John,
You can cut through at Bud & Marys using the Yacht Channel if you are in a hurry. Just be carefull as it gets pretty shallow quick if you run outside of the channel.
If you arent familure with this, run on down to Marthone and go under the 7 mile bridge. Just make sure you have the numbers to get around Sawer Bank, need to make several 90% turns to get to the channel going under the bridge.
If you have the time and can afford the gas, go to Key West and chile our at night and fish the day. Its a little spotty now but its getting better, dolphin that is.
Tell Wiley at Yellowfin Harold Conger in Venice said hi.