17 August 2005 - Florida Keys Fishing

The waterway south of the mainland and north of Key Largo is called Florida Bay. It is a shallow waterway sprinkled with islands. It opens to the Gulf of Mexico.

Not many beautiful beaches, mostly Mangroves, it is a harsh, subtle environment, but it is home to a broad array of animal life, fish, and birds and the home of Florida’s Crocodile.

Your first stop during the tour of the Florida Keys should be Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo. It is a State Park and they charge a small admission fee. Then you go to the Dive Shack and book a dive or a snorkel to the reef. The water is brilliant.

There are few bridges where you can fish, there are some shores where you can surf fish, but no. Fishing in the keys is from boats! The type of fish you’re after and your budget determines the boat.

A new one for outsiders is the Flats Boat. It is a 20 something foot, shallow draft boat with a lot of walking around room to search for the elusive Bonefish. Once you get to your spot, you turn off the motor and pole the boat across the shallow water of the flats.

The number one game fish in the area is the Bonefish. You stalk Bonefish like you would a deer. It is a sleek silver and white beauty, built for speed and power. You feel that power if you’re lucky enough to hook one. They are tough to catch. The guides in the area are worth talking to.

If you want to spend less, rent Kayaks not Canoes. Kayaks are much more maneuverable and best for the shallow waters of the keys. Plus they are much better in a strong wind. I’ve never fished from Kayaks. They are great for sneaking up on critters.

At the other end of the spectrum is the “Party Boat”. A “a party boat” is the least costly means. They take as many as twenty people or more. You may have to bring your own food and drink or be prohibited from it, ask when you book it. They go to deep water and are usually a full day though a half-day may be offered. Take the full day. It’s worth it, you’ll catch more. The boats out of Key West encounter heavy seas, sea sickness is common but so are big, big fish!

Charter boats operate from the marinas. They go to deep water. They tend to be more expensive than party boats. Not more than eight people. The Charter boat skipper will add you to a charter if there’s room, if they can, and if they think you fit in and will pay with cash. If so, they usually are good deals, but don’t pay more than you would on a party boat. Go to the marinas at sunset find a boat you like and ask for the skipper.

There’s great fishing in the keys and it gets better the further south you go.

So if you’re budget is limited, spread it out but save some for the southern keys and Key West.

Cheers,

Sarasota Steve