M5,
I run the ICW down, I wet slip at Holgate marina (used to be Penna's).
I only ever see skiffs take the quicker scoot across the bay but I'm not
at all familar with the short cuts and don't want to risk a new gear case
There are some spots that are only 1-3 feet so I'm told. The ICW is not a bad ride as you know, I'd say roughly 1/3+- maybe are no-wake zones.
Ever fish down the south side? The last 2 years have seen some tremendous flukin
right in front of my marina (from Mordecai Island to the #115 can). Usually starts mid-late July give or take a week and can go a few weeks as they pour out of the back bay. Best is first light until 11ish when boat traffic becomes insane. One day last year my dad and I had 8 keepers, one 8.5lb'r in about 3 hours time.
In the fall, the last two years, bass were in the same area for 2-3 weeks in November. Live spots were the ticket.
That is a nice ramp there at Causeway, very good shelter.