uh oh.http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/floa.../avn0-lalo.gif

Would not worry too much about that one. It will be long gone by next weekend. The one off Puerto Rico is more of a concern. Not likely to be much of a storm, but it might come close enough to screw things up. Wait and see.

Yeah, it looked impressive earlier today and they were saying it was likely to be a depression soon and then it kind of fizzled. Hopefully the other one will do the same.

fuel
 

Hey All, Are there any non ethanol gas stations on the way into weeki wachee gardens coming in off 50.

Rickg, the Valero at Shoal Line rd about 2.5 miles south of Weeki Wachee has non-ethanol. I'll have to check the price. It's either 2.99 or 3.99 (more expensive than South Carolina). Of course it's .25 less at the street pumps than the marina pumps out back. Not far out of your way. Pumps a little awkward to get in and out of. If your fill is to port, heading south, Valero is on right. You will have to do a small u-turn to grab outside pump. It's tricky but doable.

Vezo.

Gas etc.
 

Ricky, The first light east of US-19 on SR-50 (Deltona Blvd) has Ethinol free gas for $2.67. It's about a mile before US-19 on the south side of 50 - turn left at the light and take your pick. It's 11 minutes to the house you rented on the river.
Mainly though don't worry about the gas, just make sure you have fresh bands on your guns - ! For some weird reason there was 35' viz. in 37' of water on Friday. Marsha and I whacked 'em pretty good for old geezers. See you Friday.

Jeeeez Terry, You need to be careful with the "Marsha and I" using the old geezer thing!!! You I'm good with you as the old geezer, Marsha maybe not!!! :) Nice "catch"!!

Soiree Partakers
 

Hope the weather & scallop hunting is great for all the partakers at the upcoming soiree. Two or three months ago it looked like we would make it, but plans changed. We will miss the camaraderie, but look forward to some of the pics, stories and tall tales! Have been back in SC about 3 weeks and won't return to Fla until Nov. However, it's good to be home. Have made several trips to Lake Hartwell and some progress on vehicle maintenance and other projects.

Good to hear about the vis Terry. Our deep trip has been postponed and Mel is trying to get to get Saturday off so we may make it for the day. If not I will at least drive down to come say hi to everyone.

Bayport Report
 

Here is the current data as of 9/11/16
SCALLOPS - Scallops are out there on the grass flats in 6-8' of water. We gathered up a bucket yesterday in about two hours. Water is clear and confortable. Make sure you have a mask that fits well, snorkel and fins. Boat must have a dive flag on it. You need fishing license to scallop.
FISHING - It seems like Hurricane Hermine has confused the fish around here. Mackerel and flounder are swimming around the scallop flats and some saw cobias yesterday scalloping (Marsha said she had a 4'er hanging around her - couldn't coax it into her scallop bag!) We saw lots of nice size gags on off shore rock piles that showed bait. The neighbor's hook and lined some 12-18#'s on live bait and we picked up a few diving on Friday. We were prepared to run to 55' but got all the fish we were supposed to have in 37' when we hit the clear water and showed bait columns on the Kevin Hughes.
FOOL'IN AROUND - Since it was "slick calm" we had a big "raft up" with friends on the scallop grounds on Saturday. We cooked scallops on the half shell with a spurt of butter, two bacon bits and a pinch of garlic salt in each and grilled brawts. Seemed a little like something out of a Beer Commercial.
LODGING - There are still rooms at the Quality Inn on SR-50 just East of US-19. I think about $75.00 a night includes breakfast. Don't be shy, this could be Epic.

"You need fishing license to scallop"

Not if you are an old fart like me!!! :)

Correct -
Those less than 16 or more than 65 do not require a fishing license. However, when you have a Child-bride like Deb, you'd better have some ID with you to prove the she'd actually marry an ol' geezer like Don. He's like 450 in Dog Years!!!
When I get that old, I'm just going to jump off the Skyway! (OK well, maybe over by the bait shop so I don't hurt noth'in too bad)

Hey, I resemble that remark.

Well, the Fish Camp survived. Ken, if you and Mel can make it, you've got the Master. However there is only a twin in there, so we'll have to stand it up and bring an air mattress. Lucie would like to have company as well. Ran out 38 ft Fri, one 25 inch keeper Gag fed all. More shorts. Saturday was too sunburn to scallop. Spent the day with fellow Jersey Skiff clowns. Who's still in???

Michael.

That roof will break your fall.

I'm planning to come and stay at your river house if space is still available.

Jim

Glad to hear that - I was wondering how much storm surge you got! I'm guessing it was 5-6' in your area but hod no idea of your elevation! Sounds like Terry's Ghetto Yacht club had a close call! My daughter and I should be headed your way towing the Seafari Friday am; hope to arrive your area ~ 3 PM. Can you e-mail or or PM me your cell number?

Will have a couple of 4B props you might want to try. Did removing the T-ducer fix the overheat problem? Denny

"He's like 450 in Dog Years!!!"

Actually closer to 465!! However do remember, "In dog beers, I've only had one"!!! :)

Jim you're in. Denny and daughter in. DonV and wife? In number two bedroom? Who had third? It was another couple, no? Scallops hiding in tall, tide forced over grass. 6-8 ft. Grouper awaiting bait or arrows?!?'

Yes Sir Mike, we're in. Now the hard part...locating our snorkel gear. It's one of those, "it's out there somewhere" things, however that "somewhere" is a really crammed full, messed up storage shed!!

I'll be there Friday evening, can sleep whereever.

Karen isn't coming till Saturday and we will drive home Saturday night.

