I hope this helps. Sharks and Barracuda often forage these waters. Also, if you don’t mind a longer ride to Key Largo, make sure to check out shipwrecks Duane and Bibb. This time we would like some different species, like lemon, bull or blacktip. Still, it’s fun action, especially for your young ones. If your boat runs shallow enough to fish the mangroves, you’ll find a ton of Redfish and Snook, as well as Tarpon if you want more of a challenge. Thanks for the kind words, Philip! Trying to get as much as I can before we get done there. I’ve stalked Snooks and Reds in Tampa but I’ve never fished the Keys. Recommendations for shore fishing the Keys. If you want to try something that’s essentially Key West, then book a fishing trip on a small flats boat. It really is a world-class fishery, and it’s definitely worth making the most of while you’re in town. To get to the secret spots with big fish, pair up with a local guide. Thank Sean! Replied on October 19, 2020 A trip to the Marquesas is another truly local thing to do. If you can catch live bait, go with Ballyhoo. Be sure to let us know how you get on. Think Snapper, Grouper, Sharks, and big Permit, depending on the time of year. The “backcountry,” as it’s referred to by locals, is the area known as Florida Bay and is the waters of the inner curve of the Keys. Ocean Key Resort & Spa - Traveler rating: 4.5/5. Any help would be appreciated to ensure he has a great fishing trip. I really enjoyed your article. Replied on January 27, 2020 Reefs and Wrecks Are Hot Spots For Florida Keys Shark Fishing Florida Keys Public Libraries, Don DeMaria Collection, Flickr. Swordfish, yellowtail and mangrove snappers and permits all swim in Big Pine’s waters. There is a deep undercut around the western most key, and fish are almost always there. If you want to spend time fishing Key Largo and enjoying nature, you can go Florida Keys kayaking fishing. Rent a ‘yak and explore the murky deep waters. Just make sure you have the necessary fishing equipment such as you can see previewed below. Easily the sportfishing capital of Hawaii, the waters off the Kona district of the Big … Any help would be appreciated. That's because the combination of elements come together to create one of the best fishing scenarios you'll probably experience in a lifetime. February 3, 2016 by Jesse Schultz There are many well-known areas on Lake Okeechobee that are commonly talked about around the docks before and after each event, but five key spots in particular will certainly play a role in this month’s Costa FLW Series and FLW Tour openers. But it’s not only the Hemingway House, water activities, and good food that make the town so popular. Key west or Islamorada? The city offers numerous seafood restaurants, beaches, various … Let us know how you get on. One of the best land fishing spots in the keys. I hope that helps. Should you need any assistance in finding a fishing charter in Marathon, please feel free to contact our Customer Service. The rods will be bending, as hungry fish bust up your bait. Known commonly as the “Sailfish Capital Of … The Marker Key West Harbor Resort - Traveler rating: 4.5/5. I hope this helps. Thanks for getting in touch. I am heading down to Layton next week and renting a 22′ deck boat, Any ideas on where to fish and what I may catch? Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Snook. One of the biggest sport fishing capitals in the world, Islamorada is a fantastic fishing … During August, you’ll have the best chances if you go reef fishing. Let us know how you get on this summer. Swordfish, yellowtail and mangrove snappers and permits all swim in Big Pine’s waters. Feb 4, 2019. Always have been 30 minutes north of Clearwater. An occasional charter with red snapper and grouper. The Best Fishing Spots in the Keys and How to Fish Them, Where to Cook Your Catch in The Florida Keys, Best Florida Keys Bridge Fishing Spots: All You Need to Know. You can hook Permit, Snook, and Bonefish there, as well as small Snapper. Islamorada. Fishing outside our cottage in Duck Key, what type of fishing license will I need? But that’s only one part of its appeal. However, few places are as friendly and relaxing as Marathon. Plus, you don’t have to travel far offshore. The license program was implemented by the FWC so that they can better understand the impact of recreational anglers’ catches on Gulf species. There are many reasons that make Key West one of the most popular spots in the Straits of Florida. ” “ Beach as chairs ready and fishing docks were quiet and peaceful Alexander at … However, since the Marquesas Keys are further out, it's better if you go with one of the better fishing guides in Key West. Some of those Keys bridges provide good access for shore fishing, while others are best approached from a boat. thanks. I high recommend two rods. