Gulf/Crystal River, FL area sailing???

Does anyone have experience with sailing in the Gulf in the Crystal Riv. area? Where are the best input places? Has anyone sailed off Pine Island? What is the water depth like and are there any oyster bars offshore that I need to know about? Am planning a trip down there next week - your info would be appreciated. Any other places that are easy sailing? Thanks.

Don't know about Crystal River, but do know Pine Island: it is a hard place to launch from, boat ramps only. consider the Sanibel Causeway, they recently started allowing lauching from the causeway island, and the north side has nice sandy launching spots. Pine Island Sound is shallow, but when launching from the causeway you can shoot under the bridge and have all the deep open water you can wish for (cruise to Ft. Myers Beach, or along Sanibel).

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Arie
H 16 107568

I launched from the Bayport ramp one time. It was a pain in the arse. Had to get a tow from a friend in a powerboat to get me in and out of the park/channel. It can be a madhouse on the weekends.
The entire nature coast of Florida pretty much has similar characteristics. On average, the water depth drops approx. a foot per mile, and rocks, big ones, everywhere !! It's a beautiful place, with clean, clear water. Just be very careful with your boards if you have them and be mindful of the tides.

"Any other places that are easy sailing?"

Yes, keep heading south another hour and go to the Dunedin Causeway (Honeymoon Island State Park). You'll see many cats on the south side of the causeway.