Page 1 of 1

Sarasota fishing

PostPosted: Tue May 03, 2011 5:02 pm
by RMD
Wanted to get some advice from anyone experienced in fishing the Sarasota area. I have Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless. The boat is perfect for fishing Sarasota Bay, drifting the grass flats etc. However, my true interest lies in getting offshore to get bigger fish- grouper, snapper, larger sheepshead. Maybe even fishing a little further out and going for some amberjack.

How far out would you be comfortable going in a single engine boat like mine? I have been about 10 miles offshore and the boat performs nicely. However, it is a little bit of a rough ride if there are 3 foot seas or larger. I can go at a moderate speed and feel very safe on the boat... no concerns about safety. My primary concern would be engine failure. Even though the boat is relatively new - less than 80 hours- and in good operating condition, I still hear lots of experienced boaters say not to go out to far with just a single engine boat.

What should be my safe travel distance in this boat?

Secondly, I have considered upgrading to more of an offshore boat such as the BW 280 or 320 Outrage but then I worry about the boat being too large to fish the Bay and shallow waters when the Gulf is too rough to spend the day fishing comfortably and safely with children. I don't find the inshore fishing that spectacular, but it definitely beats a day at the office and I would rather fish the bay than be stuck not fishing because my offshore boat is too large for the bay.

My current boat is perfect for the bay and for the nearby reefs, but the deep blue waters are calling me. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks

RD