Category: U.S. Atlantic

Find upcoming events from Maine to Florida, along with detailed destination reviews of major hubs and lesser-known small towns. If you’re looking for the best cruiser resources, you’ve come to the right place. Each month, Southern Boating posts Regional Reports that cover the Atlantic Coast in detail. Chesapeake, Southeast Seaboard, the Carolinas, and down to Miami, Southern Boating keeps you updated on marinas, events and the resources you’ll need to successfully navigate the U.S. Atlantic.

Sailfish 400

The Sailfish 400 is your opportunity to combine your love of race cars and saltwater fishing at a race car-themed fishing tournament! The Sailfish 400 is Leg 2 of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish. Join the fastest boats and the best fishing teams as they speed into Miami January 17-21. Following the sailfish, as they move south in the winter months, teams from the Sailfish 400 will have lines ready for them! Nearly 50 boats competed last year for over $700,000 in prize money. Four top place finishers claimed $237,000 each with nine of the largest releases. Organizers have divided the prizes over multiple categories so more teams and more boats can take home the money. The top eight teams will also qualify for the Grand Prize Drawing of a NASCAR Championship weekend for six persons, courtesy of Homestead Miami Speedway. Bring your team down to take the checkered flag in this fast-paced tournament.

Information on registration and all tournament details can found at bluewatermovements.com/sailfish_400/.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating January 2018

More from the Southeastern Seaboard

Nautical Flea Market

Jacksonville Boat Show

January Boat Shows

The first of every January brings new marine products, boats, and gear to the market. And there is no better place to check them all out than at one of the Mid-Atlantic’s January boat shows. Two doozies are the annual Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo (at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC) and the annual Baltimore Boat Show (which, no doubt, is located in Baltimore).

In addition to new products, this year’s show in Raleigh, which runs the weekend
of January 12-14, features fishing seminars galore. Three different rooms will be set up to offer seminars simultaneously and will be offered every hour of the show. Many of the pros fish North Carolina coastal waters every day that’s possible, so if you’re looking
to land a 10-pound flounder or a 1,000-pound bluefin tuna, they’ll share their secrets to put you on some trophy fish. Yes, I said 1,000 pounds, like the 1,045-pound bluefin
that was caught off the North Carolina coast by some Morehead City anglers last January.
Baltimore’s boat show runs January 25-28, packed with nautical know-how, boats, marine service information, and accessories. To stay fueled up for the show, the food at the Convention Center has improved and there’s still the option of feasting at the many nearby restaurants including those at the Inner Harbor.

baltimoreboatshow.com; bassandsaltwaterfishingexpo.com

By Chris Knauss, Southern Boating January 2017

More Mid-Atlantic Reports:

White Marlin Open Winner

Cleaner Marina

Clean Marina

Looking for a clean marina to float your boat this upcoming season? A good place to look in Maryland is on the state’s Department of Natural Resources’ website. There you can find a list of 124 marinas that have passed the state’s rigorous pollution prevention standards. The DNR’s Clean Marina Initiative recognizes and promotes marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs that meet legal requirements and voluntarily adopt pollution prevention practices. For example, Ocean Pines Marina was recently re-certified.

Ocean Pines Marina has an oil recycling and oil spill response plan, participates in oyster gardening, provides staff training for fire, hurricane, oil, and fuel emergencies, maintains a pump-out station, and manages waste containment and proper disposal. The DNR now has certified nearly 25 percent of Maryland’s estimated 600 marinas as Clean Marinas or Clean Marina Partners and is striving to increase that percentage.

oceanpines.org; dnr.maryland.org

By Chris Knauss, Southern Boating January 2017

More Mid-Atlantic Reports:

White Marlin Open Winner

January Boat Shows

Georgia: Savannah vs. Tybee

Port City Showdown: Georgia Edition

“I said, Georgia, oh Georgia. No peace I find. Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.”

Ray Charles said it best about the sweet Peach State, but we say a showdown is necessary. These two coastal destinations are just thirty minutes by land, a couple hours by sea, but they’re a world away from each other.