Thanks

Mel and I will be there Saturday to enjoy the land based festivities wherever they end up being. We only have one day off so we will just have to forego dragging the utilitarian battlewagon down for a day of trying to knock the lower unit off Mel's new motor in the river.

Come to 4502 Haiti Dr, Hernando Beach and ride the Frigg It. May or may not be traveling solo.

Will do!

What do you guys think so far of these weather reports, they are predicting lots of rain bands for my area, looks better in the Tampa area by Saturday.

Not too impressed by the forecasters. NHC has it almost staying in the same area for 5 days. A local tv channel weatherman said it was going to be off S. Carolina by Friday.

I say it looks like a lobster in the bend area, wife dose not see it.

Wish I could go .. But I need to get her painted this fall

Well it ain't Fall and that doesn't sound like a very good member of the He-man Woman Haters Seacraft Club, Marty McFly. What's the matter - you got no guts? Just stay up there in the Pan Handle, in bed with the covers pulled over your head and you'll be OK. I can't believe you would worry about getting your snorkel wet! We'll "Part the Thunderstorms" and you wouldn't be in the CSC pictures, bro'
Signed Butch Moses

I got guts. just no money..this girl is beginning to hemorrhage , money, that is..

Martin, The Hurricane really pushed the fish around or confused them over here. I thought of that picture of you and that stack of AR's on the dock last Friday when I saw a 16" one in 38' of water. Marsha said she had a real big one swim by her too on another spot. Someone said they saw them in 70' of water off of Tarpon Springs - very strange goings on.
I get the money part, I told someone the other day "I think I took more home when I made $1.65 an hour!!!".

You did take more home..lol... Yes the fish have been pushed in close here too...st Joe really got hammered by the red tide... But I think it was a matter of time before they declined here.. the scallops are so small when the season opens and the amount you could take was way to much .. imho

Lost my washer, dryer and ice maker of beer fridge, all located in garage which took a full foot of water. Not sure how much will be replaced by weekend. Guests be warned.

Michael.

Man Sorry to hear that...

Moi aussi.

Can someone make some alfredo sauce for the scallops.

I am blowing out the Welly this time and I only have 4 burners.
Real veal stock with roasted bones and mirepoix.

Fois Gras for the duxelle instead of chicken liver.
Heels and ankles still upset from mini season. My mistake there.
I should know better by now...

SeaCraft Scallop Schedule
 

NOAA marine weather says 5 Mph winds, scattered thunderstorms for Friday and Saturday. Thunderstorms seem to be forming in the middle of the Gulf and tracking to the northeast as they have most of this year. Looks like about 30 SeaCraft Scallop hunters coming this weekend, exceeding the seating capacity of the Ghetto Yacht Club Grand Ballroom by approximately 18! With the likelihood of afternoon rains Professor Vickers and I have determined it would be best to secure two Dry and Air Conditioned venues for the evening get togethers. So the agenda shaping up looks something like this -
FRIDAY - Get launched, unpacked and settled in. Figure out "the Lay of the Land" on this part of the Nature Coast.
Captain's Meeting and Dinner - 8:00 PM - Zigzag Scallop - 4417 Calienta St., Spring Hill, Fl. 34607 Grouper, Mangrove Snapper and Hogfish dinner $10 + gratuity. Scallop spottings and strategies to be discussed.
SATURDAY - Low tide is 9:30AM which is the best and easiest scalloping, so get out there early! "Raft Up" for grilled scallops on the half shell, hot dogs and brawts at 1:00 PM at approximately 28-36-59 and 82-42-49. (North of Pine Island). Scallop again in the afternoon, unless you've hit your limit.
Captian's Meeting and Dinner - 8:00 PM - Bayport Inn - 4835 Cortez Blvd. Weeki Wachee, Fl. 34607. Break up into groups of 4 to 6 so we don't overwhelm their operation.
SUNDAY - Scallop, clean up, or pack up depending on your plans.
Working VHF Channel - 06
My phone number is (727) 365-1092 but I have been getting poor reception up there lately after the storm. Marsha's is (727) 641-1812 and her's is working pretty good.
The Ghetto Yacht Club address is - 5476- Circle Drive, Weeki Wachee, Fl.
Mike's (Vezo II) address is 4502 Haiti Drive, Hernando Beach, Fl.
Let me know what I forgot, Captains.

Please post pics
 

I really hate to miss this one...good luck and be safe y'all

Not being a professional scallop digger.......

"Scallop again in the afternoon, unless you've hit your limit"

If you eat your morning limit of scallops for lunch, which will in effect hide the evidence, won't you start from zero in the afternoon?? :)

Any computer Gurus with ability to print off a couple of maps, satellite view of the area, including waterways from my house to ramp, and back by boat so I don't have to leave for launches? Main channel out, general location of primary scallop grounds, and channel into Terry's, Circle drive, or are all of our latest and greatest navigation systems able to do it for us. Not exactly sure.

Fish Camp is 4502 Haiti Dr., Hernando Beach/Spring Hill (some systems may require this)

Thanks and prepping.

Vezo

Hernando Beach Ramps?
 

Michael,

The BoatUS ramp locator found 13 ramps in your area. Which one would you recommend? If you can tell me which ramp, I should be able to find it and get from there to your house using GPS. (My Garmin 640 has both marine and street mode.) Looks like your house is pretty close to the main channel into HB from the Gulf and I got your coordinates from Google Earth. Just need to know if there are any shallow spots to watch for . . . there's a lot of thin water over there that covers HARD bottom! Denny

May want to switch out to your alum prop.