[MyMistress]

Considering a relocation South. Since I have only fished the South Jersey coast (LEI and Cape May), I am looking for opinions on how the Saltwater fishing is along the North and South Carolina coasts between Southport and Hilton Head versus Florida's west coast in the Hamossa/Silver Springs area.

If you had to choose, which would it be and why?

 

[the grinch]

I'd be interested in the responces, often wondered the same thing.

 

[Lucky John]

Try and get set up before next winter. I need another place to visit to avoid cabin fever

 

[snprblue2]

Carolinas...Less people and you still have some seasonal change.

I am not familiar with the Florida area you mentioned but I understand that the west coast of fla gets more and more crowded each year.

 

[barrell]

This is my first winter living in Florida and Im having more fun fishing then I ever did in 40 years of fishing in NJ. Ive lost countoof all the species of caught but its got to be in the dozens. Thats whats so exciting. Your out on a reef and your rod bends and you dont have clue what you have until you get it up. Weather except for some cold snaps has been above 70 every day since October. Crowds arent bad at all where im at which is SE EAST COAST near Fort pierce inlet. Fishing out on the reefs is way less crowded then the reefs in NJ. Real estate prices are very low but creeping up. Deals dont last long as a lot of northern buyers are down here now shopping. I paid 320k in October for a waterfront Home with 120 feet of concrete bulkhead and dock, inground swimming pool, granite couter tops, stainless apliances etc. Only one mile from the inlet and only 200 yards from the beach..
North Carolina has never been my home but I visisted my daughter in college many times near Wilmington. The coastal area is way more crowded then here in Florida. The traffic jambs around Wilmington are ever bit as bad as Phila, at rush hour.

 

[the grinch]

This is my first winter living in Florida and Im having more fun fishing then I ever did in 40 years of fishing in NJ. Ive lost countoof all the species of caught but its got to be in the dozens. Thats whats so exciting. Your out on a reef and your rod bends and you dont have clue what you have until you get it up. Weather except for some cold snaps has been above 70 every day since October. Crowds arent bad at all where im at which is SE EAST COAST near Fort pierce inlet. Fishing out on the reefs is way less crowded then the reefs in NJ. Real estate prices are very low but creeping up. Deals dont last long as a lot of northern buyers are down here now shopping. I paid 320k in October for a waterfront Home with 120 feet of concrete bulkhead and dock, inground swimming pool, granite couter tops, stainless apliances etc. Only one mile from the inlet and only 200 yards from the beach..
North Carolina has never been my home but I visisted my daughter in college many times near Wilmington. The coastal area is way more crowded then here in Florida. The traffic jambs around Wilmington are ever bit as bad as Phila, at rush hour.

Can you shoot me an email Barrel? Interested in some more info on that area, taxes, insurance etc.

 

[MyMistress]

Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce area is under considersation if I can find the right setup. I would go for what you have, but due to wife and aging mother we want new construction in a planned or 55+ community. Also trying to stay under the 300K mark for future retirement considerations. I have not found anything in that area that fits this crtieria yet. Still looking. My other concern with Florida is that it wil be too hot for too long in the summer months for my taste.

John, it would be my pleasure to have you down for some fishing, but would need you own cleaning station for any of night catches. :wink:

 

[snprblue2]

This is my first winter living in Florida and Im having more fun fishing then I ever did in 40 years of fishing in NJ. Ive lost countoof all the species of caught but its got to be in the dozens. Thats whats so exciting. Your out on a reef and your rod bends and you dont have clue what you have until you get it up. Weather except for some cold snaps has been above 70 every day since October. Crowds arent bad at all where im at which is SE EAST COAST near Fort pierce inlet. Fishing out on the reefs is way less crowded then the reefs in NJ. Real estate prices are very low but creeping up. Deals dont last long as a lot of northern buyers are down here now shopping. I paid 320k in October for a waterfront Home with 120 feet of concrete bulkhead and dock, inground swimming pool, granite couter tops, stainless apliances etc. Only one mile from the inlet and only 200 yards from the beach..
North Carolina has never been my home but I visisted my daughter in college many times near Wilmington. The coastal area is way more crowded then here in Florida. The traffic jambs around Wilmington are ever bit as bad as Phila, at rush hour.

I agree the traffic in the Wilmington Area sucks. But he was talking about the coastal areas S of Wilmington. Not as crowded there. Sounds you got a good deal and nice place.

 

[carnivore]

Florida... the cold sucks.

