Buddy was a delight and it was a great day on the Florida bay and into the Everglades. I managed my first Red while Smurf was determined to complete the "Trash Fish Grand Slam". Finished the day limiting out on Mangroves while Smurf caught a NICE size grouper to which we released because we like to be law abiding citizens and the Capt expressed a concern for conservation. No problem for us as it was yet again a great learning experience and we put some more meat on the grill. Also saw a Tarpon free jump which was cool to see! We'll definetly return for the Tarpon fishing once that kicks in to full swing.

Last few days were spent taking an aerial tour of the keys, a must do! Our favorite spot to grab a cold beer and grub was Porkys. Great bbq sandwich, mahi mahi, and ribs. On the way up we stopped by to see an 'ol friend for some great conversation, great food, great drinks, and all around great hangout with Wiley and his better half Ms. Lynne. Also saw some neat things in the area.

Thanks again Wiley for the sight seeing! We will definetly be in touch while we recruit a group to venture down to the Bahamas! Sounds like made its presence felt at the Miami boat show and I'm looking forward to the new Reelboating. WILEY IS BACK!!

[Trollnheel]

Will also post pictures once I get them on this laptop.

Edited February 25, 2011 by Trollnheel

[wiley]

From what you told me you did it right!

[Menzies]

Great report. Glad you had fun and spent some money in the state!!