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Florida Keys Bridge | © YanCabrera / Pixabay. Great article, just booked a trip for January 2021 with the family. Thanks guys! Shore fishing the Florida Keys is really simple and try to listen to the advice, that I chose to ignore and you will find success fishing the Keys! These fishing trips are perfect if you want some laid-back family time. We’ve actually got an entire article on Florida fishing licenses if you want more info. The waters drop from 18 to 25 feet and offer some of the best bridge fishing in the Florida Keys. The “Silver King” is nowhere as numerous as here. Each of the fish have their own unique features, so it’s a real feat to land them all in a single day. You’ll have a chance to fish for monster pelagics and prove you are stronger than massive bottom fish. We are thinking about staying at Margaritaville Resort off of Duval Street area and keeping our boat at their marina. Key Largo Backcountry Fishing. I never give up my fishing spots, but today is your lucky day. Sep 23, 2020. You’ve got plenty of options. Casting from your houseboat would provide you with some excellent fishing opportunities. The water is too shallow to stay on the surface until you spot a target fish. Get the best Florida Keys fishing spots with GPS coordinates. No matter when you plan to arrive, these five fishing tips will help you get started. Among the water’s assorted inhabitants are snappers, tarpon, ladyfish, and even the occasional shark. Dec 24, 2019. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated to make this an amazing fishing experience for our family! Key West is surrounded by a vast surface of flats that hold Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. No boat? We have all been to Key West, Islamorada and Key Largo, but few of us would pick out Marathon as a vacation spot. Often dubbed “The Fishing Capital of the World” and home to over 900 world records, 7,700 lakes, 10,550 miles of rivers and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, it is no surprise that Florida plays host to a multitude of anglers each year. Going to be in Marathon next week. Where’s best for Key West inshore fishing? We know the best fishing spots to have good times and tight lines! Key West lies just 80 miles north of Cuba. “ If you are fishing and bringing a boat, this place is perfect as there is a private boat ramp, plenty of boat parking and dock next to the restaurant. Clear water and the presence of bonefish, permit, and more make this area a dependable destination for fishers of all experience levels. I hope this helps. You can find plenty of info on the area on our Islamorada article. No choppy seas here! Florida Keys: The Keys offer plenty of fishing opportunities, from bridge fishing on the Boca Chica Channel Bridge in Key West to fishing the shipwrecks near Key Largo, where you’ll find grouper and snapper, plus other species. Replied on February 24, 2020 Yes, Key West is an amazing spot for all kinds of fishing. Going to be staying on a houseboat in the black water sound/ surprise lake area. You can fly in or drive all the way from Key Largo. “ All the amenities that make a keys vacation memorable and in the perfect location between the hot diving spots of Key Largo and South Florida’s best fishing destination of Islamorada. Many anglers decide to hire a deep sea charter to take them fishing in the Cuban waters. But, make sure to look out for some wayward Barracuda. If you want to make the most these waters, I’d strongly recommend booking a charter. Replied on November 7, 2018 The channels of Cudjoe Key are one of the best fishing spots in … The main tip I’d give you is to fish as early as possible, before the heat and humidity set in. I never give up my fishing spots, but today is your lucky day. Come fish the shipwrecks where thousands of fish roam! Go fishing with over 500 fishing spots in the Florida Keys. Ages 17 and 12 we have done several charters in the past and we want to just fish with no one to say times up . I figured to hit some wrecks, reef, etc where the fish are biting to get them hooked. They are a food of choice for all the game fish around you. Springtime, which is March through May, is probably the best season for fishing all types of fish in the local waters. Calm waters make Cudjoe Key channels popular among kayak anglers. A gym is available to guests at the following fishing resorts in Key West: Ocean Key Resort & Spa - Traveler rating: 4.5/5. It’s also a great place for novice anglers to get a feel for fishing in the Keys, given the abundance of small species available in the nearby waters. If you like action, these channels will give you a chase to remember. Big Pine Key. But you should make it your goal to try out spots that don’t always make it to the headlines. The beauty of fishing inshore is that there’s something for everyone. Thanks again for your time and consideration,, that was all that I needed to know,,,. There are plenty of them. Here, anglers will find both light tackleand big game fishlike Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish. Thank you for all your suggestions . We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below. Big Pine Key, FL, USA If you have a bigger boat, you can haul in a ton of tasty fish in deeper water around the reefs south of Key West. Just 20 miles west of Key West lies a group of uninhabited mangrove islands that form the Marquesas Keys. