Introducing Seakeeper Ride
Seakeeper Ride is the first-of-its-kind Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) that eliminates up to 70% of pitch and roll underway. You thought you knew boating, but you’re in for one hell of a ride.
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Scout 377 LXF Boat Test
Scout 377 LXF
The 377 LXF is an all-new model, built as the ideal blend of performance, luxury and styling. Loaded with Scout innovation, this model has a lithium ion battery with battery management system (no generator necessary); portside swing-in boarding door with ladder; double sun deck lounge with cushions, armrests and underside storage forward of the console; key fob remote controlled lights; spacious cabin down below and an enclosed head with a porcelain vessel sink with Corian vanity and mirror; marine head with electric overboard discharge with an 11 gallon holding tank; 120V air conditioning & heat in the cabin and at the helm; and so much more. Upgrade your experience out on the water with an available Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilizer; optional summer kitchen complete with grill, sink, cutting board, manual slide-out cooler, seat cushion and bolster; and your choice of upholstery color package. Dive in to discover more. ScoutBoats.com
S-Class (luxury models 33’ and up) signifies the upper echelon of our line-up – the highest level of luxury – similar to what you experience with high-end luxury automobiles. The 377 LXF is meticulously crafted with cutting-edge Carbon Epoxy Construction (Carbon Fiber/E-Glass is the main material used in the Epoxy Infusion process) and the highest-performing dual Scout Stepped Hull Technology, while simultaneously pairing it with the finest sophisticated blend of appointments and technologies.
Riviera 645 SUV
Big & Bold, Inside & Out
The new Riviera 645 SUV combines large, versatile spaces with smooth performance that will keep everyone happy whether at the dock or underway.
The flagship of Riviera’s SUV line, the 645, is a perfect family or couple’s cruiser with a variety of accommodations ideal for different sizes and types of entertaining. Since popular boating spots in Riviera’s native Australia have similar climates to those in Florida, the company builds its boats with both indoor and outdoor spaces that can take advantage of the weather. Doors, windows, and sunroofs can be open wide to let in gentle breezes and connect the spacious living areas, or they can be separated and climate-controlled.
The single-level living area at the heart of the SUV concept works well by keeping everyone together when the boat is underway and providing a central core when entertaining. Like the popular kitchen/great room found in nearly every modern house, this layout has tremendous adaptability. The 645 SUV helm is adjacent to the salon and galley so the driver can interact even while underway. A door to the side deck and a large slider and pop-up window aft open the salon to the mezzanine, cockpit, and foredeck lounge.
The helm features three large, comfortable bucket seats that electrically slide and recline, and the triple Garmin multifunction display screens are within easy reach as are most controls.
On the Water
Easing out of Palm Beach, the Twin Disc EJS joystick provides variable control of transmissions and thrusters and is impressively smooth and accurate. At 69 feet LOA, the 645 SUV is a sizable craft but maneuvers easily, even in the incredibly tight area from which we had to depart. Concealed cockpit wing stations that open on both sides offer additional visibility and keep docking under control.
Once out of the inlet, we spool up the optional twin 1,550-hp MAN V12s and hit a peak speed of 35.8 knots, impressive for a boat with a dry weight of 88,119 pounds. The Riviera 645 SUV accelerates evenly, transitioning easily onto plane. V-drives and a Seatorque system, where the shafts are encased in a sealed tube and bathed in oil all the way from the engine couplings to the props, reduces vibration and noise. Cruising at 2,150 rpm, we hit a sweet spot at 31 knots using 128 gph yielding a calculated range of 372 nautical miles with a 10 percent reserve.
The boat is fun to drive and handles admirably with little speed loss during tightly controlled turns. There is only a light chop, so I aim for the wake of a nearby boat—she slices through without spray or fuss.
It is amazing that a boat this large is as agile and easy to handle. The helm configuration provides excellent visibility for drivers and passengers, and with four of us on board, there is ample seating for everyone.
Well-appointed Interior
On the main deck, high-gloss walnut accents nicely contrast solid-surface, synthetic pearl quartz counter tops with elegant waterfall edges. The galley has abundant drawer-style fridges and freezers and a lengthy island counter perfect for meal prep and serving. A Miele three-burner electric cooktop, combo microwave/convection oven, and a deep stainless steel sink with a garbage disposal provide functionality.
The adjacent lounge with an ottoman faces the galley with a large flatscreen TV housed
on the island. A TV can also be placed on a lift behind the helm, but on this boat, that cabinet showcases Riviera-embossed martini and wine glasses in a varnished wood-and-glass display case. The “Newport” option adds a wet bar with a removable stool, additional drawer fridges, bottle storage, sink, and serving space. The entire salon/galley/bar provides a luxurious area for gatherings, or drop the roller blinds for privacy, to watch the big game, or for movie night.
The accommodations are spacious even in this four-cabin layout. The full-beam master features a king island berth and has huge hull windows on both sides to let in natural light. The ensuite head includes a large separate shower and an access door that leads to a utility/crew room with a washer, dryer, storage, optional bunk, crew head, and engine room access.
A VIP cabin forward has a centerline queen and its own ensuite head. Side cabin twin berths are more than six feet long, suitable for kids and adults. Another guest cabin has twins that can push together to form a double, and a connecting head that also exits to the foyer for day use.
Outdoor Living
I head up to the salon and out the stainless steel and glass slider to the alfresco deck. This mezzanine creates a perfect transition between the cabin and outdoors. It is covered by the coach top overhead and can be enclosed with Strataglass panels and air-conditioned. Comfortable seating, a folding teak table with integral bottle/glass holders for casual dining, an icemaker, stereo, and a 32-inch flatscreen TV complete this porch-like gathering spot. When weather permits, the overhead sunroof and aft panels open, and a pop-up window and the cabin door can join this space to the interior.
A few steps down, the nearly 100-square-foot cockpit is suited for fishing or can be used to entertain with a dance floor, a cocktail lounge (wet bar included), a place to barbecue with the built-in grill, or all of the above. Buyers can choose transom seating or a windowed, lighted livewell. Twin transom doors connect the cockpit to a large swim platform with a standard hydraulic lift that raises and lowers a tender. I like the idea of slightly lowering the platform to create a wading area or setting up a table and chairs for lunch, or a cocktail while your feet dangle in the water.
