We are all well on St. Simons Island! That's the headline after Tropical Storm Beryl failed to land a punch on our beautiful Golden Isles. Despite the overly excite weatherman from The Weather Channel, which I like to call The Liar's Channel, we had a fairly nice day on Saturday, same for Sunday and then quick periods of rain on Monday followed by sunshine. Much to do about nothing much if you ask me. Sadly, many people were convinced by news reports to cancel their plans for the Memorial Day weekend based on what appeared to by erroneous forecasts. Yes we had a few large dead limbs come down, plenty of Spanish Moss about the streets and my neighbors lost their cable for a few hours but being a bright side kind of guy, it was better than the alternative of being whomped by a frothy tropical storm. And we, Georgia, really needed a good soaking to help with the minor drought we've been experiencing. So this too shall pass and really it's just the price of admission for living on such a beautiful nook of the Georgia coast.
In other news, The National Association of Realtors is reporting a significant upturn in existing home sales over the last month! With the lowest mortgage rates in years and excellent inventory on the market, pent up demand may finally be working its way into the market. Call me if you are ready to take the plunge and put your home on the market or you're ready to buy your dream home!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
What does a Real Estate Buyer's Agent do?
So you’ve seen your dream home listed on the Internet or in your local Real Estate guide. You might be thinking, “I am interested in buying that house, why don’t I call the Listing Agent to make an offer?”
Answer: because the Listing Agent represents the Seller of the home and that means they only have the Seller’s best interest at heart. The Seller’s Real Estate Agent is required to act in an honest and fair way with you, however, the Agent's loyalty, without other disclosure, is focused on obtaining the best deal for the Seller! Using a Buyer's Broker (a separate Real Estate Agent), who has your best interest in mind, may help you shave thousands off a home's purchase price, mortgage or various other costs, and there is no fee to you the home buyer. Typically, the Buyer’s Agent is paid with proceeds from the sale of the home at closing.
When you, the Buyer, sign a contract with a Buyer's Broker, that Broker then works for you, they represent your best interest in the entire real estate transaction. A Buyer's Broker is legally required to represent your best interests, to follow your instructions, and to obtain for you, at the best possible price and terms, the property which you want to purchase. The Agent also works for you in the negotiations and ensures a successful closing of your dream home.
Unless you have a written agreement with a Real Estate Agent, who is going to show you the property, you cannot be sure whether or not they are really working for the Seller. When an Agent represents you as a Buyer’s Agent, that agent has YOUR best interest at heart. Think about this, you are entering into an agreement that is typically for 30 years and worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – don’t you think you need someone looking out for your interests?
What might a BUYER’S AGENT do for you?
Represents only the buyer in every part of the purchase process.
Provides the buyer professional advice and guidance in finding the right property at the right price.
Previews properties to ensure they meet the buyer's requirements.
Researches the property and the market conditions, so the buyer can purchase at the best price.
Assists in preparing an offer to purchase the property with terms favorable to the buyer.
Professionally presents the offer to purchase to the seller.
Negotiates with the seller to obtain the property at the best price and terms for the buyer.
Provides the buyer with an estimate of the costs involved in the transaction.
Assists the buyer in contacting the professionals necessary to complete the purchase, including mortgage services, title insurance and escrow companies, and home inspectors.
Monitors performance of all others involved in the transaction to make sure all services are promptly and professionally carried out.
Accompanies buyer to the closing to verify that all terms and conditions of the purchase agreement are met.
Just remember, if you don't have the Agent working for you by way of a signed agreement, he or she is working for the Seller.
If you are preparing to buy your dream home and you’re not presently being represented by an agent (under a written Buyer's Broker Agreement with that agent) and have any questions about being represented by me, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
Source: National Association of Realtors
Answer: because the Listing Agent represents the Seller of the home and that means they only have the Seller’s best interest at heart. The Seller’s Real Estate Agent is required to act in an honest and fair way with you, however, the Agent's loyalty, without other disclosure, is focused on obtaining the best deal for the Seller! Using a Buyer's Broker (a separate Real Estate Agent), who has your best interest in mind, may help you shave thousands off a home's purchase price, mortgage or various other costs, and there is no fee to you the home buyer. Typically, the Buyer’s Agent is paid with proceeds from the sale of the home at closing.
