Route #8: April 19, 2008
Picnic Island to Gandy Boat Ramp

If you look at a map of this trip and are familiar with the area, you will notice that I have skipped and area around Macdill AFB. Due to 9/11, a large area around the base has been marked a security zone and is restricted. The signs marking this security area are about a mile from shore, which would have dramatically increased the amount of paddling I would need to do, as well as pose a safety issue. If something were to happen, it would have been in relatively deeper water with no way of getting to a shallower area. So, for those two reasons I decided not to attempt to paddle around this area, the thought did cross my mind, but it would not be today.

Joining me today on Leg 8 would be Norm, who had paddled with me before and Kevin and Chrissy who are members of our kayak club. (Central Florida Kayak Anglers) I was really glad to have them along with me today, as I was feeling a little bit under the weather. After much discussion it was decided that we would launch from the Gandy and paddle towards Picnic. This would get us away from all the boat traffic and give us a little bit more time in some of the better areas. So, with a brisk West wind kicking up, we left from the Friendship Trail Bridge, which is right across from the Gandy Boat ramp and headed south.

From L to R Kevin, Chrissy, Norm.

Heading out from the Friendship Trail

Norm paddling along a section of the trip just south of the Gandy Bridge.

Despite the amount of industrial sites close by, we did come across some good areas that were holding good numbers of fish. Norm was the first to hook up with a nice slot redfish.

In an area called the Legions Flats, we came across a diverse amount of shore birds. This is a pretty unique area, smack in the middle of Port Tampa.

Kevin and Chrissy enjoying the calmer winds on the Legions Flats. Chrissy did very well today, catching several nice trout as well as a nice redfish. She can final shed her title of “Catfish Queen”

With several miles of undisturbed mangrove and oyster shore line, it was teaming with all kinds of life.

Norm once again found some nice redfish.

So, with the wind picking up and me not feeling all that great, we headed on towards Picnic Island, only to find out that our master plan of doing this leg backwards was not all that great. Coming around Port Tampa, the current was meeting the West wind, creating some pretty good chop. Combine those conditions with our good old friend, Mister Seawall and it was like being inside a washing machine.

We all made it to the Ramp at Picnic Island, where Norm and I watched in amazement as this younger guy backed his buddy’s truck all the way down the boat ramp until his front tires were about an inch under water. You never know what you’ll see at a public boat ramp on the weekend.

All in all, it was a good day, I did manage to catch one nice trout today and we did 5.5 miles towards my Paddle Around the Bay, brining the total up to 55.08. Many thanks to Norm, Kevin and Chrissy for joining me today, I really needed their good company. Onward towards the next leg.