Looking to plan a "Mother Ship" expedition

Nickhoog

Some friends and family would like to do a "Mother Ship" fishing trip in your area. We are coming from all over the state to get together. Is there an outfit that you guys recommend? There will be wives and girlfriends so we would like nice amenities (if you know what I mean) on the house boat. Price is always an issue but sacrifices will be made "to keep Momma happy".

Let me know your suggestions.

Thank you in advanced,
Nick
(Nickhoog on here)

blewitupsir

The only real mothership I am aware of on our side is the one run by blue moon expeditions. Google that name and you can find their website and info. I am not sure though of their schedule as they move the boat to different areas depending on what's going on.


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Flatwater witch

Blue Moon costs serious coin.
Have you thought about staying at Ivey House or Glades Haven stilt homes?
They are comfy. http://millersworldeverglades.com/h3/

Than hire out some guides http://hopefishing.com for some daily excursions.

How many people?

floridascuba

blue moon bought a new boat, not sure if it will change how they operate.

torque

If a mother ship does not turn out to be an option, for a week long visit, consider renting one or two of the stilt houses on the island across from the sportsman's club. The prices range but can end up being less than any place on the mainland and you get significantly better accommodations including a clubhouse and pool. Then your guides can pick you up right at your dock. The houses I have rented have been great and they provide a concierge to ferry you across the river to your car when ever you want. Good Luck.
Torque

blewitupsir

floridascuba wrote: »

blue moon bought a new boat, not sure if it will change how they operate.

I wonder what they did with their old one? I see now they are just running a big sportfisher. No getting up the rivers in that thing


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lemaymiami

Actually, where they operate (in my area up inside all the tributaries of the Little Shark...) they're doing just fine. I see them anchored up there pretty regularly. Of course that area will accomodate a 100 footer as long as it drafts no more than nine feet of water... and there just aren't any bars or hazards around the entrances. I have yet to hear from my anglers that have stayed on the new mother, though, so I can't tell you how they've fared...

From the Harney northward a big sport (the Blue Moon looks to be about 70 feet long) just wouldn't be viable since you'd have far too much trouble just getting up inside. By the same token you'll note that the big commercial operators out of the EC/Choko area only run in just a few passes as they move in and out daily...

blewitupsir

lemaymiami wrote: »

Actually, where they operate (in my area up inside all the tributaries of the Little Shark...) they're doing just fine. I see them anchored up there pretty regularly. Of course that area will accomodate a 100 footer as long as it drafts no more than nine feet of water... and there just aren't any bars or hazards around the entrances. I have yet to hear from my anglers that have stayed on the new mother, though, so I can't tell you how they've fared...

From the Harney northward a big sport (the Blue Moon looks to be about 70 feet long) just wouldn't be viable since you'd have far too much trouble just getting up inside. By the same token you'll note that the big commercial operators out of the EC/Choko area only run in just a few passes as they move in and out daily...

I wasn't sure where they were going in at so that makes sense. The broads about at far as I run, and I run the inside from EC usually staying in the back. It's a banner idea they have, and I hope they do well at it. Wonder what they did with the barge they had. I saw that thing in goodland one day, and couldn't figure how anyone could steer that thing. I bet it took quite a while to get all the way down there. Ahh these are all bigger boat problems than I for see me ever having.


Fish the Everglades and 10,000 islands with Hopefishing.com. Also offering multiple day all inclusive fishing/camping trips

lemaymiami

Over the years I've watched an occasional mother ship operation come and go... I figure the maintenance and addtional costs of that second boat just quietly eat them alive.... But I have to admit that if I ever got "suddenly wealthy" it sure would be nice to have a something in the 40' trawler style rig anchored up in the mouth of one river or other for a few weeks at a time (it would have to be fitted with extra fuel tanks so my old Maverick wouldn't have to worry about fuel for a week or so...

FishinMcNut

lemaymiami wrote: »

Over the years I've watched an occasional mother ship operation come and go... I figure the maintenance and addtional costs of that second boat just quietly eat them alive.... But I have to admit that if I ever got "suddenly wealthy" it sure would be nice to have a something in the 40' trawler style rig anchored up in the mouth of one river or other for a few weeks at a time (it would have to be fitted with extra fuel tanks so my old Maverick wouldn't have to worry about fuel for a week or so...

We share the same dream...

Pucker Factor

My dad just did the Blue Moon deal two weeks ago. Problem was, my dad knew more than the guides and the accommodations were a bit tight on the new sport fish they have. I will say though that my dad had scheduled the trip for him and his buddies from all over the country a long time ago. While on their trip they were blessed with 3 days of solid 20mph west winds which does no guide or mothership operation any good.

Get a guide like Blewitup to put a bunch of guides together for your crew and stay at a hotel if the cost of Blue Moon is tough. The houseboats at Flamingo are terrible.

Flatwater witch

Pucker Factor wrote: »

While on their trip they were blessed with 3 days of solid 20mph west winds which does no guide or mothership operation any good.

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has been windy for months.

I guess my "mothership experience" will be camping in the Glades.
Which works out great and is very inexpensive, if you go with the right people.:thumbsup