When you, the Buyer, sign a contract with a Buyer's Broker, that Broker then works for you, they represent your best interest in the entire real estate transaction. A Buyer's Broker is legally required to represent your best interests, to follow your instructions, and to obtain for you, at the best possible price and terms, the property which you want to purchase. The Agent also works for you in the negotiations and ensures a successful closing of your dream home.
Unless you have a written agreement with a Real Estate Agent, who is going to show you the property, you cannot be sure whether or not they are really working for the Seller. When an Agent represents you as a Buyer’s Agent, that agent has YOUR best interest at heart. Think about this, you are entering into an agreement that is typically for 30 years and worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – don’t you think you need someone looking out for your interests?
What might a BUYER’S AGENT do for you?
Represents only the buyer in every part of the purchase process.
Provides the buyer professional advice and guidance in finding the right property at the right price.
Previews properties to ensure they meet the buyer's requirements.
Researches the property and the market conditions, so the buyer can purchase at the best price.
Assists in preparing an offer to purchase the property with terms favorable to the buyer.
Professionally presents the offer to purchase to the seller.
Negotiates with the seller to obtain the property at the best price and terms for the buyer.
Provides the buyer with an estimate of the costs involved in the transaction.
Assists the buyer in contacting the professionals necessary to complete the purchase, including mortgage services, title insurance and escrow companies, and home inspectors.
Monitors performance of all others involved in the transaction to make sure all services are promptly and professionally carried out.
Accompanies buyer to the closing to verify that all terms and conditions of the purchase agreement are met.
Just remember, if you don't have the Agent working for you by way of a signed agreement, he or she is working for the Seller.
If you are preparing to buy your dream home and you’re not presently being represented by an agent (under a written Buyer's Broker Agreement with that agent) and have any questions about being represented by me, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
Source: National Association of Realtors
Monday, May 14, 2012
Summer Waves
On what has to be some of the most valuable Real Estate along the Coast of Georgia, you'll find Summer Waves Water Park. Located on Jekyll Island Georgia, the park is situated on a 'finger' of land, 11 acres worth, that overlooks the Intra Coastal Waterway and the marshes of Glynn County. Summer Waves has nine attractions including six water slides, wave pool, lazy river, splash zone and a kiddie area. Many organizations have their events at the waterpark along with the local schools and church groups. Usually the park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day but I know they have opened early this year because my daughters spent the day there yesterday. Waterparks are a lot of fun and with the warm Summer's here in Georgia -a great way to spend the day!
www.summerwaves.com
www.summerwaves.com
Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS
Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist
Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates
405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130
Direct: 912-270-0032
Friday, May 11, 2012
Golden Isles Assoc. of Realtors Luau
Last night the local realtor association, Golden Isles Association of Realtors, hosted the annual Realtor Day dinner at the Brunswick Golf & Country Club. The theme was a Luau. I along with my Broker, Linda Runyan, my Dad and my beautiful girlfriend Mindy, enjoyed a fantastic evening of fun with my fellow Realtors. Dinner consisted of Salmon with a chutney sauce, Mahi Mahi, BBQ, Spicy chicken, coconut shrimp, steak kabobs accompanied by wine and beer. There was a terrific live band and plenty of people enjoying themselves.
I didn't think the event would necessarily be a networking event but I did run into a real estate closing attorney who I plan on using and also saw one of the mortgage bankers from Ameris Bank who I sent two prospective clients to for prequalifying last week. I was glad to see her and had a chance to talk about the two prospective clients.
I have attended several events at the Brunswick Country Club and am always happy with the staff, location and the food & drink. We're lucky to have a great location to hold these types of events. I've met some of the nicest people while getting involved in Real Estate. These folks are now my collegues and neighbors and many are our community business leaders - another great thing about living on the Coast of Georgia!
I didn't think the event would necessarily be a networking event but I did run into a real estate closing attorney who I plan on using and also saw one of the mortgage bankers from Ameris Bank who I sent two prospective clients to for prequalifying last week. I was glad to see her and had a chance to talk about the two prospective clients.
I have attended several events at the Brunswick Country Club and am always happy with the staff, location and the food & drink. We're lucky to have a great location to hold these types of events. I've met some of the nicest people while getting involved in Real Estate. These folks are now my collegues and neighbors and many are our community business leaders - another great thing about living on the Coast of Georgia!
