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#1
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Crusing Cat and Ship Islands, MS
Hello,
I recently moved to New Orleans area and I would like to ask experienced boaters in Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi some questions about Cat and Ship Islands, and surrounding areas. I am looking for a nice, not-to-crowded, safe beaches to enjoy with my family. I would prefer places which are accessible by boat. From what I have research so far on the Internet, it looks like Ship and Cat Islands south of Gulfport and Biloxi might be the right places. So, here are my questions: 1) Are these islands accessible by a 17.5 ft roundabout, or will I be stretching my luck trying to go there in my boat? 2) Which are the recommended spots to anchor and swim? Which are the places to avoid? 3) Any specific restriction, dangers, or precautions are should take into account? 4) Can you recommend me any good boat launches in Gulfport or Biloxi to launch my boat and leave the car? 5) Besides these two islands, can you recommend me any other beaches or swiming spots, preferably closer to the Rigolets? Regards. Jan |
#2
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katekebo wrote:
1) Are these islands accessible by a 17.5 ft roundabout, or will I be stretching my luck trying to go there in my boat? Depends on how seaworthy your particular boat is. Not all 17.5' boats are the same. Having said that, I've seen people at the islands in craft I wouldn't take outside the harbor. Summer time squalls come up in a hurry so be careful. You can be easily caught with a storm between you and the mainland. If you're feeling lucky, I recommend staying in the Gulfport/Ship Island channel. At least that way, if you get in trouble, there's usually some traffic coming and going. 2) Which are the recommended spots to anchor and swim? Anywhere on Ship Island is fine. If the wind/surf is up, anchor on the north side and walk across. Anchoring on an end is a good idea, so you can scoot around to the leeward side if necessary. You can also tie up to the dock at the Fort on the north side and walk across the boardwalk to the swimming area on the south. There's a snack bar, restrooms, showers etc over there. Which are the places to avoid? Anyplace on East or West Ship is fine in a shallow draft boat such as yours. Watch for shallow on the north side. On West Ship, the east end of the south side is generally accepted as a nude beach if that's of interest one way or the other. Cat island has always been privately owned but portions of its current status is a bit in question. The Gulf Islands National Seashore was supposed to buy part of it but rumor has it they've backed out. You might check with their headquarters in Ocean Springs about that (Google for phone # etc) . Even so, most of Cat is still privatly owned. People tresspass on it all the time but I wouldn't advise anyone to do so out of simple respect for the owner's rights. Fishing its waters is perfectly legal though. 3) Any specific restriction, dangers, or precautions are should take into account? Common sense rules. i.e. jet skis have been banned at Ship Island due to idiots drowning themselves trying to make the trip. There are also a miriad of other Govt rules. No camping on the island, things like that. Weather should be your first concern in a small boat. The chop can become extremly steep in the sound and it happens very quickly. 4) Can you recommend me any good boat launches in Gulfport Gulfport Harbor has an excellent boat launch and parking facility. No charge. 5) Besides these two islands, can you recommend me any other beaches or swiming spots, preferably closer to the Rigolets? How about a nice river? There are plenty of them, with sandbars etc. Take your pick. That might be a better idea in a small boat. Have a nice trip, Rick |
#3
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Rick,
Thank you very much for the very extensive and complete reply. On your recommendation for question #5 - any particular rivers and locations you are familiar with and could recommend me? Regards Jan |
#4
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katekebo wrote:
any particular rivers and locations you are familiar with and could recommend me? I'm not as familiar with the rivers over your way. The Pearl, the Jordan, and/or the Wolf rivers should be good though. But not right now as all the rivers are way high due to recent rains so won't have sand bars anywhere. Check with fishing camps over there. They might be able to help. oh! If you'd just like to take a boat ride up a beautiful river, the Tchefuncte River (Madisonville) would make a nice afternoon trip. It's on the North shore of Pontcartrain not far from the causeway. There should be some recreation areas over that way too somewhere. Or maybe toward Mandeville. And by the way, I called about Cat Island. The Gulf Island National Seashore says they have bought the western tip of Cat and also the extreme South tip. That's all though. The rest is still privately owned and they have no info on whether they'll be buying any more of it or not. So the best beaches are still privately owned down to the mean high tide mark. One other suggestion. For a first trip to Ship Island, you could always make a day trip out there on the ferry to check out the place and decide if you'd like to give it a go on your own later. http://www.msshipisland.com/ Just a thought. Rick Regards Jan |
#6
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katekebo wrote: thanks again I have been wanting to take a cruise from French Settlement through Manchac Pass across the Pontchartrain through the Rigolets and up the West Pearl (more scenic of the two?) for some time now. If you get out there in the Rigolets and the Pearl, post some details of your trip. |
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