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. You can fish from the side of the road or off most bridges. Your fishing guide will stand on a casting platform and use a long pole to steer the boat. The 125-mile-long arc of islands that comprises the Florida Keys creates a fishing environment unique in the world, and means a noteworthy or at least edible catch is possible virtually any time of year. Some of the shipwrecks are also used for dive boats. Fish On ! The fisheries near Duane are 120 feet deep. Great Stefan, really I have learned so many important things about fishing. Taking our annual trip to the Keys in August, this year we are staying in Key Colony, any close wrecks or good fishing, diving spots near? Stock up on squid and pinfish, and you should have no trouble getting the bite. Go fishing with over 500 fishing spots in the Florida Keys. I would recommend casting around 6 AM or 6 PM. You might know Key Largo as the best place in the world for diving. #FISHING #SALTLIFE #SHORELINE Thanks. I’ve never tried fishing with flavored spray but you’ll probably catch something with it. Please note that some of these reefs areas are protected. For trolling, I’d recommend hitting the patch reefs around 5-6 miles to the south. Heading up towards Islamorada, Anne’s Beach is supposed to be an awesome spot. Complete your Florida Keys fishing vacation with a bang. Even half a day with a local can save weeks of trial and error on your own. The flats around Islamorada should offer more wind protection, but on a given day, Key West can be calmer and more productive. Hello,i wanted to ask you ,if I get a gulf of Mexico Reef fish licence,,,what wood be my dividing line ,from the gulf to the Atlantic ? Plenty of trout and grunts. A favorite site for offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, the stream awards anglers with mahi-mahi, blue and white marlin, and more. Deep sea fishing is made for these waters, which often plummet to over 500 ft. Around Marathon itself, the flats on the south side of Seven Mile Bridge usually hold some good Bonefish, as do the shallows in Curry Hammock State Park. The Florida Keys are the perfect fishing vacation spot. Depending on when you want to fish, you’ll have a good chance of catching smaller Snapper, Sharks (they are bound to turn up if you chum the waters), Grouper and Tarpon if you’re lucky. Fishing the Hump out of Marathon (also known as the West Hump) is for the experienced angler only. So you might need to use the electric reel unless you want to lose your dinner. Marriott Resort Key Largo Bay is another great place to stay when fishing the upper Keys. Use frozen bait, such as glass minnow. My main recommendation would be to take at least one charter while you’re in Key West. The reason i am disclosing this spot is because i mainly fish on my boat.This fishing spot in Duck key is the best shore fishing spot I’ve ever fished in the keys, and I’ve roamed it all. Docked in Key Colony Beach (Marathon), in the heart of the Middle Keys, Best Bet Sportfishing offers reef, wreck, offshore and tarpon trips for anglers of all ages and skill levels, specializing in live bait, light tackle techniques. There is no waiting here. All rights reserved. You might not get the full charter experience, but if you’re after a cheap day at sea and some tasty fish to show for it, you can’t beat it! It all depends on what you’re into. Bibb is one of the premier diving sites, with excellent fishing opportunities. We are a family who loves to fish. July is also a good time for Blue Marlin and Swordfish, although a 26′ boat will probably be a little small for that. Im headed to fiesta key in mid april and would like to know where to fish from shore to put my 7 year old on some fish and then myself on some sharks. