PS to that - anything over 5 WILL run aground in the canal but you can
usually get off easy enough. The best time is after a lot of rain. Most
of us with deep draft (mine is 6 feet) just don't bother painting the
bottom of the keel :-)

Also, something to note is that the bug population there is a bit high
-

The Glades is good, a bit more money, easy to get to but further way
from you at about 12 miles from Lake O. They have nearly no bugs but it
is a dusty place and very far from parts. You actaully drive through a
few miles of dirt road with cows crossing it to get there.

All in all, Port Charlotte is the best and Shirley is a very nice lady
- you'll deal with her.