Mindy and Jeff
Mindy - love her new dress!
Elana Merrow, GIAR and
Linda Runyan, my Broker
(mother and daughter)
Brunswick Golf & Country Club
Banquet area
My Dad and Linda
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tramici's on St. Simons Island
Everyone is always on the look out for a neighborhood Italian restaurant. My favorite in Middletown Ohio was Schiavones Casa Mia. According to their website http://www.schiavones.com/, the restaurant was sold in 2008 and renamed BUT you can still buy Schiavones Italian Sauce direct from the website. The sauce was one of my Mother's favorite Italian sauces to cook with. I can whole heartedly recommend the sauce.
In Savannah I have two favorites - Corleone's on MLK down in the Historic District is fantastic and a place I found by accident New Year's Eve 2009. I was walking past the restaurant and stopped to ask a couple eating at one of the sidewalk tables if the food was good. They said it was great and I should give it a try. I popped in and have been going back ever since. After my Grandparent's wedding anniversary party, the family got together at Corleones for dinner. The staff handled our table of 15+ people with ease. http://www.corleones.tv/
Another great Savannah spot is Bella's Italian Cafe - http://www.bellascafe.com/ I just cannot say enough good things about Bella's but consider that it's a place I have been enjoying for over 20 years. If you go for any reason, it's for their bread sticks. The manicotti with baked in Italian sausage is the best IN THE WORLD!
But back to St. Simons Island. My favorite is Italian restaurant is Tramici's over by Island Cinema - http://www.tramicirestaurant.com . The ambiance is terrific, the bartender Matt makes great drinks and the eatery really does have the neighborhood Italian bistro feel to it. They also have a large brick oven where they make all kinds of authentic specialty pizzas. Mindy and I always start our dinner with a plate of Antipasto to Share which has Prosciutto di Parma, Salami, Artichoke Hearts, 4 different Cheeses, Marinated Mushrooms, Olives and Peppers. I love the olives!
For our main meal, my favorite is the Seafood Fra Diavolo which includes Lobster, Local Shrimp, P.E.I. Mussels and Calamari Sautéed in a Spicy Marinara and Tossed with Linguine. It is just full of flavor and I can never finish it all. Mindy always has the same thing too. She just loves the Chicken Picatta which is a sautéed Chicken Breast over Angel Hair with Spinach and Artichokes. She can never finish her's either and always has enough for next days lunch. This was our meal last night served with a 2010 Bearboat Chardonnay - http://www.bearboatwines.com/. Tramici's has an excellent wine list ranging from hearty reds to light chardonnays and pinot grigios.
A testament to Tramici's popularity is that it is always busy and reservations ARE recommended. So the next time you are visiting St. Simons Island Georgia, make sure to put Tramici's on your list of great Italian restaurants.
In Savannah I have two favorites - Corleone's on MLK down in the Historic District is fantastic and a place I found by accident New Year's Eve 2009. I was walking past the restaurant and stopped to ask a couple eating at one of the sidewalk tables if the food was good. They said it was great and I should give it a try. I popped in and have been going back ever since. After my Grandparent's wedding anniversary party, the family got together at Corleones for dinner. The staff handled our table of 15+ people with ease. http://www.corleones.tv/
Another great Savannah spot is Bella's Italian Cafe - http://www.bellascafe.com/ I just cannot say enough good things about Bella's but consider that it's a place I have been enjoying for over 20 years. If you go for any reason, it's for their bread sticks. The manicotti with baked in Italian sausage is the best IN THE WORLD!
But back to St. Simons Island. My favorite is Italian restaurant is Tramici's over by Island Cinema - http://www.tramicirestaurant.com . The ambiance is terrific, the bartender Matt makes great drinks and the eatery really does have the neighborhood Italian bistro feel to it. They also have a large brick oven where they make all kinds of authentic specialty pizzas. Mindy and I always start our dinner with a plate of Antipasto to Share which has Prosciutto di Parma, Salami, Artichoke Hearts, 4 different Cheeses, Marinated Mushrooms, Olives and Peppers. I love the olives!
