Quote:
Originally Posted by jnamowitz
What is the distance for the crossing? I might be interested. I would just trailer up from key west. I would also be in for a key largo meet up
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West End is 60 nm from Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet, bearing ~90 degrees true, although you'll have to head about 95 deg (at 20 kts) to compensate for 2.5-3 kt Gulf Stream current. If you launch further south and use Boynton or Boca Raton inlets, you won't have to fight the current, although those can be much trickier inlets if wind is opposing the current!
There is a nice reef in about 80' off West End (with lot's of current - float dive only!) and a cement ship wreck in about 120' off Lucaya; visibility is typically 50'+. There is also a DC-4 drug runner plane wreck in about 20' north of Great Sale Cay . . . loaded with yellowtail but also lots of big 'Cuda's, so good luck getting a yellowtail to the boat intact! Can't use any spear guns in Bahamas, although you can use slings or pole spears
if free diving. NO spearfishing of any kind allowed if tank diving. I believe a fishing license is included with the Cruising Permit. The customs/immigration paperwork is interesting . . . it dates from the 18th century and they'll want a crew manifest, and also want to know what your cargo is, if anyone has any diseases or if anyone died during the voyage!