pensacola's Big Lagoon ,Anchorage??

[tom]

We are moving our Pearson 323 from Choctawhatchee bay to Mobile. Unless there is a problem with the weather we plan to leave early morning and go out into the gulf to Pensacola and enter the ICW to enter Big Lagoon and anchor for the night. Next morning we plan to go back out into the gulf and sail to Mobile Bay. Time permiting we'll then go on to our new marina. But if it's late we might want to anchor near the mouth of Mobile bay. Anyone exerienced with Big Lagoon anchoring have advice?? The same question for Mobile bay.Thanks Tom

 

[Frank Walker]

Outside and Inside

Tom, most anywhere along the south shore in Big Lagoon should be a suitable anchoring spot this time of year. Just watch the buoys going into Pensacola and at the intersection on the Pensacola channel and the ICW. Plenty of shallow water on the south west side of the entrance. Close going through the land cut into Big Lagoon but stay in the marked channel and you will be ok. You might want to consider an inside motor on to Mobile Bay. Stop in Pirates Cove for lunch and Ingram or Wolf Bayou for the evening and then you should be able to get to your final destination on the third day. If there are any good anchorages around the south end of Mobile Bay I have yet to find them. Plenty of drilling rigs though.Frank

 

[Terry Arnold]

Second inside route Pensacola to Mobile

Agree with Frank Walker about the advisability of inside from Pensacola to Mobile. Closer too since you have to swing so far south for the Ship's channel into Mobile Bay from the outside. Ingram Bayou is a rare bird indeed, completely undeveloped wilderness anchorage in a place you wouldn't expect it. From Ingram (or wolf bayou), can make anywhere on Mobile Bay the next day. Entering Mobile Bay from the east, a close look at the chart will allow cutting north out of the ICW channel pretty soon after entering the bay.

 

[Don]

Big Lagoon

I agree with Frank and Terry. Don't forget, you can get in/out of the Gulf at Alabama Point (Perdido Point if you are standing on the other bank) with bridge clearance of 53 feet. Outside from Destin to Pensacola is faster, but inside is one beautiful trip. If you can, take your time and enjoy it.