Is Angelfish Creek passable for 6' draft?

[lshick]

We are coming north from Key West by short hops via the Hawk Channel. If it's do-able, we'd like to cut in to Card Sound via Angelfish Creek and maybe anchor at Pumpkin Key. But the charts are ambiguous, and I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's been through there recently with a depth sounder running (or even better, with a 6' draft).

[PorFin]

Originally Posted by lshick

We are coming north from Key West by short hops via the Hawk Channel. If it's do-able, we'd like to cut in to Card Sound via Angelfish Creek and maybe anchor at Pumpkin Key. But the charts are ambiguous, and I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who's been through there recently with a depth sounder running (or even better, with a 6' draft).

Take this for what it's worth -- I toyed with this idea when we came North earlier this year (we also draw just under 6'). I spoke with several folks who had been through Angelfish, and their strong recommendation was not to try it, as there is a rock/obstruction that is only 5' below MLW just on the Eastern entrance of the channel. Had a friend go through there with their catamaran which is equipped with a depth sounder on une hull and a fish finder on the other -- they came through at mid tide, and only recorded between 4' and 5' as they went through.

Ultimately, I decided to stay in Hawk Channel and come in at Key Biscayne.

If you are daring and want to give it a try, I'd only do it at full high tide.

[CaptainForce]

I've most recently passed through Angelfish with noting a 4'2" mean low. I think you can count on this depth and the west end for your passage and about 5' mean low ant the east end,-greater depth throughout the middle. You can use these depths as your mean low data to calculate your 6' opportunity. Doable, but timing required. 'take care and joy, Ay thay crew

[ftldiver]

risky... often the current against the wind make that a choppy.. on the east side

if its calm, and at slack high tide, maybe...

I'd suggest biscayne channel, or the stiltsville cut near key biscayne.

or snake creek well to the south..

[RichH]

Have done Anglefish cut with a 6 ft. keel at high tide and mild seas in the Hawk Channel ... the 'western approach' from Biscayne BaY is shallower than the cut.

Be aware that is a VERY narrow channel, only wide enough for ONE boat .... and as sure as hell once you're in it, the proverbial Vinny Testosteroni with a bow up mega-stinkpot is going to demand that you 'pull over' for him to pass (mega-wake) you.

[Arpegecap]

^ exactly! Slack high tide is a must. Did it with a chartered Hunter 45 and was nervous!

[ftldiver]

I didn't realize the west side was shallower.. but its also probably sand/mud. the east side is rocky!


and its the closest cut to ocean reef .. a 1%'er mega yacht club.

[BreakAwayFL]

Hey Larry how did this go? I'm getting ready to sail from KW to Pumpkin Key myself. How long did this run take you, and can you offer any advice for me?