[timogleason]

Taking the skiff to Islamorada for the first time in a few weeks. Staying in Safety Harbor on Lower Matecumbe Key at mile marker 74. What is a decent public ramp near there? I am used to launching at small ramps so that won't be an issue. Geographic proximity to place, is the major concern as I have to do it all myself.

Any other pearls anyone once to throw out there, I am all ears. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tbarton]

Indian Key boat ramp next to the bridge is an option

 

[bryson]

Yep -- the "ramp" on Indian Key isn't too bad, especially if you get there on a weekday. On a weekend you might have to wait for a minute, but at least it's usually good entertainment.

 

[fins_n_wings]

I would drive one more island south to Long Key and use the Sea Bird Marina ramp.

 

[DuckNut]

There used to be one all the way down the access road past the marina. There is also a hidden one at the end of Tollgate which is in the resort

 

[Barbs_deep]

I would drive one more island south to Long Key and use the Sea Bird Marina ramp.

Nice and safe ramp but it’s $20 and the hours suck. They open late and close early

 

[timogleason]

Thanks all - Indian Key looked the closest to me. Thought I might be missing something closer.

 

[kbanashek]

that one at the end of tollgate is worth a look, havent been down there in a while but not a lot of traffic and puts you right on boy scout flat

 

[timogleason]

that one at the end of tollgate is worth a look, havent been down there in a while but not a lot of traffic and puts you right on boy scout flat

Just looked at that. If that is useable, that would be awesome as I am a few blocks away. Will look into that.

 

[kbanashek]

Just looked at that. If that is useable, that would be awesome as I am a few blocks away. Will look into that.

I might be down at Robbies this weekend and could possibly scoot down there to give it a look time allowing, will report back if I do.

 

[EasternGlow]

depends if you're willing to spend $25 or not. sea bird's hours suck. Some places are absolutely crazy and want $20 for launch, $20 for retrieve. To me, a giant factor is the hours of the ramp. I absolutely hate to wait for a ramp to open, or hustle back to a ramp before they close. Unfortunately, I think the fill is your best option. Weekday or not, definitely get there early. Ton of hooligans there.

 

[Dillusion]

Are car break-ins still an issue at Indian Key fill? Also the jet skiiers from Miami are clowns that make it worse.

 

[timogleason]

I might be down at Robbies this weekend and could possibly scoot down there to give it a look time allowing, will report back if I do.

That would be cool - Is it right past the boy scout place? If so it is literally a couple blocks away from where I am staying.

 

[Fritz]

Indian Key is the only free ramp I know of (I live just a few miles down the road from that ramp) and the last time I used it it was in terrible condition, no problem if you have four wheel drive or at high tide, but it’s an unimproved gravel ramp that has had near zero maintenance for decades.

And the crowds on the weekends are crazy, get there early and you should be okay.