Airborne319 : We also have rented at Rainbow Bend near Marathon...they used to give you a 15' Boston Whaler for 1/2 day each day. Not sure they do that anymore but of course, good fishing there too: www.rainbowbend.com/ We also rented a house on the ocean side about mile marker 82...called Russell House. Had private beach and dock. Pricey but nice. I think the last hurricane may have dealt it some wounds. We also rented an oceanside house maybe 85?? mile marker. Had beach but no dock. Got there and realtor had left letter of greeting on table for when we arrived. It said basically, welcome, and watch out for "Tick Tock". I was like, what the heck is a TT? Come to find out from the pool man who stopped by, it was a very large gator or croc living in that vicinity that frequented the area. I was not happy about this revelation. That said, back in the day, we snorkeled around mangroves, etc etc. and never worried about anything, but now there are beaucoup rules that protect gators and saltwater crocs (endangered) so they are showing up on people's beaches, docks, etc. Dangerous. Something to think about, along with the protected sharks, which are becoming more prolific...Bull sharks. I personally think that going south...maybe past 7 mile bridge, will preclude the majority of reptiles but if they keep these critters on endangered lis and let them move in, it could be a show stopper for a good bit of tourism...I'm not a fan of them and wish they were more in check or not there like they are.
@Maver1ck : Thanks for the info. I will definitely check that out.
