I've made this trip numerous times now (Although i do have a GPS) I make the trip now without it usually to Hanson's Cove. I always come in by the Barber Pole and go around the Grave Yard by going east then north around Melvin Island. The route isn't to bad just take your time and find your sticks you'll be heading north most of the trip "IN" so as long as the red sticks are on your starboard and black on your port you should be good (then reverse on the way out)
The spot i always seem to get tripped up on is heading back "out" (South) FL-12 always seems to come out of no where (See pic) It is a great ride and and usually not to much boat traffic !!!