Side decks covered in optional teak lead forward from the cockpit, protected by bulwarks and sturdy rails. The port side has both a watertight door into the salon/galley and a pathway that cuts through into an expansive bow lounge. The deck is recessed ahead of the broad, three-paneled windshield to accommodate the Sunbrella-cushioned seating area complete with a removable table and a Fusion Apollo SRX400 stereo. There is room to sunbathe, but an awning on carbon fiber poles provides shade as well.
At anchor or when Med-moored, I picture quiet times here enjoying the breeze, separated from activities in the cabin or dockside. The bow is complete with storage, an anchor locker with washdown, a Muir vertical windlass, recessed anchor, and ground tackle.
The Riviera 645 SUV living areas are stylish, comfortable, and spacious. Entertainment spaces are easily connected or separated to best suit the needs of those on board. If you are not sure which you like better, the comfort of the cabin or the fresh air and the stars, you don’t have to choose—the Riviera 645 SUV delivers plenty of both.
-by Arnie Hammerman
Grand Banks 85 Boat Test
Grand Banks 85
INTRODUCING THE GB85. GRAND BANKS ON A GRAND SCALE!
The GB85 is not simply a bigger Grand Banks. True, this exquisite, long-distance cruiser is the largest yacht they’ve ever built. But her most impressive statistics are not to be found in her dimensions but in the best-in-class figures we’re recording for her fuel efficiency and range. That’s where you will indeed find a big difference!
Thanks to the hydrodynamics of their proprietary V-Warp technology, the Grand Banks 85 uses half the fuel of other 85 footers as she requires half the horsepower to achieve the same speeds and performance.
Owners and their guests will travel further, faster and spend more time exploring their destination and less time at the fuel dock.
Needless to say, her interiors and amenities are everything you’d expect from a name that is synonymous with luxury and elegance. Her extended length and 22ft beam allow Grand Banks to offer a wide range of configurations. Hull number 1 has three massive staterooms and separate crew quarters that can be used for children or additional guests.
Inside the Outer Banks
Inside the Outer Banks
Cruising the sounds of North Carolina’s east coast is full of adventure.
One of the wildest watery destinations for boaters on the East Coast of the U.S. is North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Boats of all sizes and shapes venture to four main ports along the coast and often turn west into the sounds, rivers, and creeks for small-town diversions and solitude.
Comprising more than 3,000 square miles, Pamlico Sound is the second-largest estuary in the U.S., eclipsed only by the Chesapeake Bay. It’s big water. Navigation, safety, and weather are always the watchwords when venturing to the delightful destinations along the inside and outside shorelines.
Outer and Inner Banks
The Outer Banks were once defined only as the Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Portsmouth Island is considered the Core Banks but has also been grouped into the Outer Banks. Over the years, common usage and marketing has expanded the term to mean pretty much every stretch of sand from the North Carolina/Virginia border south to Beaufort. Then someone decided that Inner Banks might be a catchy title for the coastal region on the western side of the Pamlico. Regardless of what you call them, the ports, anchorages, and waterways are some of the best boating in the U.S.
Getting There
Choose your destination based on your abilities and vessel. Do not rush. Plan carefully. Running Pamlico Sound can be a slick ride or a pounding that makes you want to be at the dock. The shallow water and open fetches mean that winds over 15 knots will stir things up to uncomfortable levels for all but the largest boats, and there are shoals and shallows that must be avoided. But you don’t necessarily need to run in open water for long to get to your Outer Banks destinations. You have options.
The Big Four
Four ports that beckon for a full-on Outer Banks adventure are Manteo, Hatteras, Ocracoke, and Beaufort. Visited one at a time, or as a complete trip, there are facilities and amenities at each for boats of all sizes. While the Pamlico Sound system is the overall geographical designation of the region, there are several other named sounds through which you will navigate. Albemarle, Croatan, Roanoke, and Core Sounds are shown on the charts and maps, so you know where you are.
Manteo
At the northern end of the Outer Banks on Roanoke Island is the town of Manteo. One of the most historically significant locations specific to the European settlement of North America, Manteo’s waterfront and marina can accommodate vessels up to 100 feet with seven feet of dockside depth. Navigation to the harbor from the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) to the west when you are southbound requires some planning, and there is ample advice available from various sources.
The town has plenty to offer within walking distance, and the oceanfront comprising Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills is a short drive east. You can spend weeks here exploring, eating your way through superb restaurants and visiting America’s history.
Hatteras
Forty-five nautical miles south of Manteo is Hatteras. Home to commercial and charter fleets, the harbor has room for transient and visiting vessels at several marinas as well as a boatyard for services or maintenance. If you arrive by boat, plan ahead. You will need transportation to get to the few restaurants and grocery stores on quaint Hatteras Island. The National Park Service maintains the Hatteras Lighthouse and Visitor’s Center, and there are plenty of campsites, some B&Bs, and a hotel or two. Hatteras Island is a long way from anywhere, but worth the trip.
Ocracoke
In order to make the next port of call, you will need to run about 25 nautical miles to avoid shallow water and shoals. Ocracoke Island and the little town of the same name is a favorite for boaters and landlubbers alike. The island comes alive in the summer for families and travelers wanting to get away from it all. Miles of beaches, some great little cafes, a brewery, and gift shops keep the island vibrant. There are only a few marinas and an anchorage in the harbor known as Silver Lake. Golf carts and hoofing it are the primary means of transportation. Provisions are easy to come by, and you may find yourself spending a week or more lolling about in the southern sunshine and breezes. Call the marinas and docking facilities in advance as space is limited.
Beaufort
Fifty nautical miles farther southwest is Beaufort and Morehead City. Using either Core Sound (with local knowledge only) or crossing the southern end of Pamlico Sound to take the ICW inside will get you there. Beaufort and Morehead are reachable via Core Sound, but locals and adventurers are probably the only ones who should try based on several factors. It’s skinny water, but it’s not totally impassable. The big boats don’t go there, but everyone doesn’t own a big boat. Beaufort is the quintessential ICW town with plenty of marinas, restaurants, inns, and a waterfront vibe that’s pure North Carolina nautical. A favorite stop for many making passage on the ICW, Beaufort—and its next-door neighbor Morehead City—will keep you entertained and also offer protection from weather and wind.
Navigation
Navigation advice for these destinations abounds. There are several important considerations when planning a visit to any of these Outer Banks locations. First, from which direction are you leaving? Second, what size is your boat? Third, what is your experience and comfort level?