Who will win this Port City Showdown? Savannah or Tybee Island?

Savannah, GA is a charming coastal city that sits on the edge of the Savannah River, just 20 miles upriver from the Atlantic.

EAT: Vic’s on the River (26 East Bay Street) Check out the hand-drawn map of General Sherman’s march through Georgia made by Union soldiers in the main dining room, and order the jumbo crab cakes. vicsontheriver.com

DRINK: Five Oaks Taproom (201 W Bay Street) Beer lovers, rejoice. Five Oaks has a drink menu that focuses exclusively on Georgia Brews. Grab some brews and go (literally you can! Savannah has an open container policy)or stay for some grub. fiveoakstaproom.com

DOCK: Isle of Hope Marina A full-service marina located directly on the intercoastal waterway. Yachting services are available, as well as unique overwater pavilion rentals. iohmarina.com/

DO: Bonaventure Cemetary (330 Bonaventure Rd, Thunderbolt ) It sounds strange, but this gorgeous and historic cemetery is a must-see on any cruisers’ itinerary. bonaventurehistorical.com

Tybee Island, GA is bustling barrier island in the east. In fact, it is the easternmost point of the state. Rich in history and gorgeous beaches.

EAT: Coco’s Sunset Grille (1A Old US Highway 80) The aptly named Coco’s is the place to be at the end of the day. The freshest seafood and the best evening views. Did we mention the sunsets? cocostybee.com

DRINK: Tybee Island Fish Camp (106 S. Campbell Avenue) A rustic location serving up high-end charm along with delicious cocktails. If you want to do more than have a few drinks, you’ll need reservations. tybeeislandfishcamp.com

DOCK: Tybee Island Marina (4 Old Tybee Road) What this marina lacks in size, it more than makes up for it in service and extra amenities, including unique tours, charters, and other events. tybeeislandmarina.com

DO: Lighthouse Station (30 Meddin Dr) Built in 1736, the Tybee Lighthouse is the tallest in Georgia. If you’re willing to climb the 178 steps to the top, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view. tybeelighthouse.org

Who should win the battle of Georgia? Let us know in the comments!

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival

Quickly becoming an area favorite, the Wings over Water Wildlife Festival is again taking place this winter. On December 8-10, join water and wildlife enthusiasts for the continuation of this favorite Outer Banks Festival, now celebrating its 21st year. The festival takes place across a large area of eastern North Carolina and the Outer Banks, including six national wildlife refuges: Alligator River, Pea Island, Pocosin Lakes, Mattamuskeet, Mackay Island, and Currituck National Wildlife Refuges.

The festival organizes outings in small groups of canoes and kayaks. Programs are kept small so that participants can easily get instructions and ask questions. There are both outdoor and indoor events. The December portion of the festival is held later in colder weather for a better opportunity to see large flocks of migratory birds and waterfowl. Funds generated from the event are donated to Outer Bank Area National Wildlife Refuges.

Registration and program details are available at wingsoverwater.org.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating December 2017
Photos: Hillenrbrand/USFWS and David Hinkel of USFWS

Everglades National Park

Every year thousands of boaters enter Everglades National Park by crossing Florida Bay from the Florida Keys. Effective January 1, 2018, the National Park Service plans
to raise the annual boaters’ fee from $40 to $50 dollars, with a second proposed increase to $60 in October of 2018. The Park Service is also proposing a new boater education program proposed to go into effect January 1, 2018, and applies to all motorboats, canoes and kayaks. The online course teaches boaters about Florida Bay’s shallow-water ecosystem and how it can be damaged by careless vessel operation. The new fees and educational program requirements will apply to all boaters, even those entering into the park across maritime boundaries. Additional information on the proposed changes is
available at nps.gov/ever/index.htm.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating December 2017

Photos: Hillenrbrand/USFWS and David Hinkel of USFWS

Islamorada Sailfish Tournament

Many boaters and waterfront communities could use a salve applied to the wounds left from this year’s destructive hurricanes—something to help them realize all they love about their lives and that recreation is not lost. This year’s Florida Keys Gold Cup Fishing Tournament Series could do just that beginning with the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament December 1st through the 3rd. Each angler will compete individually, with combined team
results as well. Competition is for the Gold Cup Trophy awarded at the completion of the series. Complete tournament information is available at islamoradasailfishtournament.com.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating December 2017

The Wright Brothers’ flight anniversary

The Wright Brothers’ flight anniversary is just around the corner.