 

[MyMistress]

Yes, staying south of Wilmington NC. Actually more interested in opinions on the actual fishing than the living conditions. For west coast of Florida I am looking above Tampa. I know it gets crowded from Tampa down, and pricey the further down you go. Also considering Ocala area and trailoring boat between coasts, not ideal but may be least expensive option and more varied fishing opportunites. Not in any hurry (sorry John) so doing my homework.

 

[BayRat]

Yes, staying south of Wilmington NC. Actually more interested in opinions on the actual fishing than the living conditions. For west coast of Florida I am looking above Tampa. I know it gets crowded from Tampa down, and pricey the further down you go. Also considering Ocala area and trailoring boat between coasts, not ideal but may be least expensive option and more varied fishing opportunites. Not in any hurry (sorry John) so doing my homework.

Not sure why you think it gets more crowded and more expensive south of Tampa. I'm in the cheapest and least crowded of all the places i've visited or looked at down here. $300k would buy you a beautiful huge "new" house on sailboat water with a pool, dock and boat lift. I paid a fraction of that for basic waterfront.

I've had to drive through Ocala a few times, wouldn't even think about it. But to be fair I guess I never saw the good parts.

Like Barrel said you just never know what you will catch. Fishing has been slow this winter but just this morning got a sheepshead, snapper and a jack crevalle out back just messing around. Missed some other bigger mystery fish too.

The learning curve for fishing is a little steeper than it would be in the Carolinas. Good, but very different.

Taxes and resale value were other reasons I chose the area I did. Florida has no state tax, no inheritance tax, no car inspections..... Free boat ramps and fishing piers everywhere you go....

You aren't in a rush, so i would rent a house in each location you are thinking about for a couple weeks each and the decide. I only paid $50 a night to rent a 3bdr w/pool here while looking, and you learn a lot more than if you stayed in a hotel with the rest of the tourists.

 

[barrell]

If you want to check out the coolest little town Ive ever found in all of Florida go hang out for a few days in Horseshoe Beach. Its in the big bend area above Tampa, just below Steinhachee which is another very cool town.

 

[MyMistress]

At this point I am basing based on various internet searches, which is why I am seeking these types of inputs.

As I narrow down my search, renting in the areas is the plan.

 

[beber]

I'm in Wilmington NC. Moved down here 2 years ago. I like it so far, but I do miss NJ. This winter has been pretty cold fpr us. It was 24 this morning, and its not suppose to get out of the 40's all week. So for true year round fishing you may want to head further south. I'd say Wilmington has about 9-10 months of good fishing weather.

What specific questions do you have and I'll try my best to answer them for you.

 

[RIKTRONIC]

i just spent a year living in boynton beach fla...was not thrilled with being on land there, however the fishing is just shy of excellent. barrell said it best, livebaiting over the reef and having multiple rods go off with no idea is a total blast, not to mention being home for lunch everyday...the bahamas being close is just sooooo awesome.

now, if i could live that past year over again, i would go to the carolinas. learn even more about the east coast fishery, and i think i would like less croweded towns! plus i missed the yellowfins in fla, tough to get into them in the bahamas

i do love cape may county!

 

[MyMistress]

I have no desire to go below West Palm Beach. Will be checking out some spots between St. Augestine and Port St. Lucie though.

Bebar, no specifc questions, just trying to get feel for which area people have experienced and feel are the best combination of overall living condtions and fishing opportunities.

I am looking for something that will provide eventual affordable retirement living with close coastal access and productive fishing grounds that are not overcrowded.

 

[barrell]

One point I forgot to make if your looking at waterfront is that not all towns are close to an inlet and some inlets are pretty hairy. Make sure the inlet is close and thats in navigable in all conditions.

 

[MyMistress]

I am not looking for waterfront, but would like to be within 30 minutes drive of marina to keep boat, and have that within 15 -20 minute ride to a reasonably navigable inlet like LEI.

What are some of better inlets and stay away from inlets on Florida's east coast and the Carolina's below the Outer Banks?

 

[MyMistress]

I am using google earth the scope out some of this as far as proximity of towns, inlets, etc..

 

[MyMistress]

Considering wanting to fish both backwaters and deep water up to 50 miles out, what boat type would be recommended for Carolina's or Florida waters?

I am sure a flats boat and a larger offshore boat would be ideal, but if only one can be afforded?

Currently have an older 22 whaler outrage. Pounds in a head on sea but otherwise handles rough water well and can run in 3 feet of water with a range of about 120 miles.