fort desoto

[jdgrnt66]

hello all. anyone have any thoughts or experience on anchoring (possibly overnigt) at fort desoto. i know egmont is available, but looking for someplace different and able to take our dog for his nature walk. we live in tampa bay and are looking to be on the other side of the bridge for a change.

thanks

jeff

 

[Ed Schenck]

Only have seen it from the water, looks good. It was recommended to us when we were coming up from Marathon as being an ideal anchorage. I know the park is nice. We ended up though on a free(because we ate there) dock at Moore's Stone Crab restaurant. That is not too far down the ICW from Fort DeSoto. There is a very nice anchorage fifty or so yards south of Moore's also.

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

If the wind is out of the north, or any part of the north, you can anchor on the south beach about 100 yards from the fishing pier.

If the wind is form the East or West you best bet is Egmont Key use 2 hooks as the incoming or out going current has been known to beach several boats.

If you want to sail north about 30 miles there is a great anchorage at Anclote Key off New Port Richey. Have a great time.

By the way Bocca Ciega Bay is always a good place to stop just go North west of Structure "C" It''s waters are usually calm even if the wind is up.

 

[Benny]

Mullet Key, is too shallow except at the exposed end facing the Gulf or the Mullet Key Shipping Channel. The nearest navigable entrance for a sailboat drafting more than 3' is Pass a Grille and adequate anchorages can be found in the back waters from where you may have a long dingui ride into the Park.

 

[sailormanbigd]

i agree with Anclote key if your cruising north. Just be aware that there is a park ranger at the lighthouse and technically no dogs alowed-but it takes the ranger awhile to get to you with his four wheeler.