Crossing to the Dry Tortugas in a Small Boat | 3 Days Fishing & Camping on an Island

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[@bradleywatson319]

I can't be the only one to notice the Avail rods?!👀

[@LifeByTheBow]

😳😳😎😎😏😏

[@joshualongoria6466]

Same, where can I purchase some

[@fishnchips7823]

"Fish smart and fish for future generations" This is why I love your channel. There are times I have to control my anger when I see poachers take more than they need or keep illegal size fish.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Really appreciate the support backing that!

[@saenole66]

Love your camping trip to Tortugas. Camped there in 1975 in my 21’ Seabird. Cooked with our Coleman stove and had a tour of the fort by lonesome park ranger. Fabulous place. Thanks for reminding me of that epic trip almost 50 years ago.

[@LifeByTheBow]

That sounds like a really good trip. We love going over there.

[@flaviuskern225]

I took the seaplane out of Key West to Dry Tortugas in 2020 to snorkel around the island, the water was cold, but beautiful. I was definitely envious of the National Parks people who lived on the island, what an office.

[@LifeByTheBow]

That must of been such an amazing experience. Thank you for watching.

[@dens3096]

I ve been visiting Tortugas for many times and I love kayaking to the Loggerhead key and spending a night there 🥰

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hey guys thanks for tuning in and sorry for the wait!! Been crazy busy attending multiple shows throughout Feb. Just a reminder we’re having multiple sales on AvailGear.com Our performance fleece hoodies are on sale $10 off and we have some performance shirts $10-$20 off. Go get them while they’re still there!

[@Rainersherwood]

I’ve been to the dry tortugas a few times… every time those campsites are insane. There is no ground. It’s just entirely covered in hermit crabs. It’s nuts. Don’t know how you guys got lucky. And yes. Dock slips are still f’d. Makes for great snorkeling though. That’s the absolute dream boat too. Congrats.

[@LifeByTheBow]

It was definitely an adventure! 😆

[@BentRodsTackle]

One of the coolest, dreamy videos I've ever seen! That is the fishing dream right there.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much!

[@saenole66]

Beautiful trip to Ft .Jefferson. I did that in 1975 in my 21’ Seabird with wife and two kids. One buddy in his 23 Formula went with us. We tent camped as well and had a blast. Such a gorgeous place. Hardly anyone there the park ranger-gave us a personally guided tour or the fort. The Coast Guard let us climb up inside the lighthouse. Sure did enjoy your video.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Sounds like an awesome experience Lee! That’s what it’s all about.

[@steveurban3021]

I’m glad you mentioned how the Fl. Keys used to look like the reefs down in the Tortugas. I remember when I was a kid diving in the Florida Keys. The reefs were spectacular. Now when I go down there, almost everything is dead.

[@LifeByTheBow]

It’s an issue and we need to be talking about it, thanks for watching Steve!

[@SteveFromWyoming]

Dry Tortugas are on our bucket list, we will get there some day. Great video as usual, thanks for the ride along.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@canucklehead0]

Such a magnificent area filled with so much life, it's just stunning and I can see why people wanted to claim the area as far back as the mid 1500's when Ponce de Leon discovered the islands. I have to say I'm becoming more and more confident that if I ever had the chance to purchase a sea going boat, your little 24' Pathfinder really fits the bill covering everything from shallow bay to open ocean seemingly with ease. It's a smart design in a market where a "do it all" boat would be highly prized! I hope you had a safe crossing back to the Keys, and thank-you for letting us tag along on your adventure!! As always I love the shots, you have a very good eye, Clay. Now, while I convalesce I have some time to go back and watch from adventure #1 all the way through to today!! Take care and I'm looking forward to the next video!! - Dave

[@LifeByTheBow]

Really appreciate it Dave!

[@fkg7123]

Your production quality is incredible. Appreciate all of the effort that goes into your videos. Thanks for continuing to share...maybe we'll cross lines some day :)

[@LifeByTheBow]

Much appreciated! We work hard on them!

[@achavez6426]

Completely agree the production quality is amazing... very calming, like watching a short story...

