Hook Island

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Hook Island - An island bordered by Shell Key to the north and Bunces Pass to the south.

Shell Key, Hook Island, and the surrounding submerged lands are all part of Shell Key Preserve, a Pinellas County park. (See comments for Shell Key).

Anchoring is best in the pass. It is possible on the Gulf side in fair conditions, but avoid the swash channel located at on the southwestern tip. Most boaters in the pass use a bow-stern configuration, preferring to drop a stern anchor first, pay out some scope, and set the bow anchor in shallower water, by walking it out and burying it by hand if possible. Many boaters on the Gulf side prefer a double or tandem anchor for extra security, or a windward setup (single bow anchor with the second anchor set 90-degrees abeam off the midship's or stern cleat, to keep the boat from swinging sideways in the longshore current and breaking free).

Most of the backwater is too shallow to access by boat. However kayaking, dinghying, and snorkeling is permitted in the backwaters. Horseshoe crabs, fish, and several types of stingrays are visible in this relatively clear water. Overnight anchoring is permitted, but transients should beware of theft and gatherings on the weekends. Nudists have been known to come out of the woodwork. Pets should remain on vessels. Live shelling is prohibited. The island is routinely patrolled.

Hook Island was once separated from its northern neighbor, Shell Key, by South Channel, which was capped-off due to the process of barrier island migration.