If you travel from north to south and visit each destination in order, then the mileages and suggested routes will get you there with minimal stress as long you watch the weather and have a well-found vessel. Albemarle, Pamlico, Croatan, Roanoke, and Core Sounds will beat you up if you don’t pay attention. Summer thunderstorms and passing fronts are not to be disregarded. The Bermuda High dominates in the summer and southwest winds of 15-20 knots may last for days. But, as stated earlier, you have options.
You can visit two of the destinations without spending too much time in open water. Manteo and Beaufort require less open-water navigation than Hatteras and Ocracoke. Beaufort can also be reached via the ICW canals, rivers, and protected portions of the Pamlico. If you are in a sailboat and relish 15-20 knots, then sailing the sounds to the true Outer Banks towns of Hatteras and Ocracoke is a breeze, but watch the depth sounder. Many large vessels go outside and come in at Hatteras Inlet for visits to Hatteras and Ocracoke, and Beaufort Inlet for that location. Avoid Oregon Inlet unless you have local knowledge or the confidence of following the charter fleet that comes and goes daily when weather permits.
If all of this sounds daunting, then there are many towns, marinas, and anchorages on the western side of the Pamlico that can keep you cruising all season ducking in and out of protected harbors with enchanting waterfronts, restaurants, and shops for provisioning.
-by Ed Tillett, Waterway Guide
Bahamas Marinas are Building Back
Bahamas Marinas are Building Back
Serious improvements and renovations are proceeding at many Bahama marinas and to start the update, here are four well on their way.
Bimini Big Game Club ( See Featured Image)
Preparing for a crazy summer season, the Bimini Big Game Club marina’s upgrades include two new T-head pedestals, new ice machine, and improved Wi-Fi distribution. A new saltwater pump at the fish cleaning table is installed and around the pool, more chaise lounges and umbrellas are available.
The Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill has added new Special Dining Days, including a Friday Bimini fish fry, Saturday night prime rib special, Sunday lobster dinner, and Taco Tuesdays. Sharkies, next to Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center, is open daily (with new expanded roof for more shade and cover), and the new Hemingway’s poolside Rum Bar Club opened June 1st. biggameclubbimini.com
Bay Street Marina
Undergoing a major expansion at its Nassau Bahamas location, Bay Street Marina has added 30 new slips for a total of 120. The new docks can accommodate vessels up to 500 feet in length with a 22-foot draft. Fuel service is now available at RUBIS fuel dock at Dock D.
Each slip is equipped with fresh RO water and electrical service from 30-amp power to direct 480v feeds. Wi-Fi capabilities have improved as has a CCTV system with 24-hour security to ensure the safety of vessels and property. Bay Street Marina has an on-site swimming pool, air-conditioned restrooms and showers, laundry room, crew lounge, fish cleaning station, BBQ grill station, and the on-site Green Parrot bar and restaurant. baystreetmarina.com
Nassau Yacht Haven
Nassau Yacht Haven is the oldest continuously operating marina in the Bahamas at 74 years. In 2018, the marina took new ownership under a 9th generation Bahamian maritime family keen on embracing the marina’s history while upgrading it to modern amenities.
The marina sports a new state-of-the-art Cybex Gym with the latest machines, and the new two-story Crew House Bar & Lounge capable of hosting large events from its 360-degree view of Nassau Harbour. A brand new dockmaster’s office has been relocated for better dock monitoring and safety, and the docks now have three new lounges over the water for guests and crew to socialize, read, or nap in shaded hammocks and lounge furniture. A state-of-the-art, in-slip Wi-Fi system is installed as are electric pedestals with up to 480V 200A power, high pressure UV and membrane filtered water, new gates, 4k infrared cameras, and 24/7 manned security. nassauyachthaven.com
Valentines Resort & Marina
Located in the heart of Harbour Island, Valentine’s Resort & Marina is replacing the entire electrical infrastructure on the docks, including new power pedestals and transformers. The docks will receive new decking and planking. A substantial amount of the work has already been completed and the remaining projects are planned for completion in September 2022.
Valentines has already opened their new saltwater pool and is in the process of replacing the chaise lounges and beach umbrellas at Valentines’ private section of Pink Sands Beach. valentinesresort.com
Wellcraft 355
Wellcraft, acquired by the Beneteau Group in 2014, designs vessels that push the limits to allow boaters to go farther and discover new territories. The brand-new Wellcraft 355 combines speed, agility, and endurance with creature comforts and luxurious amenities to quickly get you from point A to point B. Southern Boating was invited on board the first hull of this adrenaline-filled model, which recently made her red-carpet debut at a private waterfront estate in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
“The Wellcraft 355 is a Scandinavian-style commuter boat built for adventure,” says Nick Harvey, brand director. “Buyers will know exactly what they get with this boat. Wellcraft is a brand that is built to last.”
What he means is that there are ways to customize the boat, but as is, the boat—and the brand—speaks for itself.
“The Wellcraft 355 is built to withstand any weather,” said Martin Meyer, product manager and our captain on this sea trial. Part of this is thanks to the dual-reinforced hull by world-renowned Michael Peters Yacht Design that offers stability and control through the roughest conditions. The other part is due to the enclosed wheelhouse that provides shelter from inclement weather or air conditioning on those hot summer days. “On the other hand, you could opt for heat in this space,” added Meyer, about those cruising north or to keep warm on a chilly night.
The modern design of the one-level wheelhouse includes three large helm seats with backrests in the cockpit—one to port and two to starboard facing the dual 16-inch Garmin MFDs and state-of-the-art controls on the dash. Between them, steps lead down to the forward cabin that features a full-size berth and ensuite head with separate shower. Large hull windows let in natural light. When not in use, a door can close off the cabin area, making for a full-beam dash.
Aft of the helm, guests can sit comfortably on the L-shaped settee that surrounds a small dinette. Drop the dinette, and the settee converts into another berth that sleeps two. Opposite is a well-equipped galley. A sliding door and hinged window open to the aft cockpit to create a seamless indoor/outdoor space. Two boarding gates on either side of the platform allow easy access.
A starboard-side walkway leads to the bow where sunbathers will rejoice. Huge triple forward-facing sunpads with armrests and an aft-facing bench offer plenty of space to sit back and feel the ocean breeze while listening to tunes through the high-quality JL Audio speakers placed conveniently throughout the boat.
The Wellcraft 355 can power up with triple Mercury or Yamaha outboards up to 1,050-hp to reach a top speed of more than 50 knots. Meyer proved it on our sea trial. “Do you feel that?” he asked. Indeed, I did. I was bouncing like a baby on grandpa’s knee. It was a thrill ride, but in a good way—like that feeling you get afterward when you say, “Can we do it again?”
