Day trippin on Lemon Bay

Florida is famous for beaches, golfing, and fishing. Outdoor activities of all kinds can be enjoyed year round. Of all the ways we have to enjoy life here in Southwest Florida boating is on the top of my list.

We have a flats boat which is a light weight fishing boat with the ability to float in very shallow water. It has a soft ride and will provide a comfortable ride even on windy days. With a four stroke outboard you can have a conversation at cruising speed without needing to shout.

With our boat I can explore much of the vast waterway system that makes coastal Florida a special place.

One of our favorite day trips has Johanne and I launching our boat out of Indian Mounds park in Englewood. This Sarasota county park has a very nice 4-lane boat ramp with ample parking. From the ramp it’s a short ride to stump pass. We like to beach the boat on the Manasota key side of the pass. You never know what you will experience at the pass; the last time we were there a group of manatee was resting on the bottom in about 10 feet of water just off shore. The water was gin clear that day and the manatee stayed around coming up for air every 10 minutes.

From the pass we head to Stump Pass Grille for a late lunch. Going to a waterfront restaurant is always a joy. This spot is a treasure, outside dining under a tiki hut with the waters of Lemon Bay lapping on a riprap seawall. Most days we can watch fishermen wading the flats. It’s not uncommon to see dolphin. We have a standard order; seafood chowder and two orders of wings. One garlic and one hot. The leftovers go into our cooler and it's back out on the water.

Boating is a year round activity. It's easy to shake up the trip, with boat ramps all over Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties. The inter-coastal provides a marked highway and with the numerous bays, rivers, harbors, islands and the Gulf you can create you own favorite day trip.