[@danielsoutdoors]

Wow, The Views! Those shots take my breath away. Another fine production by Stephanie and Clay! 👍🏼🇺🇸

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate it Daniel! You’re the man 🤙🏼

[@MF.Animal.Mother]

So happy for you two. Living the life so young enjoy!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate you Scott!

[@karencurtis9260]

I loved watching y'alls trip. I have been camping there since I was a teenager. I'm now 49. I wish you could have seen the reef when it was full of color.

[@JonDunnmusician]

Beautiful, calm & so respectful of the sea, well done! Am curious one way travel time in hours? Take care

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much! It took us about 2 and a half hours 👍🏼

[@fishkid239]

That coral head at 21:12 looked a little close 😳 love the tortugas, great video

[@LifeByTheBow]

Tower views are the best!

[@randyreid2916]

Another great video...thanks for taking us with you!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@paulkersey2179]

Visited a few years ago, but your trip looks a lot more fun. You guys truly are inspirational.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Paul!

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

Years ago I took the 3 day trip on a party boat for $175.00.. Today they want a fortune to take a party boat. But Fishing is great! Best bargain for fishing to me is Orlando princess out of Port Canaveral..$90.00 all day for good fishing. Not as good as the Tortugas.

[@debanderson6350]

Thank you so much for your videos and your true Love of the sport. Gracias Amigos

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate that, thank you so much.

[@freedomwanderer]

Its time for another Dry Tortugas trip. I love these videos.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you like them! 😁

[@2025willbebetteryet]

Glad you had a safe trip, I did this every weekend for 8 years in a 20ft Seacraft with an inline 6 cylinder 115 merc. That was 35 years ago with just a compass and a stop watch, that was our only navigation equipment with an old paper burner bottom finder, before graduating to a 23 ft Formula sterndrive, then to a 28ft Spencer with a cat 3116, then finally 15 years ago to a 32ft Contender with twin 250 Yamaha 4strokes. Been commercial fishing and diving out of Stock Island my whole life

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much my friend, sounds awesome!

[@stanleyfrom]

Thanks for taking me along!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Of course thanks for watching!

[@keyspetnanny]

Watch out Clay. Pretty soon Stephanie won’t only out fish you, but she will off load the boat better too!😉 Just ordered another round of Avail gear. So pumped to check out the new designs! Another banger, Cowarts! Keep ‘em coming.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha we all know how the boat get loaded 😂 Thanks Sarah!

[@waterassassinfishingbuilds6122]

I absolutely love y’all’s videos and truly I’m not sure I would call that a bay boat!!!!?????? That is a absolute beast of a bay boat and y’all are absolutely the beast of the KZbinrs!!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend it is a bay boat for sure! Don’t let the higher gunnels fool you

[@summergirl3671]

Happy to see you guys again. Looks like a fun filled day. Love watching you guys fish and explore.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidl6671]

Growing up in Central Florida and being in Colorado since 1998, enjoying you two and the video(s). Re-subscribed! Getting to Florida more often again, just need to get more water time! Keep it rolling!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much David!

[@oldtownadventures6180]

Thanks for helping us get the courage to try this in our 24’ Tidewater. I mean I always knew we could do it but this makes my wife feel better. Lol🤙🏼🇺🇸

[@LifeByTheBow]

Awesome! Congratulations it's always a good day when you buy a boat! Thanks for watching!

[@DeanDay-cs3ck]

best fishing channel, the quality is so good

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks Dean!

[@JimZaspel]

I love everything about this video. Thanks for putting these out!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you like them! Thanks so much!

[@pangasports1854]

Met you at the boat show. You were very gracious. Thank you.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for coming! It was a pleasure meeting you!

[@ELGamefish30]

Woow what a amazing video as usual, you guys produce one of many powerful ocean activity content movies.....we love your channel just missed you guys at the boat show we got there late and you had left already but next time we'll meet you at some other place lol....thank you for sooo much you guys do for us to watch love you guys and keep the great stuff coming.... Chasin Reef here, boat on!!!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Wow, thank you!