Take the wheel and push yourself to the limit to see how far you’ll go. wellcraft.com
By: Bonnie Schultz 2022
Everglades 455 CC Boat Test
The Icon Has Arrived
The All-New 455cc Flagship
Every new model launch is important, but this is one of the most significant unveilings in Everglades history. Introducing the 455cc flagship model. A model of firsts. Revealed in their platinum anniversary year, the 455cc is a testament to their 20-year history of unyielding innovation, time honored design, and uncompromising fishability.
The 455cc is a flagship of control and technology. The largest command center to date, the helm allows you to control everything – literally. Integrated into the vessel’s central nervous system with the assistance of Garmin’s Advanced Electronics Engineers, three massive Garmin touchscreen monitors provide continuous access to a full array of information and control features.
Yet the 455cc is no showboat. Everglades fishing DNA is inherently designed into the 455cc’s deck plan to get you on top of prey quickly and fish hard. From strategically placed gear drawers and rod holders to their first ever in-floor fishboxes, the 455cc is first and foremost a hardcore, unapologetic offshore fishing machine.
Adorned in beautifully crafted materials and exotic woods, the 455cc will let guests and passengers know that you have arrived. It transcends typical marine appointments with impeccable fit and finishes that includes high-quality leather-like upholsteries, above and below deck climate controls, rich-looking wood accents, and supportive triple Release Marine® helm seats. Overnights and weekends come standard with a generous king-sized convertible bed, galley space, and separate head and shower facilities.
Recently released for production, the 455cc will be offered exclusively to select Everglades customers and dealers in limited quantity.
6 Fishing clichés to live by
Keeping it Reel
Fishing clichés have been around for many years, but are they backed by truth?
If you’ve been fishing for any length of time, you’ve undoubtedly received well-intentioned advice offered in the form of a simple saying like: “Big baits, big fish” or “Don’t touch the drag.”
While such phrases probably have some basis in fishing fact, sharp anglers realize there are exceptions to most rules and not all fishing advice is sage. With those thoughts in mind, we queried some top-level saltwater fishing pros with the intention of validating a selection of fishing clichés, or truisms. We’ll make no pretense to be the ultimate judge on any of the following quips, but we do hope they’ll spur a little discussion along the transom on your next fishing expedition.
“You Won’t Know if You Don’t Go”
“Of all the fishing truisms I’ve heard over the years, this is the one that has no exceptions,” says world-class fly fisherman Sandy Moret, of Florida Keys Outfitters (floridakeysoutfitters.com) in Islamorada, Florida. “It’s a no-brainer, yet people overlook the power of this simple advice time and again.”
Moret notes weather forecasts frequently miss the mark—winds lie down unexpectedly and windows of fair skies present themselves between rain showers. The fish are there, regardless of the weather in most cases, he believes. The only way to know if they’ll chew is to give it a try.
“Bonefish, especially, love to bite on a falling barometer,” Moret says. “If you can get out and get home safely before seas rough up, you might enjoy some spectacular action.”
“Find the Bait, Find the Fish”
“This is a good saying to live by, but there are a few caveats,” says Capt. Gaige Simon, of Sand City Fishing Charters (sandcitycharter.com) on the north shore of Long Island, New York.
“It’s important to know what bait your target species prefers,” he explains. “False albacore tear into rain bait (sardines) while big stripers and gorilla blues pound adult bunker. Sand eels are a wild card that can light up everything from summer flounder to the biggest bass. Sea trout, redfish, and snook love pilchards.”
As a rule, if you can’t find the fish you want, look for their favorite baits. “Sooner or later, that’s where they’re going to show,” says Simon.
“Put a Mustache on That Fish!”
The Louisiana crew always seems to have a way with words and make no exception for fishing truisms. In this case, the logic is that the closer you can drop a fly or bait on redfish, the better the odds of hooking up.
“Anglers new to our area are often surprised we don’t target redfish from a distance like you might when stalking bonefish or permit on sandy flats,” says Capt. Michael Evans, of Fly Bayou Charters (flybayou.com) in New Orleans. “Instead, we usually spot the fish up close while poling in our marshes. That requires anglers to keep their heads on a swivel, react immediately, and get a cast right in front of their quarry on a moment’s notice.”
This saying might not work for the crystal-clear waters of the Everglades, but it certainly can make you king of the bayou if you take it to heart.
“Never Touch the Drag While Fighting a Fish”
We’ve heard this saying a lot over the years, but I think it applies more to novice anglers than the highly skilled. The logic behind this is that if you fumble with the drag while battling a big fish, you might accidentally over-tighten it, causing the line to break.
Certainly, that’s solid advice for beginners. It takes some experience to know precisely how much drag needs to be applied during the heat of battle. On the other hand, skilled anglers should have no trouble making small adjustments to slightly stiffen or loosen drag pressure as required. Of course, they’re also the ones most likely to start the day with a drag that is perfectly set.
“Tarpon Arrive Right After the Love Bugs”
The timing of arrival for various migrating fish species in selected areas is often matched to the blooming of local flowers. The Northeast spring blackfish bite coincides with blossoming forsythia, and the peak of the weakfish run often correlates with blooming lilacs.
“We have a saying on Florida’s west coast that ‘tarpon arrive right after the love bugs,’” says Capt. Tony DiLernia of Rocket Charters (rocketcharters.com), who sails out of Tampa, Florida, and New York City. Love bugs are a species of march fly that remain coupled for several days after mating.
“They usually show up around Tampa toward the end of April, and the saying is spot on,” he says. “About ten days after we first notice the bugs, the northward tarpon migration enters our waters.”
How sure is DiLernia that the love bug saying holds true? “I just saw my first pair earlier this week,” he says. “I was planning to be in New York next week. Now I’m trying to cut that trip short so I can get on those fish while they’re fresh.”
“Big Bait, Big Fish”
“I’m a believer in this one, especially in the spring,” says “Crazy” Alberto Knie, proprietor of Tactical Anglers (tacticalanglers.com), who has a reputation for drilling lunkers along the entire length of the East Coast.
“Big fish follow big baits looking to grab a substantial meal,” he explains. “Stripers follow adult menhaden schools closely when migrating north each spring. Big snook make short work of mullet around structure. Target those fish with large, nine-inch metal-lipped swimmers during ‘non-human’ hours and you’ll be amazed at what you can catch.”