Boaters, beachgoers, and kite-flyers have been enjoying the Outer Banks of North Carolina for many years. As a matter of fact, it was exactly 114 years ago this December 17th that two experimental kite-flying brothers named Orville and Wilbur made history taking turns at the helm of their self-built flying machine. Join the First Flight Society as they commemorate this historic event. According to first flight.org, “The observance begins with a patriotic musical prelude followed by a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the Wright brothers and the witnesses of the first flight at the exact spot where the famous first flight occurred.” Park museum exhibits will be available throughout the day, along with activities and interpretive talks in the Flight Room. The Visitors Center will open at 9:00AM.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating December 2017

Chesapeake Fishing

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: winter Chesapeake fishing!

Anglers can enjoy fishing for striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and on the Atlantic Coast year-round, and December is typically one of the best months to catch large fish.
Striped bass, known locally as rockfish, tend to congregate in locations where the rivers and tributaries come into the Chesapeake. Jigging with heavy sinker lures such as Stingsilvers and large plastics is typically the best tactic to reach down and catch them, and it’s also a fun and active method. When a large rockfish hits your lure, there’s no doubt about it, especially when using braided line. Trolling large lures down deep is another effective tactic. As the water temperatures drop into the 40s, the fish get a little sluggish, but they need to eat all year long.

A fully heated cabin will keep you warm for the run to the fishing grounds. Hiring a professional charter is also an option, and many captains continue to run their boats until the end of the month. Under current regulations, the season in Maryland turns into catch-and-release only beginning January 1st until the opening of the spring trophy season in mid-April. The spring trophy season on the Chesapeake for stripers in Virginia usually begins in mid-May. The season is open all year on the coast with a 28-inch minimum size.

The Chesapeake is the largest striped bass nursery area on the Atlantic coast. Seventy to 90 percent of the Atlantic striped bass population uses the bay to spawn, which occurs from April to early June. After spawning in the spring, most large stripers move to coastal waters. They spend the summer along the New England coast and the winter near the mouth of the Chesapeake near Virginia Beach and on down to North Carolina.

A 73-pound striped bass caught January 23, 2008, by Frederick Barnes of Chesapeake is the Virginia state record. Barnes made the record-setting catch in the Atlantic about a half mile north of the 4A buoy located north of Rudee Inlet and off Fishermen’s Island. The fish hit a trolled red and white Stretch 30 lure.

The North Carolina striped bass record is a 64-pound fish caught by Keith Angel off Oregon Inlet in 2011. The Maryland state record fish of 67.5 pounds was caught by Devin Nolan in 1995 Bloody Point just south of Kent Island.

By Chriss Knauss, Southern Boating December 2017
Photos: midatlanticrockfishshootout.com

More Chesapeake Fishing News

Rockfish Shootout

The 15th annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout hosted by the Virginia Beach Fishing Center is December 7-9. Weigh-in will be available at the fishing center at Rudee Inlet and at King’s Creek Marina in Cape Charles. The Oyster Farm at King’s Creek Resort and Marina in Cape Charles is offering a 10 percent discount for anglers and 20 percent for captains. Slips are $1.25 per foot per night. All fish caught are cleaned and donated to area food banks in the Virginia Beach area and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. A portion of the money raised through registration fees is donated to local causes such as the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Team Matador won last year’s tournament weighing in their three largest rockfish for a total weight of 138.3 pounds. With Capt. Jake Hiles of Virginia Beach, the team caught its fish on the first day of the three-day tournament and collected $48,000 out of the $94,500 total purse.

