OVERNIGHT ON THE BRIDGES

[spin4reel]

Can anyone give me some heads up on staying overnight on the bridges?? Do they allow tents or at least a tarp set up over your gear to provide shade, Especially when you bring kids along. I went afew years back to CH 5 bridge and camped out. As long as you let poeple go by, I never had any problems. But that was awhile back ago. Thanks for the info on this.

[PhishingPhanatic]

The signs say no tarps or tents, but usually if you are not blocking the bridge they don't care, especially at night. I have seen the sheriffs come down the bridge and make people take their tents down however. Make sure someone stays awake all night and keep a couple lanterns around your gear so nothing walks off on you.

[spin4reel]

So now the county is the ones that check your gear and enforces the law??? Not FWC officers? Oh gee!

[PhishingPhanatic]

I have been checked by FWC, Monroe County Sheriff and DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). They all patrol the bridges at one time or another.

[spin4reel]

Thank you, good to know. Even though I don't keep anything less than 12" not enough meat on them anyway. And the one that really likes to eat fish is my wife. I can take it or leave. But I like the sport and I don't abuse the regulations, not worth it. Where I use to live in Cape Coral, I would see people fishing and keep every thing they catch wether it was in season or not. It would upset me and when you told them anything, their answer would be "mine your own business'. I would just say to myself that sooner or later they would get caught. what else could you do.

[Username28]

I have been checked by FWC, Monroe County Sheriff and DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). They all patrol the bridges at one time or another.

[fishnfool73]

Why wouldn't country cops enforce county laws ? Set your stuff up on the platforms and you should be fine.

[fixed80]

be safe off out there and always keep an eye on anyone who might steel like stated or pose a threat.

[spin4reel]

Thank you for he heads up.

[on light line 6969]

EVEN OVER NIGHT TRIPS HAVE BECOME A HASSEL ? what a crock of DO-DO!!! at rickenbacker they live on the bridge,have tents and what looks like assigned fishing and shrimping spots,maybe they should charge rent or at least property taxes.things are getting out of hand,its a long standing tradision to camp on the keys bridges,i did it when i was growing up,with freands and family.LIKE EVERYTHING IN THIS PLACE,ITS GONE TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET REVOLUTION NOW!!!!!!!!

[crashmister]

Like FF said, keep your stuff on the platform's and out of the middle of the walkway and you should be fine.
Rory's comment about having someone awake and a few light's is spot on as well.

[PhishingPhanatic]

EVEN OVER NIGHT TRIPS HAVE BECOME A HASSEL ? what a crock of DO-DO!!! at rickenbacker they live on the bridge,have tents and what looks like assigned fishing and shrimping spots,maybe they should charge rent or at least property taxes.things are getting out of hand,its a long standing tradision to camp on the keys bridges,i did it when i was growing up,with freands and family.LIKE EVERYTHING IN THIS PLACE,ITS GONE TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET REVOLUTION NOW!!!!!!!!

It really isn't a hassle, we camp out and fish for 2 nights at least once a month down there, and I've never been hassled for it...like I said, just don't take up the whole bridge and keep a lane open for bikers and joggers to get by. If you get checked by the police or FWC, some courtesy on your part to them will go a long way as well

[on light line 6969]

thanks guys THERES HOPE FOR THEM AFTER ALL TIGHT LINES

[Username28]

I've "camped" on the bridges down there, and like Rory said, stay on the platforms, and leave a path, and for the most part your good. Also, like someone has already said, make sure you keep one eye open at night if your alone, and if there is more then one of you, take turns sleeping. I was out there by myself one night, and had an encounter I dont wish to repeat anytime soon, I will say this, next time I go down there for a trip like that, you can bet I will be packing "Betsy".

[spin4reel]

I've "camped" on the bridges down there, and like Rory said, stay on the platforms, and leave a path, and for the most part your good. Also, like someone has already said, make sure you keep one eye open at night if your alone, and if there is more then one of you, take turns sleeping. I was out there by myself one night, and had an encounter I dont wish to repeat anytime soon, I will say this, next time I go down there for a trip like that, you can bet I will be packing "Betsy".