Knie knows of what he speaks, having caught and released both stripers and snook measuring more than 50 inches. “Big baits and big lures clearly increase your chances of newsworthy encounters, especially on the midnight shift when they present a large, easy-to-see silhouette for monsters to crush.”
How big a lure or bait is too big? Well, the late Charlie Nappi, a fan of oversized baits who set the current IGFA world record for summer flounder at 22 pounds, 7 ounces in 1975, once told Knie he caught an 80-pound tuna and live-lined it behind his boat to the boisterous consternation of his crew.
“They all stopped laughing when a four hundred-pound mako grabbed that tuna by the tail,” he recalled with a chuckle.
-by Tom Schlichter
Simrad launches NSX display
Charting a New Course
Simrad launches the NSX multifunction display.
Shopping for a new fishfinder and chartplotter can be an overwhelming process with so many products, screen sizes, and features on the market.
Simrad Yachting engineers wanted to simplify the process when they developed its new NSX, which made its debut at the Miami International Boat Show in February. The multifunction display is not only powerful and affordable, but as easy to set up and use as a smartphone.
“Folks have always told us, ‘Just make it work like my phone,’” says Stephen Thomas, Simrad’s product director. “It’s no surprise the phone is a pretty ubiquitous piece of electronics. The more we can make it feel like it operates like a phone, I think it makes it easier and more familiar for folks to get up to speed quickly on it.”
The NSX is aimed at the family fishing, water sports, and weekend cruiser market, where space on the dash is at a premium. Available in 7-, 9-, and 12-inch touchscreen sizes, the NSX is ideal for powerboats up to 50 feet.
Engineers designed the Android-based operating system basically from scratch with the goal of simplifying the user experience. Users no longer go through multiple screens to find an application or change a setting; instead, the information is available with one or two touches of the screen.
“You won’t get lost in text menus or three-deep menu trees and have to read a manual to figure out where to find something,” says Thomas.
The ease of use carries into the NSX’s Setup Wizard, where a boater with minimal tech skills can set up engine and fuel tank readings, calibrate the radar control, or control the stereo. Users can customize screens with a simple drag-and-drop system.
The NSX flexes its tech muscle when it comes to charting and is loaded with C-MAP navigation. Thanks to a bright display and crisp graphics, the high-resolution bathymetry can show contour line details down to one foot with compatible charts. Anglers can utilize the NSX with SideScan/DownScan imaging, Active imaging, CHIRP sonar, and FishReveal.
Boaters should be able to use their existing radar and transducers with the NSX, as Simrad built in greater integration and support for third-party applications. The NSX supports Halo open and dome radars, but that isn’t the target market for the multifunction display.
“I don’t think it’s going to require a whole retrofit, it just kind of depends on the age of your equipment,” says Mike Fargo, Simrad’s executive vice president. “I like the disclaimer that says if you’ve recently updated electronics, for the most part, it will be compatible.”
The NSX, which starts at $1,049, comes with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. Software updates and data transfers can be done using the Wi-Fi or through the Simrad app when connected
to the Internet. Fargo says charts look the same whether they are viewed on the app or NSX, which hasn’t always been the case.
“They use the same terminology, it’s the exact same sequence, so it’s already familiar,” he says. “You learn it in one place and then when you get on the boat, it’s very easy to remember how to do it on the MFD.”
With an Android-based operating system and an extensive integration of third-party apps, Simrad is in a position to move to a subscription-based model where the company’s basic app is free, while the paid version unlocks additional features.
It’s not hard to see a future where boaters pay a subscription fee, but the Norway-based company has no current plans to do that, Thomas says.
“I don’t see us going to an Office 365 pay for basic functionality, but I do see us maybe in the future adding optional, opt-in type, value-added services across the network,” he says. “(For the NSX) it’s all included in the price. You get everything you need to operate the chart model and basic navigation systems. It’s all there.” simrad-yachting.com
-by Gregg Mansfield
Viking Yachts 64 Convertible
A New Champion
The Viking 64 Convertible is designed for tournament fishing action and luxurious family comfort.
The newest member of the Viking Yachts’ fleet, the 64 Convertible, is a tournament contender designed to fish around the world and provide luxurious amenities for family cruising. She is a domineering replacement for the company’s popular 62 Convertible. Two feet may not sound like a lot in terms of LOA, but the New Jersey-based, family owned and operated sportfish builder’s design team has a knack for maximizing the volume out of every available inch.
The 180-square-foot cockpit, for example, is six inches longer than in the 62C. Viking’s demo team has it outfitted for efficiency whether fishing for a Winner’s Circle trophy or going on a family vacation. A 90-gallon pressurized livewell is built into the transom, and the transom scuppers in the cockpit corners can be fit with drains to keep the deck dry if removable livewells are used. Beneath the coamings are fresh- and raw-water washdown systems, quick disconnect fittings for oil changes for the engines and generators, plus 12- and 24-volt outlets to accommodate dredge, kite, and deepwater drop reels. Side storage lockers and fiberglass wells beneath the cockpit sole keep the deck clear. A transom door with a lift gate is standard and allows flexibility for boarding and while fishing.
While waiting for a sailfish or marlin strike, the flybridge overhang offers protection from the sun and spray when sitting on the observation mezzanine, which can be plumbed for air conditioning. The mezzanine deck also provides freezer, tackle, and gear storage as well as a space for an electric grill, a small cooler, and engine room access. A Seakeeper 26 in the lazarette is protected from the elements via a single watertight hatch accessed manually or with an optional electric actuator.
Spacious Salon and Galley
The design team utilized the wide beam and divided the very sociable salon into four separate areas to maximize comfort and convenience. Passing through the electrically operated fiberglass salon door, an L-shaped lounge with storage below is to starboard, complemented with a walnut coffee table. To port, a 50-inch HD television in the walnut cabinetry rises with the touch of a button.
Forward to port is a dinette that seats four with a pull-out drawer sized to store fishing rods. A popular option with this layout is a second HD television on the port side bulkhead next to the dinette. The peninsula galley opposite the dinette includes a pair of bar stools for additional seating.
Undercounter Sub-Zero refrigeration provides deep-drawer capacity, and the custom stone counter has an overhang to enhance usable space. Cooking amenities include a four-burner cooktop and a microwave convection oven. Plentiful walnut cabinetry throughout stores cookware, food items, and supplies. Viking offers a second galley layout with a walkaround island and similar features.