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. The area provides world-class tarpon fishing. Appreciate it, Thanks for the spots remember all these spots got to be in the Gulf side I’ll have a Gulf of Mexico reef fish license. We’ve actually got an entire article on fishing in Key West here which should cover all your basic questions. Have you chosen your charter yet? I have never been to the Keys. Different types of fishing have their best times of the year but again can be found good all year round if the weather is right for it. It proved an epic road trip with superb fishing for dozens of species, including an incredible day of sailfish action, backcountry rod-bending for snook and redfish, and never to be forgotten, a 255-pound swordfish. Get ready! A reef patch south of Tavernier Key holds a good number of Mutton, Mangrove, and Yellowtail Snapper, as well as Gag Grouper. It’s time for a bit more intimate fishing! Aug, 18, 2019 - Long Key. Where Florida’s mainland and the Gulf of Mexico meet, an area of water known as Florida Bay hosts a diverse variety of underwater habitats, making for a varied fishing experience. Monroe generally counts as Atlantic for seasons and regulations – except for Snook, where it follows the Gulf regulations. You can do drift fishing near the shoreline or sight fishing around the flats. You can explore these waters from a skiff, or if you aren’t afraid of working out, you can hop into a kayak or canoe. In case it’s windy and wavy, you might not be able to find baitfish. Replied on February 10, 2020 For your best chances at success, use crabs as bait – it works like a charm. Non-local anglers often overlook this network of flats, mangrove islands, and channels. Kind of like surf fishing. Since the regulations are constantly changing, I’d recommend checking locally which reefs are ok to fish around at this time. Is this a good area to fish at and do you recommend anywhere in particular. View full Marathon Fishing Prediction to see all species and best lures and colors to use. We’ve got an entire guide on fishing in marathon here, where you can find info on fishing spots, seasonality, and a whole lot more. You will need to pull them up from depths of 450+ feet. Florida Keys Fishing seasons relate to the time certain species of fish move through the Florida Keys or they feed better than other times or they are found in certain areas better than others. In August, these waters hold good numbers of Yellowtail Snapper and Hogfish. I plan to be in the Keys mid May. I hope that helps. So, today, you’re going to get a look at some of the best fishing spots in the Keys. Great tips and definitely peeks my already obsession with salt water fishing. Hey Sean, love the blog, most informative! Kevin serrano. I hope you have a great time. If you are looking for a more economical way to spend the day deep sea fishing, local fishing party boats run daily trips shared with other enthusiastic anglers. The lower bridges will give you the best of chances to catch most of these, but only heavier tackle will allow you to catch a Tarpon or a Shark. Anglers from all over the world descend on these islands each year to pursue these gigantic … Marathon Sandbar With Boats In The Distance Have you ever been to Marathon in the Florida Keys? The Florida Keys stretches 150 miles from North Key Largo to Key West and as you drive from one end to the other, you will cross 42 bridges. This 4,000-square-mile (10,360-square-kilometer) region of water, known colloquially as the Flats, ranges from several inches to several feet deep. Here you will find clear waters so you can sight fish for Snook, Tarpon, and Permit. Stuart. My sons also like to spear fish if you have any advice on that as well. You can catch anything from Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna to Snapper and Grouper during a single outing! You can head out in the morning, bend the rods, catch fish for lunch, come back home for some pool time and a nap, then head out again for another round of fishing. Keys Affordable Fishing will get you and your crew out into the open water safely with Capt. Some of the best fishing resorts in Key West are: Oceans Edge Key West Hotel & Marina - Traveler rating: 4.5/5. Try to put your name among the few who have managed to catch Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and Snook in a single day. But again, it’s a hit and miss…. The boat is moored out in the water- any tips for casting from the house boat ? Hey guys, ya’ll seem to be very informative. In May, you can expect some great Tarpon, Bonefish and Permit fishing on the flats of Key West. If you split the cost between a few friends or joined a shared trip it can cost under $100 in most places. You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding fish in Key Largo. The channel between the Old Bahia Honda bridge and the Overseas Highway is the deepest inshore fishery in the Keys. And it’s also suitable for less experienced anglers. Thanks for your time and knowledge, Replied on December 24, 2019 I just bought a condo in key largo (bay side). Marina, Spa and numerous other amenities smaller areas can often be better, as is. Test of your stamina and strength, sit tight in that fighting chair Waterway is another find each.... 42 bridges in the mid to lower Keys where there ’ s not only the Hemingway house water. 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