New Smyrna Inlet

[PT-73]

The boss wants to go to New Smyrna for several days next week.

I've looked at the charts and sat photos.

Does anyone have any local knowledge of inlet and channel conditions or marina reviews to share?

We're a 65 Hatteras drawing 6 feet.

Thanks.

[floridadeckie]

what marina are you docking at? I'm 99% sure ponce inlet and NS inlet are one and the same. if so, hang to the north side of the inlet by the northern jetty, the south side gets kinda skinny. Its one of the ACE's great dredging ideas if you are staying at the marina on the northern side where the big party boat is, beware of the sandbar at the mouth of the cut. Its brown murky water and the bar will sneak up on you. watch your tide heights, its all shifty sand bottom through there and with 6' draft you will probably blow some mud coming out unless you are perfectly in the middle of every channel

[PT-73]

Thanks much.

It is Ponce Inlet, and your info is great. Looks like a real treat.

Again, thanks.

[Deep C]

Like he said stick to the north side. As for that north side marina (can't remember the name) it would take a tube of KY to get in there at anything approaching low tide. Unless you can get an outside slip I wouldn't play that one as as an option. I have stirred stones with a 28 Albemarle comming out with a side current...
The place does have a nice restaurant and even entertainment on weekends I think but that water is some skinny.

[deskperado]

I believe the north side is comanche cove? Nice marina - floating docks and a decent resturant.

[PT-73]

Guys:

Thanks for the info -- you saved me a lot of grief.

I sent your replies along to the boss. Thanks to your info, we'll be going to Port Canaveral (Cape Marina), and he'll drive to New Symrna from there.

There are enough risks out there without tempting fate up there in New Smyrna's skinny water. I had looked at the charts and talked to the marina folks ("no problem"), but I couldn't square what I was seeing in charts and sat photos with "no problem." The help from you guys made this decision a no brainer.

Again, thanks.

[Deep C]

Probably best. The inlet itself isn't all that bad. Finding your turning points is tough but like I said I have slung rock and mud with a 3' draft just down the line form the front dock.

[ancient mariner]

There is a disappearing sandbar right at the back of the inlet.
I run a 23 foot dusky and if it's low tide HUG and I mean hug teh North side channel 'till you get past the sandbar and then MAKE a right turn. Make sure you stay IN THE CHANNEL.
At the inlets mouth the water come up from about 40 feet up to about 20. The water piles up just outside the North jetty and you can see it as you go in and out.
The fishuing is great this time of year. I run lots of CEDARS and HEX HEADS in the wash along with feathers. On the O/riggers I run MY birds and three T'ZER setups IN FRONT OF my LURES. No , I don't like to run bait.WHY? I don't like to get all smelly with formaldahide and spend nights rigging bait. I'M SURE you can buy PRE RIGGED BAITS .

WACKM 'N STACKM
Joseph B...aka...Ancient Mariner

[PT-73]

Again, thanks, all.

[neilinov]

I believe the north side is comanche cove? Nice marina - floating docks and a decent resturant.

That's in St. Augustine