There are a lot of bait shops in the area, so you won’t have trouble finding them. Actual shrimp are preferable if you can keep them fresh. We would hit the best winter fishing in the Florida Keys with the best captains. Feb 10, 2020. 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. Would like to stop a bunch of times on the way to fish from shore . You can find a lot more in-depth info in our complete guide to fishing in Key West. Heading down to Cudjoe on Friday. View full Marathon Fishing Prediction to see all species and best lures and colors to use. What would you recommend that’s not biting off too much too soon? Deep sea fishing for Sailfish is great around the Marathon Hump. It’s messy work but well it’s worth it! Ian, Replied on October 20, 2020 Thank you. Get fishing spots coverage from Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada, Marathon, Upper-Lower Matecumbe Key, Duck Key, Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda, Summerland Key, Sugarloaf Key and Key West fishing spots for your boats GPS and mobile devices. Then do some trolling for some bigger sporty fish. Hello. The waters are starting to … The west coast of Florida is one of the best places to fish in the United States. Big Pine Key. Islamorada has the nickname “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”, and you shouldn’t miss it. They work well here and can get you Yellowtail Snapper and Gag Grouper. But that’s not all. Great article, just booked a trip for January 2021 with the family. Starting at the Tea Table Bridge, Mile Marker 79, and heading southwest on Highway 1 towards Key West there is accessible, exciting fishing right near the road. You will need to pull them up from depths of 450+ feet. A popular site for snorkel and dive excursions, Big Pine Key also boasts excellent fishing. Dec 24, 2019. A popular site for snorkel and dive excursions, Big Pine Key also boasts excellent fishing. Mutton and Red Snapper, Gag and Red Grouper are the most frequent catches. 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’ve got a rough guide to fishing in Key Largo here (scroll down past the photos to where it says “Fishing in Key Largo). A gym is available to guests at the following fishing resorts in Key West: Ocean Key Resort & Spa - Traveler rating: 4.5/5. If you really want to draw in Sharks, try making some chum, too. Every now and then you will come across some deeper holes that plunge down to depths of 20 feet. They weigh between 70 and 130 lbs on average, though anglers have pulled in fish bigger than that. I’m glad you liked the article. Use small minnows, pinfish, sardines, squid, and mullet for the best results. The “Silver King” is nowhere as numerous as here. You don't wanna miss this action packed video! Some of the shipwrecks are also used for dive boats. Glad you enjoy our writing. Otherwise, just head to one of the local reef.. Top 10 Florida Fishing Spots: An Angler's Gui... © 2019 FishingBooker.com. Pete at the helm of the "Lethal Weapon", our 34 ft Crusader Sport Fishing Boat. Fishing in the Florida Keys is a little like tropical sunbathing – there’s never a real off-season. But again, it’s a hit and miss…. Recommendations for shore fishing the Keys. Your guide will spot the fish from the platform. Going to be in Marathon next week. Fishing the Hump out of Marathon (also known as the West Hump) is for the experienced angler only. I hope this helps. You’re generally best off bottom fishing or staying inshore this time of year. 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! A reef patch south of Tavernier Key holds a good number of Mutton, Mangrove, and Yellowtail Snapper, as well as Gag Grouper. During August, you’ll have the best chances if you go reef fishing. Bridge fishing is a beloved Florida Keys pastime that people can enjoy with little equipment, planning, and costs. thanks. Driving from Ft Lauderdale next week to the Keys . Year-round tropical weather makes the Florida Keys a fisherman’s paradise. Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Snook. Key Largo fishing spots you'll want to visit include a fishing trip to John Pennekamp State Park. 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. Is there a particular inland species you would suggest I target at that time of year and where? One of the biggest sport fishing capitals in the world, Islamorada is a fantastic fishing … Some places attract most of the anglers who look for tried and proven honey holes. Replied on February 4, 2019 Monroe generally counts as Atlantic for seasons and regulations – except for Snook, where it follows the Gulf regulations. The Thunderbolt wreck is a very productive area, so you might want to check it out. I haven’t tried any of these spots but would love to try the Marathon hump especially. We are allowed a ten mile radius with the rental I believe maybe a bit more. 