KEY LARGO FISHING

Just minutes north of Islamorada, the world headquarters for sport fishing, angling adventure awaits off the shores of Key Largo, both bayside and oceanside. Flats fishermen boat westward, into Florida Bay, while trophy hunters generally go east into the Atlantic in search of large game fish. Once you’ve chosen your water, grab a guide and some tackle, and head off into the sun for the experience of a lifetime.

The Florida Keys waters produced over ten percent of the International Game Fish Association saltwater line class and fly-fishing world records, by far the highest percentage worldwide. Whether you use live bait or fly fish, the Key Largo fishing guides will take you to the fish and give you advice on landing them. Backcountry guides and offshore captains are usually experienced Keys natives and can accommodate novices to champion anglers, and everything in between. Bring your own tackle or borrow the charter’s reels; each charter fishing company maintains different policies on rentals.

Bonefish and tarpon school heavily in the waters of Florida Bay and the Everglades. Permit, Snook, Sheepshead, Jack Crevalle and Redfish round out the top game varieties that frequent the backcountry sea grass beds and mangrove estuaries. April to May offers the highest concentration and best fishing of all the backcountry species, though January and February promise the best opportunities for fishing snook and redfish. September to October is the time to bait your hook for bonefish, and the tarpon are only around from April to October.

Offshore anglers have a bevy of strong, elusive species to seek out, drawn by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream to depths between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. Dolphin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Cobia, Amberjack, Kingfish, and large sharks wander from one to three miles offshore and eastward. Wahoo are known for their blinding speed, sailfish for jumping, and tuna for their size. Offshore, massive sharks such as hammerheads, bulls, tigers, and even makos are not uncommon. Deep Sea charters generally accommodate six people, and can be booked for half-day, full day, and overnight fishing trips.

Reef fishermen find large schools of tasty grouper and snapper varieties, plus bonito, cero, king mackerel, and occasionally a couple of sharks. Sharks, especially blacktip and lemon, also swim through the deeper wreck sites. Since nighttime reef fishing isn’t really an insider secret, find a nighttime reef fishing charter and enjoy the nightlife. There’s no intense sun, no stifling heat, and the fish are more willing to bite. Just make sure you’re with a guide, because if the water or weather changes, or your boat gives up the ghost, it’s much nicer to be adrift in the dark when you have some company.

Party fishing boats are the best bet for the beginning or casual fisherman. The large boats anchor a little way offshore for a half-day, full day, or evening, and some carry as many as thirty passengers. Knowledgeable and friendly staff keep novices from hooking each other, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for those who’d like to reel in a few mid-sized fish without becoming too serious about the experience.

Key Largo fishing tournaments run throughout the year, though most of the larger ones are held between April and June, when the Mahi Mahi are in high season. These flat-faced iridescent fish put up a terrific fight, are mild flavored, and are also known as Dolphin. A ladies’ reef fishing tournament in July and the Sailfish Challenge in January are also popular tournaments.

Lobster-lovers flock to the Keys for the annual Lobster Mini-Season, held the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. Learn the regulations regarding capture of the tasty critters and head off to fill your bag to the limit – don’t forget your license, available at most tackle shops and tax collector’s offices.