Come and fish in the calm waters of the Key West where many fishing legends were born. Zane Gray applied his fishing and angling skills in the backcountry of the Florida Keys catching giant tarpon and sailfish in the process. Ernest Hemingway also fished in the beautiful waters between the Key West and Cuba for giant blue marlin.
These are just some of the 225 species of game fish that constantly prowl the area’s crystal-clear waters. Whether a person is an experienced angler or a newbie, there are many kinds of fishing adventures that they can enjoy in this exotic paradise.
Flats Fishing in Key West
Flats fishing is a form of fishing that is popular in the Florida Keys. What makes it very popular in this region is that it requires no special skills or complicated equipment. In fact, an individual does not even have to secure a boat. This makes it great for beginner anglers who want to have a good time in Key West.
Flats fishing often involves the use of shallow water casting. Even an individual who does not like to go out on a boat will feel very comfortable with this form of the sport. Although it is possible to simply stand in a shallow water area while casting a line for the tarpon, bonefish and permit that thrive in shallow waters, the majority of people select a flatbed skiff as the platform for their fishing expedition.
Generally, an individual will act as the captain and search for shallows that appear to have a sufficient amount of fish available. Once an area is spotted, the skiff is securely anchored while the fishermen cast their lines.As the day progress, the boat may move about to look for new schools of fish. This provides more opportunities for people to enjoy a large haul for the day.
Unlike other places in the United States, flats fishing in this area is quite a unique experience because it combines the best of fishing and hunting. A day in the shallow waters of Florida is a must for any light-tackle angler.
Reef Fishing in Key West
Another popular fishing activity found here is reef fishing. Reef fishing involves catching fish species such as sharks, king mackerel, barracuda and yellow tail snapper. Reef fishing in this part of the world is usually fast-paced and action-packed.
When people come to the Key West for reef fishing, they will quite often catch seven to ten different types of fish in a single day. Floating live bait placed either in the current or bouncing on a jig at the bottom of the sea will usually result in a great dinner back at the harbor.
Wreck Fishing in Key West
When wreck fishing in Key West, a person can catch a wide range of species such as king mackerel, jewfish, snapper, grouper, cobia, permit and other sea species such as sharks. What people notice about wreck fishing is that it provides instant sport fishing action.
Every catch obtained from a wreck is often as much of a surprise as opening a Christmas gift. In short, people never know what they are going to catch next. This is because the ocean floor is similar to a desert with little in the way of habitat and structure.
Many of these wrecks found in the Florida coast act as a beacon that attracts various fishes while fostering a great deal of sea life. Every wreck has its own unique resident population of fish that may be in the area for the entire year or just part of it.
Aside from that, migratory and transient predators make an appearance in wrecks for orientation, safety and food. If an individual can position themselves over a wreck located in this region, they are often guaranteed to bend a rod.
Harbor Fishing in Key West
As April comes to Florida, tarpon fill the harbors in stealthy fashion looking for food in somewhat turbid water. This allows them to be seen on the surface as they roll. By early June, permit and tarpon fishing in harbors is in full swing
Typical tarpon harbor fishing starts with getting bait from by-catch boats that often travel through the coast. After an individual has obtained this medley of shrimp leftovers, the choice of what harbor they are going to fish in is often determined by local knowledge and tide conditions.
Once these factors have been taken care of, the anchor is dropped, and people are prepared to catch tarpon. The bait is either drifted or free-lined along the current with other bits of food. The bite is usually a quick increase in the fishing line coming off their spool.
People should reel in quickly as they will find that most fish will drop the bait if they do not. If a person who tries their hand in the harbor think that they have a bite, reeling faster will get a fish hooked more frequently than not.
Permit and tarpon are not the only fish that they can catch at the harbor. Mackarel, snapper, sharks, cobia and grouper are all part of the action. The usual size of a tarpon that is caught off the coast ranges from 60 pounds to over 150 pounds.
Offshore Fishing in Key West
Offshore blue water fishing in this part of the world provides individuals with the adrenalin rush of capturing big fish such as light tackle, marlin, tuna, wahoo and sailfish. At the same time, it will surely test an angler’s fighting skills to the limit. It will also push the envelope on adventure and excitement. Fishing does not get more fun than this.
The run and gun technique of chasing debris, weed lines and birds brings excitement that other few types of fishing can match. At the same time, the sheer beauty of dolphins swimming in groups around the boat is worth the trip. An offshore fishing excursion in this area will often be an unforgettable and exciting addition to any vacation in the Sunshine State.
The Bottom Line
Fishing in Key West is a popular past time across the world. However, only few areas can offer an angler the excitement and adventure that they crave like a fishing expedition in Key West. Aside from providing a wide range of fishing options, it is home to a number of fish species that many anglers want to add to their trophy collection.