Parking for kayak fishing in South East Florida

[JohnMckroidJr]

I hate paying to park. Each city does have annual beach passes that allow free parking during non-event days. In my city of Fort Lauderdale, it is less than $100 for a one year permit, but that is only good for Fort Lauderdale. My city also has a free application that allows residents discount parking at most paid parking sites. Typically knocking the rate down by 40 percent for local residence. Adjacent Dania Beach was charging $3/hr. for the prime launch area next to the Dania beach pier that normally holds lots of bait to catch during the predawn hours. Many of us would arrive early, and then pay by phone when the meter time became enforced at 6am. Recently, they hired a security guard to keep the lot empty prior to the enforcement time. A bunch of us rallied at the next city hall meeting to see what could be done about this. The mayor acted supportive, but the end result was they raised the rate to $5/hr! That ended the popularity of what was once the most easy place to launch -- Close interstate access, a convenient parking lot, sort strip of beach to the ocean, small waves, easy pier bait and good fishing. Now, most launch in the harbor, and spend an extra hour to get to the pier for pre-dawn bait fishing. With local knowledge there are always places to park for free. Otherwise prices range from $3 to $10/hr to park at the beach in the Areas from West Palm Beach down to through Miami. Many of the pay lots are free if one arrives before the parking attendant.

[Saba Slayer]

Really Helpful info...Thanks John...

[monstahfish]

Bummer about the access issues. Can you drop your gear and park elsewhere? Maybe some civil disobedience is in order? Is there anything in the florida constitution that guarantees your right to fish? Maybe you can file suit arguing that fees and security guards prevent access?

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by monstahfish

Bummer about the access issues. Can you drop your gear and park elsewhere? Maybe some civil disobedience is in order? Is there anything in the florida constitution that guarantees your right to fish? Maybe you can file suit arguing that fees and security guards prevent access?

Yes, Dropping the yaks off early in the morning on the beach in safer areas is done frequently not just to avoid parking fees, but for drift trips.

It is most common up in Boynton Beach where the current is often too strong to fight.

Most of the kayak fishing charter companies do that. They will launch off Del Rey Beach, or South Boynton and drift North to the West Palm Beach pier. It is ideal with paid customers who don't have the stamina to peddle much. They peddle out drift north a few miles, and then peddle in.

People are too rich to bother with kayaks around the million dollar mansions off WPB. Most of the mansions are second homes, with just a care taker living in them. Kayaks can be left on the beach while taking an Uber to retrieve the vehicle in the afternoon. WPB parking is up to $10/hr, so Uber is economical.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

Really Helpful info...Thanks John...

That's the spirit Jim.... you welcome....

[Saba Slayer]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

That's the spirit Jim.... you welcome....

You obviously missed the emoji...Who cares about your parking in FLORIDA...

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

You obviously missed the emoji...Who cares about your parking in FLORIDA...

No Jim, you missed the emoji on my rebuttal -- It was a sarcastic reply to a sarcastic comment. I respected your wish -- abstaining comment on your Redondo parking thread, but you just couldn't resist a harassing abusive comment on my Florida parking thread. Did it ever occur to you that some of us kayak fish in more than one state? In fact, there are people coming from multiple states (Hawaii and California included) to participate in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournaments parking in Florida. There is always something to be learned by knowing other's viewpoints. I am amazed at how immature you are. This unfriendly banter is unproductive for the forum so I won't comment again on this matter.