How bad is the Tampa Bay Pass

[Trade Wins 2]

I will be moving to Tampa Bay soon and have been told many stories about the Tampa Bay Pass, commercial channel, and have been wondering if anybody could tell me the truths leaving behind any myths about the pass. Mostly, my wife and I are just interested in getting to Egmont key.Thanks for any and all advice.

 

[bob]

tampa bay pass?...i'm not sure what you're...

referring to...the main commercial channel going into and out of tampa bay is the egmont channel, which has alot of tanker/freighter traffic...this channel is to the north of egmont key...to avoid the commercial traffic, most pleasure boaters use the southwest channel which goes by the southern tip of egmont key...to get to egmont key from tampa bay you have to go under the sunshine skyway, which is quite a beautiful span...you have to avoid commercial traffic in the main channel under the bridge, but this is easily done...i hope these comments are helpful..

 

[Bob Bass]

No Problem!

I can't imagine someone considering this pass a problem. Freighters are easy to avoid because they sure are easy to see. Just communicate with them on the proper VHF channel and you will know their intentions (and they will know yours). Have fun and don't forget to fish. Good channel to catch Mackerel in!

 

[David Desforges]

Nothing To it. Youl be sailing to Clearwater soon.

There is nothing to sailing out to Edgemont key. The anchorage possibilities are not that great for overnight, but it makes for a great day sail and you can end up dining at the Pier. There are also many great weekend getaways within your reach as well. I'm not from the area but really enjoy chartering there every few years. Enjoy.

 

[Palmer King]

Not a problem, but a couple of cautions

Coming out of the Bay headed to Egmont is a no brainer. You'd have to work at it to run aground. And there is a nice anchorage on the east side of the island. Not much protection from the East, but plenty for weather from the West.The only caveat from this direction is watching out for ships. They are, of course, channel bound, and usually moving pretty fast (relatively speaking).The North and South channels are deep and wide, but there is some shoaling around so check your charts. The biggest problem is a northern passage off the North channel which passes Ft. Desoto and looks better than it is. It is easily navigable once you know it, but deceptive at first. Power boaters can usually cut the pass w/o fear, but sailors should be a little more cautious.That's about it. No real worries.