Fishing in the Florida Keys - as seen on TV

The Florida Keys are a chain of tropical islands extending to just over 100 miles linking the southern tip of Florida to Key West which is just some 90 miles from Cuba. The weather in the Keys varies little from the high 80’s in the summer with some tropical showers to cooler high 70’s but drier in the winter. The fishing is basically split up into three areas.

The Flats
This area north of the islands, known locally as the Backcountry is 100’s of square miles of shallow water, flats, channel, and mangroves. Species found here include Tarpon, Sharks, Rays, Mackerel, Jacks, Redfish, Snook, Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda, Snapper, and Grouper just to name a few.

The Reef
This area lies next to the islands south and extends about 4 miles. Depth reaches about 40 feet but with many coral humps, and species here include nearly all of the above.

Offshore
South off the reef, the sea drops away quickly into the deep blue water with wrecks, underwater canyons and mountains, all of which attract the big game – Bill Fish, Tuna, Amberjack and massive Shark.

At certain times of the year numbers of some species alter with annual migration, however there are always many different types to target. With the layout of the islands and the channel boat, fishing is possible in nearly all weather conditions.

With your own fully equipped boat at your back door, all types of fishing can be done when you want, where you want, for as long as you want.

Fishing methods in the Keys are as varied as the numbers of fish, including fly, light lure, livebait, trolling, cutbait, jigging and kite fishing. All of these methods will be fully explained and local guides can be hired if needed.

How the Holiday Works

As stated the holidays are custom designed for each party (we will only have one party at any one time) of up to four people. The basic package is follows:

The party will be met at Miami airport and taken out to our waterside villa which is located in the middle of the Keys giving us good access to the waters north and south of the islands. The fully air-conditioned waterside villa will have your boat moored next to it and will be completely fisherman friendly. The stay will be on a B&B basis but with any meal package the party wants.

The first trip on the boat will be fully guided to show you the fishing areas and various methods, and fully explain the boat and its controls. Full or part time local guiding can be arranged at the party’s request. At the end of the stay, which can be any length you want, the party will be taken back to Miami airport.

The Boat

The boat is a Pro-Sports Pro-Cat 22ft centre console with twin 115hp four stroke outboards. In addition to nearly all the optional extras, the boat will have the latest electronics, outriggers, downriggers and kite fishing. The boat has a walk in toilet for privacy, and more than enough room for four to fish in comfort, yet only draws 12”. The boat will be covered by Sea Tow which is the local marine AA, and they will return the boat in the unlikely event of a total breakdown. Whilst the boat will have full state insurance, other insurance packages will be available to guests.

The boat is the party’s 24/7, allowing you total freedom, and with many good marks in the GPS, finding good fishing is very easy. Also with the boat totally at your disposal, non-fishing boat trips can be done such as reef and wreck diving, sightseeing, wildlife and ecotrips. Non-boating trips such as swimming with dolphins, sightseeing and nights out can also be arranged.Full details and specs for the boat can be seen at www.prosportsboats.com

Prices
Cost per person for the basic package with four people sharing (or pro rata) to include:

• Collection and drop off at Miami.
• B&B in waterside villa.
• Exclusive self-drive use of boat for the duration of the stay.
• £95 for 2007
• Length of stay to suit individual party.

Extras

• Upgrade to full board, evening meal, packed lunch and laundry for £25 per person per day.
• Full guiding and captain plus tuition for £10 per hour per party
• Extra non-fishing trips
• Nights out
• Bait

Fishing types: OFFSHORE ~ INSHORE ~ WRECK ~ REEF ~ TARPON

Fish by Month:
January: Amberjack - Barracuda - Cobia - Kingfish - Sailfish - Shark -Tuna - Wahoo
February: Amberjack - Barracuda - Cobia - Kingfish - Permit – Sailfish - Snapper - Tuna - Wahoo
March: Amberjack - Barracuda - Cobia - Grouper - Kingfish - Permit - Sailfish - Snapper - Tuna – Wahoo
April: Amberjack - Cobia - Grouper - Kingfish - Permit - Sailfish - Snapper - Tarpon - Tuna
May: Amberjack - Dolphin - Grouper - Permit - Sailfish - Shark - Tarpon
June: Dolphin - Grouper - Marlin - Shark - Tarpon
July: Amberjack - Dolphin - Grouper - Marlin - Shark - Snapper - Tarpon
August: Amberjack - Barracuda - Dolphin - Grouper - Marlin - Snapper - Tarpon - Wahoo
September: Barracuda - Dolphin - Marlin - Sailfish – Shark - Wahoo
October: Barracuda - Marlin - Permit - Sailfish - Shark - Tuna - Wahoo
November: Amberjack - Barracuda - Cobia - Grouper - Marlin - Permit - Sailfish - Snapper - Tuna - Wahoo
December: Amberjack - Barracuda - Cobia - Kingfish - Permit - Sailfish - Tuna - Wahoo