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Fishing and Boating
Whether you are an expert or a novice, the Lower Keys have something to fulfill every angler's desire. Most fishing activity takes place in the Atlantic Ocean (actually the Straits of Florida). Anytime of the year you can find a blue water denizen to accept a trolled offering. One exciting aspect of fishing offshore is that you can never be certain what is going to strike next. Fish from 3 to 300 pounds will accept the same offerings, so you must be prepared for any type of battle.
In general, the summer offshore belongs to the dolphin fisherman. Dolphin, also known as dorado or mahi mahi, bar no relation to the mammal we love so much. These fish are known for their beautiful blue, green, and gold color. Their aerial leaps and deteRmined fight only prime you for the dinner table as the dolphin are one of the most sought after fish for food.
One of Canada's gifts to the Lower Keys are the cold north winds of the winter months. This signals the best time for the prized sailfish. These sleek, spindle-beaked fish are admired for their tail-walking runs that seemingly melt the line from the spool. Sails are prized wall mounts, yet with today's taxidermy technology, releasing a sail for future fishermen is not only possible but preferred by most sportfishing enthusiasts.
Sailfish and dolphin are not the only fish in the sea (pardon the pun); offshore fishing also produces such species as the blue and white marlin, shark, wahoo (the fastest fish in the ocean), mackerels and most any kind of tuna imaginable. Finally, there is the barracuda, which is one of the most underrated of gamefish. It is capable of powerful runs and impressive jumps. Its willingness to hit a bait has been the savior of many otherwise lackluster outings.
While the fish mentioned are most common, they are by no means the only fish caught offshore. As we move inshore to the spectacular reefs of the Lower Keys, we find new species to pursue. The groupers are the undisputed kings of the reef. They are caught up to 50 pounds, and often leave only disappointment and broken lines as they dive toward the protection of their reef home. While the large groupers are the kings of the reef, the snappers are surely the staple. Snapper fishing takes place all year long and is done in 60 to 100 feet of water. Be well advised to use lots of chum and light lines to attract these plentiful but wary creatures. The most common snappers include grey or mangrove, yellowtail, mutton and lane. Other fish often found on the reef include mackerels, sharks, jacks, cobia and barracuda.
During those times when the weather is a little unfriendly, the channels between our Keys provide an excellent haven for anglers. Light tackle fishing can produce a surprising assortment from grouper and snapper to jacks and mackerels; however the Spring brings a welcome guest to inshore fishing - the tarpon. At this time of year, the migrating giants take a few months off to feed and relax in the channels under and around many of the bridges. Live bait, usually mullet or pinfish, are drifted back into the current. Tarpons, in smaller number and size are around all year. The tarpon is one of the Lower Keys attributes. Where else can an angler venture only yards from shore and do battle with up to 200 pounds of aerial, acrobatic fish.
The numerous flats on both the gulf and ocean side of the Lower Keys are also a popular place to find tarpon along with other shallow water inhabitants such as the bonefish and permit. Often neglected by the shallow water angler are sharks, barracuda and snapper, any of which can be found by fishing the right flat at the right time. The flats are also where light spinning and fly-fishing come into their own.
Finally, we reach the gulf reefs and wrecks. The gulfside of the Lower Keys is largely flat and structureless, so any place fish can find something to congregate around or hide in will soon become a booming fish city for snapper, grouper, cobia, barracuda, permit and sharks. These reefs and wrecks are fished less than their Atlantic counterparts due to their limited accessiblity.
Any first time angler to the Lower Keys can, with a few pointers from the local bait and tackle shops, go out and find fish. To truly jump right in , you should hire one of the many experienced charter guides in the Lower Keys. Charter firms offer every type of fishing vessel imaginable, from the 40 foot plus battle wagon sport fisherman to the 16 foot flats skiff designed to run in very shallow water, although most fishing is done from the more moderately sized craft. Whatever your taste and experience level, no trip to the Lower Keys would be complete without a day on the water and a fish on your line.
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