Luxury Accommodations
Accommodations below accentuate luxury and comfort. In the master suite, owners can customize the layout with the choice of an athwartships or fore-aft queen-size berth, ensuite head, credenza storage, and his-and-her maple-lined hanging lockers. The forward stateroom comes standard with a queen-size berth and ensuite head, but a crossover berth arrangement is optional. Separated by the third head are two guest staterooms to port, one appointed with upper and lower berths, the other with side-by-side berths. The latter stateroom also has a massive fishing rod locker behind a wall of walnut cabinetry.
Well-equipped Flybridge
The flybridge boasts Viking’s signature center console helm outfitted with triple pedestal chairs. Navigation systems and other electronics installed by Atlantic Marine Electronics, a Viking subsidiary, nest in a black acrylic helm dash with three flush-mounted Seatronx touchscreen displays. The angle of the dash brings the screens closer to the operator for convenience, and the console itself is slightly taller for quicker access to the twin radio boxes and accessory controls flanking the teak helm pod. The length of the helm console also is slightly shorter to allow more room forward for a sizable lounge with a padded backrest, fiberglass armrests with cupholders, and a 76-gallon freezer under the cushion. Port and starboard lounges with rod storage beneath meld practicality and comfort, along with a chill box for beverages, a sink, and a freshwater outlet.
Prime Performance
Take the wheel and prepare to smile. In the ocean off Palm Beach, I recorded a two-way average top speed of 42 knots. Viking’s engineering and design group fine-combed the running surface, tweaking the chine and running strakes that delivered lift and spray deflection. Modifying the shaft angle and the entry shape in the propeller pockets were other steps the team utilized to enhance the overall performance. At cruise, the water breaks abaft the house windshield and looking astern, there is barely a rooster tail of wasted thrust. The Optimus steering puts you in total control and the boat, despite its hefty weight, handles like a thoroughbred.
-by Peter Frederiksen
Tiara 43 LS
Tiara 43 LS
Sport Meets Style
The third model in the ls series, the 43 LS, combines the aesthetic of sport styling with the luxurious amenities and details synonymous with the tiara brand. Guests can choose from multiple social zones for relaxation and leisure. Forward, the bow features wrap around seating with a reclining lounge. The helm seats four comfortably, with standing room and a leaning bolster just aft, providing a secure zone for more guests while underway. A side boarding door located portside presents access to your favorite water activities. The innovative aft u-lounge rotates 180 allowing guests to further enjoy the swim platform and beautiful views. Entertain everyone aboard from the galley, well equipped with sink, refrigerator and large countertop. Below deck, comfortable accommodations for four await.
Stay tuned for a full boat review from Southern Boating coming soon!
Bahamas National Parks by Boat
The Bahamas’ National Parks by Boat
Each marine park offers visitors a unique experience.
What brings visitors to the shores of the Bahamas is different for everyone. But you’re sure to gain a one-of-a-kind experience when you visit one of our marine parks.
At The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), our mandate is to protect national parks for the benefit of both people and nature itself. These parks are special places that support biodiversity and provide unique spaces for people to connect with nature. Did you know there are 32 national parks (and counting!) in the Bahamas for you to explore?
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Out of these 32 parks, 23 are entirely marine-protected areas or hybrid land and sea parks, which are the perfect stop for those boating in Bahamian waters. If there’s one you may have heard of, it’s most likely the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park (ECLSP), which is
the first land and sea park in the world.
The historic ECLSP is a sanctuary for invaluable and unique species and natural resources. Within its 174,194-acre boundary are some of the healthiest reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and other ecosystems you’ll see in the Bahamas. This is a prime boating destination that provides visitors various up-close experiences to enjoy with nature. Popular activities in the ECLSP include hiking, exploring, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
Our Quick Guide to the ECLSP, an all-inclusive guide to the Exumas and the ECLSP specifically, supplies information on the full host of activities guests can enjoy during their stay in the park. As a bonus, we offer special experiences with our ECLSP Park Wardens on a case-by-case basis for visitors.
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park
While the ECLSP may be the most well-known of our marine parks, there’s no shortage of options of other parks for boaters navigating our waters to choose from. If Exuma isn’t on your list, stop by the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park in Abaco. The second land and sea park established in the Bahamas, it offers the perfect serene environment to enjoy the sun, water, and nature of the Bahamas. Dip your toes into the crystal-clear sea or spread out your picnic blanket and spend your day relaxing on top of the warm, sandy shores.
Pelican Cays has a wide range of fun and exciting things for visitors to do. It has spectacular snorkeling and diving because of its impressive reef systems that support a high diversity of tropical reef species. The magnificent coral reefs and pristine, inviting beaches within the park make it a valuable attraction for both visitors and residents, and it’s frequently used during the summer and holiday seasons.
The Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park protects 2,100 acres of extensive coral reefs and abounds with terrestrial plant and animal life. More than 170 species have been documented within park boundaries, which serves as a refuge for sea turtles and other species. Additionally, commercially important species such as the Nassau Grouper, Queen Conch, and Caribbean Spiny Lobster have been seen within the park, as well as marine mammals and some species of seabirds that have been observed nesting in colonies on the rocky cays.
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
If you’re searching for a marine park where you can experience the wonders of the Bahamas’ natural beauty and diverse species, visit the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park. This park in Exuma was established in 2002, after decades of petitioning and campaigning from locals and conservation champions like Basil Minns. A local Exumian, Minns grew up surrounded by nature and saw firsthand all that Moriah Harbour Cay had to offer. He led the charge to declare it a national park. Many of the activities he recalls participating in with his family, such as picnicking, kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, diving, etc., are all available for guests to experience today.
Home to vibrant populations of endangered corals, sea turtles, conch, lobster, grouper, birds, and sharks, Moriah Harbour Cay—with its breathtaking views and turquoise waters—provides incredible opportunities for recreation, such as kayaking, snorkeling, kiteboarding, bonefishing, hiking, and photography.
The park encompasses more than 27,000 acres of pristine beaches, sand dunes, mangrove creeks, seagrass beds, blue holes, and coral reefs. It boasts an abundance of wildlife, important habitats, and numerous ways for people to connect with and enjoy the wonders of nature. The marine environments protected in this area are a vital part of the Exumas. This is a national park that perfectly exemplifies the natural “jewels” of the Bahamas.
As extraordinary as these parks all are, they have one very important thing in common:
their beauty needs to be preserved for the benefit of the Bahamas, its people and visitors, and nature itself.
