Collecting trip for Raggers

**cUddlefish** · #1 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 01:49 AM

Anyone interested in getting a group together to come to my sunny Florida for collecting? We could spend time collecting together. For those with family, there are a few good places to go in the Tampa area too (like the Florida Aquarium

). My house is little so you'd have to stay in a hotel but I am a good tour guide and you can keep what you collect. I know several good (and inexpensive) places to stay. If enough people come, I'll try to get some local "sponsers" to donate stuff. We could have a cookout too. There are many "reef related" things we can do too. Let's see how this thread evolves.

**DaveK** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 02:02 AM

I wish I were in a position to take you up on this. I'd even consider setting up another reef tank for "locally collected flora and fauna".

Regretfully, limited vacation time, and money currently restrict me from taking you up on this. I hope a few other people can. It sounds like fun.

ChuckG · #3 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 12:57 PM

You know I'm in on this one.

I already have June 30th - July 13th off so during this time would be fine for me.
If around a holiday (Jul 4th) isn't good for others that are interested I would suggest late May or early June.

We just need to commit to a date at least 90 days in advance if it isn't going to be the time period that I already have scheduled off. I can submit for time off 90 days in advance and the open slots fill up very quickly.

Thomas · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 01:37 PM

What city do you live in? Does this trip include an all expenses paid trip to visit Chuck's aquariums? Can you take what you collect on a plane? I think may would be good for us northerners that need to get away from the cold weather.

Tangboy · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 02:18 PM

Man that trip would be awesome but with being a teacher and taking my Masters in the summer, I don't get much vacation right now. There is always spring break

I may have to hint to the wife that I need a trip to FL for SB and then I can at least swing in and see the RAG members in FL!

ChuckG · #6 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 03:05 PM

Cuddle is in St. Pete. That's on the Gulf side of Florida.

I'm near Ft. Lauderdale. That's on the Atlantic side of Florida.

But it's probably only about a 4 hr drive between the two and that's only because you can't drive a straight line between the two. Might be able to do it in an air boat though. That's another thing that can be done down here as well. Trekking through the Everglades on an air boat. You'll even get to see some alligator wrestling and be able to eat gator at the tourist traps.

Thomas · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 04:42 PM

My son would love that. That boy will eat just about anything. I couldn't believe the stuff he was eating at the Chinese restaurant Monday night. I haven't been back to Florida in years. You guys got me daydreaming this morning. I didn't have a tank back then but spent a lot of time exploring the tidal pools.

atlantic reefer · #8 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 05:57 PM

Man i would love to go but i can't cause of school, my job (already asked for about 2 weeks off in march), and getting ready for college

**Patrick™** · #9 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 01:26 AM

Just bring an insulated shipping box to check full of critters for your plane ride back, that is what I did. From my experience with the infamous Cuddlefish, he can correct me if I am wrong, but the earliest you want to do this is the first week in May. So I would suggest 2nd week in May until 3rd week in June. There is no way I would want to be caught in Florida in July especially being a yankee!

**cUddlefish** · #10 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 02:27 AM

Insulated shipping boxes are free at the LFS here. Any time in May would be fine too. The water is just starting to get good in April. Although there are many juvenile fish in the water in April.