For our main meal, my favorite is the Seafood Fra Diavolo which includes Lobster, Local Shrimp, P.E.I. Mussels and Calamari Sautéed in a Spicy Marinara and Tossed with Linguine. It is just full of flavor and I can never finish it all. Mindy always has the same thing too. She just loves the Chicken Picatta which is a sautéed Chicken Breast over Angel Hair with Spinach and Artichokes. She can never finish her's either and always has enough for next days lunch. This was our meal last night served with a 2010 Bearboat Chardonnay - http://www.bearboatwines.com/. Tramici's has an excellent wine list ranging from hearty reds to light chardonnays and pinot grigios.
A testament to Tramici's popularity is that it is always busy and reservations ARE recommended. So the next time you are visiting St. Simons Island Georgia, make sure to put Tramici's on your list of great Italian restaurants.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Jekyll Island Horseback Riding
The girls and I had the boat out on Saturday. We anchored just off of Jekyll Island on the St. Simons Sound side. The girls went swimming and walking along the beach. Before too long, a group riding horses on the beach came strolling by. I really love horses and have been riding them myself for many years - whenever possible.
I do a lot of fishing down around Cumberland Island which is well known as a Georgia island that still has a population of wild horses. There are positive and negatives to this population of horses. While they are protected from people, they are not allowed to be cared for at all whether it is food or vet needs. I see lots of horses and new foals in the marshes munching on seagrass and walking along the beach. It is always a real treat to see one of Cumberland Island's wild horses! Just another great part about living along Georgia's Coast.
The next time you are visiting Jekyll Island, a great idea would be to do a trail ride along the beach. It is not very expensive and it is a great way to see Jekyll Island. Rides are Tuesday thru Sunday, the horses are off on Monday! The phone number is 912-635-9500
I do a lot of fishing down around Cumberland Island which is well known as a Georgia island that still has a population of wild horses. There are positive and negatives to this population of horses. While they are protected from people, they are not allowed to be cared for at all whether it is food or vet needs. I see lots of horses and new foals in the marshes munching on seagrass and walking along the beach. It is always a real treat to see one of Cumberland Island's wild horses! Just another great part about living along Georgia's Coast.
The next time you are visiting Jekyll Island, a great idea would be to do a trail ride along the beach. It is not very expensive and it is a great way to see Jekyll Island. Rides are Tuesday thru Sunday, the horses are off on Monday! The phone number is 912-635-9500
Jekyll Island Beach ride!
A pair of Cumberland Island Wild Horses
Jeff Williams Realtor, RSPS
Resort & Second Home Markets Specialist
Coastal Georgia Real Estate Associates
405 Magnolia Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
Ofc: 912-638-0006 Fax: 912-580-4130
Direct: 912-270-0032
Friday, May 4, 2012
Boating 2 - Sea Turtles and Manatees
It is always exciting to see a manatee or a sea turtle when out boating or in my case diving one of the wrecks. On the Nettleton Liberty Ship, I saw two huge sea turtles, one swimming and watching me and another sleeping. But this is the time of the year in Georgia’s coastal waters that boaters should be on the lookout for these big and rare animals. I see them along the coast, far out to sea and all around the marshes and back rivers.
Tips on what to watch for in the coast’s murky waters differ. A “footprint” of swirls may mark a 1-ton manatee underwater. A 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle may show only its head when it surfaces. On that note, dolphins seem to pop out of no where right in front of you anywhere from in front of the islands oceanside to the back rivers. Very cool! The best advice: Be aware, and be prepared to slow down or steer clear
According to the Georgia DNR, more than 50 sea turtles have been found dead or injured on the beach or strand in Georgia this year, double the highest total during the same period over the last five years. Seven of 13 turtles stranded during a recent week had injuries consistent with being hit by a boat. One was an adult female loggerhead, particularly critical to the species’ recovery. Manatees drawn north by warm waters and abundant marsh grass and other vegetation are found in all Georgia tidal rivers, estuaries and near-shore marine waters, mostly east of Interstate 95. (GA DNR Press Release 5/4/2012)
Taking heed of the low-speed and no-wake zones, particularly around docks where manatees eat algae growing on the structures, will reduce your chance of hitting one. So will sticking to the main channels when boating in tidal rivers and creeks. Seriously, you really don't want to run over and possibly kill one of these animals do you?