[@smokendt]

Ameri-trail is one of the best trailers on the market,, of course that's why you see them under all of the high end boats.. I did the Tortugas in our 25' Shearwater but it was just one overnight due to the weather window. Keep up the great content. My wife and I will be retiring in the next few years and are looking to move to the upper keys, we'll definitely call Stephanie.. We currently live in Bradenton, FL ..

[@LifeByTheBow]

Couldn't agree more! And give her a shout! We would love to make it happen.

[@Chris-jj7tb]

Thanks Stephanie and Clay!!!!! You just added to my bucket list of things to do.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Our pleasure!

[@terrinaann3992]

Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@vincentmalizia7482]

Good stuff guys, I have been a fan of George for a long time……well done

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Vincent!

[@NeilHaugerLandSpecialist]

As I sit watching this video it’s snowing! Beautiful footage. I hope to live in key west or local some day when I filly retire. Great job Clay.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Neil!

[@NeilHaugerLandSpecialist]

Liked, commented, subscribed and shared to a buddy. I am all in. I really enjoy the show. I hope to spend some extended stays down there some day. I’ll trade you a boat day trip for Wisconsin deer hunt!? Lol.

[@kevinbriggs2611]

Wonderful video! I like how you convey the importance of conservation. Most people are more focused on a photo for bragging rights. Well done sir!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoyed that Kevin, appreciate you watching!

[@henrylewis7652]

You 2 are truly blessed. I absolutely love your videos. You 2 stay safe and we love you guys

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much!

[@ruthlong6876]

What a beautiful, fantastic video, the scenery is amazing, absolutely stunning, thank you so much for sharing 👍🙏❤️😎. Bye

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for visiting Ruth!

[@brianhoffpauir9924]

Incredible place to fish beautiful water can't wait to see what is in store on the next store next week.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much!

[@Guanaking713]

I still remember the 1st video I saw from you guys, "this is why you NEED a boat" At alligator Reef and since them every video is a thumbs up. Definitely my top 3 KZbin channels. Jigging with jordan. YBS Youngbloods. And LIFE BY THE BOW. 👍👍👍

[@LifeByTheBow]

Really appreciate that Jonathan, thanks so much!

[@robertovalls]

Excellent video enjoyed the smaller boat and all the care that you take of our ocean. Hoping to run into you guys out there one day!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Roberto! We hope so too!

[@raybowles8587]

Another awesome video. I haven't eaten dinner yet, and your food on the grill is making my mouth water. Beautiful scenery, loved the video.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidrodriguez2366]

Awesome video thanks for teaching people about catch and release for future generations can enjoy as much as I did 30yrs ago still looks the same back then. Just snorkeling around the fort and seeing the giant lobsters, 15 lbs hogs, 30 lbs Blacks, giant mangrove snappers I remember it like it was yesterday thanks to your video. If you get a chance to go you won't regret it.. Take what your going to eat and put the rest back so you can catch another day..

[@LifeByTheBow]

Agreed David! Thanks for watching

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Nice spread of species there! Great fishing times were had! Be safe and keep those lines tight and in the water!! 👍👍 great episode!! Thanks for sharing!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks! Will do!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

@@LifeByTheBow 👍👍

[@longjonsilvers802]

And we’re back!!! Love your videos 👏🏻

[@LifeByTheBow]

Welcome back! Sorry for the delay!

[@paulkf5pv]

Been to Fort Jefferson twice. once while in the Navy, and once while visiting Key West. I am ready to go and camp there a few days, and do some ham radio operaitions. love that place.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Definitely amazing! Thanks for watching!

[@Jim-Penn]

Yep yep .... that's about allllllll I can say besides THANKS for another wonderful wonderful trip with you two! LOVED it!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoyed it Jim thanks so much!

[@williammathews6603]

true sportmans! godbless out outdoors an yall for doin it da rite way.good fishin vid..

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate that William!

[@pepilloni]

Love your videos guy I enjoy so much thanks for sharing. My dream is go to dry tortuga island one day ❤

[@LifeByTheBow]

You can do it! Thanks so much!

