I’m going to be in Key West for a few days in May. If you had no experience with Florida saltwater fly fishing, what would you do for a day or so?
I’d be open to any suggestions. Of course, I haven’t booked anything yet, but hopefully it’s not too late.
I’d hire a guide and go fishing.
jed
Thanks. That was helpful.
I’d take my 9x9 salt rod and reel and wing it. Stopping at fly shops where I could find them. There will be lots of help and info there.
Part of the attraction to new areas for me is that I don’t know anything about them, which makes me feel like a kid in a candy store.
I’ve always been surprised at how much trouble I can get into in just a few days.
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
There are tarpon in the marina area on the north side of the island. They are more like pets and stay year round though so the locals dont like you fishin for them. There was one named “jigface” as someone broke a jig off on it’s face.
The only fishing I have done on Key West was for Tarpon, with a guide. There is a fly shop there call “Saltwater Angler”. There website is here: http://www.saltwaterangler.com/ . . I arranged my guide through them when I went.
-wayne
Here is a listing of recommended guides for the Florida Keys. This includes Islamarada, Marathon, Key West and other Keys locations. Each link takes you to their individual web sites so that you can select a charter.
Capt. Jack Backus
Capt. Steven Lamp
Capt. Scott Hopp
Key Largo Guides Association
Capt. Roc McGuffey
Capt. Ann Holahan
Capt. Tony Pabon
Here is a list of guides known by Capt. Mel Berman from the Tampa Bay area. He suggests them.
Rusty <><
Get a guide
Alot of the “good” guide are booked a year in advance but you never know, cancelations etc…
There is great fishing for a variety of fish in Key West. I like to go for bones and permit. The Marcayses(sp) are a short run if the weather permits and there are some large fish in the waters around those atolls, with lots and lots of sharks.
This is a great place to have a few extra days !!!
Try the Hogs Breath for a few wings and beers.
Good Luck
Larry
May is the month when the giant tarpon are in. You need some serious gear for them.I think that is the month of the grand slam. The latest magazine of american angler has a good article on the keys. You can also pick up a hot spot map that shows all the good areas and has water depths. That is if you don’t want to spend the money on a guide. If I had the money and a few days in key west I’d go for the guide for one day anyway. I don’t have the gear for the big tarpon.
BFB,
I was not meaning to sound sarcastic. I meant exactly that. Without experience in a location its hard to catch fish. Without experience in the salt its harder. Hiring a guide will get you someone who can start you with the basics of fishing the salt which is different than fresh water and different up North from the South.
I frequently go South and rarely can afford a guide I have lots of fun fishing but catch very few fish. When I do go with a guide my catch rate is much higher and I learn alot.
jed
There was also an article in Florida Sportsman a few months ago about fishing the bridges. The bridges all along U.S. 1 off opportunities. Always use the moving tides to your advantage.
Rusty <><
Thanks. I’ll try to book a guide. Of course, looking over the ones you’ve suggested first.
Just to report back. I wound up not booking a guide, just because I thought I was booking a little late and couldn’t find anyone available on the one day I had – that I was comfortable going with anyway.
Basically, I just drove up Highway 1 and stopped at the pull-outs at the bridges. By the time I got to Bahia-Honda park it was about 2:00 and about halfway through the outgoing. Didn’t get any action until I got to the park. But I did catch some barracuda and jacks on Clousers. If I had driven straight to the park I probably would have had a really good day.
Probably not your choice of gamefish in the Keys, but it was my first time there and I had fun. 
(I did manage to hit the Hog’s Breath – thanks for the tip!)
Geez BigFlatBrook, make me envious…it’s Barracuda I want to catch someday…oh well, meantime it’s the trout opener here and I’m heading out shortly for trout and steel on one of the most beautiful rivers in the west. Glad you had a fun one and got some salty fish!
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
Montana,
There’s a lot in Oregon to be jealous about. Maybe I’ll make it out there one day.
BigFlatBrook, I am heading there tomorrow. I will be there all next week. I am taking a rod this time and plan on going on some adventures. Where is the Bahia- Honda park that you mentioned? I’ve been to Key West before but this will be my first attempt at saltwater fly fishing. It was good to here that you caught some fish. Dan
Well when you do BigFlatBrook, let me know and I’ll show you around. Just got back from the river a bit ago. Perfect day, nice bunch of trout and steak on the bbq when I got home.
Cheers !
MontanaMoose
Dan,
Bahia-Honda park is just on the Key West side of Marathon. I would say it’s about a 45 minute drive out of Key West – I can’t tell for sure because stopped at all the bridge outs along the way, and didn’t pay much attention on the way back.
You’ll drive through the “Key Deer” protected area, then look for the signs that say Bahia-Honda. The entrance to the park is on the North or East bound side of Highway 1 – the “headed towards Miami” side. I think it cost me $3 for entrance to the park. I think the Florida Saltwater License was $3.50 for 3 days. I bought mine at the K-Mart in Key West near the Marina. It’s open on Sunday if you need to know that.
I had a pretty good barbeque sandwich at Porky’s in Marathon – if you find that useful information.
Montana,
Ok, when I show up out there, just remember, you’re committed now!
Best!
I happily accept that commitment BigFlatBrook, so show up someday !
Cheers,
MontanaMoose