You went alone and without Betsy!! I would never have done that. Even when I use to go with my cousin we would both carry. The bad guys are always on the lookout to see what they can take. And with me, I don't like trouble, but if it happens, the only thing they are going to take is lead! And I don't mean sinkers! By the way what caliber is Betsy?

[Username28]

I've "camped" on the bridges down there, and like Rory said, stay on the platforms, and leave a path, and for the most part your good. Also, like someone has already said, make sure you keep one eye open at night if your alone, and if there is more then one of you, take turns sleeping. I was out there by myself one night, and had an encounter I dont wish to repeat anytime soon, I will say this, next time I go down there for a trip like that, you can bet I will be packing "Betsy".

You went alone and without Betsy!! I would never have done that. Even when I use to go with my cousin we would both carry. The bad guys are always on the lookout to see what they can take. And with me, I don't like trouble, but if it happens, the only thing they are going to take is lead! And I don't mean sinkers! By the way what caliber is Betsy?

S&W .40

[spin4reel]

Same here, I got 3, 45 cal. but lately I carry a Glock 23C with a 2lb. trigger pull and 3 clips for those amazing nights in Miami. Never carried in Cape Coral though, even the bad guys where in bed by 9.

[Username28]

Same here, I got 3, 45 cal. but lately I carry a Glock 23C with a 2lb. trigger pull and 3 clips for those amazing nights in Miami. Never carried in Cape Coral though, even the bad guys where in bed by 9.

I usually always have mine on me, that experience in the keys, woke me up real fast.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... rrorView_Y
is mine

[spin4reel]

I have read good things about it, where I buy my ammo the owner carries the compact model and he saids it's very accurate and not much of a recoil either. The is the best friend you can have on the bridges at night.

[Username28]

I have read good things about it, where I buy my ammo the owner carries the compact model and he saids it's very accurate and not much of a recoil either. The is the best friend you can have on the bridges at night.

i love it, it is very accurate, and hes right, there isnt much recoil. And it fits in a holster shoulder holster nicely

[on light line 6969]

you have us in suspence,what happened do tell.i also carry a berretta 40cal for those moments when all else fails,i would rather have it and not need it,then need it and not have it,its a great equalizer,specialy if im with my family. TIGHT LINES

[Username28]

you have us in suspence,what happened do tell.i also carry a berretta 40cal for those moments when all else fails,i would rather have it and not need it,then need it and not have it,its a great equalizer,specialy if im with my family. TIGHT LINES

I wont say, because I didnt report it, I know where these guys live...I'll get even, that's all I am going to say. I'd rather have to much, then not enough, I agree.

[ny11219]

So far 3 for 3 on positive experiences spending the night out on the bridges.. The people I have run into are for the most part nice and polite. All it takes is one bad apple though and things could go bad real fast. If you have it pack it.. better safe than sorry, you are after all a stones throw from "civilization" still.

[spin4reel]

I wont say, because I didnt report it, I know where these guys live...I'll get even, that's all I am going to say. I'd rather have to much, then not enough, I agree.[/quote]

It's not worth it, even if you know where they live. The law will protect you at the moment it is taking place, but if you go out a try to get revenge, that's were you lose. Besides if they make it a habit of doing whatever they did to you, they are going to run to one of us (that are packing) sooner or later and get what they deserve. There quite afew of us out there with good intensions and reason for packing and they will run it to us, no need to go to them, let them come to us!!

[on light line 6969]

i spent many years growing up on those bridges,as i got older i took my son and daughter also my wife,i never gave it a second thought.now you have me thinking,what if? TROUBLE- there was a time in my life i would go looking for it,but not today i dont want any,im going it alone,kids are grown and wife #3 dosnt fish,camp or get dirty.im gonna have to buddy up when and if i go back out again.thanks for the heads up guys. THIGHT LINES P.S.-remember theres a fine line between murder and selfdefense,dont cross it!!!!