Fishing Adventure

Everglades City, FL

One of the draws of winter in southern Florida is fishing. We love being on the water and take every opportunity we can to get out and cast a line or two. Recently while visiting Everglades city, we took advantage of the nice weather and rented a small boat. Our day on the water turned into an interesting little adventure.

boating past our RV at Everglades Isle

Upon arrival at the boat rental, we were given instructions and directions for navigating the channel out to the ocean. Most important in this little spiel was the fact that the area was experiencing unusually low tides so it was very necessary to stay in the channel. Part way out, the motor kicked up some mud and we could tell it was on the verge of clogging. Quickly we shut the motor down and began to clear the line. Of course, while doing this our momentum carried a little further off course. Needless to say, when we got the motor fixed, we were in too shallow of water to continue. We got out the oars to push off the mud, but it was beyond too soft to push on. The paddles sank in immediately and no amount of leverage would move the boat. (the paddles were very cheap light weight plastic). A quick call back to the boat rental. The owner came to our rescue on his way out of the channel with a charter group. A thrown rope, a little tow, and we were back in the channel and ready to go again.

might have bent the oar trying to get out of the mud

We fished and moved around for a couple of hours before heading into a little cove. When decided to move on, we discovered we now had no steering. An hydraulic line had come undone and fluid was leaking into the boat. Unable to fix it without tools, we found ourselves stranded once more. To make it more interesting, we had no cell coverage. Remember those cheap plastic paddles? Yep, they came into play again as we paddled our way out of the cove in our now giant “kayak”. Thankfully, as we exited the cove, Steve realized we could use the motor to go straight and then use the oars just for turning. This certainly helped to move us a little faster. Eventually we got back to the main channel and cell service.  A few texts with the owner, who told us to fish and hang out, and then he would pick us up on his way back. So, we fished, ate our lunch, and paddled our way around the area until we heard from him again. Upon his arrival, we transferred everything to his bigger boat and climbed aboard, leaving our little boat anchored by the channel.

Steve steering using the paddle

 We still had a good time fishing, catching a variety of fish including ladyfish, speckled trout, lizard fish, catfish, and snook. Unfortunately none of them were keepers. Also saw a dolphin in the cove we entered. He swam at us fast just under the surfaced, looking like a torpedo coming at us, passing the boat just under the water. He was so quick I didn’t have time to pull my phone from my pocket for a pic.

caught a speckled trout

 All in all, it was a great day to be on the water and thankfully, even with the mishaps, we were never in any danger.