Key West

My wife told me she was tired of all this snow and cold, so we are flying to Key West the end of this month. We will be staying at the Naval Air Station. So I am trying to decide if I should take a fly rod with me. So I have some questions.

1. Is the water warm enough this time of year to wet wade?

2. What type of fish can I expect to catch?

I have a 4 pc 8wt rod that I could take. I have Ross C4 reel with RIO Clouser 8wt wf floating line. Since I don't have acess to hooks for the salt, I would most likely buy a few flys when I get there as opposed to tying some up ahead of time.

Dave

As I recall there is an Orvis shop in Key West, and I remember something about fishing under the lights at night. How about some help here folks?:lol:

Orvis shop is by the Weston hotel. They can give you info on fishing possibilities without a guide. Remember this is a coral key, not a sandy key. Wading is best done up at Marathon or Duck Key.
Water temp is currently in the 60s, surface temp in the 70s.
Guided trips are always available for about $600.

Dave,

You're from Iowa, it's winter and close to zero. Hell yea you can wet wade. It'll feel great to you. The locals on the other hand??? I remember my first winter living in South Florida. I was outside in a pair of shorts, a lady walks by with her kids and they were wearing winter coats (like we have here inMinnesota) and stocking hats. I just looked and laughed.

As far as fishing goes, I was in grad school at the time. Didn't do any fishing, but had a few research cruises that went in and out of Key West. If I remember correctly there might have been a trip or two to the local bars:p

Kevin

Thanks for the info. I'll check with the Orvis Shop. $600 for a guided trip is not within my budget, but maybe some night fishing under the lights might wiork.

So I am trying to decide if I should take a fly rod with me. So I have some questions.

1. Is the water warm enough this time of year to wet wade?

2. What type of fish can I expect to catch?

I have a 4 pc 8wt rod that I could take. I have Ross C4 reel with RIO Clouser 8wt wf floating line. Since I don't have acess to hooks for the salt, I would most likely buy a few flys when I get there as opposed to tying some up ahead of time.

Dave[/QUOTE]

YES...take your rod...the 8wt is perfect and so is floating line...get a couple clousers and a couple bonefish flies...ask for local favorites at the shop...all flats have bones at some point plus many fish at bridges both day and especially at night...you will need wading shoes if wading, which is something I recommend if not guided...

you can expect baby tarpon and snook under the lights you should get jacks in the day and cuda...bones if lucky

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bonefishwhisperer

So I am trying to decide if I should take a fly rod with me. So I have some questions.

1. Is the water warm enough this time of year to wet wade?

2. What type of fish can I expect to catch?

I have a 4 pc 8wt rod that I could take. I have Ross C4 reel with RIO Clouser 8wt wf floating line. Since I don't have acess to hooks for the salt, I would most likely buy a few flys when I get there as opposed to tying some up ahead of time.

Dave

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YES...take your rod...the 8wt is perfect and so is floating line...get a couple clousers and a couple bonefish flies...ask for local favorites at the shop...all flats have bones at some point plus many fish at bridges both day and especially at night...you will need wading shoes if wading, which is something I recommend if not guided...

you can expect baby tarpon and snook under the lights you should get jacks in the day and cuda...bones if lucky[/QUOTE]

Can I get buy with a pair of flats boots instead of wading shoes?