Boating comparison - gulf vs. Atlantic (Jupiter, Naples: to rent, schools, live)

[SJNE17]

Anyone lived on the Atlantic side of the state and done a lot of cruising/fishing? Particularly around the Delray/Stuart/Jupiter areas.

Am curious about boating conditions (generally--I realize there are good and bad days), inlet in/out challenges, open water access times (seems there's only the Boca, Hillsboro and Boynton inlets in that general area), cruising the intracoastal, etc.

Any color/experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Our next trip to PG I hope to be able to rent a boat to get down to Boca Grande and see what that's all about.

[Seafood Junky]

Dont' have much boating experience, but typically fish of the same species are smaller on the gulf side...

Mike

[Harbor Hopper]

Aside from the deeper cut of Boca Grande Pass, the Gulf fishing is MUCH shallower than the east coast. 30 miles out is generally only 70-90ft of water. So not much for the deeper water billfish. Snapper, grouper, & hogfish rule here as far as offshore gulf fishing is concerned. Occasionally some Dorado/Dolphin/Mahi schools come within boating distance.

[SJNE17]

how 'bout water conditions? rougher, smoother, about the same?

[Who Dat]

Originally Posted by SJNE17

how 'bout water conditions? rougher, smoother, about the same?

I can honestly say that unless the is a weather system moving through, the Gulf is very much smooth to a light chop. Most of the time in the evening and early morning it's like glass with barely even a ripple.

I don't think I've ever seen the Atlantic that way.

Sorry, I'm in Naples so it may only apply to this area but thought it might help.

[SJNE17]

There are some crazy youtube videos of the Boca, Jupiter and Boynton inlet. Now, granted, I wouldn't be going out in those conditions anyway, but the challenge I see is the ability to go do some fishing along various creeks, waterways, etc.

In some of those towns, there's only the intracoastal and then the Atlantic. Nothing in between to avoid having to go out into the ocean. Up in Stuart it's better because there's the St. Lucie river.

[wpc691]

Originally Posted by SJNE17

There are some crazy youtube videos of the Boca, Jupiter and Boynton inlet. Now, granted, I wouldn't be going out in those conditions anyway, but the challenge I see is the ability to go do some fishing along various creeks, waterways, etc.

In some of those towns, there's only the intracoastal and then the Atlantic. Nothing in between to avoid having to go out into the ocean. Up in Stuart it's better because there's the St. Lucie river.

2x on the videos, those answer the question. If you can find it, there's actually one of a big sportfisherman breaching and going down in Hillsboro outlet.

[SJNE17]

I need to bolster my argument for something on the Gulf side, so how about, "Honey, the Atlantic is ROUGH! You'll get seasick all the time! Here, look at this youtube video....this will happen each time we go out!"

[SeaRay35]

Bring her to the West Coast, she will never want the East again. Where Jupiter, Stewart are beautiful areas all in all East can't compare to what we have.

[Who Dat]

Originally Posted by SJNE17

I need to bolster my argument for something on the Gulf side, so how about, "Honey, the Atlantic is ROUGH! You'll get seasick all the time! Here, look at this youtube video....this will happen each time we go out!"

LOL

You might also want to mention that Hurricane Andrew's little brother will be along any minute now.



Psst, don't bring up "Wilma".



For me personally, the Gulf side is so much more laid back and with the 10,000 islands there's a true over abundance of places to explore in peace. (which I like)