The Georgia DNR has asked that boaters who hit a manatee or sea turtle should stay at the location if possible and immediately contact the DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Another option is to make a note of the GPS coordinates - most marine GPS units have a Man Overboard feature. This provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather data on the boat strike. GA DNR says that boaters will not be charged if they were operating their boat responsibly and the collision was an accident.
Jekyll Island has a Sea Turtle Rescue center that has gained world wide fame for its ability to rehab sea turtles releasing them into the wild. Why not take a trip over there and see why these animals are worth protecting.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island
http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/
Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
http://www.georgiawildlife.org/
Tips on what to watch for in the coast’s murky waters differ. A “footprint” of swirls may mark a 1-ton manatee underwater. A 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle may show only its head when it surfaces. On that note, dolphins seem to pop out of no where right in front of you anywhere from in front of the islands oceanside to the back rivers. Very cool! The best advice: Be aware, and be prepared to slow down or steer clear
According to the Georgia DNR, more than 50 sea turtles have been found dead or injured on the beach or strand in Georgia this year, double the highest total during the same period over the last five years. Seven of 13 turtles stranded during a recent week had injuries consistent with being hit by a boat. One was an adult female loggerhead, particularly critical to the species’ recovery. Manatees drawn north by warm waters and abundant marsh grass and other vegetation are found in all Georgia tidal rivers, estuaries and near-shore marine waters, mostly east of Interstate 95. (GA DNR Press Release 5/4/2012)
Taking heed of the low-speed and no-wake zones, particularly around docks where manatees eat algae growing on the structures, will reduce your chance of hitting one. So will sticking to the main channels when boating in tidal rivers and creeks. Seriously, you really don't want to run over and possibly kill one of these animals do you?
The Georgia DNR has asked that boaters who hit a manatee or sea turtle should stay at the location if possible and immediately contact the DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Another option is to make a note of the GPS coordinates - most marine GPS units have a Man Overboard feature. This provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather data on the boat strike. GA DNR says that boaters will not be charged if they were operating their boat responsibly and the collision was an accident.
Jekyll Island has a Sea Turtle Rescue center that has gained world wide fame for its ability to rehab sea turtles releasing them into the wild. Why not take a trip over there and see why these animals are worth protecting.
Sea Turtle being cared for at
Georgia Sea Turtle Center
on Jekyll Island, Georgia
my daughter Hannah snorkeling
with a Sea Turtle in St. Croix USVI
We all share the responsibility to protect Georgia's habitat and wildlife for future generations.
Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island
http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/
Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
http://www.georgiawildlife.org/
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Boating Season on St. Simons!
It's that time of the year again when many of us yank the cover from our boats and drop them in the water!
One of the best ways to enjoy Coastal Georgia living is by having a boat. You really don't need a large one either to get the best that St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles has to offer. In 2004, I bought a 19 foot Center Console Seaboss. I chose this boat because I wanted something that I could trailer behind my Jeep Wrangler and was able to pull into a regular car wash to clean up.
I bought my boat at Ellis Marine in Brunswick. Any of the, so far, minor issues I have had with my boat, I have taken to Ellis Marine to be worked on. I really cannot complain though. In the 8 years I have owned the boat, I have only need a few things repaired including the live well pump twice (my own fault for leaving it on), oil changes, a stearing linkage and the bearings replaced on the trailer. Considering many believe BOAT stands for Bust Out Another Thousand - I've done pretty good. One piece of advice that has served me well was a longtime boater telling me to buy a good boat cover. I keep my boat covered whenever not in use and that has really helped protect the decking from the blazing sun down here. Buy a good cover and use it and you'll be paid back tenfold. I also run my boat through the self serve car wash and give a good washdown after each use. This keeps salt from building up and damaging the fiberglass and stainless steel. Good cleanings should be a part of your routine too.
