i am new to boating and will be running in the tampa clearwater area often. i am looking for others that dont mind pointing me in the right direction, teching me a few tricks, and
showing me the hot spots. i went to ft desoto this past week end and had a great time. i did find the water to be very shallow in places. almost got myself into trouble twice but managed to be paying enough attention to avoid disater. looking forward to meeting new people and learning as much as possible.

Welcome to the area, what kinda boat do you have, I will look out for you.We were there today,it was great out on the water today.Look for a 36 Concept with tripple 300xs and black sides with a flame.

Welcome to the area. My best advice is to get a paper chart and the GPS Chartplotter and study it very carfully. It can get very shallow everywhere around here so you need to be aware of the tides.
Drop me a line with any boating area questions. boating37's boat is easy to spot...it is extremely nice! I am in a Fountain 38TE....all white no graphics with a black top and triple 275 Verado...I am also easy to spot because I have a silver prosthetic left leg!

i will keep an eye out for you both. i have a red baja 250 es with black stripes. cant miss the red boat. it kind of sticks out. it cought the coast guard's eye in the first 5 minutes out. they stopped me and checked my stuff. i had everything they were looking for so they let me go in no time. they were very nice and they were very carful when pulling up next to me. i will post up before i head out again so you can keep an eye out for me. i am looking at gps chart plotters at the moment. are there any you guys like better than others. what are the must haves on them and what are good options to look at when picking one?

Welcome to Tampa Bay !!! There are lots of plces to go to---lots of places to eat on the water and lots of shallow sand bars--I have a 25' Baja--retired cop--and know the whole area pretty much from Anclotte key to Venice---Hope to hear from you !!! Mike-Tampa Bay !!!

Ditto on every ones advice,a chart plotter is a big benefit.
Lots of shallow areas. Bounces Pass is terrible (north of FT D).
I am not typical perf boater from here, have a 20' Chris Craft Bowrider with wake board tower. I will keep an eye for you and feel free to do same.

thanks guys. i will be chart plotter hunting and i am looking forward to meeting everyone and learing the hot spots for food and fun. if you see me out feel free to chase me down and talk. it looks like i may be heading out this saturday mid morning. keep an eye out for me.

Ditto on the above (other than owning the BAJA)

1st post here.

Also a retired LEO and former Coastie here.

There are some areas here, you just don't want to go unless you're thoroughly familiar with them.

Some great beach and boat up bars and restaurants along the coast and ICW.

With all the budget cuts, local and state LEO's are relatively active in the area as is the USCG FWIW.

Lot of great people though and great boating.

If you run into problems, aside from local assistance, the USCG and other commercial assistance available, Eckerd College SaR is very active, well trained and unbelieveably professional!

Oh, and did I mention free?

Welcome to the area, enjoy and stay safe.

thanks for the info. i now have a very good chartplotter. i found the sand where i didnt think the sand should have been a few weeks ago. i got put on boat restriction untill i got one. no damage was done other than a little wear on the sea pump wear plate but i had a spare and replaced it quickly and all is well. after looking at the chartplotter of some of the areas i was in it is a wonder i didnt really mess up. i am a former leo and currently working as a firefighter. i have met some of the coast guard guys out on the water and they were very professional and easy to get along with. i also work with two coaties. if anyone sees me out wave me down and pull up for a chat.

Lots Of Great Areas Around Clearwater 22 All White Scarab Three Rooker And Anclote North Sand Bar Are Great Places. If Your Going There Stay In The Channels Untill You Get Near The Islands.