Rules and Regulations
Take this invitation to visit and explore what all 32 of our national parks have to offer, but make sure you follow park rules and regulations while you do. Many species depend on these areas to survive and thrive, and the conservation of these areas and species are intrinsically tied to the Bahamas’ culture, history, and economy. That’s why we must work together to ensure these species and ecosystems remain protected, for now and tomorrow. We want everyone to be able to visit, experience, and enjoy these special places for themselves.
Read about the rules and regulations of the ECLSP in our Quick Guide to the ECLSP, but note the rules outlined there generally apply to all our national parks.
Among these regulations, it’s important to emphasize that the park is a complete no-take zone, meaning under no circumstances is any fishing, conching, shelling, or lobstering allowed. Nothing living or deceased may be removed from the park.
To learn more about the role the BNT plays to manage terrestrial and marine national parks, protect species that inhabit them, and inform environmental policy, visit bnt.bs.
To directly support the work of the BNT, consider making a donation. The Bahamas National Trust Fund Inc. is a 501C3-registered charity in the U.S. This means donations made to the organization are tax-deductible. If you want to make a more long-term impact, consider joining the BNT and becoming a member. Visit bnt.bs or email supporttheparks@bnt.bs.
-by The Bahamas National Trust
OXE Marine makes waves
Diesel Comes Clean
Diesel outboards try to break into the mainstream.
Diesel outboards have long gotten a bad rap of being smelly and smoky, but a new generation of diesel technology is aiming to leave that in the sooty past. As yacht owners and the military move to a single-source fuel concept, diesel outboards are having a moment.
Today’s diesel outboards have higher horsepower, better range, and are lighter than models offered less than a decade ago. Gasoline four-stroke outboards still rule, but diesel outboard manufacturers hope to grab a slice of the valuable recreational market.
“We see ourselves as an innovative and disruptive industry competing against the big four: Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, and Honda,” says Douglas Natoce, president of Diesel Outboards. “When you have a product going against the mainstream, they don’t always like it.”
Natoce’s OXE Marine AB is the largest manufacturer of high-horsepower diesel outboards, offering four models from 150 to 300 horsepower. The U.S. market makes up nearly 50 percent of the company’s revenue and a growing market for the Swedish builder.
The diesel outboard market is limited in the U.S. as Cox Marine offers a 300-hp diesel outboard and of those major manufacturers, only Mercury Marine has a diesel outboard.
Convincing consumers to switch to diesel power is a challenge, especially as the four-stroke gasoline outboards continue to improve. Add to it that a diesel outboard costs more upfront and is heavier than its gasoline counterparts, Natoce has his work cut out for him.
Fred Kiekhaefer, former president of Mercury Racing, says diesel outboards have a market in offshore fishing and long-range cruising. Kiekhaefer laid the groundwork for the Verado outboards before retiring from the Wisconsin company in 2013.
“The dramatic propulsion shift from sterndrives and inboards back to outboards could pull some diesel outboard demand, but it’s an uphill challenge,” Kiekhaefer wrote in an email. “The market drivers will still be increased consumer value: price, vessel range, fuel availability, and relative fuel price.”
The diesel OXE300 25-inch version weighs 947 pounds, while the comparable horsepower gasoline-fueled Mercury Verado 300 weighs 600 pounds. When stacked up against the bigger block models, though, the diesel outboard is almost 300 pounds lighter on average.
But Natoce’s counterpoint is “with that you gain the torque, you gain the range, you gain the fuel economy, and you get a much longer shelf life.”
OXE Marine rates the 300-hp outboard at 10,000 hours with the company marinizing a BMW diesel automotive engine. The diesel outboard situates the engine horizontally (on most outboards it’s vertical) and transfers the power through a belt system to a transmission and belt that drives the lower shaft.
The proprietary belt system eliminates vibration common to diesel engines and can absorb the torque. The 200-hp model produces 500 Newton meters of torque, which Natoce says is among the highest available.
A pair of the company’s 300-hp models were on a boat in the water at the Miami International Boat Show. They appeared slightly larger and flatter than a typical four-stroke outboard. While the engines were idling at the dock, no emissions were visible and rarely a hint of diesel fumes.
Customers walking by the docks asked a company representative about the price and did a double take after hearing $61,000. Gasoline outboards with similar horsepower are about half the price. Natoce says the extra cost is quickly made up when you factor in the better fuel economy, less maintenance, and longevity.
Yacht owners have reduced insurance rates by eliminating gasoline on their yacht.
“You have to educate the consumer that is doing that type of homework,” he says. “They are the first ones to say, ‘Wow. It’s a good return on investment.’”
In a move to the recreational market, the company introduced a new ultra-high-performance waterjet for its diesel outboards. The unit is a bolt-on replacement to the standard lower unit on the company’s outboards. Natoce says the waterjet performance is equal or better than propeller versions.
“The waterjets for outboard motors are antiquated, a very poor design form,” he says. “They’re very susceptible to turbulence in the water capitation, and they’re maxed out at one hundred horsepower or so. When I saw the diesel (outboards) and I got into it, I realized I could design a new water pump in a waterjet and revolutionize waterjets.”
The company plans to expand its Jet-Tech Propulsion into the gasoline outboard market, appealing to customers who are leery of propellers or boats in shallow waters where props can be easily dinged.
When it comes to alternative marine power, Kiekhaefer thinks that diesel outboards will be more practical than electric outboards in the greater marine environment. He believes gasoline outboards will continue to rule.
“Pushing bigger boats in open water gives diesel an advantage over electric,” Kiekhaefer says. “Big-water boating is like motocross with a fully loaded semi-tractor/trailer over the Rocky Mountains (with the mountains moving). There’s just not enough battery storage or charging capacity to get you out and back safely.”
-by Gregg Mansfield
Emerald Gulf Coast
Follow the Emerald Gulf Coast
Head west along the sparkling green water from Destin to Orange Beach for great fishing and fantastic seafood.
There are stretches along the Gulf of Mexico coastline where time seems to run on the whims of an eccentric generator. Along Florida’s Emerald Coast from Destin to Orange Beach, Alabama, the turquoise waters and sparkling beaches radiate a welcome stillness reminiscent of days long gone. As you walk the beaches, you leave footprints on the powdered-sugar sands that once were the tops of the Appalachian Mountains. The sand, made from pure-white quartz crystal, was transported from the mountains to the Gulf at the end of the last Ice Age.