A 19 foot center console is perfectly sized for getting around the marshes, back rivers and out in front of the islands. I've had mine as far out as about 10 miles or so but only on very good days. I have a very healthy respect for the ocean and how quickly 'she' can jump up and bite you if you aren't prepared or on guard. For this reason, I keep my boat geared up with all the Coast Guard AND Georgia DNR mandatory equipment. There really are not alot of items that have to be on board and I just keep them in a single bag. They include: Signal flares both day and night, a whistle, fire extinguisher and registration documents - each vessel must also have enough Coast Guard approved PFD's for each passenger. I also keep navigational charts, compass, GPS, first aid kit and a Marine radio on board along with my Sea Tow membership documents. I also have two anchors, one for bow and one for stern. The currents and tides are enough that using two anchors will keep your boat from swinging..... often times into shallow water which can strand you until the tide comes back in. This happened to me the first time I took the boat out - I had to call Sea Tow to come pull me off of Jekyll Island!
I would also suggest that anyone buying a boat or operating one should take the U.S. Power Squadron's "America's Boating Course". Boating can be dangerous and having a good working knowledge of navigation and boating can keep you and your family safe. This was one of the best classes I took before becoming a full time boater.
Boating can be alot of fun whether you take the kids out in the summer or you're going after redfish in the fall - Coastal Georgia offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating!
One of the best ways to enjoy Coastal Georgia living is by having a boat. You really don't need a large one either to get the best that St. Simons Island and the Golden Isles has to offer. In 2004, I bought a 19 foot Center Console Seaboss. I chose this boat because I wanted something that I could trailer behind my Jeep Wrangler and was able to pull into a regular car wash to clean up.
I bought my boat at Ellis Marine in Brunswick. Any of the, so far, minor issues I have had with my boat, I have taken to Ellis Marine to be worked on. I really cannot complain though. In the 8 years I have owned the boat, I have only need a few things repaired including the live well pump twice (my own fault for leaving it on), oil changes, a stearing linkage and the bearings replaced on the trailer. Considering many believe BOAT stands for Bust Out Another Thousand - I've done pretty good. One piece of advice that has served me well was a longtime boater telling me to buy a good boat cover. I keep my boat covered whenever not in use and that has really helped protect the decking from the blazing sun down here. Buy a good cover and use it and you'll be paid back tenfold. I also run my boat through the self serve car wash and give a good washdown after each use. This keeps salt from building up and damaging the fiberglass and stainless steel. Good cleanings should be a part of your routine too.
A 19 foot center console is perfectly sized for getting around the marshes, back rivers and out in front of the islands. I've had mine as far out as about 10 miles or so but only on very good days. I have a very healthy respect for the ocean and how quickly 'she' can jump up and bite you if you aren't prepared or on guard. For this reason, I keep my boat geared up with all the Coast Guard AND Georgia DNR mandatory equipment. There really are not alot of items that have to be on board and I just keep them in a single bag. They include: Signal flares both day and night, a whistle, fire extinguisher and registration documents - each vessel must also have enough Coast Guard approved PFD's for each passenger. I also keep navigational charts, compass, GPS, first aid kit and a Marine radio on board along with my Sea Tow membership documents. I also have two anchors, one for bow and one for stern. The currents and tides are enough that using two anchors will keep your boat from swinging..... often times into shallow water which can strand you until the tide comes back in. This happened to me the first time I took the boat out - I had to call Sea Tow to come pull me off of Jekyll Island!
I would also suggest that anyone buying a boat or operating one should take the U.S. Power Squadron's "America's Boating Course". Boating can be dangerous and having a good working knowledge of navigation and boating can keep you and your family safe. This was one of the best classes I took before becoming a full time boater.
Boating can be alot of fun whether you take the kids out in the summer or you're going after redfish in the fall - Coastal Georgia offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating!
My 19 foot Sea Boss
Perfect for fishing and family fun!
Swim call!
Information on the US Power Squadron Class
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
CJ's Italian Restaurant
I do consider myself a prolific lover of pizza and I have my favorites on St. Simons Island for sure. Mindy and I have two that we frequent regularly. Fox Pizza over in the Winn Dixie shopping center and CJ's Italian Restaurant on Mallory Street in The Village. Sunday night we enjoyed a pie at CJ's and it was really good. If you are visiting St. Simons Island, I can recommend both equally. When we want to take all the kids - Mindy's two daughters and my two daughters - we usually go to Fox Pizza. When it is just Mindy and I - we like to go to CJ's.
