Coconut Grove

[GCSI]

Rather than going to Bahamas this winter / spring, I'm contemplating Coconut Grove for a month or two, then migrating to the lower Keys before heading back to Tampa for summer. My children are mostly grown (graduate school), and seemed very enthusiastic about the concept from the perspective of possible nightlife as oposed to all fishing and diving. I like being able to hit deep water for fishing within a relatively short run and I assume at least some spearfishing in the Keys... Would fly in for long weekends to a few weeks per visit. Even though the fishing may not be equal to Abaco's, I'm hopeful the lack of Bahamian hassle will more than compensate.

Would appreciate ANY advice. I'm a bit concerned about crime relative to the chill-uns being out till the wee hours in Coconut Grove / South Beach, should I be? Also interested in marina recommendations around the Miami / Coconut Grove area. Does any forum member fish the area on a regular basis? Brett

 

[Pascal]

I don't fish so can't help y with that but the grove is just across the bay from biscayne channel and the open Atlantic.

You have three marinas in the grove: dinner key (municipal marina with about 600 slips), grove harbor and montys aka bayshore landing. If you're going to be looking for a slip this winter you will need to start looking and booking right now..

Grove harbor is small and pretty full, I doubt they ll have room. I ve been at dinner key for 11 years now, it s a good marina. The boat I run is over at montys and its fine although little more exposed to the bay

I really like the grove. Many restaurants nearby, right on the bay, and a Fresh Market right by the marinas. If you don't have a car, car2go always has a few smarts within walking distance. Pretty safe area too,as long as you don't stray beyond the coconut grove restaurant / shop areas into the West grove aka the ghetto

Miami beach Marina and sunset harbor marina are your two options in Miami beach, good location although Miami beach marina gets some wakes, not too bad though. More shopping, more restaurants but more crowd and traffic to get in and out.