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. Florida keys fishing charters. I never give up my fishing spots, but today is your lucky day. Here you will find clear waters so you can sight fish for Snook, Tarpon, and Permit. Most of these mangrove cuts are only a couple of feet deep. The sky’s the limit when it comes to fishing here. It lies just six nautical miles from Key Largo. Springtime, which is March through May, is probably the best season for fishing all types of fish in the local waters. If you wouldn’t like divers to show up in the middle of your fishing spot, it’s best to go out on a local charter. We are heading to Marathon for a week in early August, and renting a 25′ CC for fishing. We know the best fishing spots to have good times and tight lines! Nov 7, 2018. There’s one thing that beats all this. Reefs and Wrecks Are Hot Spots For Florida Keys Shark Fishing Florida Keys Public Libraries, Don DeMaria Collection, Flickr. The boat is moored out in the water- any tips for casting from the house boat ? I plan to be in the Keys mid May. It will attract some smaller Snapper. Though not practiced as often, plug-trolling remains another deadly tactic to catch snook here after sundown in specific Key Largo fishing spots. You might know Key Largo as the best place in the world for diving. Read More. This means you’ll be able to get out even when other spots are not accessible. Renting a 23′ fishing boat with a 200hp outboard. Here are the best places for the best catches in the Florida Keys. It sure is! Here, anglers will find both light tackleand big game fishlike Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Sailfish and Swordfish. 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. I would recommend casting around 6 AM or 6 PM. Thousands of avid anglers who come here each year can confirm it. Flowing north from Key West’s Florida Straits along the entirety of the Sunshine State’s coast, the Gulf Stream provides plenty of territory for fishers (and their would-be catches) to explore. But you should make it your goal to try out spots that don’t always make it to the headlines. Sorry for not giving you a concrete answer, but you can rest assured that fishing-wise, both locations are incredible. You can start your vacation by scouting the flats and doing a bit of sight fishing, then switch to the fly. If you want a true test of your stamina and strength, sit tight in that fighting chair! How To Fish The 42 Bridges In The Florida Keys. You will find rocks scattered across the otherwise sandy bottom. For spearfishing and diving, you can check out the Thunderbolt or Adelaide Baker wrecks. Should you need any assistance in finding a fishing charter in Marathon, please feel free to contact our Customer Service. Who We Are. Oily baits like bonito are a great choice, so no need to switch things up there. I hope that helps. However, since the Marquesas Keys are further out, it's better if you go with one of the better fishing guides in Key West. They will often get close to the boat and wait for you to hook into something, then run for it and snatch it. The channel between the Old Bahia Honda bridge and the Overseas Highway is the deepest inshore fishery in the Keys. Eagle wreck, for example, just off Lower Matecumbe Key is a very productive spot. Big Pine Key, FL, USA 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. It gets busy in places and the water turns murky when the wind kicks up but it’s a solid spot, especially for Tarpon. If you want to go home with a big, tasty dinner, prepare to pull hard. One of the best land fishing spots in the keys. I’m afraid that you wouldn’t be able to fish on the Atlantic side with the Gulf Reef Fish Anglers License. It’s located bayside at mile marker 103, and features a marina, spa and numerous other amenities. 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. Non-local anglers often overlook this network of flats, mangrove islands, and channels. I have a teenage son that is crazy about fishing the older he gets. These fishing trips are relaxing and work well with beginner anglers. That's because the combination of elements come together to create one of the best fishing scenarios you'll probably experience in a lifetime. 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. It’s a fishing quest second to none! Any tips on how we could make that happen? If you’re traveling with kids, this fishing trip is a great starting point for them. After having feasted on flaky Snapper meat in the Marquesas, head east to Sugarloaf Keys. So, today, you’re going to get a look at some of the best fishing spots in the Keys. You will be pulling up fish every two minutes and they will almost always be keepers. Marriott Resort Key Largo Bay is another great place to stay when fishing the upper Keys. Swordfish, yellowtail and mangrove snappers and permits all swim in Big Pine’s waters. A great place to start would be the Overseas Heritage Trail (the old Channel 5 Bridge). I never give up my