Pepperoni, Onion, 1/2 Mushroom
CJ's Italian Restaurant
405 Mallory St, St Simons, GA 31522.
Cumberland Beach Trout
The St. Simons Island area weather has been fantastic over the last few days so I called my Dad to see if he was interested in seeing if the big speckled seatrout were showing up on Cumberland Beach. As usual, he was very ok with an invitation to go fishing. My Dad and his girlfriend Linda met me down at the St. Simons Island Boating and Fishing Club marina. A bucket of live shrimp and a few minutes to winch the boat in the water and we were off to the races.
We cut through St. Simons Sound and into the front of Jekyll Island to check the possibility for a tripletail. We didn't see any of this great gamefish on the surface so we proceeded to make the run down through St. Andrews Sound and towards the South end of Cumberland Island Beach. I have a few 'numbers' (GPS coordinates) that I have had luck at over the last few years so we started there. Right off the bat I managed to hook a very nice blacktip shark about 3.5 feet long and as I got it to the boat, it chomped through the mono leader and was gone in a flash. I looked at this as a gift - not having to pull the hook from an unhappy shark that is. Dad and I managed to catch a couple of trout and I did manage to nab one about 18 1/2 inches long for the cooler! We decided to move and headed North. I looked and saw the 'entrance' to Christmas Creek looked open so we darted into the creek. Christmas Creek is well known as a great fishing spot. There is an entrance to the creek on the ocean side of Cumberland Island but it can be treacherous getting in AND out of the shoaling mouth. More than one time coming out of Christmas Creek I have asked people on my boat to put their life jackets on for safety sake. One time on a particularly sketchy exit at dusk, I advised my Dad to go ahead and attach the marine VHF radio to the life jacket just in case. Today however it was easy in and easy out with a huge Christmas Creek present for my Dad. A 22 inch speckled seatrout! Probably one of the biggest seatrout I have seen caught in person. I was so happy for my Dad and so happy to see him catch that beautiful fish.
We managed to get back to the dock around 4pm and I decided to leave the boat moored to the dock. The marina and docks are very safe and I have never had any problems with people 'messing' with my boat when it stays overnight or even a few days. I got the fish cleaned for my Dad and last I saw, Linda was preparing fresh caught speckled seatrout for dinner tonight.
The fishing was great, the weather was warm and sunny and I'm sure fried trout looked great on my Dad's dinner plate! Just another great aspect about living on the Coast of Georgia.
We cut through St. Simons Sound and into the front of Jekyll Island to check the possibility for a tripletail. We didn't see any of this great gamefish on the surface so we proceeded to make the run down through St. Andrews Sound and towards the South end of Cumberland Island Beach. I have a few 'numbers' (GPS coordinates) that I have had luck at over the last few years so we started there. Right off the bat I managed to hook a very nice blacktip shark about 3.5 feet long and as I got it to the boat, it chomped through the mono leader and was gone in a flash. I looked at this as a gift - not having to pull the hook from an unhappy shark that is. Dad and I managed to catch a couple of trout and I did manage to nab one about 18 1/2 inches long for the cooler! We decided to move and headed North. I looked and saw the 'entrance' to Christmas Creek looked open so we darted into the creek. Christmas Creek is well known as a great fishing spot. There is an entrance to the creek on the ocean side of Cumberland Island but it can be treacherous getting in AND out of the shoaling mouth. More than one time coming out of Christmas Creek I have asked people on my boat to put their life jackets on for safety sake. One time on a particularly sketchy exit at dusk, I advised my Dad to go ahead and attach the marine VHF radio to the life jacket just in case. Today however it was easy in and easy out with a huge Christmas Creek present for my Dad. A 22 inch speckled seatrout! Probably one of the biggest seatrout I have seen caught in person. I was so happy for my Dad and so happy to see him catch that beautiful fish.
We managed to get back to the dock around 4pm and I decided to leave the boat moored to the dock. The marina and docks are very safe and I have never had any problems with people 'messing' with my boat when it stays overnight or even a few days. I got the fish cleaned for my Dad and last I saw, Linda was preparing fresh caught speckled seatrout for dinner tonight.
The fishing was great, the weather was warm and sunny and I'm sure fried trout looked great on my Dad's dinner plate! Just another great aspect about living on the Coast of Georgia.
My Dad and Linda with
22 inch Speckled Seatrout!
Docks at St. Simons Island
Boating & Fishing Club
Christmas Creek Redfish
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