OFFSHORE questions &; answer section for depths 30 feet and out. FAQ's

M4Real

Thanks for the responses everyone. Do I have to have an 8' long antenna? Would a 46" be sufficient? I have a bimini top so an 8 footer would be cumbersome at times.

Doc Stressor

You can use a shorter antenna as long as you mount it high. Sailboats typically use 3' stainless steel whips mounted on their masts. These are only 3 decibel gain antennas vs 6 decibel gain for standard 8' fiberglass antennas. The gain has to do with the antennas ability to focus the transmitted signal down toward the horizon rather than 360 degrees.

Barrell

Is there a good grouper/bottom fishing out of Cedar Key?

Salty Dawg44

Barrell said:

Is there a good grouper/bottom fishing out of Cedar Key?

Plenty of good bottom SW of Seahorse Reef in about 35' of water.

spearjunky

no good grouper fishing out of cedar key

Doc Stressor

I wish that I could run out of Cedar Key. Many of the spots that I fish out of Homosassa would be a lot closer. Especially the best red snapper areas. 

SalteyDog

I am coming down from Des Moines, IA, I am a native Floridian from Miami. I have tons of fishing knowledge throughout FL. I have done a lot of fishing in the Keys. Looking to see if anyone has room on any fishing trips the week of 11/02/2018 to 11/08/2018. I will be at Fort De Soto at an RV spot their but I can meet someone. If anyone has any spots open. I can get bait from the piers at the park I also have a meat grinder to make chum. I have my own fishing stuff Hooks, weights, Etc.... I am also going to be in Crystal River the following week if anyone has spots open around their, give me a shout out if anyone can help me out? I can see what I can scratch up for fuel! I am a poor truck driver, I will wait too hear from anyone..

William 515-204-4553

Call or Text 

Salty Dawg44

M4Real said:

Thanks for the responses everyone. Do I have to have an 8' long antenna? Would a 46" be sufficient? I have a bimini top so an 8 footer would be cumbersome at times.

I know this is an old post, but I'm in between project boats and bored, and others might have this same question...., so here goes.

A few years ago I had a 17' center console boat with a Bimini top and had the same problem. So here's what I did. I got a 36" stainless steel grab bar and mounted it VERTICALY on the side of the console. To this I mounted a rail mount antenna base at the bottom of the grab bar.. I mounted it snug, but not tight. I got a 5' antenna and mounted it to the base on the rail. That kept the antenna tip just under the bimini top. If an emergency were to come up and I needed a bit more range, I could fold the top down and slide the antenna base up the grab bar to get an additional 3' of antenna height.









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M4Real

Nicely done Salty Dawg44!

Slacker

great idea!

joet43

Hello ,, I'm hoping to find someone who has an opening on their inshore or offshore boat . I will gladly help pay for daily expenses ,, help clean the boat etc . I live in Floral City and have all necessary fishing tackle . Thank you , Joe