[@fredsoltveit8453]

The videos you ar making are amazing.Your filming both under and above spectacular.I don't understand that you don't have more subscribers. You make a great down to earth couple .Looking forward to your next video already 😀

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you like them! Really appreciate the kind words!

[@greg123168]

It was awesome to meet you guys at the Miami Boat Show, and as always your videos are my wife and my favorites. Thank You both for them!!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks! You too!

[@DM-tf6mk]

Absolutely fantastic video! It's been awhile since I've been on social media. As always thanks for sharing and keep enjoying life!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you! Will do!

[@joeyhumphrey4536]

Thanks for preaching about the future of our waters and fisheries. This has to be passed done to our youth. Taking fish for the tables without abusing the ocean is a must. The days of bringing fish in for trophies is over. That means my age group, because we were the worst offenders growing up in the 70's. Keep promoting this (Life By The Bow)

[@LifeByTheBow]

Couldn't agree more. It's so important to respect the earth and our resources.

[@petemoore6961]

Wow thank you so much I have tried to go to the Dry Tortugas twice both in February and both in cold stinky weather. It's beautiful

[@LifeByTheBow]

Yeah it’s tough the weather is Key!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Great footage of the "old" Keys! Thanks for sharing!!👍👍👊👊

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

@@LifeByTheBow 👍👍

[@ameratrail9253]

Very excited to work with you guys!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Excited to be on board!

[@juliafiore120]

Such a well made video! The quality is on point!💫📷. What a cool place to camp⛺️ looked like so much fun. 😊

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@4Him346]

Still out there living my dream guys ! Keep it up

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate you Matt!

[@lockhartmatthew]

I'm making the trip the last week of April. Can't wait! I only get to make the trip about twice a year, but it never gets old seeing it!Great video as always!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Hope you enjoy it! Thanks!

[@BubOutdoors]

Another great video, Clay and Steph, nice work!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bmrepass]

Ok, I'm hooked 🪝 I can't stop watching you guys🤩

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha thanks so much !

[@emilybitterly1157]

Okay, details on Steph’s straw hat 😍😍😍

[@LifeByTheBow]

We will have one on our site in the near future!

[@DJRageVidz]

Love your videos and I'm not even a fisherman. Just love boating. Thank you for such amazing content and the production level is awesome.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you like them! Much appreciated!

[@davidmills9086]

I wanted to come by and see you guys at the Nautical Flea Market in Founders Park a couple weeks ago but I had to go out of town. Love your videos, especially this trip to the Dry Tortugas.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Wish we could’ve met you, thanks for watching!

[@codysmith3989]

Love watching your videos. Started a few years ago when I was trying to decide what kayak to upgrade to from my old paddle kayak. I only follow two people so it was cool to see you ran into the other guy at the boat show (deer meat for dinner). Not sure how an Oregon kayak fisherman that isn't a tech or social media guy gets into following two Florida guys😊 I've always thought you seemed like a guy who'd be fun to just fish and shoot the chit with. All low key, low stress.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate that Cody! No pressure here just having fun!

[@ur3volution243]

I love your videos ❤. Absolutely amazing. Living your best lives.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you so much!

[@bookertee3057]

When you dive, watch out for the saltwater croc. Great story on this croc. Next time you visit, try to get the croc in your video.

[@LifeByTheBow]

They are coming more and more around town. It's very scary.

[@spearfish25]

Great video and trip as always! You guys trust your trolling motor a whole lot more than I trust mine 😂.

[@LifeByTheBow]

You got that right! We love ours!

[@kentsatterfield6617]

The boat wrap looks sweet!!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Kent! Just a decal but adds some character to the boat!

[@alejandrovillarrealguerra1311]

Clay tus videos son unicos son una pareja muy profesional y con un equipo del mas alto nivel en todos los rangos, en Mexico falta la cultura de respeto a las vedas y soltar los especimenes pequeños , estamos en pañales todavia, , hace mucho que los sigo y es maravilloso disfrutar tus videos , saludos desde Merida la de Yucatan, esperamos mas videos de campamentos.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much my friend! Hopefully they can all catch on.

