Does anyone know if the boat ramps are accessible before the park opens?  I'd like to launch really early but i believe the park opens around 8 or 9.  

yes the gates stay open for the campers. i am always launching before legal park hours,

Ahh thanks Capt.!! I didnt go here last time because I figured I couldnt get in early enough. Thanks again!

If your using the ramp on the north/south canal that parrellels the Saw Grass Exp. be careful, don't back down too far, super slimmy.  I got stuck on that ramp once and luckally a group of guys came along and helped me get back up the ramp.  Had to stay on the brakes to keep from sliding all the way in.  I am very careful on that ramp now.

geo g, Thanks for that piece of info!  That is golden.  Looking at the map I think I'm going to launch on the ramp to right right as you go into the park.  I believe that is the 84 canal??  Are there any underwater obstructions that I should be wary of while on that canal?  It also appears that I could run this canal for miles opposed to the canal on the other side of the park as it looks like it is blocked off by the C14 canal?  Thanks!!

Glad you mentioned that, if you run that canal west there is a low spot in the middle of the canal right at one of the bridges on I 75. When they built I 75 they dumped a bunch of road debris in the canal. I have heard of a guy losing his lower units during low water conditions. I think it is the second bridge on I 75, west of the park. If you have a depth finder you find it. You may find a bunch of fish hanging around all that junk in the canal. Be careful and good luck.

geo g, Thanks for that info again....that is absolutely invaluable!

There are all kinds of interesting things swimming in that I-595 canal besides bass.  I was in there 2 yrs ago throwing a spinner bait and landed a snook over 10 lbs.  Snook in saltwater are mostly silver.  This guy was a golden color.