Big Carlos

• Location: North Estero Bay
• Lat / Lon: N 26° 24.871' / W 081° 52.673'
• Depth: 10 feet
• Description:

  Easy access wide open anchorage with depths of 9-12 ' generally @+1.5' of tide. A lot bigger, deeper and easier to get into from the Gulf than cursory glance at the charts would suggest. Anchor to avoid the charted power line on the N side of the channel as well as the small bot channel to the E. We did not probe the edges, but suspect one could tuck up close to the mangroves in a blow. More centrally, nice breeze without chop. The ubiquitous bass boats & pontoon boats are frequent but stop in the evening, no big boat/ pocket cruiser wakes, fortunately. The approach from the Gulf was easy despite all but the outer marks marks being absent. Least depth was Gulf side of the outer marker (10'). We just followed the charted channel which agreed with visual piloting. The big shoal to the S is obvious & easily avoided giving us depths of 12-15' (tide:+1.5') all the way to the bridge (25' closed)

  NOTE: Per Florida Statute 327.4109

  The owner or operator of a vessel or floating structure may not anchor or moor such that the nearest approach of the anchored or moored vessel or floating structure is:

  1. Within 150 feet of any marina, boat ramp, boatyard, or other vessel launching or loading facility;
  2. Within 300 feet of a superyacht repair facility. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "superyacht repair facility" means a facility that services or repairs a yacht with a water line of 120 feet or more in length; or
  3. Within 100 feet outward from the marked boundary of a public mooring field or a lesser distance if approved by the commission upon request of a local government within which the mooring field is located. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subparagraph.

  DISCLAIMER: The laws and regulations governing anchoring in Florida waters are complex and everchanging. If you plan to anchor, whether overnight or for an extended period, you should confirm whether you are in compliance with local and state requirements before committing to a location. Two sources of information that may be helpful are the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida State Statutes.