By Chris Knauss, Southern Boating December 2017

Photos: midatlanticrockfishshootout.com

More Rockfish Shootout News

Fall fishing in the Atlantic

Fall fishing in Hatteras

The folks in Hatteras on North Carolina’s Outer Banks fish year-round. They keep an eye on the weather and take advantage of the good days to motor out to the warm Gulf Stream waters to see what’s biting. If you’re looking for some late-season fall fishing action and fine fall weather is in the forecast, the charter captains can put you on some fish, and you’ll learn how to catch them yourself if you don’t already know how. Anglers heading out from the Hatteras Harbor Marina this past November reeled in blackfin tuna, bluefish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sea trout, red drum, triggerfish, sharks, blue marlin, amberjack, and king mackerel, including a 50-pounder.

The well-protected, full-service marina has a 20-boat charter fleet as well as deepwater transient slips to accommodate boats up to 60 feet. Slips offer 30-, 50- and 100-amp electrical service and water. Shower facilities, diesel fuel, oil disposal, fish cleaning service, and a laundromat are located on the premises, which also has a marina store and deli. It’s within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and grocery supplies. hatterasharbor.com

25 years of the Fall Fishing Classic

The 25th Annual Chesapeake Bay Fall Classic fishing tournament, hosted by the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association, is scheduled for November 17-19. The tournament coincides with the southerly migration of large striped bass from the Northeast. The winning striper last year was a whopping 52.5 inches—caught by John Weber—and checked in at the Calvert Marina. Captain’s meetings are scheduled from 6PM to 8PM weekdays leading up to the tournament at four locations in Kent Island, Essex, Solomons Island, and Annapolis. Anglers can register and pick up a tournament packet, enjoy some food and refreshments, and share game plans for catching the big one. Weigh stations
are located at Sandy Point State Park, Rod ‘N Reel, Breezy Point Marina, Calvert Marina, Point Lookout State Park, Kentmorr Marina, Knapps Narrows Marina, and Taylor’s Island Campground.
mssa.net

ASMFC TO DECIDE THE FATE OF ATLANTIC MENHADEN

Reedville is very much in the news these days as the Virginia coastal town is home to the only industrial menhaden reduction fishing operation on the Atlantic Coast, with half its quota taken inside the Chesapeake Bay. Unlike menacing Asian carp in the Mississippi, menhaden are a native fish that play animportant role in coastal ecology, providing nutrition for fish and birds and serving as filter feeders of pollutants in the water. Recreational anglers and conservationists have long lobbied for menhaden management based on ecological reference points (ERP). ERPs consider the multiple roles that species play, both in supporting fisheries for human use and the marine ecosystem. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board will meet November 13-14 to consider approval of Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden and to set specifications for the 2018 fishing season. The meeting will take place at the BWI Marriott in Linthicum, Maryland, with an anticipated large crowd representing commercial, recreational and environmental stakeholders. It will be live-streamed via webinar. asmfc.org/species/atlantic-menhaden

Story and Photos by Chris Knauss, Southern Boating November 2017

Navy SEAL Museum Muster & Music Festival

On November 3rd and 4th, the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, invites the public to celebrate the 32nd Annual SEAL Museum Muster & Music Festival.

This exciting outdoor event is free of charge, and the museum welcomes all ages to enjoy this fun and family-friendly tradition.

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum on North Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce is one of Florida’s most popular destinations. The Treasure Coast from St. Lucie Inlet to Sebastian Inlet is home to some of Florida’s prettiest beaches and clearest water, drawing seasonal residents and visitors by the thousands. The area, however, has a history more interesting than most visitors realize or appreciate. When a group of former UDT Frogmen wanted to build a museum to tell the UDT-SEAL Team past, it was natural to locate it where the UDT-SEAL Team division began in Fort Pierce. From 1943 to 1946, thousands of men were trained as members of the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT).

The World War II UDT Frogmen evolved into the U.S. Navy SEALs as we know them today. The mission of the museum is to preserve the legacy and history of these brave men. Friday night festivities begin at 5 PM with live music and food truck fare. On Saturday, November 4th at 7 AM, all are welcome to “muster” on the beach for a 5K Beach Run/Walk, taking place along the beaches adjacent to the museum, where the original Navy Frogmen trained years ago.

