16 ft boat skyway yes or no

[polk county]

I have a 16ft welded aluminum grizzy with a 25 hp and 15 gallons of gas. Is it wise to take this to the skyway? I plan on trolling and anchoring if I can. How far is it from the fort de soto boat ramp to the middle of the skyway? If its too rough where else can I fish? I?m taking the father in law fishing and I don?t want to get lost and swamped and look stupid in front of him. What would you do with this setup?
Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 16 ft boat skyway yes or no

watch the the weather closely. they bay is over all is on the shallow side, and can get rough rather quickly. i sent a pm, to one of the members who lives in the area.

 

[dave11]

Re: 16 ft boat skyway yes or no

I often launch from Ft Desoto. Just go East from the ramp to the ICW and go South. You are pretty well protected from the wind on both sides until you get to the bridge. Go on out and see how the seas are that day. Make your decision when you get down there. Otherwise, just go out to the pier.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: 16 ft boat skyway yes or no

I have taken a 16'er out that way on several occasions. I now have a bigger boat and I much prefer the ride of the 20' center console. As stated before, watch the weather closely; the weather gets up fast out there and 16' isn't a lot of boat in big water. If you can stay on the leeward side of the causeway you'll generally have pretty good water, but that isn't always an option.

Again the best advice is watch the weather closely; if it's going to be windy stay inside the pass between shell and mullet key. There is some good fishing all through there.​