Middle Grounds Gulf of Mexico

[tikirawker]

I did a search and couldn't find any conversations about anyone sailing to the Middle Grounds in the Gulf.
Is there a reason? I have never been by power boat either but it seems like a spot I would like to fish and check out.

[a64pilot]

I have been to the Middle Grounds to fish for years, go find a fishing forum, many, many people fish there.
As far as sailing it, I swear it is the place wind goes to to die, at least in Summer, never been across in Winter.

[WSMFP]

The bottom topography on the fishfinder is very interesting from cruising across and the fishing can be excellent.

[tikirawker]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I have been to the Middle Grounds to fish for years, go find a fishing forum, many, many people fish there.
As far as sailing it, I swear it is the place wind goes to to die, at least in Summer, never been across in Winter.

That has been my experience as well. Fishing friends frequently talk about it. Summer on the West Coast of Florida can be very disappointing regarding wind. We should schedule an armada and have fishing weekend.

[a64pilot]

The other thing is you can be 40 or more miles off shore, no wind and the flies show up.
Now where the heck could they be coming from, the didn't fly for more than 50 miles straight line did they, do they land on the water and rest? Besides me, what do they eat?

[Orion Jim]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

The other thing is you can be 40 or more miles off shore, no wind and the flies show up.
Now where the heck could they be coming from, the didn't fly for more than 50 miles straight line did they, do they land on the water and rest? Besides me, what do they eat?

Funny observation and true. In my experience I've got to be a 100 miles offshore before insects are rare. Seems they go about as far as sea gulls. No more gulls and the insects are a distant memory.

[SailingFan]

It is because the birds chase the insects, in part...

[seabreez]

I have gone many times off shore or should I say in the gulf from Marco Island up to 40 miles and the fishing is great. And yes I will agree that some times the wind goes there to die. However when it comes up, pick and run.

[seabreez]

I have gone many times about 40 miles from Marco Island towards the center of the Gulf and I must agree that the fishing is good and also that the wind does go there to die. However before the wind pick up you will get a warning... pick and get the h..l out of there...

[zeehag]

dragged a lure across as we sailed over past and thru, but not because we knew what it was haha ha ha
did catch many yummy fishie dinners over it--as i recall it was my best fishing of the all those trips
yes i peeked at the chart today to see if we went there-- we did 6 times.

[CARGO]

we were fishing about 50 miles south of venice,la. and saw a pod of orcas
circling a sperm whale with her calf. the gom can be a really interesting place.

[SailingFan]

Originally Posted by CARGO

we were fishing about 50 miles south of venice,la. and saw a pod of orcas
circling a sperm whale with her calf. the gom can be a really interesting place.

Huh, I did not realize that Orcas were common in the GOM... I suppose it makes sense that they go where the food is! They seem to be pretty smart critters! I have seen so many porpoises and whales that they seemed common as heck (esp the porpoises), so it seems logical that killer whale pods would be there too. I just had not seen them there personally. Wonder if Momma whale saved the calf or not. Like as not, I bet she did lose it if the pod really wanted it. Sad...

[a64pilot]

I never knew of any Whales in the Gulf of Mexico

[Hoosiersailor]

Are Whales In The Gulf Of Mexico?

I learn something new every day...I would have never thought there were killer whales in the Gulf of Mexico...

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/rare-orc...ught-on-video/

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by CARGO

we were fishing about 50 miles south of venice,la. and saw a pod of orcas
circling a sperm whale with her calf. the gom can be a really interesting place.

Orcas in the GOM!?

Grew up on the GOM...never heard of such...got pics?

Edit...never mind...saw the sighting postm..pics would still be cool though. [emoji41]