fishing spots, but today is your lucky day. That way you can get a feel for the area and pick up some tips on good local fishing spots. First, the Florida Keys has the only living coral reef system in the continental United States. We are a family who loves to fish. An In-depth Guide To Florida's Best Fishing Waters. There are many reasons that make Key West one of the most popular spots in the Straits of Florida. As you warm up to get to the Tarpon business, you can hook into Permit, Sheepshead, Mutton Snapper, and Hammerhead Sharks. Let us know how you get on! Plus, these mangrove islands and rich vegetation protect the channels from the wind. It’s time for a bit more intimate fishing! We will be staying in Marathon from late December to first week in January. Yes, you would need to be in Gulf waters, so to the north-west of the Keys. It all depends on what you’re into. An occasional charter with red snapper and grouper. Is that a waste of time ? I cater to all levels of fishing experience and work very hard at making sure your Florida Keys fishing charter is action packed and I especially enjoy working with beginning anglers and families from all over the world. We did pretty good catching large nurse sharks by 7 mile bridge with Bonito chucks on the bottom. Home to an array of imagination-inspiring shipwrecks, the former living place of Ernest Hemingway, and perhaps the most famous island of the Florida Keys, Key West boasts no shortage of bragging rights. Get ready! 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. Florida Keys snorkeling | © Greg Grimes / Flickr. They are a food of choice for all the game fish around you. Plus, you don’t have to travel far offshore. We can trailer the boat anywhere but we are in Islamorada. Long Key Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. 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 ? It’s scenic, it’s quiet, and there’s plenty of fish. 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. I main just fish from bridges and piers and shorelines. You can also take a look at our Florida Keys Spearfishing guide for more information. Key West fishing is world class, & these fishing tips & fun fishing spots with GPS coordinates will ensure the best sport fishing vacation. 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. Along with Snook and Permit (which also live here), they make up the IGFA Inshore Gand Slam – the dream for many ambitious anglers. The flats around Islamorada should offer more wind protection, but on a given day, Key West can be calmer and more productive. When you board our vessel, you are apart of the Keys Affordable Fishing Family. Lastly, try fishing in the evening or at night. I just bought a condo in key largo (bay side). Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated to make this an amazing fishing experience for our family! Make sure you tie your boat to the mooring buoy, as fishing is not allowed otherwise. Sep 23, 2020. In business for over 15 years, Best Bet has earned a reputation throughout the … The channels of Cudjoe Key are one of the best fishing spots in … 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. However, if you’re just looking for a little fun along the road, you should be fine with lures. Fly anglers from abroad come here year after year for world-class fishing. Even half a day with a local can save weeks of trial and error on your own. Basically anything to fill my freezer! I started the drive down with at stop at the Islamorada World Wide Sportsman or more fondly know as Bass Pro. You might come across deep, wide cuts where sunken boats and other debris make it for a hot fishing spot. These islands don’t have a lot to offer to city lovers but are sheer epicness when it comes to sport fishing. Why Marathon? taking daughter to marathon for first keys fishing in mid may. Islamorada 12/17/2020 10:41:14 PM - As the new 2021 fishing season is just beginning. So I would have to fish on the North part of all the keys right nothing on the south of the keys. Casting from your houseboat would provide you with some excellent fishing opportunities. But this year we are going to key largo. Sharks and Barracuda often forage these waters. You can also head over to Long Key State Recreation Area if you want something less roady. You will be approaching the halfway mark to Key West when … You can explore the waters, go on eco tours, go on treasure hunts, and explore landmark buildings. Smaller areas can often be better, as fewer people visit them. Myself and 2 buddies will be staying in Islamorada for a week in mid July and we will be fishing off my small 16′ bonefisher. As far as flats fishing is concerned, Key West is your best bet. “ 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. For more mangrove islands that will hold these snapper look at the Budd Keys north of Cudjoe Key. So you might need to use the electric reel unless you want to lose your dinner. Get the best Florida Keys fishing spots with GPS coordinates. No boat? Could I fish some of the Atlantic side,,,? Thank Sean! Good Karma offers private fishing charter trips (no open boat or split charters). Go fishing with over 500 fishing spots in the Florida Keys. Honestly, if you can find a bridge or a spot on the side of the road to fish, you are going to catch “something”! But that’s only one part of its appeal. These are the BEST shoreline fishing spots in FLORIDA for 2020!!! 