Tips on Trips: Visiting Other Countries and States Aboard Your Grady-White

Boating on a Grady-White has always been a call to adventure, exploration, and discovery. When you are aboard a vessel that is as durable, ruggedly reliable, seaworthy and safe, as well as seakindly and comfortable, it is natural that distant ports will beckon. So, cast off for Bimini, the Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, the Inside Passage, the Tortugas, or even to a neighboring state, but be absolutely sure you understand and stay compliant with the rules and regulations for each and every place you visit–even if just passing through–and follow every rule to the letter including those regarding possession, size, and bag limits for fish. 

Safety First

Smart boating travel is largely a matter of planning and paying attention to common sense safety practices. Some rules of thumb:

1. Be sure you have all required or needed safety gear and that all of your safety gear is in excellent working order.
2. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Make a realistic, detailed float plan and don’t travel alone. Solo passages are for experts and can be dangerous.
3. Discover Boating has excellent, detailed tips on boating travel and safety.

Boating/Fishing Outside of Your Own State Waters

If you cross into and fish adjacent state waters, nonresident fishing licenses are required. The “Take Me Fishing” website is a great source of information on obtaining both resident and non-resident licensing across the U.S. You can also contact fish and wildlife offices directly in the states you plan to fish. Transiting through the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or around the Great Loop is pretty straightforward, but if you decide to stop and fish along the way be sure you know the rules and regulations in the areas you intend to enjoy. And bear in mind that things can get confusing when you cross into federal waters (3 miles) due to the lack of uniformity between states. Some states allow continuous transit, but others do not; for almost everywhere that allows continuous transit, fishing gear must be stowed and the burden of proof is up to the boaters. Needless to say, plan your trip and get the licensing and information BEFORE you leave your dock.

Visit the Take Me Fishing website for information on how to get any needed fishing licensing in any US state.

Visit the Captain John website for good information on the Intracoastal Waterway including the Great Loop.

International Trips

The entire crew must have valid passports, and you must clear customs and immigration when entering foreign waters including Mexico and Canada. In the Bahamas, you will need a Bahamas cruising and fishing permit (costs are based on vessel size and trip length). On any international trip, get the latest fishing and cruising regulations in your transit areas and at your destination and follow them to the letter.

• If you are planning boating and fishing in Canada, you may find this site useful: https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-quick-quick_visitor-1610.htm
• If you are going to Mexico, these sites may provide you with some basic information: Mexonline and Sportfishing in Mexico
• This site has excellent information for any Grady-White boaters planning any international trip: https://www.getmyboat.com/resources/tips-for-renters/305/tips-for-boating-in-international-waters

So when the distant ports beckon, research everything you can about relevant safety equipment, fishing laws, and licensing laws before you cast off your home dock. Whether you’re exploring the adjacent state with your family, or voyaging the Atlantic, Pacific or Gulf with fishing buddies, Grady-White wants you to remain safe and to have fun! 

Remember to send us pictures of your adventures! Bon Voyage!!!