The day continues with the Naval Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, dropping into nearby Pepper Park by air. The event also includes special guest speakers, SEAL Team tactical demonstrations, and SEAL Team K9 deployments. Meet currently active Navy SEALs and see their gear and vehicles up close. There will be live music and food trucks available all afternoon. Additional information can be found at navysealmuseum.org/whats-happening-at-the-national-navyudt-seal-museum/32nd-annual-muster-and-music-festival.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating November 2017

Key West Offshore Poker Run

Join some of the fastest powerboats in the world for the 25th Annual Key West Offshore Poker Run.

From November 7-13, an international group of boat owners and manufacturers will show off their finest to an audience of celebrities and fans. Boats range from multi-engine high-speed center consoles to open ocean racers. Vessels will begin sailing in Miami and make stops at all the hot spots in the Keys on their way to Key West. Organized by the Florida Powerboat Club, the Key West Offshore Poker Run cruises through the beautiful protected waters north of the Keys, then crosses under the 7 Mile Bridge for the last 40-mile offshore run to Key West.

Boats participating can depart from two points in Miami: North Venue—North Miami Beach near Haulover Inlet, with boat ramp, trailer parking and multiple hotels nearby, or South Venue—Grove Harbour Marina at Coconut Grove, where multiple hotels and a boat ramp (limited trailer parking and reservations) are available. The Conch Republic Seafood Company on the Harbor in Key West becomes a Poker Run Village for the event. Live music and great food will entertain attendees every night. Company and private boats will be available each day to give participants excursions and fun runs through the local waters around Key West.

Event details are available at flpowerboat.com/project/key-west- offshore-poker-run/.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating November 2017

Photos Courtesy of Florida Powerboat Club

Hurricane Matthew Updates

Marinas are back up and running: Hurricane Matthew Updates

MARINAS ALONG THE SOUTHEAST ATLANTIC COAST are all too accustomed to cleaning up after tropical storms and hurricanes, but the restoration after last year’s visit from Hurricane Matthew has been especially difficult. Two of the area’s most popular marinas—Harbour Town Yacht Basin on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Fernandina Harbor Marina on Amelia Island, Florida—are just now getting back to normal business.

Harbour Town Yacht Basin is once again fully operational with completely repaired piers and all-new electrical and water systems. Harbormaster Nancy Cappelmann invites everyone to return as she has missed seeing her cruising friends while the marina was closed for storm repairs.

Fernandina Harbor Marina is partially functional but ready to receive fall cruisers. Dockmaster Kevin Little said all 12 moorings are currently available, as well as four transient slips accommodating vessels up to 50 feet in length with a maximum 5-foot draft. Slips may be reserved up to two weeks in advance. The dinghy dock is open, and the fuel dock is expected to reopen by the end of the year.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating October 2017

More Southeast Seaboard Reports:

Rock Shrimp Festival
Saltwater Sisters Fishing Tournament
Piglet

Rock Shrimp Festival in St. Marys

45th Annual Rock Shrimp Festival

The St. Marys River at the Georgia-Florida border has been the hub of the U.S. East Coast
commercial shrimp industry for more than a century. Modern trawl net and fishing boat
designs invented in the area in the early 1900s are still being used today. St. Marys, Georgia, celebrates the local shrimping industry and its history on Saturday, October 7th with the 45th Annual Rock Shrimp Festival. If you like shrimp, you will find it prepared at the festival in every possible way, from chilled to boiled and from fried to fricasseed.

Newly added to the event’s activities this year is a Songwriter’s Showcase featuring an afternoon and evening of music performances. Stages will be set up on the waterfront at St. Marys Park. The festival is organized by the Kiwanis Club of St. Marys, and proceeds are used locally to fund Kiwanis youth programs.

Festival details are available at visitstmarys.com/rock-shrimp-festival.html.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating October 2017

More Southeast Seaboard Reports:
Saltwater Sisters Fishing Tournament
Piglet
Hurricane Mathew Updates