The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GICW) lies inside the sandy barrier islands and crisscrosses a series of estuaries, swamps, captivating towns, and open waters for a good sail. Some of the best Gulf Coast sailing for smaller vessels is on Choctawhatchee Bay in the Florida Panhandle. There are three direct entrances to the GICW between Destin and Orange Beach, making offshore cruising less risky than in other sections of the Gulf.
Destin
Destin, once a tiny coastal hamlet on the bay’s southern shore, now calls itself “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and is known for superb saltwater fishing. Due to quick access to the Gulf and the proximity of the famed 100 Fathom curve with its 600-foot depth, the opportunities are endless.
Destin is home to many types of fishing: surf, pier, bay, deep-sea, and more. Each has its fans, and the catch depends on the season. Hook flounder, sheepshead, sea trout, and even tarpon inshore. Mackerel, cobia, amberjack, grouper, and red snapper lurk nearshore; wahoo, mahi-mahi, and tuna await in the deep. To get the real flavor of Destin’s 175-year history, and maybe a couple of fish tales, visit the Destin History & Fishing Museum, a little gem near the foot of the Destin Bridge.
North America’s largest private charter fishing fleet is docked at Destin Harbor. Some vessels hold up to 45 hopeful anglers; smaller boats accommodate a more private trip. Most charters include licenses, tackle, and bait. With more than 170 charter companies, FishingBooker might be the simplest way to find the most suitable.
Don’t care about catching, but fond of eating fish? Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer is a rustic yet refined southern fish house specializing in local seafood and shellfish platters. Its name is borrowed from the tasty bearded brotula caught in local waters at depths of 350 feet.
For a meatier meal in “New York Irish Pub” style, step into McGuire’s Irish Pub. If reading the menu isn’t entertainment enough, lively Irish musicians will get your feet tapping. Add a few bucks to the millions of dollar bills hanging on the walls left by visitors from around the world.
Slips to 85 feet are available at HarborWalk Marina in HarborWalk Village. A bustling entertainment/retail complex, the Village has live music, fireworks, and a variety of water sports rentals.
The southwest corner of Choctawhatchee Bay is anchored by laid-back Fort Walton Beach. Dock at the gated Fort Walton Yacht Basin on Santa Rosa Sound next door to The Shack, a historic seafood eatery.
The area has two excellent museums. The Indian Temple Mound Museum in the heart of historic downtown exhibits 1,000 artifacts depicting 12,000 years of Native American occupation and impressive collections of prehistoric ceramics from European explorers, local pirates, and early settlers. The Air Force Armament Museum on Eglin Air Force Base is dedicated to military artifacts and memorabilia, including more than 29 different aircraft from the WWII era to the present.
The Island Pier, jutting 1,262 feet into the Gulf on the west end of Okaloosa Island, is one of the best places to fish in the region. The fish are always biting, and there are spectacular views of dolphins, sea turtles, herons, and pelicans.
There are no entrances to the GICW from East Pass (Mile Marker 227.7 East of Harvey Lock (MM 227.7 EHL)) in Destin to Pensacola Bay (MM 179.7 EHL).
For clear open water and peaceful beaches with few inhabitants, cruise the numerous islands in the waterway between Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach and Navarre, where everyone embraces a lazy pace.
Navarre
Navarre is a compact beach community with 12 miles of pristine-white shoreline and the longest fishing pier in Florida. Stroll 30 feet above the waterline along the pier’s 1,545-foot length for a wide-angle view of sand dunes rolling for miles in either direction.
For sport divers, Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary has three artificial reefs, two in Santa Rosa Sound and one offshore. At Soundside, or Gulfside, expect to see colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, jellyfish, and octopuses.
It’s an easy cruise through Santa Rosa Sound to Gulf Breeze, yet another great fishing spot at the mouth of Pensacola Bay. Charter-seekers like Gulf Breeze Guide Service which, for 40 years, has specialized in fly and light tackle fishing around the area.
Above and below the horizon, there’s a lot to see around Pensacola Bay. The Blue Angels often thunder overhead during practice maneuvers. The Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been named one of America’s Most Haunted Lighthouses. For divers, the world’s largest artificial reef, retired aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, lies 24 miles offshore.
Sabine Marina is a 64-slip marina located in Little Sabine Bay inside Pensacola Beach. Its entrance parallels the southwest side of the Pensacola Beach Bridge. There are a number
of marinas, including the full-service Pensacola Shipyard, located on the southwest side of Pensacola in the protected waters of Bayou Chico at GICW MM 183 EHL.
Continuing on, Big Lagoon is a favorite anchorage west of Pensacola Pass in the lee of Perdido Key. Good holding ground, a one-foot tidal range, and plenty of open water just 15 feet deep make dropping the hook fairly uncomplicated.
With Gulf Islands National Seashore and three Florida state parks in proximity, Perdido Key safeguards some of the beach’s most fragile and magnificent assets: wispy sea oats, critical dunes, and nesting birds and sea turtles.
Orange Beach
Surrounded by water in all directions and in Alabama territory, charming Orange Beach is a boating and fishing wonderland nicknamed the “Red Snapper Capital of the World.” From the bayous to the reefs, and all the way out to the oil rigs, catches include several delicacies besides snapper.
Perdido Pass offers up incredible fishing where the Gulf and inshore waters meet. Common inshore catches are mackerel, redfish, and speckled trout. A crew of proven fishermen run Orange Beach Fishing Charters and Saltwater Fishing Guides providing private and shared fishing charters.
Orange Beach (MM 159 EHL) has freshly caught seafood eating options from weathered beach shacks to fine-dining. SanRoc Cay and The Wharf are large retail and restaurant complexes with extensive options.
Orange Beach Marina, a full-service facility in a fully protected harbor off Terry Cove, can accommodate yachts up to 130 feet. About five minutes at idle from the Gulf, it offers easy access to the GICW.
There are several places to explore nearby. Robinson Island, just north of Perdido Pass in Terry Cove, is a pleasant place to anchor and spend the day on the beach. Nearby Walker Island has a lovely lagoon and a long strip of white-sand beach. Cruise the calm water and private canals of Ono Island in Perdido Bay for a view of gorgeous homes and, perhaps, a stray dolphin or two.
The Emerald Coast is likely to keep you hanging out for a good amount of time, but when you do decide to hit it, the Gulf Islands National Seashore continues west as well as New Orleans and beyond.
-by Ellen Honey