[@koukussakalastukseen]

Nice production quality. Thanks for your videos. Love to see places like that i can not see with my own eyes.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@jorgeperezdeprado8941]

Yeah on the cuba thing, they have had 62 years to rise up and take thier island back but would rather sit back and have someone else ( world sympathy) to fix it for them. I'm cuban and most of my family were killed by the castro regime in front of my parents. They sold-out the 1400 soldiers that in 1961 tryed to free cuba.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching Jorge.

[@rski1036]

American's need to also rise up and replace the current "D" party in DC as they keep pushing for more and more power.

[@IsaiahWG24]

Wow. Another 🔥 video guys. Thanks so much

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@timlewis7311]

Look forward to your videos every week .Amazing views, always learn a lot from you both. Scenery just beautiful.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the support Tim!

[@northlandacres]

That boat is sick!!! Great content as usual.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Appreciate it!

[@fishinnfixin510]

Always enjoy your content guys. Love your channel!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks!

[@ronniedavis3273]

That place is on my bucket list!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Definitely one to be on! Appreciate you watching Ronnie!

[@ronniedavis3273]

I always watch both your chaTim! CUOTO!

[@franiannarone8196]

Love how you show and instruct❤️ Wow did you find the grouper hole! Great video, thanks 🤙

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for noticing Fran!

[@michaelvaldes1143]

It was awesome meeting you guys there I had a great time AWESOME VIDEO!!🔥🔥

[@LifeByTheBow]

Enjoyed hanging out with you guys thanks Michael!

[@hirammendez4686]

Great content as always! Love how the pathfinder is versatile.BTW it was great meeting you guys at the nautical flea market.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for coming! The pleasure was ours!

[@seanattridge5224]

Awesome what you guys do!! Living a dream.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@albertobehrens8637]

Extraordinary material 👌 fishing tips and knowledge 😊

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you so much 👍

[@Got2gofishin]

You guys are living the dream life. I really enjoy your videos and I really like my avail shirts and fillet knives. I’m heading to Puerto Rico next week for a business trip and I’m going fishing. Big adventure for an Arizona boy.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Awesome! Thank you! Love hearing the feedback!

[@manueldiaz-hb4tg]

beautiful video and fishing clay keep up the great work

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks, you too!

[@1hellofasailor]

That place in on my list. Top of the list. Gotta get Esperanza to the salty water. Soon...

[@LifeByTheBow]

Do it! Thanks for watching 💪🏼

[@ManuLaHabana]

Paraíso increíble

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks my friend!

[@VinnyGBK]

Absolutely amazing diving those waters and fishing them would be epic love being in water that is pristine like that in an environment that is thriving jealous for sure hopefully someday I can head down there in my bay boat love bay boats due to the diversity and everything you can do. Amazing video and footage happy for you and your wife God bless y’all excited to be in the keys in July

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Vinny!

[@lbank4526]

Love the more vlog style feel of this video.

[@LifeByTheBow]

More to come! Thanks so much !

[@JesusSanchez-ds5hj]

man good bless u for all this things you said about the cuban dictatorship, many of my cuban companionsdied trying to get here, your content is the best!!!!!!!THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much Jesus and of course!

[@Chris-fo8wp]

I love Fort Jefferson!! Such a cool place and so many great dive spots around the area!

[@LifeByTheBow]

It's a beautiful spot!

[@jorgethefatkartdriver]

"Whos got who?" lol Great video guys! This made me subscribe.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Haha thanks Jorge!

[@rumualdoviales2328]

You definitely have a subscriber here!!

[@douglasdoggett7893]

Your videos are always amazing to watch my friend love it

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnbruenn8755]

Awesome video guys! 👏👏👏

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks so much! We appreciate that.

[@scotthansen8680]

Love the conservation aspects to this. More important now than ever, well said

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks Scott, more people need to be talking about this..

[@buddymac3993]

Still looks pretty darn WET!!🇨🇦😄

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks for watching!

[@jjde8424]

New to your channel. It is spectacular scenery and naration. Well done.

[@LifeByTheBow]

Thanks and welcome to the channel! Hope to bring more content your way.