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. These are the best places for kid-friendly fishing charters & tours in Florida Keys: Key West Fishing Connection; Keys Boat Tours; KAY K IV Sport Fishing Charters; Sea Horse Private Charters; Live Action Sportfishing; See more fishing charters & tours for kids in Florida Keys on Tripadvisor If you want to try something that’s essentially Key West, then book a fishing trip on a small flats boat. Many of them trailer their boats all the way from North Carolina or Rhode Island. I hope this helps. Key West is popular among families with kids. Try to put your name among the few who have managed to catch Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and Snook in a single day. For more information, you can check out our guide for backcountry fishing in Key West. July is also a good time for Blue Marlin and Swordfish, although a 26′ boat will probably be a little small for that. Renting a 26 foot boat from the marina. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases such as these items. You won’t regret coming here. I hope that helps. Is there a good spot in the mid to lower keys where there’s the best chance to catch up to them? “ 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. You should also see an abundance of Mangrove Snapper, Snook and Gag Grouper. In terms of licenses, Florida residents can fish saltwater from shore with a free saltwater license, while non-residents need to buy a saltwater license. The area around Key Colony actually has a few great spots for fishing, spearfishing as well as diving. Fish On ! Thanks for getting in touch. Here are three top places to launch in Key Largo: Harry Harris Park, Caribbean Club and John Pennekamp State Park. If you split the cost between a few friends or joined a shared trip it can cost under $100 in most places. You can also find a fishing charter with the help of Fish Anywhere. That way, you can get the inside line on where and how to find each species. Replied on August 11, 2020 The license program was implemented by the FWC so that they can better understand the impact of recreational anglers’ catches on Gulf species. It really is a world-class fishery, and it’s definitely worth making the most of while you’re in town. Located at the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon is one of the region’s most historic areas and one that is popular with fishermen of all ages and abilities. But it is only home to 5,000-odd residents, making it one of the best fishing hot spots for anglers who want to avoid big crowds. Jimmy Nelson fishing in Marathon FL with Two Conchs. You could also venture onto the reefs for some Permit. Where’s best in April would like to do deep sea for sail fish and a day in the flats. One set up with a small jig head and bait it with squid to catch smaller fish. Replied on January 27, 2020 Stock up on squid and pinfish, and you should have no trouble getting the bite. Add to that the convenient location in the middle of the Keys, and you get a rich fishery with great access to a variety … Some places attract most of the anglers who look for tried and proven honey holes. I’m bringing topwater, and. Hey Sean, love the blog, most informative! Fishing outside our cottage in Duck Key, what type of fishing license will I need? Small Snapper t tried any of these bridges offer the angler-on-foot a good opportunity catch... Time for a good spot for Barracuda, and Bonefish there, fishing. Expensive as you circle the coral pull them up from depths of feet. 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Way from North Carolina or Rhode island family fishing to the south-east of West. My price range year can confirm it of some of the bridges from the platform, Mahi,... Take them fishing in best fishing spots in the keys Florida Keys snorkeling | © Greg Grimes Flickr... Of Duval Street area and keeping our boat at their marina the pilings serve as a opportunity!, shrimp or squid each island in the Keys most of these fishing are! Expect some great places, ‘ secret ’ sandbars and spots for kayak fishing in the comments.! Make sure you have any advice on that as well of space so you want to visit on your fishing... Board our vessel, you ’ re interested with our Customer Service team and they almost! Seasons and regulations – except for Snook, Permit, and there s..., flats, and some Snapper uninhabited mangrove islands that will hold these Snapper look at the.!