Flies of the Keys

Looking for some suggestions for flies to tie up for my trip to the Keys. I leave Sunday so I won't have time for too much, school and finals week has really cut into my prep time more than I expected. I'm not sure what kind of fishing my dad has planned, and I'm sure the guides can provide flies, just wanted to have some for the times we aren't out with a guide. Any must have flies that I can tie that don't require any specialty materials?

I'm sure I'll be buying some flies there, just figured I'd get some together here first. Species wise, I'm open to flies for anything that can be caught down there, I'm not picky when it comes to what I catch. I'm guessing a good shrimp pattern and a good crab pattern would be good, I've got clousers and deceivers already for baitfish, but I'm still searching for an easy crab and an easy shrimp. I plan on tying up some Electric Dreds when I can get the materials for them, but I'm not sure I'll be able to find them between now and Sunday so not for this trip most likely.

I have heard Merkins, Kwans, and Gotchas for bones and permit, a bit larger than some might tie - 1's and 2's on the Merkins/Kwans, 2's and 4's for the Gotchas.

I'd go with some gotcha's and maybe a few crazy charlies. They are both easy to tie and very effective.
TT

Cool flies

Tightlines

Joe

Be sure to stop by The Angling Company on Simonton St. They are a wealth of information. I hope you enjoy your time in the Keys.

Dave

Thanks Dave, I definitely plan on stopping in there first chance I get, and I'm already expecting to spend too much money before I leave but it's spring break so I've already told myself it's ok. Did you find any fish on your own? My dad has been talking about renting a canoe or kayak, but I'm not sure where or what, my last final was this afternoon so I've been focused on other things. No matter what it will be great to get away from Ohio and school for a while, especially with my dad. I can't wait for Sunday.

Joe

The fish I caught were on the Naval Air Station, which you will not be able to access. I fished up on Coppit (sp?) Key near Gieger marina. There is a long stretch of beach that you can walk/wade. I didn't catch anything there, but Ken at The Angling Company had a friend that was catching some tarpon there. I think my problem was I didn't hit the tide right. I'm sure the folks at the shop can show you where to fish from a yak. They have a big satellite map of the area and can provide you with tide information. Just remember to go to myflorida.com to purchase your license. You will be given a confirmation number to carry with you in place of a paper license.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Thanks for the heads up about the license. I have to check and see if mine is still valid from when I was in Florida last summer, can't remember when I bought it. I'll make sure my dad and I get ours before we head down to the Keys though, we are staying the first night wherever we fly into so we'll get them there or I'll get them online if we need to.

just remember that a clouser will catch everything literally...all the flys mentioned have merit...of course I would say the electric dread and the Mighty Mighty speed dart but I am onesided....I would highly recommend going to a paddle forum and finding out about the kayak rentals and getting them reserved...good luck and remember the bridges hold tarpon every night at the pilings if all else fails