Route #13: July 13, 2008
Safety Harbor to 4th Street

“Long Haul” – Usually the number thirteen is an unlucky number, so I was a little apprehensive about today’s trip. Not that I’m superstitious, I just like to cover all my bases. Taking the time to make sure I had my lucky rabbit’s foot, four leaf clover, my lucky golf ball marker and other assorted good luck items, I left the house at 4:30 in the morning. Meeting up with Norm at 4th Street to drop my truck off, we were off to meet the rest of the crew, Ken and Nick. Once at the ramp, wouldn’t you know it, but the number thirteen struck. I realized I had left my Nikon D-50 in my truck. I would have to use my back-up, a Pentax Optio 43 WR.

With the prospect of a long paddle and possible bad weather, we headed out from the marina towards our destination. We could see some strong looking clouds building to the west of us, which we hoped would stay out in the gulf long enough for us to reach 4th Street.

Ken heading out, with storm clouds building to the west.

We made a few stops before hitting the open water, where all we caught were ladyfish, catfish, and jacks. Not a lot of water movement this morning, coupled with lots of floating grass made for frustrating conditions.

Nick working a grass flat.

Paddling from the Safety Harbor marina towards the west end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway we hit one big oyster bar area, and then crossed under a small passage in the Causeway.

Once on the other side, we hit open water and the longest stretch of paddling that I have encountered so far. It was roughly 5 miles of open water and constant paddling into a slight South breeze. I’m not sure how long it took, as I didn’t time it, but I’m sure it took us at least 2 hours. I can tell you this; I’m pretty sore as I sit here and type this.

Norm crossing the open waters with yet more storm clouds building.

Once we got across, we got some protection from the south breeze and worked a deep mangrove shoreline all the way up to 4th Street. Not much happened, Norm got one good strike on a topwater lure, which turned out to be a small school of rather large redfish. How do I know this you ask? They swam right by me in my kayak. Pressing on and with the impending storm clouds approaching, we arrived at the beach on 4th Street around noon.

Nick and Norm bringing up the rear.

Loaded up with a truck full of kayaks.

Another lack luster fishing day, but it was a tough long paddle with some good friends.

Today was the longest leg so far, 10.34 miles. To some it might not seem far, but for Sit On Top kayaks, made for fishing, it was a long trip. I thought I would reach the 100 mile mark today, but I came up just a bit short. After today’s leg was completed the total for the trip came 99.04 miles. A few more legs to complete and this journey will be done.