03/04 - 03/06 - St. John's River, Florida 2016

Tom,
You didn't specify it, but Hontoon Brats should ensure they are using the USA (not International or Canadian) channels for their VHF radio for channel 72. Luckily, it is the same freq, 156.625 (Simplex) for both transmit and receive for all 3 (I'm sure that's why you chose it).

It is intuitively obvious on my handhelds how to toggle between them...while HOLDING DOWN the 16/9 key, merely press the CLR/WX key to toggle between them. Obvious, huh? The Base VHF and yours will of course all have different instructions for doing this.
If cell phones worked like this no one would ever buy one.
My MMSI (same for Ditch Bag DSC/GPS and Helm backup portables as well as Base unit) MMSI DSC RADIO # 338010252.
Hope I can remember to PRESS ANY KEY when it rings, just like your cell phone...NOT!
Safe Travels!
John
 
Colby,
My wife and I have been at Hontoon since mid January doing volunteer work. I fish every chance I get. The fishing is good and improving.. I have been catching black crappie and the regulars that fish here are catching catfish and bream. The water is warming and the largemouth bass fishing should improve soon..I do most of my fishing from the kayaks we carry on our boat.. I would recommend to anyone that has kayaks to bring them. They also rent kayaks and canoes here at the park
 
Colby, I thought I had sent the price of a FL license--but don't see it. The non resident for a year is $47 for a week is $30 and for 3 days is $17. We are brining medium light tackle, and spinning gear. Bring a rod--we put ours up by the V berth and a reel under the seat--small tackle box. If you decide not to use it, leave it in the truck.

Fishing in any Florida waters we have found to be good, but you have to know the tricks. We see folks catch an amazing spectrum of both fresh and brackish water fish right in back of our house....You should find the same type of fish up the St. John.s.
 
Thanks guys. I'll leave my tackle in the boat and consider a 7 day license when I first get there. Something to relax doing before and after the gathering weekend. I usually just enjoy pan fish on light tackle, unless I'm trolling for Salmon. :) I've actually got a pretty nice rod system on the back of the back cabin bulkhead. It's the tackle box that takes up a little bit of my galley cabinet space... I do have some inflatable Kayaks, but not something I would fish from... I'll have to consider if I have room to bring one along tho. Colby
 
We are on the final countdown for our Hontoon Island Gathering. Starting to see more of our C-Dory family on the St. Johns River. Had a chance Monday to take some friends out on the C-Otter and visit a bit with Bill and Becky at Hontoon Island. Mark and Carol on the Crystal Sea were coming in to the park just after we pulled out....Nice Boat. We would have turned around if we did not have guests.

BE ALERT on the St. Johns River. We have lots of Manatees moving in the area. There are Slow No Wake areas. Watch for the signs and please obey them. Thanks!

IF YOU PARK AT ED. STONE PARK and are going to leave your rig for more than a day or two please park by grassy area closest to the highway. Just back your trailer toward the retention pond.

Remember our silent auction and bring any "unwanted treasures" that you would like to donate.

Till next time....Tom on"72"
 
Hi Half/Pint and crew......the crew of the C-Otter will be at Hontoon on Tuesday so we will see you then. Firewood is not a requirement to attend but some good seasoned firewood would be appreciated! A good amount of C-Brats will be there early and the wood that we have will used on the "official" gathering days. Looking forward to meeting you and have a safe drive down.

Tom
 
Colby....pull into the first lane to the left after you pull into Ed Stone and the grassy parking area will be on your left. Back your rig in that area after you launch. There is or was a sign. If that area is full just park where you can. Watch out for the trees! 🌴🌴🌴

Ken...it will be good to see the Sea Angel and crew again ! I'll give you a call a little later today......Tom
 
Thanks Tom. Weather is looking good for the tow down, at least from spot checking major cities along the way. If all goes well, I should be launching early Tuesday afternoon and at Hontoon later that day. Colby
 
The weather forecast is looking great for next weeks gathering at Hontoon Island State Park. Bill and Becky report that there are Brats in the area. We will be there with the C-Otter early on Tuesday.

For anyone thats interested in looking at "The greatest collection on C-Dorys in the world" (or at least in Florida) drive on over to Hontoon to look us over.
The slips will be full! Marc from Wefing's supplied us with some brochures that I will give to anyone looking to buy a C-Dory. If you have never been on one this is your big opportunity. From the sign ups it looks like we will have 16' to 26' boats. Anglers, cruisers, commuter and cats! If you are looking to buy a boat check with Marc.....he has some nice new and used ones for sale up in East Point, Fl.

For everyone towing your great boats our way be safe......Tom and Joyce
 
Avidmagnum12":2suo7hgh said:
For anyone thats interested in looking at "The greatest collection of C-Dorys in the world" (or at least in Florida) drive on over to Hontoon Island to look us over.
The slips will be full! If you have never been on one this is your big opportunity. From the sign ups it looks like we will have 16' to 26' boats. Anglers, cruisers, commuter and cats!
Click to expand...

Blues Cruiser will be there Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She is FOR SALE so anyone interested in a nice 25 with low hours can see and test drive one. Details can be viewed on the C-Dorys for sale page.

Thanks!
John & Karen
 
Is there public tranportation from Sanford or Orlando to the gathering? Flying in from Oregon. Weds at Epcot and on to the park Thursday to board our friends boat waiting for us at the gathering. Thanks!
 
Are you renting a car? I don't know of any public transportation to Hontoon Island state park. I take it that you will be staying on the Salty. When you get to the park they do have a ferry to bring you across the river. See you on Thursday .....Tom
 
Was trying to figure out how to get from the Sanford rental car dropoffs to tbe park but an alert Cbrat spotted a drop off for Enterprise rentals at Deland, very close to the park. Should be able to figure it out from there.
 
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