Questions about a 20' SF for Charlotte Habor area?

lbiexit63 · #1 11-21-2006, 01:14 AM

Hello everyone, I recently moved to Rotonda, Fl and am looking for a new boat/project. I've always admired the Seacrafts but never owned one yet. I have restored 2 other boats up in NJ but was thinking about the 20'SF for the Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay area. I'd also like to fish the Boca Grande Pass at times also. I'd sure appreciate any advice I could get from you all on this forum. I know this is the right place to get it. Thanks in advance.

peterb · #2 11-21-2006, 10:30 AM

I like your screen name LonG Beach Island, Exit 63 off of the Garden State Parkway.

We have a house in Highbar Harbor.

Good luck.

Capt Chuck · #3 11-21-2006, 01:08 PM

Welcome lbiexit63

Your choice to refurbish a 20' SeaCraft is a great choice. I fish Charlotte Harbor a few times each year. If I can get up close on Bokeelia Flats on the north side of Pine Island in my 23' a 20' would be no problem. There is some good Snook and Trout holes within Bull Bay that would be easy target on the start of the ebbing tide. Fishing the pass of course would be no problem and given decent weather, the off shore wrecks would put some tasty grouper on the plate. You need to pick the brains of CSC members "Briguy" and "Snookered" too give up their honey holes (yeah right)Good Luck with your endeavors

BTW: Here's a shot taken at Little Gasprilla Pass

Bigshrimpin · #4 11-21-2006, 08:24 PM

captn'chuck that pic makes me wish I was sitting on cayo costa with you. A 20sf would be perfect for that area. There are some spots that you'll wish you had a flats boat, but the 20sf is a good compromise especially if you fish the gulf or the pass. Last time I was there (2002) Whidden's rents out a tracker 23ft seacraft.

pair of jacks · #5 11-21-2006, 09:28 PM

Hi- I'm in Brick Nj and own a lot in Rotonda Heights. In a few years I plan to move down there with my SeaCraft-where are you in the Rotonda ?

Snookerd · #6 11-22-2006, 11:48 AM

Welcome lbiexit63- Great spot there. I stayed with friends at the Burnt Store Marina and fished around Pine Island last Summer. Those grass flats are loaded with fish! The 20SF or MA will handle the bay chop well and do fine in relatively skinny water for what your planning. There are a couple guys up here in Bradenton who are on ClassicSeacraft.com planning a 20SF bracket job. I will attach the link to the thread:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum...b=5&o=&fpart=1

Read the bottom of the thread, he decided to keep the boat.You may want to talk to him about what work he has done and is planning on his 20.

Snookerd · #7 11-22-2006, 11:51 AM

I re-read his post and he is adding a jack plate with an enclosed transom, no bracket.My bad.